[Closed] No argument Merkur razors are the best...

FW - It is not BS.

I shave everyday; I have to. I spent twenty-odd years shaving with disposable cartridge razors. In Autumn last year, I picked up a second hand DE razor off e-bay for £8 and a selection of blades for £14 (I'm still less than halfway through them!) - I thought I'd see what the fuss was all about.

Both me and MrsG were astonished at the difference. So much so that she bought me a Merkur Progress and a Kent Brush for Christmas.

I used to hate shaving, now I look forward to it. It doesn't take me 15 minutes for a shave on a week day, more like 5. But at the weekend I indulge myself and take my time.

The shaving rash that blighted me for years has gone too.

Try it - you never know, you may even like it. 😀

I used to get very good results with a Mach 3, but my Muhle has topped it easily.

Maybe because I'm taking more time and care with it I'm getting a more consistent shave.

It's much nicer process, as others have said I quite look forward to shaving with it...

FuzzyWuzzy - Member
Just admit it's all just a niche thing where you can experiment/fettle with blades, bodies and brushes and give yourself an imagined sense of accomplishment

I must admit that part of the attraction was nicheness of it for me as I could attain a decent shave with a mach 3 blade.

In terms of cost it is a niche thing that is easier to get into as well in comparison to other niche hobbies.

Also, I don't care if I sound a bit like a poofter, but I am pleased that I am now firmly entrenched in a regime where I look after my skin well as it is fairly obvious when you look around that some people do not look after their skin at all.

lol@fuzzywuzzy

If you are happy with your shave then no need to change! Just lift up that bonnet and let the bee out.

Pfft I've got no objections to people doing it the old fashioned way it's the people that keep sticking in jibes about the rest of us happily paying over the odds for shite just because of fancy marketing. The fact is most of us are quite happy with a modern multi-blade set-up as it quick, convenient and gives good results, yes it's a ridiculous amount of money but for some the positives out-weigh the cost.

As for how do I know it's not a closer shave? My point is if I can't feel stubble on my face then how could you get closer unless you use a lot of pressure and get it so the stubble is actually below the skin surface, by doing which you risk in-grown hairs for no real purpose.

each to their own I say....

I picked up the new Mach 3 fusion cheap out of Tesco (there's a contradiction in terms) but have been using the Wilkinson DE for a few months.

Tried the Fusion on 3 day stubble and it nearly tore my face off, quickly switched back to the Wilkinson and it was oh so much more comfortable.

I think my whole DE set up cost me about 12 quid from the supermarkets. I'm sure i'm not getting the benefits of Merkur/Feather et all but it seems to do the trick. Kinda like mountain biking, if it works for you then that's all you need.

it's the people that keep sticking in jibes

Apologies if you feel that is the case, I doubt it was intended. However, the majority of the comments that have registered with me have all been positive - not at all implying you're being stiffed.

As for your beard growth (and smoothness post shave), maybe your beard is quite fine or slow growing? In my pre DE days, I would need to shave twice a day if going out in the evening. Otherwise I would look like some sort of pikey/criminal/insert-scruffy-unshaven-stereotype-here.

But yeah, each to their own. If youre happy with a multi-blade, then that's fine. All I think people are saying is that a shave that's at least as good (if not better) is available for less cost and only a little more effort. 😀

The new WS Hydro seems pretty good - I have been using the 3 blade version.

The lubricating strip can be a bit gloopy to start with so I use shaving oil for the first few days and then KOS shaving serum as it is of similair gloopiness. Seem to get near a couple of weeks out of shaving every day.

Closer and less draggy than the Gillette power fusion with that stupid aloe strip - and the cartridges are much cheaper.

Second shave with the double edged safety razor (Merkir Futur) has gone much, much better than first. Cooler water, different (Gillette 7 o'clock) blade, bit more care and (most importantly) just relaxed and enjoyed myself. Only blood came from an existing nick, and the newly acquired alum block stopped that instantly - had no idea they worked so well.

Just a different experience to using modern multi-blades - each to their own. But this is growing on me, in an old-fashioned kind of way...

How do people who suffer with ingrowing hairs using Mach3s, etc, cope with the DE razors?
I get them a lot, and I now use an electric shaver because of it. Would be tempted by a DE razor if they're better, but I suspect that aspect wouldn't change.

dave_rudabar - Member

Would be tempted by a DE razor if they're better, but I suspect that aspect wouldn't change.

