Should I buy a Merkur 11C?

[cvac]

I've tried a handful of vintage Gillettes and over time settled on the EJDE89L as my daily shaver for over 2 years. I'm really not into swapping razors all the time like some guys here.

However, I've never tried an open comb razor and would like to. A store near me sells some Merkurs, including the 11C. Will this give me a good open comb experience? I'd like an open comb that isn't too much more aggressive than my EJ, but will give a closer shave during my normal 2-pass morning routine without irritation.

Please don't tell me to get a Fatip or R41 or whatever...not interested in those at all.

[cluelessdude]

I was in the same situation as you except I went all the way and got the R41. First shave with it on Friday to remove 3 days worth of stubble. I say go with the 11C as you'll never know what you're missing without trying it.

[kingfisher]

Is the 11C another name for the 1904?

[talibeard]

I don't think it is more aggressive at all. The Merkur OC's shave a little different than the Mühle/EJ safety bar head but are pretty mild and won't even give you a close shave when you don't pay enough attention to your blade angle; they sure can shave close but have very limited shaving-angles in which they do so. The term aggressive is imo not meant for describing the Merkur OC's at all; they are mild and you will have a hard time trying to hurt yourself with any of them.

[mikeschu]

Is the 11C another name for the 1904?

No, they're two different razors. The 11C is the open-comb version of the 34C (Merkur HD).

I've been shaving with the 11C for a week and while I like it, I'm not entirely thrilled with it. It seems to be a little more abrasive on my face than a NEW Long Comb. But that might be down to having to find a different blade for the razor.

I do like the 11C over the 34C though, but YMWV as my face seems to agree with open-combs more.

[MilesTeg]

My first was an 11C, and I was afraid it would be too aggressive until I tried it. I find it to be very mild and easy to get a close (but not quite BBS) shave with. I mostly use a Futur now, but I switch back and forth sometimes. I used it yesterday and today, as a matter of fact. I can see no reason not to try it; it's a great razor. I find that listening is the best way to tell if you are using the right blade angle...it has a pretty narrow "sweet spot", outside of which you are not shaving whiskers at all.

[Oscroft]

Is the 11C another name for the 1904?

Not the same, but as far as I know, the head geometry and shaving action of the two are similar - and if I'm right, then I don't think you'll have any trouble with one. I have a 1904, and I wouldn't say it's aggressive at all, but it does feel quite different to a DE89.

So yes, I'd say go for it - I think the Merkur OCs are good introductions to the whole Open Comb thing.

(Mind you, the R41 and Fatip are both terrific )

[thunder54]

Yes try the 11c. If you do not like it you can always put it on BST

[inspiringK]

Neither of the poll options are really applicable, this is not an aggressive razor.

I like open combs and really like the head on the 1904 OC. The Merkur OC head may be my most used razor. The handle on is kind of crappy though. At the same time, the 34C is a really nice razor with a great handle.

I have to assume the 11C is the best of both worlds, so yes, try it.

[mikeschu]

Yes try the 11c. If you do not like it you can always put it on BST

Also note that the 11C is discontinued. I think the Superior Shave may a few left but can't speak for them.

[Arsenal4Eva]

Also note that the 11C is discontinued. I think the Superior Shave may a few left but can't speak for them.

+1 I was just going to say this myself. Now that it's been discontinued, if you want to buy one brand new, you're going to have to act fast.

[basko]

I have both and don't think the 11C is much more aggressive than the EJ89. I prefer the 11C though because of the open comb. But like the others said, if you're going to buy one you better get one it quick!

[alex2363]

oh well, its unanimous

[dpmtherrien]

By all means get the 11c if you can. Merkur has discontinued this model. I have both the 11c and the 1904 OC. Both are good, but I prefer the 11c. The head is really slim, and its easy to get into tight spaces, like under the nose. I always used my 1904 OC, but after using my 11c that became my go to OC.

[gus1942]

Another excellent alternative would be 37c or 39c slant.

Gus

[celestino]

i would highly recommend the Gillette Old Type OC. You should be able to find one for a very cheap price. Great, smooth shavers. They are a bit more aggressive than the 11C or the 1904!

[dreadpirate]

Is the 11C another name for the 1904?

No, 2 different razors. Same head though. The 11C has a heavier handle; the 1904 is plated in Nickel; the 11C is plated in chrome.

[mikeschu]

cvac - you know, I'd sell you my 11C if you want, for what I paid in trade for it. PM me if you're interested - it's less than what you'd pay elsewhere.

[xraygun]

I have all of the above mentioned. Get a Joris instead.

[Sledgehammer39]

It's a bit more aggressive than the Jagger but it's a sweet razor, get it.