Thread: Picking a first Merkur DE

Hello Everyone. I few months ago I picked up a straight. It is an awesome tool and provides amazing shaves. However, it is not very time efficient and I won't be able to take it with me to the Marine Corps. I have a rather thick beard and I go through cartridge razors fast, so I decided to go for a DE. I called my grandfather and he said he has a Merkur DE he picked up in Germany in the 50's and that it's still good. So I'm going to stick to the brand. =D However, I have no idea what type of DE to pick up? Some recommend the Hefty version while others the classic. I also don't know if I should get a long handle or a regular length? Some also said to get a slant as it provides a closer shave. What do you guys suggest from the Merkur family? I'd also plan on purchasing from Vintage Blades. Thank you in advance.

Originally Posted by Gaz

Hello Everyone. I few months ago I picked up a straight. It is an awesome tool and provides amazing shaves. However, it is not very time efficient and I won't be able to take it with me to the Marine Corps. I have a rather thick beard and I go through cartridge razors fast, so I decided to go for a DE. I called my grandfather and he said he has a Merkur DE he picked up in Germany in the 50's and that it's still good. So I'm going to stick to the brand. =D However, I have no idea what type of DE to pick up? Some recommend the Hefty version while others the classic. I also don't know if I should get a long handle or a regular length? Some also said to get a slant as it provides a closer shave. What do you guys suggest from the Merkur family? I'd also plan on purchasing from Vintage Blades. Thank you in advance.

get the merkur adjustable so you can adjust the level of skin you want exposed when shaving, number 1 for sensetive skin and 9 for more agresive..cant go wrong

The hefty and the long handled classic have the same head, and both are great. Very easy to learn on. You can get a more, or less, aggressive razor later on, when you know what you prefer.

Personally, I have settled on the 38C long-handled heavy, or barberpole. Same head but with a long heavy handle. I don't shave much with a DE anymore unless I am in a rush, but when I do, this is what I grab.

Adjustables are nice, too. Not as steep as with straights, but there is also technique to master with DE's, and the less variables you need to worry about when starting out, the better.

For the same reason, I would recommend you reserve the slant, if needed, for when you have gotten the technique down. I shaved with DE's for more than 20 years, and when I first picked up a slant with a feather, I cut myself more than with any straight razor.

Originally Posted by RayG

The hefty and the long handled classic have the same head, and both are great. Very easy to learn on. You can get a more, or less, aggressive razor later on, when you know what you prefer.

Personally, I have settled on the 38C long-handled heavy, or barberpole. Same head but with a long heavy handle. I don't shave much with a DE anymore unless I am in a rush, but when I do, this is what I grab.

Adjustables are nice, too. Not as steep as with straights, but there is also technique to master with DE's, and the less variables you need to worry about when starting out, the better.

For the same reason, I would recommend you reserve the slant, if needed, for when you have gotten the technique down. I shaved with DE's for more than 20 years, and when I first picked up a slant with a feather, I cut myself more than with any straight razor.

Ray, thanks a lot for the help. Right now it's a draw between the Classic and the Hefty. Would you recommend the regular length handle or a long one? I'll keep the adjustables and slanted ones for later, I'm going to straighten the basics out first.

Originally Posted by Gaz

Ray, thanks a lot for the help. Right now it's a draw between the Classic and the Hefty. Would you recommend the regular length handle or a long one?

It really is a personal choice. I have large hands so I wanted a longer handle, but also wanted something heavier, hence the barberpole. Just going by averages, though, many recommend the hefty to start with. That also makes it the more popular one - easier to sell if you end up preferring something else.

Go with the 38C or the HD. Tough to choose between the two. The handle length will be a personal preference. But with a heavy beard, either should work well. I would almost suggest that the longer handle might work best. I love them both for a DE and use no others. Even with a drawer of Gillettes left unused.

RT

Merkur HD would be my pick. Regular handle length works great for big or small hands.

Slant 39C with Feather blades. If you use the weight of the razor and eyeball the blade exposure while you are tightening the head down you should me fine.

my first was a merkur hefty long handle classic and it has been great everytime i used it from the very first shave, i dont know about any other types but i know i like that one

-dan-

The Merkur Barber Pole is an excellent choice, i have been a straight razor shaver for 4 years now and decided to try DEs
ive tried Fatboy adjustable, slim adjustable, Techs and Super speed des, then i tried a merkur barber pole with a Gillette Sweed blade, and this combination has given me the best de shave by far,
De shaving gives a close shave, but nothing gives as close and Baby Butt smooth as a Striaght, that has a nice edge!
You can use your grandfathers Merkur if its in good shape it might be the real deal and the way to go, if not you can pick up a new Merkur Barber Pole from many sites on line for about $35.00,
Good luck at Basic,
Keep your eyes open and your head down,
and remember , "Its not how tall you stand when others measure you, its how tall you stand when you measure yourself"
Major M.Morgenstern
111th Fighter Wing
PAANG