Merkur 9041001- Razor with comb

This is my first safety razor and I must say that I am now converted away from cartridge razors!The Merkur 1904 is a small, yet solidly build razor. The weight of the razor is just enough for a close shave with no need to add force (which is a good thing for safety razors). The balance in my hand seems to be really comfortable too. I was worried that maybe the handle would be too short, even for my small hands, but this was not the case at all. I believe that if you watch some "how to" safety razor shaving videos and understand how to hold and angle the blade that the handle size is perfect. If you had really large hands, it could be a problem, but I can't say for sure... :)The chrome finish is really quite nice also. I found no noticeable flaws anywhere, inside or out. The detailing on the handle is fairly simple but elegant. I added a couple pictures to amazon of this razor and one of them notes that the detailing does not have much of a grip. This concerned me a bit at first, but after using this for a few weeks, I have yet to have it slide/slip or anything similar. The only "downside" would be that soap "scum" builds up on the top after just a few shaves. It makes sense now that I think about the material and the glycerin soap I use. If you run into this, just wipe it down with a soft cloth after each use and no more problems! (Shouldn't be a big deal if you're patient enough to use a safety razor in the first place!)Inserting the blade is quite a simple task, just unscrew the top, throw a blade in and tighten the razor back up. I have tried to put the blade in crooked just to see if I could off set it at all, but the razors always seem to be aligned nicely (That's a good thing!) This razor doesn't seem to be too aggressive, but being my first safety razor, it's hard to really say! The "open comb" design is pretty nice actually, even without a beard. I think it provides an easy way for beginners like myself to really see if you are using the correct angle and position (since the combs protrude a bit in the direction of the blade).Well, I think I wrote what I have discovered about this razor fairly well, and I hope it helps some people out! Just to give some people an idea: When I used my Fusion razors, I would usually get 1 or 2 nicks and have really uncomfortable razor burn on my neck, no matter how careful I was shaving. The first shave with this blade: zero nicks and zero burn, literally the most comfortable I have ever felt after a shave. Granted it took 35 minutes to lather, shave, wash etc but I would rather spend that extra few minutes shaving well than a day of razor burn delights...After a few weeks, I'll never go back, ever. Make the switch!

To be perfectly honest, it was the steadily increasing cost of disposable blades that made me take a look at other options. I am SO glad that I did.It is true that I save a bundle using double edge blades over the higher cost disposable cartridges ( I wish I knew then what I know now). However, the big benefit to my surprise was the quality shave that can be obtained from one of these old school all metal beauties.The shaves I receive now are closer, smoother, and much less irritating. I do have to caution potential converts that there is a small learning curve making the switch. Therefore, it is likely that new users will suffer a few nicks or cuts in the beginning. However, if you take it slow, you won't have any major problems. It won't be long until the nicks and cuts are a thing of the past. So, I recommend to not get discouraged too soon by a few mishaps.I have purchased several different double edge razors of different models since giving up on disposables (over 30). Before you judge me, go onto the razor forums. You will find that I am one of many who have the same disease known as RAD (Razor Acquisition Syndrome). Of all the razors I have purchased and used, I have come to like the Merkur 1904 best of all. I find that I have the best overall control with this razor. I also like the open comb as it doesn't wipe away all the shaving soap from my face prior to making contact with the blade. The low profile head also allows me to easily shave my upper lip just under the nose.In short, I really prefer the shave of a double edge razor and the Merkur 1904 in my opinion is one of the best overall. I also really like the Edwin Jagger DE89 and use it often. I you can afford it, I would recommend both. But if I had to have just one, it would be the Merkur 1904.I would also recommend the switch from the canned shaving cream to a badger brush and some quality soap. The soaps not only smell better, but they lubricate the face better IMHO.Lastly, the choice of blade also makes a big difference. I personally like the Astra blades. I would recommend buying a sampler pack in the beginning to see what works for you.The secret is getting out. Give it a try! I doubt you will regret it.

I bought this razor in 2012 and have used it since ... Until a few days ago.The simple, straightforward design was nice, and the handle gave the impression of quality - good weight, nice plating, no obvious manufacturing defects. I loved using dirt cheap blades and getting a very close shave.The head didn't sit perfectly evenly. There wasn't a visible problem, but one side of the razor was always significantly more aggressive and irritating than the other which meant that tended to use the blade on one side more than the other and had to remove and rotate it if I wanted to get the full life out of a blade.Recently I was changing blades and the threads stopped engaging. I first thought it needed to be cleaned but that didn't help. Upon closer inspection the female threads must have slowly stripped. I have never overtightened the head - only tightened it sufficiently to prevent the razor from unscrewing during use. Merkur has not yet responded to an email to customer service but from what I can tell they don't back their warranty claims much.This is a reproduction of a hundred year old design, and many of those hundred year old razors are working just as well today as when they were made. Four years seems like a short lifespan for what this product should be. Heck, I got a Mach 3 handle free in the mail that I used for 15 years prior to getting this handle and it is still working.I will be buying a different brand of safety razor for the replacement.