This looks way cool! Anyone tried it? After reading the reviews at Amazon, I think I would pass**. Bummer, 'cuz it looks way cool! ** until Merkur addresses the longevity of the 100% bakelite threads.
Well I have one and actually like it. However I have to tell you although it looks like bakelite..it isnt. Its plastic. It is , however, a fine shaver for me. I actually have a small but growing collection of bakelite and plastic DE razors. This is far and away in my opinion the best shaver of the bunch.
Its an early form of what is now known as plastic. I believe it is the first. Unlike modern plastics it is actually organic material bonded by a phenolic resin. It is also coated in a polymer resin that gives it its shine. Modern plastic can be polished and polish and will maintain its shine, if you polish through the resin covering the exterior of the bakelite it will be dull. The merkur is modern plastic modeled to look like bakelite.
For that price I can go to a medical supply store in San Diego and purchase 100 plastic disposable DE Razors. I know that for fact. I did that a couple of years ago for a friend that has a Tattoo Parlor.
Thats a cool looking razor, not sure how to tell bakelite from straight plastic though. I've got a couple bakelite magazines for my AK and they feel cheaper tham plastic bit they are tough. Bakelites a weird material.
How long have you used yours? Reading the reviews that noted the lack of a metal thread insert has kept me away from this razor. As an owner, do you see an issue with the threads deteriorating over time?
I probably have about 15-20 shaves on it. I honestly dont think it is or would be an issue unless you overtightened it on a regular basis. The screw going into the handle is brass so it isnt a super hard metal but of course its harder than the bakelite handle. I just went and checked mine. There is no play in the handle when screwing it on which leads me to believe the threads in the handle are not getting excessively worn down. Then again its not like its a daily shaver and get a ton of use. Not sure if I helped or answered your question or not!
Yes you did. I have been tossing buying one for weeks, now that I know there is some metal in the handle I am more confident about it.
No metal in the handle, however, as long as you are careful, it should last a long time. So far, mine is performing admirably. It is one of my top razor in my rotation.
If the threads in the handle do wear out, you could Helicoil it. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BB8XLG/?tag=thshde-20 Of course, the helicoil kit costs as much as a new razor. I guess you could epoxy in a brass nut too.
There is an even easier way. Simply wrap the threads on the head in teflon tape (plumbers tape) and epoxy it into the handle. When the expoxy cures the handle will screw right off as the epoxy will not stick to the teflon tape. Honestly unless you really over tighten it, I dont see it even becoming an issue...
My step-son gave one for Christmas. I have put it in my travel kit. I used it this past weekend, and it's a great shaver. For me, the weight compliments the blade gap and angle. I, too, have concerns about the threads. However since I will only use it 10 or so times a year, and I'm 71, I don't feel this will be much of a problem. Best regards, Ron