You never know until you try it so give it a go.

🙂

Well I even get ingrowing hairs when i shave too closely with my electric shaver, and I use a talc block with that - so it's fairly inevitable!

dave_rudabar - Member

Well I even get ingrowing hairs when i shave too closely with my electric shaver, and I use a talc block with that - so it's fairly inevitable!

The thing with cartridge or electric shaver is they "pull" the hair rather than "chop" so until you try you never know.

I've been using a Futur for a few months now. Best addition I've found is to use Proraso pre shave before lather-it's about £20 for 500ml on Ebay, though it should last ages. You can also use a little bit after shaving too. It really helps to avoid razor burn.
I forgot to use it the other day and the difference was really noticable-in a bad way.

Dave rudabar

I used to suffer alot from ingrowers with the mach3 but dunno why but not with the D/E razor and I feel alot cleaner too post shaving.

Fuzzy if you read most of the above posts alot of us have used the mainstream razors and we prefer the D/E experiance.

I prefer the shave I now get but hey I may well be sprouting poo

My wife definatly prefers the quality of my shave nowadays nuff said

OK, so I'm tempted to try a DE razor, which would be a better option, the Merkur Progress or Futur?

Shibboleth - Member
OK, so I'm tempted to try a DE razor, which would be a better option, the Merkur Progress or Futur?

The Progess IMO.

What's the difference Ho Hum? A lot of people seem to complain about the calibration on the adjustability...

Shibboleth - Member
What's the difference Ho Hum? A lot of people seem to complain about the calibration on the adjustability...

The head is smaller and it is less aggressive.

If this is going to be your first venture into DE shaving then the Futur may end up being a bit too much.

The calibration is an issue with the Progress, but Mantic has a video which shows you how to get around this and carry out a recalibration of it.

If you do go down the adjustable razor route then do not spend lots of time adjusting it when you are first concentrating on getting your technique right.

Hope it goes well for you!

can't comment on the Progress, but I love the Futur. Great shave and looks fantastic - looks being subjective. I've also got a 1960 Gillette Superspeed which is great, but not as great as the Futur, but is easier to use and quicker. There are replated vintage razors [url= http://www.safetyrazors.co.uk/shop/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=7 ]here[/url] That's another can of worms, but I'd probably go with a cheaper non-adjustable first, and old Gillettes are pretty good buys

EDIT and +1 for ho hum's comment that the futur might be a bit much at first. I've very limited expperience with anything other than DEs and it took me a wile to get used to the Futur

Hmmm, might have to be the Progress then... Thanks for the input!

If this is going to be your first venture into DE shaving then the Futur may end up being a bit too much.

Shibboleth: I'd be willing to lend you my Gillette Tech to try. That way you could dip your toe in the water before jumping in. Email me if you're interested.

If you get on well with the Progress and the whole DE thing then there would be nothing stopping you buying a Futur at some point in the future.

I now have 6 razors in my DE stash - it is quite easy to become addicted to buying razors...

Thanks Sharkbait, I'm going to take a punt on the Progress, I'm sure I'll get the hang of it.

Isn't this niche shaving community full of lovely people! 🙂

OK, so I'm tempted to try a DE razor, which would be a better option, the Merkur Progress or Futur?

I went with a Progress, which, although adjustable, is constantly set at 5 (most open/aggressive). If there was a Spinal Tap setting, no doubt I'd have it at 11. No problems experienced, though initially it took me probably a month to really get the hang of DE shaving. To start with I wasn't getting as good a shave as I was with a 5-blade Gillette Fusion, and even now it takes a bit more effort.

I never had a problem with the Fusion, just got fed up with paying £2 per blade rather than the 25p I now pay, although against this must be set the fact that I used to change a Fusion blade every 2 weeks rather than after every 5th shave with DE blades.

The allure and excitement of an individually carved, free-range vegan badger hair brush at £90 escapes me, but then singlespeeding and 29ers (particularly singlespeed rigid 29ers) pass me by as well. I mean, there's niche and there's [i]niche[/i], if you see what I mean.

