Hi guys, Signed up for the forum because I'm basically at the end of my tether with this one. I've been successfully using a Merkur 38C for about 5 years, and never had any problems. Recently, however, it seems to be struggling to cut more than two hairs with each pass. At first I thought it must be the blades (obviously), so I bought a new 50 pack of Feathers to replace the ~50 Derbys I had remaining. No change. I have tried: Putting more emphasis when lathering to get the hairs to "stand" (pretty hard when they are 1mm long) Multiple WTG passes combined with XTC passes Rotating/flipping the blade Cleaning the razor for any residue/soap buildup/limescale etc Lathering and shaving in small patches to keep hairs at optimal condition for shaving. Nothing works. I am convinced that the razor is clamping the blade at an undesirable angle that won't allow it to cut properly. Any ideas? If it helps, normal routine is: Hot shower Hot water lather with genuine badger hair brush and English shave soap WTG pass on cheeks/sideburns/upper lip XTG pass on thicker areas like chin/under jawline etc Alcohol-free post shave balm.
I recently moved house and got rid of a lot of junk - including the only other DE razor I had (it was a cheapo that I had used maybe twice).
Since you mentioned the blade angle - Has the threading or baseplate been worn down enough for it to tighten more or less than originally? Might you have gotten parts from the Merkur mixed up with parts from another razor?
There must be some kind of alignment problem. Was it dropped accidentally? Maybe think of a new purchase?
It seems to be screwing down as per normal. Nothing on the threads to suggest damage. Eyeballing it seems to suggest that alignment is OK (no obvious slants or dings or anything). Might have to fork out for a new razor though
I wouldn't put much work into it. You can get an excellent razor for 20 or 30 bucks. My RR Jaws was 20 bucks and lately it's been my favorite. Maybe you would even welcome a change.
Sounds like an episode from The Twilight Zone. In the mean time. I want to say welcome, and I am glad you joined us.
I would just buy another one. You can get a new one on Amazon for approx$40. Or you can get the basic long handle for about $20. OOOOR this is a sign ... That you should venture out and try a new razor.. Sounds to me like a perfect excuse for shop around... Just sayin
I think you came to the right place if you want your guilt comforted while buying a new razor. Welcome to The Shave Den, a great place to hang out!
Quite a mystery. It would seem to me if you can sucessfully shave with your other razors it's most likely not your technique. Seems that the razor is suspect and blade angle altered somehow via damage or just maybe wear and tear? Did you unknowingly put a different part on? That's my 2 cents for free.
Ah-ha! That's a right handed razor! You're holding it in your left hand!! Seriously, I obviously have no clue.
Just to speculate, maybe the razor cap threads are slipping. This problem happens to zamak three piece razors and maybe even though your shaver is a two piece, the razor is also having this trouble. There might be an inexpensive replacement cap available which could be worth a try...
Hum. I'm afraid this problem goes deeper. Are you NB16 and/or a NB16 supporter? If so you my be subconsciously shaving in an imprecise manner so as to offer your alter ego an excuse to procure a new razor without violating your deep seated support for such well intended but ill advised endeavour.
If I'm looking at your pics correctly, pic 2 seems to show a wide difference in blade gap between the sides. It doesn't appear that the cap is tightened down enough. I may be wide off but I would wrap the male threads with plumbers tape and tighten it down to see if it makes a difference. I'm just grasping at straws though.
I couldnt begin to guess whats going on, perhaps its a quality control issue. I own and love a mekur 180...i bought one for my brother he claims he cant get any kind of decent shave with it and he successfully uses other de razors. Hes going to give it back to me and ill test it out, but im stumped. Good luck.
