SMF

Also, stretching the skin (which you don't really need to do with DE) also takes a bit more time. I beg to differ - Stretching the skin is also a well documented traditional DE technique for the same reason as straight razor shavers do it ..., to expose the hair. If you don't then the shave suffers...

I think for now, I'm leaning towards a straight edge for the challenge. The "lost art" part of it interests me. Some wise words written by Gordon et al - 'new & modern' doesn't mean it is better, and the Futur & Vision are no 'upgrade' IMV. I agree with Michael a Slant is one poss...

The blade exposure remains constant as you can see in this photograph:



Regards
John

nteeman wrote:...,you can see, and hear the blade twist.

That's Merkur manufacturing tolerances for you - plenty of wiggle room.

Regards
John

They're "Old Types" - since you mentioned no Serial No this would indicate post Aug 1921 - the handle will also have the renewed patent date of 1920. This page is very good for dating razors: http://www.geocities.com/safetyrazors/gil_ser2.htm but it does require some decoding to understand...

The blade in a slant is slightly twisted-- That is definately an opinion and not fact ...., & even if it were true it would be a miniscule twist would it not? To understand the geometry take a letter sized piece of paper and let it curve like a loaded razor blade - now slant the long edge diago...

......,

That looks nice for the price - a bargain in fact ..., assuming the holder is well designed & made.

Is it well made & designed?...., if it is I may buy a few as gifts.

Regards
John

The Feather is rather expensive - the holder & the blades. Personally I would go for the cut-throat (straight) as it is pretty much a one-off purchase. The Dovo loaded with a snapped DE blade is good for touch-ups but there are cheaper options which work just as well but are not as pretty - I us...

Why does someone get a slant razor? - Because it's there. How easy are they to use? - They're just as easy & as safe to use as any DE. Slants are OK, but they don't do anything that a 'standard' razor can't do, infact they have a disadvantage. Is it an everyday razor? - Sure it can be, however y...

In the fear of pushing up prices, but yes ..., it is relatively rare.

Regards
John

Yep it’s true Mo, the Gold (Aristocrat) Long Handled Adjustable was made only for the Christmas 1969 campaign. Try your chrome long handle on a setting of around 4 – I think I’ll use mine tomorrow now.

Regards
John

The 1969 Black Handled Adjustables hardly get a mention on the forums, but the all-metal headed ones (plastic irritates me – not my skin, just the thought of) are nice razors – especially the long handled adjustable – a real joy to use that one. A gold long handled adjustable is probably even more r...

Since it is coming I would keep the slant as you can learn on that razor just as well as any other. I consider the slant as a bit of a training razor. The built-in chevron stroke actually makes shaving easier as your technique can be straight up & down. So I would initially buy a cheap disposabl...

Ted Pella blades are primarily sold to scientific/lab users so you can’t always be sure they work well as shaving blades, although those single-edge stainless steel blades are said to be good. A bit of history…, In the 1950’s Personna (GEM/Ever-Ready etc) invented the Stainless Steel Blade and marke...

If you look at the photo of the razors at the top of the page you can see where I think Merkur got it wrong aesthetically. That bulbous bit at the top of the handle near the head just doesn’t do it for me – a graceful curved neck (without the turtle-neck) would have been better. Still, generally goo...

Rafi,

While there is nothing wrong with the above advice your original idea of going for a 1940's Superspeed is a good one - it is a heck of a razor, highly recommended & a design classic IMV.

Regards
John

I own Ted Pella Carbon Steel blades - they work fine except they do as you would expect surface rust. This surface rust is an aesthetic problem only - Carbon Steel is not quite as sharp as untreated Stainless Steel, but they keep their edge. Untreated (i.e. not Platinum edged etc) Stainless Steel bl...

Glenn, I'd go for the Classic Long Handle - the only Merkur I truly love. While I can understand why some love their HD, but for some reason it hasn't really one my affection. To tell you the truth I'd even choose a Merkur Long Handled Classic over a Gillette Fatboy. I haven't (as yet) tried the 38C...

-- it's what you want to shave with that is important. Of course it is each to his own - but the pseudo-science that the “beard-reduction” advocates wrap around the technique inflates its standing & makes what should be a simple task into some “Zen” activity. Gentlemen are getting the impressio...