I purchased a Slant Bar

I purchased a new Merkur Slant bar, 37c I think. It shaves great. The biggest difference I can tell for me is that for once, a single Safety razor pass has completed my shave. I usually have to go over it again with a straight razor, or do a couple of extra passes with a DE. This razor also didn't nick me where my regular DEs usually do. So, somehow it shaved great and was gentle. I think I may have prefered the 39c, or long handle, but the little HD size is nice and I know I'll get used to it quickly. My first shave was with a "Rainbow" blade was was very nice too. The razor came with a free sample pack of blades.

A good friend of mine (not part of this forum) Has been considering purchasing a Slant Bar to mix up his normal routine with a DE I'll be sure to tell him of your experiences. And now I find myself wanting to try one out myself.

Not long ago, I purchased a Merkur 37C myself. It is indeed a fantastic shaver. But like you there was a bit of me that wondered if I wouldn't prefer a longer handle. While I may still take the plunge for a 39C (same head, longer handle) over time I've become accustomed to the short handle of the 37C. It gives a fantastic shave and the shorter handle gives the razor a squattier aggresive appearance. The slant is definitely a fine razor regardless of handle length. A three pass 37C shave will typically keep any visible stubble at bay for at least a couple days and as you point out, a single pass shave is a fine and plenty presentable shave even if you stop there.

Somewhere I read of someone who simply purchased a new custom long handle, far cooler than the traditional handles. I'll try to hunt down that thread.

Good to have you on our team, Alan :)

I have the 37G and loved it right from the start. The only DE that I've found to give an even closer shave is the Muhle R41, and believe me I didn't think it could get any closer lol. The one advantage the slant has over the R41 is that it's milder and more forgiving, which is funny because most seasoned DE users regard the slant as being very aggressive. Definitely a case of YMMV.

Slants are obviously one of my favorites. The 37C is a great razor especially at its price point. I am currently using the new iKon slant which I consider the best. Congratulations and best of luck.

I bought a 37c a few months back and it really gives a good shave too. It's on the aggressive side, but not as much as say, a GEM SE. It's also more aggressive than my EJ 89 barley.

I agree also that a one pass shave is a pretty good shave if one is in a rush.

Well on another forum, that I no longer participate in, I am Slant-Fan. I discovered the Merkur 37C back in '06 and it immediately became my go to DE. I began collecting various slants and have many of the different makes and models. AFAIC the Merkur is the best, though I haven't tried the Ikon ....... yet.

Before church this morning I shaved with my 37C. One pass was all that was required. Not exactly tooting my own horn BUT ....... I was the first person to shave with what became the 39C and I might be said to be responsible for Merkur finally seeing the light and putting the thing into production.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...r-in-the-world

I have the Merkur Slant 37C
It's not like an Open Comb in shaving but it's fine for my Saturday shaving or a change from time to time
The matter of handle is personal thing,depends from your fingers only
After tests i decided to have my DE's with 7.5mm handles and no more than 8mm (that's the limit).

I started wet-shaving with a Slant loaded with Feathers. Yes, this was insanity, but I didn't know any better. After refining my technique and ditching the Feathers for a milder blade, I love the Slant.

I really like slants too. If you're looking for a better handle on a Merkur Slant, look up Elite Razors. They sell Merkur Slants with custom handles. I have one and really like it.

I started with the 34c because that's what they tell you. I tried the 37c and I should have started with that. I find it's the closest to a straight razor shave. In fact the 37c lead me to think that I could shave with a straight and I do now primarily. I do keep the 37c for travel and times when I don't want to shave with a straight which are few and far between because I like the challenge

My slant is my go to when I don't have time for a straight. It's very quick at doing what it's supposed to do. Dfs with two passes for me. Great razor.