Super Speed vs. Merkur 38 HD

**joscobo** · 09-18-2008, 08:01 PM

Hey all,
I posted a few days ago asking about the Merkur 38 HD. I got a lot of good replies about a slant. I don't think I'm interested in a slant yet in the evolution of this exercise. I really would like something more aggressive to use however. Checking the reviews for the razor here, I see it's the only one that doesn't have a rating for aggressiveness. (ugh)

So can someone, with experience, tell me how much more aggressive, if at all, the Merkur will be compared to my '60 Super Speed?

I get good results with my Gillette. But as in the previous post I want something with a fatter handle and a more aggressive shave to it.

Thanks for your help.

**sandpaper** · 09-18-2008, 09:54 PM

My experience has been that the HD is significantly more aggressive than my 60's SS. This results in a much smoother shaving experience for me, regardless of the blade I use. Smooth as in both not tearing up my face and giving me a closer shave.

With the HD, I really feel the blade as it shaves and I hear that awesome pinging as the blade attacks my whiskers. I don't experience that nearly as much with the SS.

Of course, YMMV, and there are plenty of people here who are devoted to the SS though I think it would be hard to argue that the HD is more aggressive razor by a pretty fair margin. Of course, I could be completely wrong.

**Stauff** · 09-18-2008, 11:24 PM

just for shave-geekery's sake: Merkur makes a 34C AKA the HD or 'Heavy Duty' which has a short handle, and a 38C AKA 'Barber Pole' (long handle).

A '38 HD' is confusing.

**AsylumGuido** · 09-19-2008, 08:13 AM

joscobo, have you considered the Red Tip Super Speed? It is by definition a more aggressive version of the standard Super Speed and has a more heft and a thicker handle than the standard. If you have already had success with the Super Speed it may be the logical next step. I have a few in varying conditions, all very good or better, that are available. Feel free to PM me if interested.

**studman46** · 09-19-2008, 10:50 AM

I have two superspeeds...flair silver tip and red tip, and two Merkur's...Futur and 39c slant and I can tell you from much experience that the Merkur's outperform the SS's in every way. I still recommend the Merkur 39c slant but if that's not for you, then the Merkur 38c on a barberpole; It's a very good razor. You can't go wrong, IMHO. Check out the razor reviews here and ask member's experience with whatever you choose. Good luck.

**Mr Mockett** · 09-19-2008, 11:51 AM

I'm a huge fan of the flare tip superspeeds. Honestly, I'm just a fan of superspeeds in general. I only own one Merkur (Slant HD).

**joscobo** · 09-19-2008, 08:11 PM

Well as luck would have it, my mind was made up for me. My wife is forced to quit teaching due to health issues, soooooooooooooo. NO new shaving equipment for me for a while. ( if ever, with the economy taking a ride on a psychotic horse running toward a burning barn.)
I'm getting good shaves with my current razor and I'll be content with it for now.
I was beginning to feel torn between the standard or the slant now anyway.
I'll continue to enjoy my morning shaves and I thank all of you who have taken the time to respond and offer advice.

**Gogo** · 09-20-2008, 06:10 PM

I have a few SS's including a c.1949. It's a pretty mild shave for me, but I do get somewhat of a cool feeling using something that has been around for over 50 years. My Slant is great, but for me, it's not a daily shaver. Have you thought about the Futur? If I only had one razor to use, it would be the one. The heft and adjustability make it worth it. I've heard that the 38C has similar characteristics with a smaller head for hard to reach places.