Merkur Super's are less than ideal!!

**truthseeker** · 08-08-2007, 09:10 PM

I just used a new Merkur Super blade for my second DE shave ever (used a Derby Extra my first time). My neck feels like someone took a rake and grinded it back and forth on my neck!

I rubbed "my nick is sealed" on about 15 nicks on my neck and even in the places where there was no blood it still stung like hell.

I put the used Derby Extra back in and it was shaving without any problems! Are the Merkur Super blades duller than Derby Extra's? Also, is there a list somewhere that show's the blade sharpness from sharp to sharpest? Thanks!!

VR6ofpain · 08-08-2007, 09:16 PM

The only thing I have found Merkur blades to be useful for is extremely aggressive (lots of blade exposure) razors. If I load up my Aristocrat with one, the blade is dull enough not to cut me for two passes. The problem is, even after pass three I still have stubble. ATG...forget about it.

**truthseeker** · 08-08-2007, 09:25 PM

I am using a "Gillete New" with these blades and I am thankful that I did not use the Merkur Super for my first shave ever or I would have thrown out all of the stuff I have bought for DE shaving (SMFIII brush, brush stand, Gillette New Razor, Murker Mergress (waiting for it to arrive), Tabac shaving soap, 2 orders of sample blades and other miscellaneous products). That would have been a lot of money down the drain.

**gse123** · 08-08-2007, 10:29 PM

My first ever shave was with a merkur blade, and I thought it was ok. Never tried one again though.

**rtaylor61** · 08-08-2007, 10:35 PM

I got a 5 pack. Used 2 or three. Not impressed. I have too many other good blades to choose from. YMMV!

Randy

**TimmyBoston** · 08-08-2007, 10:43 PM

I personally can't shave with a Merkur, but let's not bash them too much, we do have some members here who use them with much success.

**Magnulus** · 08-09-2007, 12:58 AM

I think your technique is just off. Merkur blades are sort of middle-of-the-road. Somewhat sharp, but not the most forgiving. Derby's seem to be a little less sharp (not much), last longer, but also are more forgiving. Your mileage may vary, as they say.

The worst blade I've tried? American Personnas/CVS/Walgreens. Not terribly sharp, dulls quickly, not the most comfortable. But even then I can use them a few times- if I cork them.

Oh yeah, what razor are you using? An adjustable turned up way too high can give you razor burn and cuts. I think the Merkur HD is an OK razor but honestly a beginner would probably be happier with a Weishi, Gillette Tech/Super Speed, that sort of thing. Slightly less aggressive and lighter weight.

**Slant-Fan** · 08-09-2007, 05:47 AM

Definitely proves YMMV. I have a similar result to truthseeker when I have used Derbys while I get good shaves with Merkur Supers. For me the Gillette Swede is the best with Feather a close second. The Merkur would be third in the pecking order.

**mozart** · 08-09-2007, 06:07 AM

No offense, but if this is was only your "second DE shave ever", I would be very careful with using the word "suck". When I did my second DE shave ever, I used that word only with respect to my own technique, not with respect to any equipment.

Indeed, the Merkur blades work just fine for many people. The way to go is to order a blade sampler and try all the blades out until you find the one (or few) that are compatible with your beard and razor. Also keep in mind that the first shave with a blade is often the worst. Apparently, some blades need to be "conditioned". I hope you were not using the Merkur blade that came with a Merkur razor. Those have been jostled around so much, that they are usually very dull. Finally, the rest of the shave, i.e. preparation and after-shave routine, is as important for the results of a shave as the razor/blade combo. When comparing blades, make sure you use a somewhat standardized routine.

Best - MM

**Rhino** · 08-09-2007, 06:11 AM

Originally Posted by mozart

I hope you were not using the Merkur blade that came with a Merkur razor. Those have been jostled around so much, that they are usually very dull. Best - MM

Heh...Oops! Though I get a decent shave on the jaw and cheeks, my neck is still being irritated. Time for a Derby!

**minstrel** · 08-09-2007, 06:38 AM

As mozart says above, two DE shaves isn't enough to actually be able to tell anything about anything. There's just so much to learn in the beginning. It took me several months to get the technique somewhat consistent from shave to shave. Also, when still learning, you should try to keep most things the same until you're certain you have learned the technique. There's too much to learn in the beginning to start changing blades, and certainly not change blades between every other shave. Also use the same soap or cream and brush. It's tempting to try different equipment and products, but it really is best to keep to one setup until you are more proficient.

