Thread: Thinking of changing my DE (Merkur barber pole), any idea ?

Hi,

I would like to change my safety razor. I had a weshi and then purchase a merkur barber pole (wich i use since a couple months). The problem is that my shave is not close enough.

I tried a lot of different blade and I found that feather is the one for me. Any idea of a good safety razor I should buy?

thx

macpowa,

If you don't mind vintage razors, you could try :

1) The SE route. A GEM/Ever-Ready 1912 is a good choice to start with.

My GEM & Ever-Ready SEs, paired with the GEM PTFE Coated Stainless blades are the best shaving safety razors that I have ever used

2) A Gillette Adjustable - either FatBoy or Slim.

For new build, perhaps one of the Merkur Adjustables - Progress/Futur/Vision, or a custom Progress like the Mergress ?

There is some suggestion that the new Muhle R41-2011 semiopen-comb razor is a more 'agressive' DE razor.

Good luck in your search

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Consider a slant. If you like the barber pole maybe you should get Merkur Sledgehammer.
Futur is also a good razor if you want adjustable.

I never had an adjustable, what would be the point to adjust the blade?

Is the merkur barber pole considered an aggressive razor?

I am gonna look right now the models you guys propose me and look for some review too.

thx

I am guessing the barber pole is like a long handled HD? I have its smaller cousin the "1904" closed comb. It is not a bad razor really, but as others have suggested, an adjustable might be what you are looking for.

I have the barber pole and never really warmed to it. It's not a bad shaver but there are many others that are simply better. You could go with a vintage like a fatboy or maybe one of the new Muhle or EJ razors. They are very fine shavers. The feather is very nice too though pricey.

Hello, Macpowa:

I am surprised you don't get a good shave with the Merkur 38C "Barber Pole" and Feather blades. That is a relatively aggressive combination. Might I assume the problem could be with your technique? If you want to move on to other razors, here are some suggestions:

Try an adjustable razor such as the Merkur Progress, or a vintage Gillette such as the slim adjustable or the Fatbody, which is also adjustable. This way you can controls the blade setting and match it to your beard.

A more aggressive razor might be the French-made Joris open comb. It's pricey, but it quite a shaver, especially for gentlemen who prefer aggressive razors.

Then there is the mighty Pils, the all stainless steel German razor that is quite aggressive. If that doesn't give a close shave, nothing will. It's also quite pricey.

The Feather is a beauty, though on the mild side. If you're not getting a close shave with the "Barber Pole," I don't think the Feather would do you any good.

The Edwin Jagger and the Muhle double edge razors are pure silk. They are slightly milder than your "Barber Pole," but you're assured a good shave with them.

Before you do anything, though, I suggest evaluating your technique to see what's going on. That's what I would do. In the end, yes, the 38C might be the wrong razor for you, but you'll never know until you examine your technique, and possibly your overall beard growth pattern.

Regards,

Obie

macpowa, do I understand you right that you are a straight razor shaver and are looking for a more aggressive DE when you want to switch from time to time? In this case I highly recommend to try slant. If not - you also may try a slant, but also consider Merkur Futur or an open comb.

If you are not getting close enough shaves you should look at an adjustable. the Merkur Futur or progress will help you find a setting will suit you, because you can open it up and go for it of you can put a very sharp blade in it dial it down and go for a 3 pass shave.

Hi Macpowa

I am with Obie on this one, it looks like a refinement on your technique could help get a closer shave, but that being said, you may not be feeln' the love from your barber pole and it just might not be the razor for you; in that case there may be very little to do than look for another option, the ones mentioned above are all going to be suitable for you. Finding the right one can take some time, but remember as your technique changes look back at some of the ones you have disregarded and with a new light they may become your new fav!

Sam