New Merkur 1904

**deruitem** · 01-08-2012, 05:04 AM

I got the 1904 open comb for Christmas. I have only shaven with it a few times and only with Gillette yellows so far. I like it but it seems to take a little more work to get as close as I did with my EJ89L. I think it will get better after I learn a little more on what works with the 1904.

What do you think about the Merkur 1904?

**itsmedave** · 01-08-2012, 05:27 AM

I have one and love it. Change your angle a bit and it will get every bit as close as your EJ. I've discovered that open combs work best for me at a 40 degree angle or so.

**Sledgehammer39** · 01-08-2012, 08:24 AM

Congrats, it's a sweet razor!

**Optometrist** · 01-08-2012, 01:29 PM

I have never loved open comb razors, always preferring the closed variety that seem to give me a closer shave. When I switched to straights some 6 months ago, I sold all my DEs except for my 1904 42. I love it for its quality, its looks, and of course, its shave.

**deruitem** · 01-08-2012, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by itsmedave

I have one and love it. Change your angle a bit and it will get every bit as close as your EJ. I've discovered that open combs work best for me at a 40 degree angle or so.

I will have to give this a shot, thanks for the tip

**Sfbagger** · 01-08-2012, 08:38 PM

Not only do I get a good shave, but the open comb 1904 looks terrific, with the old time style and nickel plate. I have both the open and closed comb versions and like 'em both.

Jeff

**dreadpirate** · 01-08-2012, 08:49 PM

Nice!

**Batman** · 01-08-2012, 09:02 PM

Had an OC, loved it except the handle. Too slippery.

**penan** · 01-09-2012, 02:44 AM

I have the 1904 closed combed and love it. For me it's better than the EJ89

**ateace** · 01-09-2012, 09:05 AM

My last two shaves have been with the closed comb 1904. Great looking and very effective razor.
I understand that the open comb version may be a bit milder, but there are great shaves to be had with that one as well.

Nice to see the 1904s getting some love.

**dpmtherrien** · 01-09-2012, 12:51 PM

The 1904 is my go to DE razor. I have both the OC and the safety bar. I find them to be the best DE's.

**deruitem** · 01-09-2012, 03:28 PM

What blade do you 1904 users use?

**mandoman** · 01-09-2012, 03:31 PM

Congrats enjoy it

**ateace** · 01-10-2012, 08:34 AM

Originally Posted by dpmtherrien

What blade do you 1904 users use?

I'm using a Vietnam Gillette Super Thin in my closed comb 1904.
Great combo for me.

**Dtwitch19** · 01-10-2012, 04:57 PM

I love my OC 1904. I've used many blades with it such as Personna Red's, Med's, and Lab's, Sharks and Astras. All worked great.

**Alraz** · 01-10-2012, 04:58 PM

Every razor is different, you will get used to it.

Al raz.

**deruitem** · 01-11-2012, 04:08 AM

I tried it with a feather yesterday. It may not have been my best shave ever but it was very close, almots complete BBS. The one interesting thing to me is that the razor seems to have little to no gap between base, blade and head. The gap is very small

**_MementoMori_** · 01-11-2012, 05:14 AM

I'm not a huge fan of Merkur in general, but their 1904 is an incredible razor and in my opinion the best one they produce.

**D.Jackson** · 01-11-2012, 06:05 AM

I have the closed comb. It was the first DE I ever bought, and I love it. I have a handful of razors, but the 1904 is the one I use 99% of the time. I love everything about it. The old-timey looking handle and nickel plating make it look awesome. I use tons of different blades, but some of my faves are Astra SP, Astra SS, Voskhod teflon coated, Bolzano, and Gillette Silver Blue.

**deruitem** · 01-12-2012, 04:37 AM

2 days ago I used a feather in the 1904 and got a great shave. Today not so much. I dont know if its the feather on a second shave or just an off day. Razor burn on the neck and a couple of weapers. I think I will not be using feathers anymore, one good shave for the price is not worth it for me. At least not when you can get as good of a shave with other blades