Looks like I've found my go to razor

**dpmtherrien** · 08-23-2009, 05:44 PM

After approx. 6 months of DE shaving I now find that just about everything connected with the practice seems to have fallen in place. My technique is quite good, but of course still improving. My soaps, creams, brushes, and other related stuff have all lined up from best to worse. The razors however have proven to be another matter. I have 9 razors in my rotation, having started with the Merkur HD both in straight bar and open comb, the Merkur slant again in both straight bar and open comb, both Merkur small travel razors which are great, and a couple of Edwin Jagger razors which I enjoy. The reason for this post is that after using all of my razors, getting good results with all, I seem to have found the most comfortable, easy to use, and best results razor. It looks like the Merkur 1904 seems to be the one. Everything seems to fall into place with that razor. And again I have it in both straight and open comb. I have large hands, but this razor just seems to fit and is very comfortable to use. I'm just wondering because I don't see much mention of this razor in other posts. Have any other members experienced the same results with this razor? I just find it to be one fine razor that seems to give me better results than any other. It would be interesting to see if any other members have the same thoughts.

**kingfisher** · 08-23-2009, 07:00 PM

I'm glad you've found a razor that pleases you.

Is the 1904 pretty much like a Gillette Tech? It sure looks like it might be.

**dpmtherrien** · 08-23-2009, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by kingfisher

I'm glad you've found a razor that pleases you.

Is the 1904 pretty much like a Gillette Tech? It sure looks like it might be.

I'm not sure about the Tech as I don't believe I've seen that razor. All I know for sure is the 1904 is a sweet razor and is very easy to use. I know from just about any of the sites the price of the 1904 is very reasonable, and at any of the selling sites the price is about the same. It might be a good excuse to add another razor to your rotation. I think it would be well worth the effort.

**dpm802** · 08-23-2009, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by dpmtherrien

the Merkur slant again in both straight bar and open comb,

Huh?

The Merkur slant is neither a straight nor an open comb ... do you possibly mean a Barberpole handle?

**RichGem** · 08-23-2009, 08:37 PM

The 1904 has the same head as the Merkur Classic, just the handle is different. Both are a notch or two more agressive than a Tech.

**copperhead** · 08-23-2009, 08:55 PM

Merkur 1904

**ateace** · 08-24-2009, 09:00 AM

The 1904 doesn't get much mention here, but it is a great little shaver.

A previous poster has it right - the 1904 has the same head as the classic. Only differences with the 1904 are the solid, hex handle (makes overall weight slightly more than the Classic) and the nickel plating. Weight-wise, it falls between the Classic and the HD.

Merkur got it right with this model. It has enough similarities to keep it familiar and enough distinctions for it to have a rightful place in their line.

**dpmtherrien** · 08-24-2009, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by dpm802

Huh?

The Merkur slant is neither a straight nor an open comb ... do you possibly mean a Barberpole handle?

I see what you mean. I goofed that one up, guess I have too many razors. I have the slant in both the regular and barberpole handle. I hope that not too many members went looking for a brand new slant that only I seemed to have.

**dpm802** · 08-24-2009, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by dpmtherrien

I see what you mean. I goofed that one up, guess I have too many razors.

There is no such thing as having too many razors.

**kingfisher** · 08-24-2009, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by RichGem

The 1904 has the same head as the Merkur Classic, just the handle is different. Both are a notch or two more agressive than a Tech.

Design looks kind of like a Tech. Is it is 3-piece?

So would you say the aggressiveness is similar to a Superspeed?

**alex2363** · 08-24-2009, 07:44 PM

Originally Posted by dpm802

Huh?

The Merkur slant is neither a straight nor an open comb ... do you possibly mean a Barberpole handle?

true, i have a merk hd, slant they dont come in open or slant comb

**pal** · 08-24-2009, 08:20 PM

I am happy for you success!

**Myanmar Shave** · 08-24-2009, 08:29 PM

I also have a 1904--the open comb model. I find it to be a very smooth razor and get very comfortable shaves with it.

I usually use a Derby blade in it with the handle tightened all the way for the first pass. For the second pass I unscrew the handle 1/4 of a turn--it opens the blade gap just a little for a bit closer shave. I get a dynamite DFS with this razor and it's my only razor that I have never had any razor burn or irritation with.

I don't use it for every shave, but I could!! Always welcome in my rotation..

Marty E.

rainman · 08-26-2009, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by kingfisher

Design looks kind of like a Tech. Is it is 3-piece?

So would you say the aggressiveness is similar to a Superspeed?

The design is like a Tech if you are talking about if it is a 3 piece razor and how it comes apart.

The aggressiveness is the same as an HD and many other Merkur razor heads: the classic, long handled classic, 38c, and maybe more. The head is really very different with a very different shave than the Superspeed. It is hard to compare them IMO.

**Schwert** · 08-27-2009, 12:57 PM

Sounds like you need to try some vintage Gillettes to me

**rac** · 08-27-2009, 01:27 PM

hi all
after reading this post a few days ago ,decided to go for the 1904 and travel razor.
the 1904 is a great razor , mine came in the post today and tried it out ,top marks for it ,a travel one came two,yet to try out,should be the same . .as a bonus my old tech heads fit on the handle , so a double bonus .the razor has a outstanding finish to it as well . hats off to dpmtherrien for putting up this thread

,be a few happy shaves with this one ..

rac