Merkur 45 Bakelite Safety Razor - How Mild?

**mechanically** · 02-21-2012, 05:17 AM

Hi guys, wondered if any of you could speak to the mildness/aggressiveness of this razor?

In particular, I've found the best success with my Fatboy set to 4, with an Israeli blade, preferably a Crystal. I also do well with my 50's SS.

Headed to France this summer, and the wife is already giving me a hard time about my gram-counting tendencies in my packing list, and I see this as a perfect opportunity to let my AD off the hook!

I'm even considering how to shave down a Speick stick to fit in a lip balm container!

Thanks B&B!

**WesternModern** · 02-21-2012, 07:05 AM

A Fatboy set to 4/5 seems about right. It does have a different angle, though.
I've always gotten nice shaves from mine (with Derby blades).

**mblakele** · 02-21-2012, 11:14 AM

Agree, 4-5 sounds right. But I wanted to mention that a Speick stick has the right diameter for a plastic film canister. Put a coin in first, so it does not stick to the bottom, and you can fit enough Speick for a few weeks.

**mechanically** · 02-21-2012, 04:11 PM

Hey, great idea with the film canister! I could even make a little custom foil wrap for it so I can grab it to suds up. Thanks!

Any other opinions on the aggressiveness? Consensus seems to be a fatboy turned up halfway?