Two Piece vs. Three Piece and the Retaining ring on a 34C

[Joe_Karp]

Hi Gents,

I own two 34C razors, and am researching something with scant answers. One has the original factory installed retaining, or expansion ring which would called a two-piece razor by definition. The other has had the ring removed, which frankly, makes it easier to clean but in the process care has to be taken to not drop the thing on my tile floor. Minus the ring, this is now a three-piece razor by definition.

In looking at older Merkur and Hoffritz designs, as well as Gillettes from the same period, none of them used the retaining ring, and the owners must have been used to taking care when cleaning and using their razors.

So the question is: Did Merkur come up with the retaining ring and the round space for it on the modified adjustment shaft, or did someone else? Was this modification in response to complaints from owners?

Thanks,

Joe

 

[Joe_Karp]

Update: This afternoon I received an airmail envelope from Anne Rothstein of DOVO/Merkur in Germany, and inside was a pair of replacement retaining rings. With a minimum of fuss I installed one of them, and let me say it's not easy. Needlenose pliers and patience prevailed. Further cleaning will NOT not include removing the adjusting bolt thanks. I appreciate the kind offer from the sender given how busy that company (Merkur) is.

 

[Copierguy]

Update: This afternoon I received an airmail envelope from Anne Rothstein of DOVO/Merkur in Germany, and inside was a pair of replacement retaining rings. With a minimum of fuss I installed one of them, and let me say it's not easy. Needlenose pliers and patience prevailed. Further cleaning will NOT not include removing the adjusting bolt thanks. I appreciate the kind offer from the sender given how busy that company (Merkur) is.

Yeah this is not the first time I've heard of Merkur and Anne's coming to the aid of an owner in need. Rather refreshing isn't it.

My 37c is a "3 piece" now because of a clip failure, but I have grown to like it that way.

I do not know when or why Merkur added the clip, but I can say this. When Gillette came out with the TTO style razor, they called all of them for years a
"one piece razor". Even the Fat Boy in the late 50s was called "THE GILLETTE Adjustable ONE-PIECE RAZOR"