Merkur: Myth or Magic?

**Mendel** · 12-11-2011, 10:58 PM

I was torn between an Edwin Jagger De 89 and a Merkur 34c , so I got them both. I have yet to use the Merkur, but I did notice that its chrome job is not anywhere near that of the EJ. I'm just wondering if this transcends to Merkur blade quality as well?

**conroygc** · 12-11-2011, 11:36 PM

Most everyone dislikes Merkur blades. Don't buy a pack. Even those who do like them will admit they are overpriced for what they are.

**Evil Malkil** · 12-12-2011, 04:28 AM

I really like my 34c and the rugged almost industrial look on it.

As for the blades: Dont like!

**Foyle** · 12-12-2011, 04:40 AM

The chrome on the EJ is outstanding but the 34C is an excellent razor. As to the blades, I used them for quite a while. They're good blades and I don't think they are over priced. We spend a whole lot more money on things we like a whole lot less than shaving so griping about paying $5.99 for a 10 pack of Merkur blades is pointless. Other blades are cheaper yes but none of us are paying what it used to cost to buy blades. You know back in the bad old days you'd be paying between $11.00 and $13.00 for a pack of Gillette blades. If they work for you then they are worth the money. I'm actually thinking about going back to them. They always provided a good, irritation free shave. I've been trying other blades lately and having mixed results.

**kbuzbee** · 12-12-2011, 05:29 AM

Count me in the group that finds Merkur razors and blades as nothing special. They're both fine. Used them for years without issue, but I've moved on and not looking back.

Cheers,

Ken

**ateace** · 12-12-2011, 07:41 AM

The 34C gives me a better shave

EJ wins on looks and finish, but they are slightly less effective for me.

**RichGem** · 12-12-2011, 07:48 AM

Merkur blades are utter trash. However, the razors themselves are great.

**edgerunner** · 12-12-2011, 08:51 AM

EJ looks shinier and feels luxury; 34C looks industrial and feels solid. It's just a personal preference.
I get better shaves with 34C YMMV.
Merkur blades are not worth the price for me.

**jsj_297** · 12-12-2011, 09:27 AM

Merkurs always had blade alignment issues. They are great shavers though, I just cant stand all the fussing around to get the blade straight, and for $40+ you shouldnt have to.
The EJ is prettier for sure, and I never had a single issue with blade alignment, and ive had 2 different models of the 89 series. Go figure.

I still own a 3pc travel CC Merkur, and it has no alignment issues, and all the ones ive ever had problems with were all 2 piece, maybe that has something to do with it, I dunno. Im no scientist.

**talibeard** · 12-12-2011, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by kbuzbee

Count me in the group that finds Merkur razors and blades as nothing special. They're both fine. Used them for years without issue, but I've moved on and not looking back.

Cheers,

Ken

Agreed. At their price point both razors and blades should be a lot better made and as it is now they are simply too expensive for what they are.

**dpmtherrien** · 12-12-2011, 01:14 PM

All my DE's, 4 of them, are Merkur and I'm more than satisfied with them.

The Merkur blades are another story. They're overpriced and IMHO not very good.

**Omaha-BeenGlockin** · 12-12-2011, 04:30 PM

I've only used the blades they give you when you buy a Merkur----in the 38 and 37, not so much---in the Futur, decent results----but then again the Futur has the abililty to make most any ol blade give an acceptable shave.

**The Count of Merkur Cristo** · 12-13-2011, 05:10 AM

Hmmmm...Myth or Magic you say?

Well then, my vote goes to 'Magic'.

Becuase so far (a few years with this brand under my belt & I'm very impressed), I've had no problems, issues and/or concerns (never tried the blades on the other hand), with my 23C & 38C and I'm
100% satisfied.

"Merkur; Solingen quality, Time-tested Tradition with Modern Design".

"A razor [blade] can't be sharpened on a piece of velvet." Author Unknown

**bkfist** · 12-13-2011, 05:42 AM

For me, certainlly NOT magic, but I can't say I've ever seen any "myth" either... That would imply that a large number of people believe that they were "excellent" products, and they are not. Anyone who has handled a decent example of a Gillette, Feather, EJ, Muehle, Joris, Pils, can instantly spot the low quality, cheap construction of a Merkur razor. (Even the $15 plastic & steel Feather Popular puts Merkur to shame)

The fit/finish of the razors are utter "made in China" level, and the blades are well below the "50th percentile" in sharpness/longevity.

There is nothing mythical OR magical about Merkur products.

If the blades were $10/100 and the razors were 1/3 the price that they are, then they might be an average bargain, but even then there are better blades at the same price.

(All just my opinion, of course)

**Cary Grant** · 12-13-2011, 06:31 AM

I was having a bad time with my HD and as for the Slant, I just couldn't use it. But now I know that was all because of bad technique and I am now using the HD and Slant with stella results. I wouldn't say myth nor magic but I would say they are excellent. The finnish doesn't bother me as it is good enough and is perfectly functional.

**cfender** · 12-13-2011, 06:55 AM

I've owned a 23c, 37c, and a Merkur Open Comb Travel Razor.

None compared in workmanship to my R41, or vintage SS and Fatboy.

I've never tried an EJ but I'd recommend it over the Merkur if the shaving heads were similar between the two. I don't hink EJ makes a Slant.

**itsmedave** · 12-14-2011, 05:44 AM

I've owned a 34C,37c, 39c, Progress, Futur, 38C, and have a Vision on the way. I like Merkur and have never had a single problem out of one.

**Oscroft** · 12-14-2011, 06:10 AM

I like Merkur razors (especially the "Bakelite"), but I really don't like the blades - they just don't seem sharp enough.

While Merkur and EJ razors both work great for me, EJ are a class above in terms of fit and finish, with really beautiful chrome work, and they're much better value.

**aimsport** · 12-14-2011, 06:39 AM

In Merkur I see a fundamentally good design trying to overcome poor execution in manufacturing.

My Merkur Barber Pole sides shave differently. I believe this is because the manufacturing process put a more acute rougher edge on one side that scrapes more of the lather off. The razor still gives me a fine shave. I keep it and use it for sentimental reasons as it was a gift from my brother. Every time I use it I am reassured I have my fundamentals right. In contrast the DE89L manufacturing and finish is spectacular. It give a much easier and forgiving shave than can be just as close.

The Merkur Barber Pole with Merkur blade combo will definitely make you suffer if you have bad technique or take too many passes.

I am using both less frequently in my rotation because the R41 2011 has become my daily razor.