No probs, I've heard the Progress is very good. If you're after a cheap crream to get going I'd highly recommend Arko (eBay about £1.50), interesting aroma but amazing nontheless. I know the Palmolive stick is cheap and good but I can't be doing with having to mess around with a bowl - with Arko just wet it, rub it on your face then brush away... simples

sharki, isn't that the deal with all sticks? I have a tabac stick - wash face, rub with stick, lather up, shave. palmolive, arko, erasmic sticks all much of a muchness in that respect, no?
ps love erasmic, around 50p from superdrug or someplace similar iirc

I went with a Progress, which, although adjustable, is constantly set at 5

Really!! Blimey, I reckon I'd peel my face off with mine set to 5. I generally have mine set to between 1.5 and 2. Is this the calibration issue being mentioned?

I use Arko sticks, yes, the smell is an acquired taste, but I quite like it. It reminds me of relatives long gone...

I use an Edwin Jagger badger brush. My girlfriend once used it to apply blusher when she'd forgotten her makeup brush! She nearly needed concealer to hide the black eye!!!

Progress ordered, and an alum block and pencil... I think I might need it.
I've gone for Feather blades after reading all the comments on here...

and an alum block and pencil... I think I might need it.

I have only had to use my stick three times in the few months of DE shaving. Unless you're realyl slap-dash, clumsy or drunk you should be fine.

Edwin Jagger here...* Still working through a dozen different blades, but the Feather is winning by a long way (though not as good on the second day)
Didn't get on with the Derby.

Fuzzywuzzy - luckily I'm in an office where a bit of stubble is OK. In fact, I know lots of people who can shave for fun, rather than necessity for work. I now enjoy shaving, whereas before it was a chore.

* 43, many bikes, only one singlespeed...

For simplicity I love a 3 piece especially my 40s Tech but then my other SuperSpeeds (60s) are great too especially the flaretip. I am still collecting some of the vintage razors and is actively looking for a Big Fellow or Aristocrat if I can afford one. I also have different vintage Gillette adjustable namely the fatboy adjustable & slim adjustable. I prefer fatboy and was lucky to find one from car boot sales for £3, although I already have a replated one ...

p/s: Chipps, page 3 of on this thread keep hitting my Malwarebytes and is trying to call out.

My third shave tonight with a Merkur 1904. The first two shaves were awful and I was regretting going DE but tonight my technique improved and I got a great shave.

I can manage the north - south pass and across but just can't seem to get the angle right for a south to north pass.

Three shave in one night, that's decication... 😆

shooterman

I wouldn't worry about sticking rigidly to the '3 pass technique' as everyone is different. I tend to go with variations of long and short depending on the area with 'blade buffing' around the chin. The only way to find out what suits you is by trial and error and go with what feels right on the different areas of your face.
A few techniques from Mantic below.

shooterman - Member
My third shave tonight with a Merkur 1904. The first two shaves were awful and I was regretting going DE but tonight my technique improved and I got a great shave.

I can manage the north - south pass and across but just can't seem to get the angle right for a south to north pass.

Most of my shaves are north to south, i.e. with the grain and slightly across the grain.

Once or twice I have gone against the grain but it caused a lot of irritation a couple of days after when the stubble grew back in, so I don't bother with it any more.

I normally go for three or four passes from north to south, across, against the grain and touch up, so far so good but all depends on individuals.

Ok, my Edwin Jagger DE with Derby blade sample arrived today also Edwin Jagger brush and Arko soap.

Lathered up all nice started shaving with the grain, seemed ok but not very close around chin and under neck. So i lathered up again and did the same again but did a pass or 2 against the grain with much better results, is this a proper technique or should it be with grain only.

Or possibly the blade was a blunt job?

Had a nick or two but generally a good close shave.

Maybe try 'across' the grain rather than with or against?

How much more likiely are you to cut your face with DE razors than with the usual razors?

The difference between being a bit cack handed and very cack handed.

BB. I do with the grain to start with, followed by across, then maybe against depending how BBS I want. You'll find what works best for you in time.
I started with Derby blades but now think prefer Feathers, ymmv.

Thanks to all.

I managed all three passes tonight and I definitely have the best shave I have have ever had!

What do you guys use post shave though? My neck is feeling a bit raw.

shooterman: Alum block (not styptic pencil) wetted and slide over.

See my post up there somewhere for link ^

Never get rash anymore - and I used to be a martyr to it.... 😉

Musgo Real Aftershave Balm.

(The balm bit's important, they do actual aftershave as well which is less forgiving).

But get a load of cold water all over your face before you put anything on.