Why do I do this? <sigh> I was "just checking" on the bay. I sorted "ending soonest" as I so often do and saw this Hoffritz slant pop up with a single bid and 24 seconds remaining. My delivered price is 26.32 for this somewhat crusty Hoffritz slant w/ case. <sigh> I hope it cleans up and the crusty stem isn't a soon-to-fail solder joint. i guess we'll see... Oi vey!
nice find! have you used a slant before? are they any better? I've been thinking about getting one or an adjustable.
Thanks to @Omaney I've recently experienced a slant in the Merkur 37C. It was a very interesting shave! I didn't think that the actual slant worked miracles. However, the "lock" position for the correct shaving angle was very noticeable. It was also efficient as all get out, but nowhere as bitey as my Muhle R41 of FaTip Grande! I skipped a day and cleared above the jaw line in a single ATG pass. Below the jaw line was a different story for me. I had a little trouble chasing the baby out of the hollows under my jaw bone. Also, the 37C tended to give me weepers. No razor burn, just weepers. It was a weird experience. I am pretty sure I must have applied pressure on the weeper patches, but I didn't feel it and it didn't burn. Go figger. What are you currently using? It might affect the advice I would offer you. However, my unasked advice is worth exactly 1/3.14 what you pay for it!.
Looking forward to seeing the after-cleaning photos of this one. I think it'll clean up rather nicely.
I wish I remembered to take before pictures. I am always to excited to see what comes out with a good cleaning. Nice.
Nice find. I passed up on one of these today, but yours put it to shame if that gives you an idea of how rough it was.
I hate taking pictures**. The before photos belong to the seller and I used them without permission. Shh... **Actually, I liked taking pictures "back in the day" until my camera was stolen. I was so heartbroken that I forsook the hobby altogether. My family has cameras — even a couple of DSLRs — but there is no thrill in it for me. In fact, I find it rather irritating because I haven't really learned to use the cameras we have. I just fumble through, shoot, delete (a lot) and then copy to computer. I am also a dinosaur when it comes to cell phones. I am not against smart phones per se, but have long pursued a delayed technology implementation strategy. I'm not cheap. I'm frugal!
OK, it was not a zonk, but a crusty Hoffritz slant. The razor cleaned up a bit, but the crusty spots were actually corrosion. Based on the dark gray peeking through the combs, I would say the head it good ol' Zamak. Not a beauty, but fully functional. Today was my third shave with Ol' Crusty. I used a Treet Platinum for all three and an artisinal soap** that is out of this world (gift from a soaping buddy). This is only my second slant. The Hoffritz has a lot in common with the Muhle 37C, but is distinctly different in use. Possibly the first thing I noticed was how efficient the razor is. One WTG swipe and my cheek was pretty dang smooth! I tried the second strok straight ATG. No problem handling the up hill. However, like the 37C, I had weepers where I usually have none. Unlike the 37C, I even had a wee bit of burn. The second day was similar, so I really paid attention on the third. I noticed that Ol' Crusty really wants an ever-so-light touch. I successfully adapted to the FatTip and the R41 but still applied some light ride-the-cap pressure. Ol' Crusty ain't havin' it! I got a really nice, comfortable BBS on day 3 by using a mindfully delicate touch. Overall, I rate it a good razor and pretty much worth the price I paid. I was mildly disappointed with the corrosion, but knew the risk going in. I don't know exactly what caused the corrosion, but suspect that there are years of shaves left on this razor if you just give it a little love and attention. However, in the quest for the ultimate razor — or a den cleansing — I don't think the Hoffritz slant would make it past the first cut. It's not bad at all. Today's shave was excellent. However, I have other razors that I enjoy more than this one. I may try it a few more times, but it is going on the PIF or trade list. So what of RAD? If I hadn't tried it, I couldn't have known. RAD can never be satisfied, but I get to check this one off my list for less than the going rate. Maybe it will give me a short break now... **artisinal soap - This soap is a good shave soap. The nice lady has made better overall performers, but this one is a good shave soap PLUS shave balm in one (my claim, not hers). I haven't been brave enough to try it but fully expect I could skip the AS. I can't think of a soap I've tried that has such good after feel.
Any breech in the plating on cast zinc razors will lead to corrosion. As for what causes it- water and air. You could try to have it replated, but success will be iffy at best.
Yeah, the rule of thumb is you can't replate Zamak. I hear it can be done, but... I used to have some sort of drops that stopped rust. It supposedly combined with the iron oxide and made some sort of protective coating. I used it on a couple of small spots on my truck bed. No idea if it would work on Zamak, but maybe an acrylic spray? Clear fingernail polish? Layered coats of super glue? Eh... ain't sweatin' it. (Ryan, where the heck you been? I'm glad to see you back! )
