PottyDoctor
02-10-2007, 09:12 AM
Yes, the Merkur 1904 occupies the #1 spot in my razor rotation! I pick it up more mornings than any other DE I have. Number 2 is the Merkur HD, and the Merkur Classic comes in third. I have several vintage DE's that I will pick up on rare occasion, but the Merkur 1904 just seems to "fit like a glove." It just works for me.
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/6649/merkur1904fv3.th.jpg (http://img242.imageshack.us/my.php?image=merkur1904fv3.jpg)
I love its classic looks and styling. I like the feel of its 6-sided Faceted handle...it has a feel unlike any other razor I have in my arsenal. Kind of an 'indexed' feel that places it in the 'right' position every time. And the texture is very friendly for wet, slick hands. For lack of a better description...'it just fits my hand'.
Now, I also like my HD, but the slightly lighter weight of the 1904 allows me to achieve a 'lighter stroke', thus less irritation. It it my favorite tool for 'beard reduction'. Yes, it is true that the 1904, Classic and HD all have the same head geometry, but out of the three, the 1904 has become my favorite. Matter of fact, the 1904 and the Classic will interchange heads and handles. I can get the same shave with the Classic, but the 1904 is 'easier to hold onto' because of its shape and textured handle.
According to several sources the Merkur is temporarily out of production due to the making of a new tool for casting the handle [old one had excessive wear]. There is apparently some existing stock out there, since several online vendors are still showing it available. Charles at QED advises to check with him before ordering to verify stock. Lee's Razors, Classic Shaving and Em's Place all show them on their websites. Prices range from $22 to $26.99. The 1904 is available in both Regular and Open comb.
I currently only own the Regular in the 1904. I have a Classic in an open comb and don't really care for the feel of the open comb against my face. The Regular just seems to give me a smoother shave.
If you don't own a 1904, you ought to give it a try. $22 for a brand new razor that will last a lifetime is a great value. It is definitely a razor I would recommend for newbies and oldies. If I could only have one DE, it would obviously be the Merkur 1904; along with a C&E Best Badger Brush, it is a great pair for both classic looks and top class performance.
What blade do I use in the 1904? Top choice is the Swedish Gillette with the Israeli Personna and the Derby Extra tying for second place. The Feather is a great blade, but just doesn't work for me...a little too much tremor in my hands.
No, I don't work for Merkur and I don't sell Merkur razors. I just wanted to share one of the best kept secrets of DE shaving: The Merkur 1904! ;)
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/6649/merkur1904fv3.th.jpg (http://img242.imageshack.us/my.php?image=merkur1904fv3.jpg)
I love its classic looks and styling. I like the feel of its 6-sided Faceted handle...it has a feel unlike any other razor I have in my arsenal. Kind of an 'indexed' feel that places it in the 'right' position every time. And the texture is very friendly for wet, slick hands. For lack of a better description...'it just fits my hand'.
Now, I also like my HD, but the slightly lighter weight of the 1904 allows me to achieve a 'lighter stroke', thus less irritation. It it my favorite tool for 'beard reduction'. Yes, it is true that the 1904, Classic and HD all have the same head geometry, but out of the three, the 1904 has become my favorite. Matter of fact, the 1904 and the Classic will interchange heads and handles. I can get the same shave with the Classic, but the 1904 is 'easier to hold onto' because of its shape and textured handle.
According to several sources the Merkur is temporarily out of production due to the making of a new tool for casting the handle [old one had excessive wear]. There is apparently some existing stock out there, since several online vendors are still showing it available. Charles at QED advises to check with him before ordering to verify stock. Lee's Razors, Classic Shaving and Em's Place all show them on their websites. Prices range from $22 to $26.99. The 1904 is available in both Regular and Open comb.
I currently only own the Regular in the 1904. I have a Classic in an open comb and don't really care for the feel of the open comb against my face. The Regular just seems to give me a smoother shave.
If you don't own a 1904, you ought to give it a try. $22 for a brand new razor that will last a lifetime is a great value. It is definitely a razor I would recommend for newbies and oldies. If I could only have one DE, it would obviously be the Merkur 1904; along with a C&E Best Badger Brush, it is a great pair for both classic looks and top class performance.
What blade do I use in the 1904? Top choice is the Swedish Gillette with the Israeli Personna and the Derby Extra tying for second place. The Feather is a great blade, but just doesn't work for me...a little too much tremor in my hands.
No, I don't work for Merkur and I don't sell Merkur razors. I just wanted to share one of the best kept secrets of DE shaving: The Merkur 1904! ;)