My Merkur HD Fell apart mid shave!

[IridiumMourner]

Well, I thought my HD would outlive me. Seems to have only lasted about 4 years. Mid-shave, I felt the twist end a little loose. So, I tightened it and boink.... The cap came off. Looks like the metal surrounding that holds the screw head in place has rotted out. Has anybody else had their HDs disintegrate!?
Also, any recommendations on a replacement? I loved the way it shaved. I have a '53 SS, but don't like the way it shaves much. I need to replace my HD.

 

[VerbaVolant]

...Also, any recommendations on a replacement?...

Go stainless !

 

[UW_Badger]

Since the HD is essentially a copy of the old Gillette razors such as the aristocrat, president, etc. I would see if I could get one of those at an acceptable price.

 

[Mick]

Contact Dovo/Merkur. they should send you a replacement cap.

http://www.dovo.com/_english/kontakt_DOVO.html

 

[Simcon]

Well it seems to be a quite common place for newly produced razors to brake, in one way or another, they're simply not well made. Most are produced out of pot metal. Sure, they look nice and all, the finish is nice and should last a while... But a razor in brass or steel (carbon or stainless) should last and be a better alternative and be more difficult to brake. However that will cost quite a lot more.

A somewhat similar thread on the subject:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...y-alloys-Don-t-make-em-like-they-used-to-PICS

I'm not sure how good Merkurs costumer service is, but the razor really shouldn't brake in that spot, now should it?

 

[wimbouman]

Do both!

Ask for a replacement. If you do not get on, at least we will have another signal sent that we ned high quality full brass razors.

And keep an eye on a new one. Either vintage Gillette or a new Fatip, Joris, pearl.

 

[taco8slo]

Wow, that is definitely not cool . I don't have that razor anymore myself and can't really remember the shaves too well, though I would suggest a vintage Gillette Red Tip or a current production Weber Polished Stainless Steel.

 

[celestino]

Holy cow, that is not good!
You might want to consider the Weber as it is very similar to the Merkur, but a better shaver. Good luck.

 

[Foyle]

That seems like the really weak spot on a lot of modern razors. I keep wondering whether this will happen to my beloved Progress. I don't think I've ever seen a thread where this has happened to a vintage Gillette. I think the Gillettes had that post braised onto the cap. You can't do that with the zinc head caps on modern razors. The zinc will melt before you can get it hot enough to braise. Thankfully, I've got three vintage Gillettes in case my Progress every dies. I would contact Merkur. This should be replaced under warranty.

 

[ateace]

Disappointing, but I expect that Merkur/Dovo will come through with a new cap.

Never hurts to have another DE handy for just such a situation.

 

[geunho]

 

[LoveThatBurn]

If you can, get an aristocrat!
Love mine way too much.

 

[inspiringK]

Yes, this is the second thread today reminding us that Merkur razors can be a bit junky. As for replacing the 34C HD, having used all the regular production Gillette TTOs and three piece DE razors plus a few odd ones, I can confidently say that you won’t find another razor that shaves like the 34C. Many razors will come close to the 34C though and there are plenty of razors that you may find you prefer over the 34C. Or, you could take another gamble on the 34C.

 

[maxman]

Merkur seems to have issues with QC these days.

 

[njpaddy]

My HD (34G) is at 3.5 yrs and holding up so far. The gold finish looks good but who knows if it's rotting underneath. The HD is my spring/summer razor ('52 SS in winter) and I'd buy another if it broke tomorrow. It would be nice if Merkur replaced the head but I wouldn't expect them to. Even Weber has a 1 yr warranty.

 

[Bird_Flu]

With all the talk about the pot metal razors falling apart has anyone had long term experience with the RazoRock razors? They state that their TTO is an all brass razor, just curious if anyone had any issues with them. I wish I did a little more research prior to buying my EJ DE89 since it seems to be giving some folks trouble as well.

 

[IridiumMourner]

Thanks for the feedback gents. I'll probably try contacting Merkur, but either way, I'll probably end up getting another HD. It just suits my shave perfectly. I do wish I could get better shaves from my SS though.

 

[ERVARGASNY]

Go stainless steel and fagitttttttt about ittttt.

 

[mastershake]

why not re weld it on there? then replate it with something far better to prevent the corrosion this time from getting in there.

 

[mistercitizen]

Get a Weber. Similar shave but stainless. Best value for a stainless too.

Ben