Bang for the Buck?

**Moe** · 01-11-2010, 03:43 AM

In my newbie welcome message, I was advised:

Originally Posted by DirtyDave

...Then the ADs kick in. You have been warned.

Originally Posted by klm099

...you deserve a hobby; let the spending begin

Well, my Merkur 34C and Red Pack Israeli Personna blades haven't even been delivered (sometime today), and I'm already thinking of buying more!

Realizing there may be times I want a closer shave than the mild Red Packs give in the 34C, I see WCS has the Yellow Russian Gillette 7O'Clock back in stock. With $1.90 shipping for 100 of either, the Yellows are right at three times the price of the Red Packs. But for a few cents less than only a one-time buy of 100 Yellows (which will probably last me a very long time), I can get a Merkur 11C (better for a few days growth?). So which is the better route?

Does anyone here have experience with the Yellows in a 34C?

What about experience with the Red Packs in a 11C?

Is there a better route for about the same price I missed?

Thanks!

**michiganlover** · 01-11-2010, 04:29 AM

Originally Posted by Moe

What about experience with the Red Packs in a 11C?

Is there a better route for about the same price I missed?

Thanks!

Buy a Muhle R89 instead. They are said to kill the Merkurs in every way possible. Better finish, better shave, better construction.

The Muhle has the same head as the often raved about Edwin Jagger DE 89. I just ordered mine on Saturday.

Muhle R89 @ West Coast Shaving

**Slivovitz** · 01-11-2010, 05:22 AM

It's really easy to get carried away. I'm no role model here, as I bought three DE razors right off the bat, and a bunch of blades without knowing what kind I'd like best. With that in mind, why not take a few shaves with your 34C first to see how it works for you (not for someone else)? You can get great deals on blades by buying in quantity, but maybe sample a bunch of different ones before you buy 100 packs. Just my 2,000,000 µ¢.

**Just looking** · 01-11-2010, 07:59 AM

Get your self a sample pack.

Blades are a very personel thing. What works for some may not work for others.

**Moe** · 01-11-2010, 06:18 PM

Thanks for the reality check, guys, and for not enabling the AD! The Merkur 34C that arrived today is a beautiful piece of work--impeccable machining and deep, flawless plating. We'll give this at least a month or so with the blades on hand and then try a five pack each of some different blades, if necessary.

**Gruder** · 01-11-2010, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by Moe

Thanks for the reality check, guys, and for not enabling the AD! The Merkur 34C that arrived today is a beautiful piece of work--impeccable machining and deep, flawless plating. We'll give this at least a month or so with the blades on hand and then try a five pack each of some different blades, if necessary.

Good call. You could start the sampler pack a couple of weeks sooner if you wanted -- just give each blade a goot tryout. Blades are the most YMMV item we discuss here. Only you can know what works best for you in that regard.

(Of course, if a killer deal on a razor happens to show up in the bst while you're being patient and getting your technique down, who are we to stop you from pouncing...

).