I've been off Merkurs for a while now, about one year. Found them around just the other day and decided to give them a try. Not bad at all. On my 2nd shave with them this morning. I guess it's been said before, and probably worth repeating that Merkurs are likely to be the 1st DE blade most wet shavers are introduced to, way at the bottom of the learning curve. Given that, it easy to develop a negative perception for these blades. The reality, at least for me, is that they're smooth and forgiving. Longevity is also a bit longer than other blades I've tried. Yes they do cost more, probably the most expensive DE blade around these days, but it is German made, not a 3rd world country where labor costs are much less.
Merkur Blades
- Thread starter slickster514
- Start date
They are not the worst blade in the world by any stretch, and you're right that they are usually the first that a guy tries when new to DEs if they purchase a new razor, BUT I'd never buy replacement ones (other than that first 10 pack I got with my Futur). For the performance, longevity, and value, there are just SO many other blades out there that shave circles around them. For $3.50 or so, I can get 10 7 O'Clock yellows, and get 5-6 shaves per blade, versus 2-3 per Merkur at $4.50/10. Also, I get a great shave, every shave, versus that first Merkur shave that feels like the blade edge is rusty (the second and third shaves are good, and after that, its back to raggedy-jaggedy). Common sense prevails.
I currently have a negative impression of my CVS blades - heheh, but I'm still new to DE.
try stroping yer blade for maximum smoothness n make en last longer..I get 4 complete shaves from 1 blade......http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ogq4wfpT7hc
Thanks to these blades being included in most sampler packs at online shops, I have a few of packs sitting around.
After my first shave, I tried the Derby blades for around a month (to eliminate for small sample size). I'd enjoy a very good, if not great shave, then a horrible one (in terms of closeness and nicks).
After this, I tried Astra and have been using them for a while with stellar results each and every time. A new sampler arrived and, for fun, I tried Merkur again. Interestingly, I'd describe them as similar to the best Derby shave and never worse. Maybe 60 on a scale of 100.
So, yeah, I know they don't get much love (and I would never buy a large supply of them) but they will certainly get used. Also, to spin their negative into a positive, because they aren't especially sharp, I know that even though I may not get a BBS but it won't be wildly inconsistent.
edit: It's funny how there are so many variables with shaving. Pre-shave, post-shave, cream, soap, razor, blade, hair pattern, pressure, etc. I think the phrase, "your mileage may vary" may have been invented for shaving. Or driving. One of them, at least.
After my first shave, I tried the Derby blades for around a month (to eliminate for small sample size). I'd enjoy a very good, if not great shave, then a horrible one (in terms of closeness and nicks).
After this, I tried Astra and have been using them for a while with stellar results each and every time. A new sampler arrived and, for fun, I tried Merkur again. Interestingly, I'd describe them as similar to the best Derby shave and never worse. Maybe 60 on a scale of 100.
So, yeah, I know they don't get much love (and I would never buy a large supply of them) but they will certainly get used. Also, to spin their negative into a positive, because they aren't especially sharp, I know that even though I may not get a BBS but it won't be wildly inconsistent.
edit: It's funny how there are so many variables with shaving. Pre-shave, post-shave, cream, soap, razor, blade, hair pattern, pressure, etc. I think the phrase, "your mileage may vary" may have been invented for shaving. Or driving. One of them, at least.
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I tend to agree with you. There not my favorite, but certainly not the worst I've tried. I don't mind using them at all.
- Thread starter
- #7
Just for the record, I am able to get a BBS from Merkurs, consistently. The lather plays a big role in blade performance too.
I got a free 10 pk of Merkur blades with my HD. I use mostly Derbys, but throw in a Merkur or 7 o'clock yellow occasionally. I'm always surprised how good a shave the Merkur blade gives me. I'd probably stay with them for awhile if they weren't so bloody expensive. You can buy 100 Feathers for $30, yet the cheapest price I've seen for 100 Merkurs is $47.50.
Merkurs are nice blades IMO with only one problem; their price tag.
CVS blades blow. They were my first blade, and I paid about $7 for 10. I'll never do that again.
Nothing is more personal than blade preference -- i.e., no one can judge how a blade will work for them based upon someone else's reaction to it.
That being said, if you want German blades at a reasonable price, I suggest the Wilkinson Classics (white pack). IMO, an excellent blade at a reasonable price.
That being said, if you want German blades at a reasonable price, I suggest the Wilkinson Classics (white pack). IMO, an excellent blade at a reasonable price.
For me, Merkur blades are mediocre blades. Nothing special about them, and not at all worth their high price tag. I can get a superior shave from Red IPs, which as we all know are $10 for 100.
They are not the worst blades, but nowhere near the best either.
They are not the worst blades, but nowhere near the best either.
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I agree with John, Isreali personna's give me the best mileage, ....although SE's are getting used much more now. Merkur are OK but one of the priciest
My favourite German without a doubt would be Souplex by NTS/Medyna.
Still not cheap but nice to keep 100 or so at hand.
I have gotten good results from Merkur blades as well. But I can also get good results from other blades that cost much less. Just a matter of dollars for me.
