Merkur 42. (1904)

Socialistphil

Socialistphil

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Somewhere in the fields of Flanders!
Hi Everyone!
I have a sneaking suspicion my wife has got me a Merkur 1904 for Crimbo! This will be the open door for me into the world of quality DE shaving (having only used a Wilkinson "classic" and an 1968 Gillette "tech" both I enjoy by the way!). I was wondering what you guys think of it. Also are there any characteristics I should watch out for?

Warm regards

Phil
 
I've not shaved with the 42 but I think the head is the same as other Merkur straight bar razors so you should find it has a decent bite, much, much more so than a tech anyway. You'll probably find it pleasantly aggressive, and by that I mean that you'll probably like the way it removes more hair with less work.

I'm just not sure on weight, it possibly (?) looks like it could weigh a ton, but it could be fairly hollow and weigh not very much. You could tell us once you recive it! Get that review in.

It's a good choice, I always think that everyone should have a Merkur. To me they're the Mercedes or BMW of razors, well engineered and well thought out without being as flash or over complicated as they could be. They just perform so well.
 
I had one for a while. It was nicely made and has a fairly aggressive head. Great for ploughing through the stubble. If you like the mildness of the Tech (like me) then you could try the 42 for the first pass then second and tidy up with the Tech (I did this for a while and this worked well for me). The handle is about the size of a Tech's so if you like the length it'll suit. The hexagonal shape feels unusual but I quite liked it. reminded me of an Ever Ready single edge razor.

I sold mine on here a few months back - stuck it on about 9am on a weekday and it was sold within about twenty minutes, so if you didn't like it it's a popular choice that could sell quickly.
 
I do believe that the main problem you may encounter with a Merkur is the rather capitalist one of aquiring more of them S/Phil. However, worry not, by buying more kit you are supporting the workers & producers of the world. (& also getting yourself some truly gr8 shaves).

JohnnyO. \:icon_razz:
 
I've got an OC 1904 that I've used a couple of times. To me, it seems a decent razor that delivers a close shave, but, I found I needed to apply pressure to get the shave as close as I like. That said, it's a forgiving razor and one that Ithink it would be hard to cut yourself with.

Like I said, I've used it just a couple of times so it may be that I haven't adjusted my technique to it yet.
 
Canuck said:
Hax said:
I found I needed to apply pressure to get the shave as close as I like.
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Is that because It seemed light? Is that handle hollow?
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It's got a decent weight to it - not as heavy as the HD razors - but doesn't feel "light" as such. As far as I can tell, the handle is solid. Looking around, the weight is shown as being 62g.

It just seems to be a mild razor to me. I tried my newly acquired Futur this morning and with that, I could really feel the blade scraping my skin. That's not the case with the 1904. When I say I had to apply pressure, I mean a pretty decent amount of pressure. Then again, I am particularly OCD about getting a BBS shave!

That said, it's a razor that should (in my experience) be fine for even those with the most sensitive skin.

If you would like Canuck, I can send you mine to have a go with.
 
JohnnyO said:
I do believe that the main problem you may encounter with a Merkur is the rather capitalist one of aquiring more of them S/Phil. However, worry not, by buying more kit you are supporting the workers & producers of the world. (& also getting yourself some truly gr8 shaves).

JohnnyO. \:icon_razz:
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JohnnyO i'm glad I can call you a Comrade! :) lol:icon_razz:
 
NotTheStig said:
I had one for a while. It was nicely made and has a fairly aggressive head. Great for ploughing through the stubble. If you like the mildness of the Tech (like me) then you could try the 42 for the first pass then second and tidy up with the Tech (I did this for a while and this worked well for me). The handle is about the size of a Tech's so if you like the length it'll suit. The hexagonal shape feels unusual but I quite liked it. reminded me of an Ever Ready single edge razor.

I sold mine on here a few months back - stuck it on about 9am on a weekday and it was sold within about twenty minutes, so if you didn't like it it's a popular choice that could sell quickly.
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Thanks mate for the reply.... I just cant wait to try it! Maybe when the crowed has gone i'll sneak it out! lol :)
 
Socialistphil said:
Well thanks everyone for your kind responses! Only a few days to go (I'm growing the stubble to test it with). I'll let you all know my findings! In the mean time, Merry Christmas to all on the most friendly forum on earth!
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+1


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