Slant question: Hoffritz vs Merkur

[Liberty_2112]

I received two vintage slants in the mail today. One a Merkur, the second a Hoffritz.

Honestly I was expecting identical razors with different labeling. I was surprised to see a few differences.

The Hoffritz has a more squared off head surface, while the Merkur is smooth.

The Merkur also appears to be a bit more "slanted".

Question, the gap between the head and the guard seems more "open" on the Merkur. I just want to make sure this is correct and that the gap is supposed to be there. Here are a few pics.

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

 

[nemo]

As I just mentioned in the other BOSS thread, it appears to be a mismatched top cap. That ain't right.

 

[morganjg]

Well, there is something apparently wrong with the head on the Merkur. You should have equal blade gap all the way around and the cap should touch the base on all four sides. Kind of looks like you have a top from a standard razor and not a slant. I would think putting a blade in it and having the larger blade gaps on one side will most certainly cause some damage to your face. I'm not sure if I'm just looking at this wrong, but the head on the Merkur should be seated like that on the Hoffritz.

 

[Redstickjohn]

=ouch.

 

[Liberty_2112]

So the Hoffritz is correct (left), but the Merkur is mismatched (right)?

Uggh. That's a bit frustrating. Uninformed purchase on my part.

In addition, the Merkur came with a blade loaded and I carelessly sliced myself while unpacking. Overall I'm not having much luck with that razor!

 

[nemo]

Yeah, that looks just like a 34 cap. Better email the seller and don't shave with that blade flapping in the breeze like that!

 

[Liberty_2112]

I'm assuming it will be difficult to find a lone slant hand laying around just waiting to be purchased by me.

Unfortunately my conscience won't allow me to resell on eBay knowing it is incorrect. Oh well. I guess this one will end up a $50 loss.

 

[Liberty_2112]

Looking back at the auction, the seller states that he "is unsure if it is the correct head but razor should work great regardless. Sold as is."

 

[nemo]

eBay will work with you. It appears to be unusable, you can get a refund.

 

[Copierguy]

Can the flat cap on the Hoffritz fit on the Merkur?

 

[morganjg]

You can use the Hoffritz head on the Merkur with no problems if you can't resolve the issue. Then you can polish that sterling handle and display it I suppose. Or look for a beater slant with a good head to swap.

 

[bakerbarber]

I was looking at another razor.

Good luck and RETURN IT!!

 

[Liberty_2112]

On a positive note, I just completed my first slant shave. I used the Hoffritz. Overall a great head shave. Nice and smooth. I liked the heft of the razor and the blade sliced through the hair. Great!

 

[Planbee]

I'm glad it worked for you!

 

[jpakstis]

Slants are great. I've seen some slants with the rounded head before (can't remember if they are Pomco or another brand maybe Apollo) but as far as I can remember the Merkur has the "trapezoid" head.

 

[mistercitizen]

I've been drooling over vintage Hoffritz and Merkur slants on the bay for some time now. I finally got a brand new Merkur 37c today from WCS. First shave with a slant was this evening and let me tell you guys.... it was effortless. This is a very intuitive razor. It looks great too.

Ben

 

[linuxslantman]

I would contact Merkur. If you explain what happened,
they might very well sell you the proper cap for the slant.

 

[Liberty_2112]

I am currently corresponding with the eBay seller in an attempt to bring about a fair, and more importantly honest, resolution to this issue.

Unfortunately it appears there are multiple issues at play.