(I was going to title this New vs. NEW, but decided against it 
)
So, I have been in the DE game only a few weeks, and have spent most of that time with vintage Gillettes. I have enjoyed the process, dealt with the learning curve, and parted way with money on creams and balms. I was under the impression that the few makes of modern razors are primarily there because not everyone can find/trust a vintage razor, and if there is a market for something, it will be made. Basically, I did not see the reason to seek out a brand-new razor when I had a nice selection of classic ones.
Then the other day I ran across a Merkur 12c in a local shop and decided to just heft it for a bit. The initial interest was based on A) hearing so much good stuff about them, and seeing enough Merkur vs. Gillette discussions that I was finally convinced there had to be a substantial difference and B) the proximity of the razor to a Gillette Super Speed in the same case. I was pretty astounded by the size difference. As soon as I held it, I knew that I had been missing out on something. Not only was it MUCH heavier than any of the four razors I had (SS, NEW, tech, and Super Adjustable) but it was wider, longer, fuller, and other things that aren't even euphemisms.
After two shaves with this razor (yeah, obviously I bought it, it is in my nature to want to get rid of any money I come by as soon as possible) I can temporarily place myself in the "Modern" camp. Yes, there is a definite charm and mojo to the vintage pieces I have (and don't), but at the same time I genuinely feel that Merkur has learned from and added to the design of the safety razor. So anyone out there on the fence about ponying up money on a new-fangled chunk of metal, I say go for it!
(Note: I have not had any experience with a long-handled anything by gillette, and I suppose I am not advocating a modern "Classic-styled" razor over the vintage pieces they emulate.)
)So, I have been in the DE game only a few weeks, and have spent most of that time with vintage Gillettes. I have enjoyed the process, dealt with the learning curve, and parted way with money on creams and balms. I was under the impression that the few makes of modern razors are primarily there because not everyone can find/trust a vintage razor, and if there is a market for something, it will be made. Basically, I did not see the reason to seek out a brand-new razor when I had a nice selection of classic ones.
Then the other day I ran across a Merkur 12c in a local shop and decided to just heft it for a bit. The initial interest was based on A) hearing so much good stuff about them, and seeing enough Merkur vs. Gillette discussions that I was finally convinced there had to be a substantial difference and B) the proximity of the razor to a Gillette Super Speed in the same case. I was pretty astounded by the size difference. As soon as I held it, I knew that I had been missing out on something. Not only was it MUCH heavier than any of the four razors I had (SS, NEW, tech, and Super Adjustable) but it was wider, longer, fuller, and other things that aren't even euphemisms.
After two shaves with this razor (yeah, obviously I bought it, it is in my nature to want to get rid of any money I come by as soon as possible) I can temporarily place myself in the "Modern" camp. Yes, there is a definite charm and mojo to the vintage pieces I have (and don't), but at the same time I genuinely feel that Merkur has learned from and added to the design of the safety razor. So anyone out there on the fence about ponying up money on a new-fangled chunk of metal, I say go for it!
(Note: I have not had any experience with a long-handled anything by gillette, and I suppose I am not advocating a modern "Classic-styled" razor over the vintage pieces they emulate.)