I'm not a Merkur blade enthusiast myself, though. I can shave with them, but they feel a little rough to me. I almost exclusively use the Israeli no-name blades at the moment.

**Slant-Fan** · 08-09-2007, 06:44 AM

What Mozart said is right on the money. On another forum a guy posted that he used a Dorco in a Merkur Slant. He was unimpressed with the Slant. The Dorco was on day 5 ! For me the Dorco is one of the worst blades I have used on day one. Say that to say that everyones skin/beard is different and what will work for one person may not work for another. Preparation is of paramount importance as well.

**Flaxorca** · 08-09-2007, 06:51 AM

Originally Posted by minstrel

As mozart says above, two DE shaves isn't enough to actually be able to tell anything about anything. There's just so much to learn in the beginning. It took me several months to get the technique somewhat consistent from shave to shave. Also, when still learning, you should try to keep most things the same until you're certain you have learned the technique. There's too much to learn in the beginning to start changing blades, and certainly not change blades between every other shave. Also use the same soap or cream and brush. It's tempting to try different equipment and products, but it really is best to keep to one setup until you are more proficient.

I'm not a Merkur blade enthusiast myself, though. I can shave with them, but they feel a little rough to me. I almost exclusively use the Israeli no-name blades at the moment.

+1 on keeping things simple and similar in the beginning.

Although I can't always control myself, I do try to change as little as possibly. When I do that I see the biggest improvements in shaves. If you want to try different brands anyway there was a poll on that a little while ago, where people suggested to stick with a certain brand for 3 or more blades. This is what I do now, but since I do 3 shaves a blade and don't shave every day I have not been able to test a lot of brands yet, but I figure I have many years of testing left

.

**Furex** · 08-09-2007, 07:25 AM

Originally Posted by mozart

No offense, but if this is was only your "second DE shave ever", I would be very careful with using the word "suck". When I did my second DE shave ever, I used that word only with respect to my own technique, not with respect to any equipment.

+1 very well said.

The one Merkur I have used, it was a pretty decent blade. A little too expensive, that's true.

**truthseeker** · 08-09-2007, 10:38 AM

Who changed the title of my thread? I tried to change it to "Merkur Super's Suck!! (at least for me)".

**Slant-Fan** · 08-09-2007, 12:05 PM

Originally Posted by truthseeker

Who changed the title of my thread? I tried to change it to "Merkur Super's Suck!! (at least for me)".

Only a moderator can change a thread title.

**hyperwarp** · 08-09-2007, 12:44 PM

At least you can get Merkur DE's to cut. I sampled 2 & moved on. There's a lotta better blades to sample & settle on.

**Flaxorca** · 08-10-2007, 01:33 AM

After reading this thread I decided to try a Merkur again, after shaving with Derby for about 2 weeks now. I must say that it was a comfortable shave... The same as the first few weeks of wet shaving when I used them. I guess for me Merkur blades are a very save and forgiving blade, that give a reasonable smooth shave...

**Magnulus** · 08-10-2007, 07:12 AM

I think you should try a Derby blade. The whole "Method Shaving" thing suggests it as a good beginner blade. Stick with it for a week, see how it goes, then try that Merkur blade again, then go back to the Derby's. Derby's are polymer coated and seem to be fairly forgiving, though some people don't find them sharp enough.

One thing I have learned, through alot of trial and error, is not to make snap judgements about anything, including razors. I used to be a very picky person and consequently was unhappy with just about everything I bought. Just an example but I do alot of mail-ordering of motorcycle gear. One time I got a pair of summer goat skin ventillated gloves and I hated the gloves on my first ride and put them away for 3 weeks. They were pinching my hand a little right between my thumb and forefinger, and they had a wierd snap on them under the wrist that just felt wierd. But rather than put them up on eBay, I stuck with them a while longer, the leather broke in alot and didn't pinch my hand anymore, and today the gloves are my favorite summer gloves. Likewise, with a razor blade you can't tell anything by the first or second shave, especially while you are just learning... give the blade some time and make a sober judgement later. With a change of a few variables you might change your mind about the blade.