New Merkur Slant vs. Older Merkur-made Variations

[CanaDEan Shaver]

I am looking for a slant, and would like some opinions about the quality and qualities of the Merkur-made variations (Hoffritz, Cole, etc.), or any others types. Basically I would consider a variant over a newer Merkur if the they were functionally on par.

[Groundhog]

I currently own a vintage Hoffritz-branded slant and used to have a Merkur. The main difference was the cap; the Merkur has a scalloped cap that lines up with the ridges on the safety bar. The Hoffritz cap is plain.

Additionally, I believe the handle on the Hoffritz is siverplate vs. the chrome of the Merkur. At least it looks like it anyway.

FWIW, I get smoother shaves from the Hoffritz, so I sold the Merkur.

[Haiku]

You're going to want to send a message to "slantfan"

He's been collecting slant razors of every description, and if anyone knows about them, he's your man.

[Slant-Fan]

[QUOTE=CanaDEan Shaver;359298]I am looking for a slant, and would like some opinions about the quality and qualities of the Merkur-made variations (Hoffritz, Cole, etc.), or any others types. Basically I would consider a variant over a newer Merkur if the they were functionally on par.[/QUOTE
]The current production is, as Groundhog said, slightly different in having the scalloped top cap and different plating and knurling on the handle. The older Merkurs and variants were fitted in metal or bakelite cases with blade holders. The shave is the same in the older versions or the current production IMHO. All of the Coles, Lunawerk, Hoffritz, & Pomco that Merkur made were only different in the name stamped on the handle. Other then that they are identical. There is a very old variant with a Merkur Slant head and a Gillette clone handle. The shave on one of those if you find on is not better but it is different. Here is a photo of that variant along with an older one in the center and on the right a current Merkur for comparison. There may be more variations other then the above named but those are all I have come across up until now.

[CanaDEan Shaver]

Thanks guys! BTW, my WTB on the buy/sell/trade forum has produced a newer Merkur slant for me, and I look forward to trying it. If I like it, down the road I may try to scare up a slant without the scalloping on the top - perhaps a Hoffritz.

[Groundhog]

They show up on ebay from time to time, usually the Hoffritz version.