The Difference Between Merkurs

[mbrossar]

Considering just the closed comb standard Merkurs, although you could ask the same of the open combs, aside from the two piece v three piece variation, are there any differences between the heads themselves? Are the differences between razors isolated to the handle or do the heads vary too?

I know the ShaveWiki aggressiveness table lists differences in the gap. I'm not sure if these were measured by the same person using the same tools and techniques or if there's variation there. I also wonder about manufacturing variances. I've heard others contest that the heads are the same.

Does anyone know for sure?

 

[crankymoose]

If you are comparing basically the same type then yes they are the same the only difference say between the HD and the barberpole is the handle and there are 1-2 other models that use that same type head, the slant there is also at least 2 variations. Of course the Futur and Vision are one of a kind models.

 

[rainman]

Their safety bar heads, slant heads, and open comb heads are the same. The weight and size of the handle can have some effect on the aggressiveness and it also comes down to what you prefer.

The Progress, Futur, and Vision are the adjustables and are very different from the above razors mentioned and eachother.

 

[Jarmo P]

I am sure there are differences in Merkur heads. So many people who have posted their opinions have noticed it. Here is just mine in the latest I saw:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1477373&postcount=37

 

[thanks]

Knowing Merkur's quality control, they're probably all meant to have the same heads, but of course they're all a bunch of unique little snowflakes

 

[St. Ignatz]

I got the Futur a few weeks ago and wide open is almost like shaving with a T-handled straight razor. "Into the jaws of death....." Dialed down with a Merkur or Wilkinson blade I was not all that impressed but with a Derby Extra blade it became a real pleasure. The Feather blade is ok but doesn't approach the Derby. I have tried the Derby in a variety of razors with minimal difference as a rule but again in the Futur it makes ALL the difference.
Tom D.

 

[crankymoose]

Knowing Merkur's quality control, they're probably all meant to have the same heads, but of course they're all a bunch of unique little snowflakes

as owning several Merkurs with what appears to be identical heads but just different handles I can definitely say +1,000,000 on that

plus I have an EJ with a Merkur head that supposedly EJ brings up to there standards, same head as HD or barber pole but the shave is beyond comparison it is so much better