Thread: A Choice of Two Merkurs

Originally Posted by Ryan82

I have read that the Merkur slant is very good for people with Wookie-like beards; I don't have a Wookie-like beard, but it's not exactly light either. My fiancee always jokes that I'm like Homer Simpson, with his insta-stubble growing back immediately. I thought you might like that Disburden, as you are always making that comparison to yourself.

I was also wondering why you gave up on the HD, as it is a very reputable DE razor (based on the opinions I've read about it)?

Funny that you mentioned the Homer Simpson thing. I didn't like the HD because it gave me less satisfactory shaves. I don't know why, but it just did. Actually, come to think of it, the slant is the only Merkur I have used that gives me good shaves without raking my face up ( I haven't tried the progress YET). I usually will use old Gillettes like the NEW and Old Types before I reach to buy a new Merkur, but the slant stands out as something I am very happy with owning. I actually gave my HD to my uncle for xmas with a brush and a soap and he loves it, so things work out for the best eventually.

**Disclaimer** I should say for the record that I'm by no means giving up straight shaving; I'm a straight shaver through and through.

My interest in DE's is twofold: I've never tried one before, and I want a back-up razor to provide those one-off quick and easy shaves (once experienced of course) as opposed to reaching for a cartridge. I haven't used a cartridge for quite a while now, as I shave exclusively straight, and I'd like to keep it that way. Better to use a 50c blade every now and then instead of a $5 dollar one.

Unfortunately for me I know how this will end up. It won't be just one DE, it will be multiple Merkurs, then Gillettes, then Schick SE's....... just like how it was only going to be a couple straight razors! I guess that's one way to pick your favorites

I have started with and still to this day use the HD. I go back and forth between straight and DE's depending on how much time I have. I am still working on my stropping. The hd has been great for me and I use wilkinson or personna blades with it. The blade choice will be personal as it seems everybody has a specific preference there.

Hi Ryan,

Not sure if you've made your choice yet, but thought I'd add my thoughts. I started with a 38C and it was perfect for me. Tried a number of vintage gillettes and although they gave good shaves, I ended up going back to the 38. I had a fatboy, but I didn't give it a chance and kicked myself for a while after I sold it. Then i bought a slant....I was in heaven after about a week. I've gone back to my 38 and it still gives a great quick shave but it's just not enough for me. I planned on buying the long handled slant, then was bit by the straight bug. Now YMMV and all that, but I think the Slant is given too much of a bad rep. If you're already shaving with a straight, I'd suggest to try the Slant. I don't think the learning curve would be that much longer than a 38 or HD, but it is a better shave in the end in my opinion.

Sorry for the long rant. Enjoy!

Well, after some good advice, hard thought, and a very timely sale over at SRD, I came to my decision. I went for the Merkur 38c barberpole with silver finish. It's a hefty razor alright, shouldn't have much of a problem mowing through my whiskers.

Not having any experience with DE blades I chose a sampling of what SRD has to offer: Derby and Merkur.

Anyway, I haven't had a chance to try it yet as I have a special occasion coming up this weekend and don't want to show up all bloodied and irritated. I'll need good ol' straight shave to look as good as I can ! When I do try out the Merkur I'll post my experiences.

Thanks to all who took the time to write some advice. And for the members who suggested models other than the ones I was asking about - don't worry, the 38c is only my first DE ......

Go for the Derby blades. Most folks prefer them to Merkur.

I used to prefer derbys to merkurs, but coming back to de for first time in a year, liked them both. the iridiums and 7 oclocks are also excellent, as is the maginificent feather de blade.

I started with the Long Handle Classic and then moved to the Progressive. I like the Progressive. The Progressive's weight feels better to me than the LHC; however, I do like that long handle for my big hands.