Is my Razor useable?

**SilverKarn** · 02-19-2007, 02:32 PM

I read a post here before about a guys defective DE razor, it had more blade exposure on one side compared to the other.

I took out my calipers, and measured my razor, there is about a millimeter difference in blade exposure on one side than the other.

could this cause bad shaves? should i get an exchange?

**rhett121** · 02-19-2007, 03:55 PM

What razor is it? Well it doesn't really matter. I would send it back anyway. If it's the Merkur Progress, you might get a better one. What I've found is that some are just sloppily made at times. There are ways to get around this though.

**takehiro12** · 02-20-2007, 02:33 PM

Just getting into wetshaving here and got a Merkur HD that I haven't started using yet and I noticed the same thing. I joined this site to ask that very question. It's definitely a noticeable difference. Should both sides be exactly even? Should I return it?

**reeffanatic** · 02-20-2007, 02:50 PM

My HD is the same way. The blade has slightly more exposure on one side than the other. I wouldn't worry about it too much my HD shaves just fine on both sides.

**SilverKarn** · 02-20-2007, 03:01 PM

i might not return it,

I'm trying to use it as a half assed adjustable, i use the side with less exposure for ATG passes, and the side with more exposure for WTG/XTG passes.

it worked today pretty good, i have to reverse he blade every shave to get an even blade useage, but it works so far

**fritz** · 02-20-2007, 03:06 PM

Well, IMHO, that's just not acceptable. I would advise you to get a refund/exchange. You have paid for a good razor, and deserve what you paid for.

**SilverKarn** · 02-20-2007, 03:31 PM

i know, i still have time to return it, but hey, if this works for me, than its an unexpected side effect for a dud

**takehiro12** · 02-20-2007, 03:36 PM

Now I'm confused about what to do. Is it the norm for a HD to be even on both sides? I'd rather use a good razor instead of a dud.

**scorpion** · 02-20-2007, 03:43 PM

It's supposed to be even. But it's pretty common to see one that isn't. Some folks never notice and some folks it drives them crazy.

**mjsorkin** · 02-20-2007, 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by takehiro12

Now I'm confused about what to do. Is it the norm for a HD to be even on both sides? I'd rather use a good razor instead of a dud.

Yes, it should be even on both sides.

---Michael

**takehiro12** · 02-20-2007, 03:45 PM

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll return it. Don't want to start out on the wrong foot.

**scorpion** · 02-20-2007, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by takehiro12

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll return it. Don't want to start out on the wrong foot.

Can't go wrong there and you're within your rights to do so. Truth be told, you may not even notice the difference, but with a light-touch technique thing like DE shaving now that you HAVE noticed it, it will always be in your head playing tricks on you. Theoretically at least... it doesn't matter all that much how much blade is showing as long as you are using very light pressure and the proper blade angle. Look at your straight razor shavers for example.