Think my Merkur 38c is broken

[Tubechild]

Hi, first time on this forum - let me know if this should go in another section.

I was changing blades today and the release knob/handle won't go back on. I used to stick it in, pop the 1/4 inch that sticks out back in and then screw it in. In the pics below you can see the 1/4 in. ring, though I'm not sure if that's the reason it won't go in all the way. For what it's worth, I've only used this razor 3 times.





On the first picture, you can see there's a metal ring almost around the part before the knob. On the second that ring is the only part of the release knob/handle that won't go all the way into the handle.

Anyone know how to fix this?

 

[inspiringK]

Cool, up until today I had no idea the 38 was a 2-piece razor.

I don't have one, but I did have a 34c and it looks like the two razors share a design. Once in a while, I took my 34c apart to give it a thorough cleaning. When doing that, I could take the turn knob right out of the handle. Other than the thread from the cap, the only thing keeping the turn knob in place is a brass clip that just wraps around the inner part of the handle. I tired, but can't find a picture of it and a friend of mine has my 34c (I think he has claimed it permanently now). Anyway, it sounds like your clip is preventing you from putting the knob back in place properly.

Unless someone comes by with more measured advice, I suggest you use a little directed force and pull the turn knob out of the handle. The clip should come out with the knob assembly. Simply reshape the clip to be a little tighter on the turn knob and pop it back in the handle - this is something that I did every time I cleaned the razor.

 

[inspiringK]

Here is a picture from the Shavenook of another Merkur razor (I think these are the Progress). They all have about the same design.

The "clip" that I am talking about is the looser looking ring just above the adjuster dial. Sometimes they slip out of their groove and overlap with the larger diameter parts of the turn knob which makes it feel like the knob is stuck in the handle.

 

[Tubechild]

Cool, up until today I had no idea the 38 was a 2-piece razor.

I don't have one, but I did have a 34c and it looks like the two razors share a design. Once in a while, I took my 34c apart to give it a thorough cleaning. When doing that, I could take the turn knob right out of the handle. Other than the thread from the cap, the only thing keeping the turn knob in place is a brass clip that just wraps around the inner part of the handle. I tired, but can't find a picture of it and a friend of mine has my 34c (I think he has claimed it permanently now). Anyway, it sounds like your clip is preventing you from putting the knob back in place properly.

Unless someone comes by with more measured advice, I suggest you use a little directed force and pull the turn knob out of the handle. The clip should come out with the knob assembly. Simply reshape the clip to be a little tighter on the turn knob and pop it back in the handle - this is something that I did every time I cleaned the razor.

The knob won't come off =/. I've tried with just about everything I can think of to remove it - brute force, pliers, etc. Only result is that I've scrapped it quite a bit.

 

[Tubechild]

Here is a picture from the Shavenook of another Merkur razor (I think these are the Progress). They all have about the same design.

The "clip" that I am talking about is the looser looking ring just above the adjuster dial. Sometimes they slip out of their groove and overlap with the larger diameter parts of the turn knob which makes it feel like the knob is stuck in the handle.

Ah! I hadn't thought about trying to move that clip down into the groove. Thanks!

 

[Tubechild]

Alright, I moved the clip into the groove, but it's way too loose and slips back up every time I try to put it in. So I took it off completely. Everything seems fine now (Thanks!!), but will not having that clip in cause any issues?

 

[Copierguy]

If you can not compress the clip/band and then reinstall the knob, you can remove the clip/band completely from the knob shaft then it will all screw together. But you will then have a 3 piece razor when changing blades. I have a 37c slant without the clip and it works fine as a 3 piece.

****I see we were both posting at once.****

 

[Tubechild]

Awesome, thanks for the help guys

 

[Copierguy]

Awesome, thanks for the help guys

Where are my manners......Welcome to B&B Tubechild.

 

[inspiringK]

Alright, I moved the clip into the groove, but it's way too loose and slips back up every time I try to put it in. So I took it off completely. Everything seems fine now (Thanks!!), but will not having that clip in cause any issues?

You should be able to reshape the clip so that it makes a tighter fit. The 2-piece design is nice to have, you razor will work fine as a 3-piece razor if you keep the clip out, but the ideal would be to get the clip working properly.

Where are my manners......Welcome to B&B Tubechild.

+1, welcome aboard!