Merkur Long Handle

[Justso]

For some reason I've got the bug biting me to pick one of these unique razors up. The question I have is can any tell me if there's any advantage to this razor? Does it do anything the HD doesn't do or maybe does it better? It's between this & a slant bar..Does it provide any advantages due to handle length?

Thanks fellas...

 

[rschul2]

I purchased a long handle HD for my brother last Christmas. It is a standard HD head with a long handle--nothing more and nothing less. Personally, I thought the handle was much too long for my taste. Then again I have small hands. If you are looking for something different, I would say go with the slantbar.

 

[Coche_y_bondhu]

Justso,

If you have big hands, then the long handle Merkur fits very well.

I prefer the 1960s era long-handle ladies' Gillette DEs. Same weight and length as the Merkur, but the head on the Gillette is rounder. I prefer the shave I get with the ladies' Gillette over the Merkur.

Don't have a slantbar, so can't help you there.

Cheers,
Richard
Plano TX

 

[yasuo200365]

IMV Merkur make three really nice razors ..., OK, some of you think they make more than three, but for me it is just three truly first rate razors:

HD
Slant
& Classic Long Handle

Probably in that order with HD top.
I like long handled razors, I shave differently with them ..., I find my strokes around the neck are longer for example.

Regards
John

 

[DoubleE]

The long-handle classic is one of my favorites...check out my SOTD. I have average size hands but I love the long handle and it's my favorite of all the standard head Merkurs. It just balances well for me and the longer handle seems to help me maintain my angle better. They're so inexpensive, you have little to loose by trying one.

 

[Justso]

Jerry,

Yeah, you're right. I'm gonna call Charles & get one. I'm going to pass on the slant bar for the time being because I already have a super-agressive razor in the Vision. I always keep that sucker tuned wide open anyhow, so I don't know how much closer a shave the slant bar can really give? At $24.95, the long handle is worth a shot. I'm sure if I don't like it I can sell it quick enough.

 

[DoubleE]

I too have the Vision and it and the long-handle classic are two very different razors! If you're used to using the Vision wide open, the classic will seem SO mild it won't even feel like you're shaving. I can zip that little thing around my face at speeds I'd never consider with the Vision! It does give a nice shave however and Charles has commented it is one of his favorites. Although I own over a dozen razors, I'm really down to three in my rotation, the Vision, Futur, and long-handle classic. I'll use my Gillette superspeed or fatboy from time to time but when I do, I always wish I was using one of my Merkurs.

It's funny how preferences change with time and technique. When I first got back into wetshaving, I loved my Gillettes. Over time, I've become a huge Merkur fan and even my taste in brushes has changed as well. But that's another story.

Enjoy your classic.

 

[Kyle]

Justin,
Keep the slant bar on your list. It is an excellent razor. When RAD strikes again (no one can predict a flare-up) go for the slant.

 

[Jonnybc]

Justin,
Keep the slant bar on your list. It is an excellent razor. When RAD strikes again (no one can predict a flare-up) go for the slant.

Haha... Or just get them both now, you'll only have to pay once for shipping.

 

[guenron]

Haha... Or just get them both now, you'll only have to pay once for shipping.

Hear! Hear! Sound advice.. More is better! Less is more expensive!
Goodness, you must be related to Geo. Orwell...

 

[roughrider]

Haha... Or just get them both now, you'll only have to pay once for shipping.

Some great advice.

 

[Kyle]

Haha... Or just get them both now, you'll only have to pay once for shipping.

That is crazy...so crazy it just might work!