Merkur Slant Questions??

[Redstickjohn]

I just yesterday acquired a vintage Merkur Slant. I have followed a few threads about these razors, but I have a few questions:

1. What advantage does this slant give you? What am I looking for in using this razor?

2. What should I be particularly carefull about? This thing looks like it could slice me wide open.

3. Looks like a great candidate for a replate. Thinking of doing it in nickel. Comments?

Thanks,
John

[jpakstis]

1. Because the blade is slanted, it actually cuts at an angle, and produces a "scything" action. Research "Gillette slide" as a technique, and that's similar to what the slant does. I find that the passes are very easy to make (for better and for worse - you might cut yourself and not feel it until later).

2. I find that, technique-wise, you just need to be very light with the touch. Otherwise, you'll be fine. The only other issue I have with the slant is that its not very nimble in some areas (esp. under the nose) and not very good at maintaining sideburns. Aside from those issues, its my daily razor.

3. I love Nickel as a replate. It has a "sepia" tone to it that chrome or other bright metals don't have.

[mblakele]

Nickel should look great.

Be careful, though: some or all of a vintage slant may be zamak or another zinc alloy, rather than brass. Be sure the replater knows that and can handle it.

[gus1942]

I just yesterday acquired a vintage Merkur Slant. I have followed a few threads about these razors, but I have a few questions:

1. What advantage does this slant give you? What am I looking for in using this razor?

2. What should I be particularly carefull about? This thing looks like it could slice me wide open.

3. Looks like a great candidate for a replate. Thinking of doing it in nickel. Comments?

Thanks,
John

I probably get my best shaves from my 37c and 39c. Use strokes as you would with any other DE. I use Astra SPs and Feathers. Think of it as your nonagressive agressive razor. Replating is YMMV.

[celestino]

1. Because the blade is slanted, it actually cuts at an angle, and produces a "scything" action. Research "Gillette slide" as a technique, and that's similar to what the slant does. I find that the passes are very easy to make (for better and for worse - you might cut yourself and not feel it until later).

2. I find that, technique-wise, you just need to be very light with the touch. Otherwise, you'll be fine. The only other issue I have with the slant is that its not very nimble in some areas (esp. under the nose) and not very good at maintaining sideburns. Aside from those issues, its my daily razor.

3. I love Nickel as a replate. It has a "sepia" tone to it that chrome or other bright metals don't have.

+1

[Redstickjohn]

Thanks for all the replies. You guys are great. Although this razor is pitted, I decided to clean it up and try it out this afternoon. I hadn't shaved this morning, so the timing was perfect. I whipped up some Tabac, put in a new Astra SP, and just used it. It was GREAT! Smooth as glass. No issues whatsoever. I got an incredible BBS with three passes--got under the nose just perfectly, and got one of my best shaves ever. These razors rock. Splashed on some new Floid I just got in today, and my face feels great.
Where the plating is corroded I can see the base metal, and it does not appear to be brass. Who is my best option for replating?

[dreadpirate]

In my opinion, the slant glides more easily because of the slicing motion. Other razors tend to tug across your face. I have a slant and really like it.

[pirateskull]

The slant is one of my favorite razors!

[Quigg]

I keep coming back to my slant; I get a great shave with less buffing than other razors.

[gus1942]

+1

I agree, Celestino. I've had to change my mustache area stroke a bit. The slant is a little different and slightly more difficult for buffing action, but I almost have it down.

Gus

[American1911]

It's good to have a slant in the den. You will be amazed at how much more efficient it cuts, especially ATG.

[dieselfuel79]

Instead of a "Mom" tattoo, I am getting a heart with the word "Slant" in the middle of it.

[tmurzz]

There isn't anything to be worried about. Just be cautious until you are extremely comfortable.