I would have to say my 1932 Cooper Monobilt. I guess the my federal bakelite from early 40's would be the next closest.
Coincidentally, my current fave non Gillette razor is the same as yours, vintage Merkur, same handle but with a closed comb. Cost me about $15 and I love the thing. Now I am on the hunt for the open comb version.
Geez, I got a Krona in a lot of other stuff... I haven't used it yet. From all the glowing recommendations, I maybe should get on that.
I received a Krona that was my fathers. It's a little mild for my taste. It could be that I need to try it again with a wider blades assortment. Everyone can't be wrong!
My Ugly Duckling. Brandless. If you'd see it in a shop you'd leave it. I would have!. It doesn't look like much, but since it came along with a shaving box, I decided to give it a go. It has given me some amazingly good shaves and doesn't let me down (unless the blade is dull - but then that ain't the razor's fault).
I don't own non-Gillette DEs anymore but of the ones I tried, the hands down best shaver was the Clix nickel plated three piece...absolutely one of the smoothest shavers I've ever used. The best handler was the Silver Star aluminum three piece. There were others along the line but those are the two that stick in the front of my brain and I cannot pick which was better.
Weber PH. This is the second one I've owned and it is a fantastic shaver. My first has a slightly wavy blade, but not too bad. This one does not have the blade issues and I love it! I think I, gasp, like it more than my Gillette New SC!
Boy that is hard ... My Cooper Monobilt, My Century, My Krona, Cadet OC with a variety of handles ... They are all in here ... somewhere! http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/gratuitous-safety-razor-photos.35278/
My absolute hands down, without a doubt, favorite non-Gillette safety razor is my Weber DLC with a BullDog handle!!! This would be followed VERY closely by an EverReady 1924 "shovelhead" SE and a Cadet OC both also sporting either a Weber SS BullDog handle or a griestshaving "Fat" brass handle..
Probably the Barbasol, but it's not a patch on the 1908 Single Ring. Variety can be a good thing just for it's own sake though.
My own stupidity. Actually, it was one of those moments (there have been several) when I had to sell off all I had for quick cash to buy gas and whatnot. But it's one of two razors I truly wish I didn't have to part with...but life is what it is (for now).
Sad to hear that! I hope you'll find another one soon and that you'll be spared from more needy times!
I just came across a box of Lutz Slants, 89 NOS in total along with nearly 500 replacement blades.... have you ever tried one?
