merkur razor numbers

kosa · 10-05-2008, 07:08 AM

hi,

I am wondering if the merkur 23C and merkur #180 are the same razor? also, is the merkur #180 same as the merkur classic long hand? I have the merkur #178 which, i believe is the HD - is it correct? I find that the handle is too short and stubby, and was thinking about the 23C or #180 but I am not sure if that is the same razor. if not, what is the difference? Thank you in advance for your expert advice.

**dpm802** · 10-05-2008, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by kosa

hi,

I am wondering if the merkur 23C and merkur #180 are the same razor? also, is the merkur #180 same as the merkur classic long hand? I have the merkur #178 which, i believe is the HD - is it correct? I find that the handle is too short and stubby, and was thinking about the 23C or #180 but I am not sure if that is the same razor. if not, what is the difference? Thank you in advance for your expert advice.

Like yourself, I find the Merkur numbering system confusing ... I'm just now starting to figure it out.

I wish there was a chart online somewhere that listed all the numbers and translated it into the common name and a description. For example:

34G = Heavy Duty Gold (or HDG) = straight head with short, thick handle.

39C = "Sledgehammer Slant" = slant head with Barber Pole handle.

**blade08** · 10-05-2008, 01:56 PM

Their site has a nice catalogue which can be donwloaded and viewed in PDF format. www.dovo.com

**Crag** · 10-15-2008, 12:32 AM

Welcome to B&B!!!

**scottish steve** · 10-24-2008, 05:58 AM

Yeah, check this out http://www.dovo.com/merkur.html#. Looks like a Merkur-comb pseudo-tech!

**ateace** · 10-24-2008, 07:55 AM

It seems that the two-digit numbers refer to the razors themselves (33=Classic, 34=HD, 38=Long HD "Barberpole", 42=1904, 37=HD slant,etc.) C or G denotes chrome or gold finish. I think the three-digit numbers indicate a razor in a plastic case - I have no idea what's what with those, yet.

hio88 · 10-05-2010, 02:42 PM

Originally Posted by ateace

It seems that the two-digit numbers refer to the razors themselves (33=Classic, 34=HD, 38=Long HD "Barberpole", 42=1904, 37=HD slant,etc.) C or G denotes chrome or gold finish. I think the three-digit numbers indicate a razor in a plastic case - I have no idea what's what with those, yet.

Good information but I have to reiterate the original poster's question as it seems to be still unanswered and I'm wondering myself. If you go on amazon and search for "merkur" (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...merkur&x=0&y=0) you get a number of items popping up.

I ordered and have the Merkur 180. How does that differ from the 178? How do the 178 and 180 model numbers translate to 33/34/37/38/42? Are they distinct models or are they simply different model numbers for the same product?

**webflunkie** · 10-25-2010, 02:58 PM

I'm totally new to DE as well and have ordered a Merkur 180 from Amazon thinking that it is the same as the 23C. After some google searching, I've found the following:

http://www.theindianfoodstore.com/me...rome--180.html

Which says: "Model 23C refers to Merkur's catalog number while the razor is also known as #180 within the United States."

This site:

http://www.royalshave.com/p/401-018-...lated_23c.html

Also says the 180 is the same as the 23C. Hopefully this is correct.

**El Judio Bravo** · 10-25-2010, 03:45 PM

Originally Posted by hio88

I ordered and have the Merkur 180. How does that differ from the 178? How do the 178 and 180 model numbers translate to 33/34/37/38/42? Are they distinct models or are they simply different model numbers for the same product?

I bought my first Merkur from a seller calling it the "178". It is more commonly known as the Heavy Duty and the 34C. "C" designates chrome finish, "G" is for the gold model.