Merkur part swapping compatibility?

[l3ortron]

I am about two months into DE shaving and have been really enjoying the experience. My first and only razor so far is a Merkur 23c long handle but I'd like to try an open comb razor as I've read they're more aggressive and will give a closer shave with less passes. A local shop carries the Merkur 1904 with an open comb which I've considered picking up.

1. Are there any dealers online who would sell just an open comb to fit the 23c long handle razor?

2. Both the 23c and the 1904 are three piece razors from my understanding, would I be able to swap parts between the two? Say I wanted to swap the guard bar of the 23c for the open comb of the 1904, or I wanted to swap handles.

Does that make sense? As a noob any help would be appreciated.

 

[Jeff_H]

I don't know of any vendors that just sell "heads only". You will sometimes see them in our BST forum. Once you have enough time and posts on the forum you can post a "wanted to buy" thread there and state what you are looking for. Often there is someone wanting to sell exactly what you want.

I also don't know if the baseplate or "guard bar" as you called it are compatible from razor to razor. You could try it. What is compatible is the handle. It will fit most 3 piece razors, regardless of manufacturer or age. There are some exceptions, but generally it works. There are many people on this forum who have one specific handle they love and use it on a great variety of razors.

 

[Invicta]

The 23C and 41 are different heads so swapping individual parts is not possible. The handle interchange may be possible.
The 41 is mild razor I hear. Alternatives are a Fatip Piccolo or Fatip Grande.

 

[inspiringK]

No, there aren't any places that sell just the head of the razor, or the handle for that matter. Which is disappointing.

Once you get another Merkur, you can switch the heads and handles etc with no problem - assuming you get another 3 piece. You are also safe to switch around with Gillette razors and most any artisan handles. The only only exceptions are English razors like EJ or Muhle as far as I know.

 

[inspiringK]

I should add, like Invicta said, the 1904 head is pretty mild. I think it is a good design and I enjoy using it, but it is mild enough for me to not keep it in my regular rotation.

 

[l3ortron]

The 23C and 41 are different heads so swapping individual parts is not possible. The handle interchange may be possible.
The 41 is mild razor I hear. Alternatives are a Fatip Piccolo or Fatip Grande.

Do you mean that the Fatip razors are more aggressive, or that they're comparable to the 41 in mildness?

 

[l3ortron]

Also, I'm planning to grow a beard for the winter months. Am I correct in the notion that an open comb razor is a better tool for removing said beard when I no longer want it? (provided I trim it first)

 

[inspiringK]

Also, I'm planning to grow a beard for the winter months. Am I correct in the notion that an open comb razor is a better tool for removing said beard when I no longer want it? (provided I trim it first)

Maybe, but realistically, most any DE, including your 23c, will remove a beard like a champ.