After adding the Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor (MK23C) to my stable about four months ago I feel it it time for an update. I got this about the same time as a 1960 flair tip Gillette and a 1947 Gillette Tech gold tone. I also picked up a 1947 TTO (turn to open) Gillette Super Speed. I have a 1953 Super Speed and a 1956 Red Tip fat handle Gillette as well.
Until getting the Merkur and Tech at about the same time I had been using the '53 Super Speed most of the time. Along with the Red Tip. The Red Tip is more aggressive as a shaver designed for heavy beards. Which I do not really think I have.
There was something nice about getting that new Merkur out of the box as all the others were used. So nice and shiny. But that old Gillette Tech was nice too. So I used the Merkur a couple of times and after cleaning and sterilizing the Tech liked it.
The previous Gillette razors were all TTO (turn to open). Meaning you turn the handle on the bottom and doors open on top allowing you to add or change the blade. The Merkur and Tech are three piece razors. Meaning that you unscrew the handle and the head comes off in two pieces, making three. The very top piece has a threaded bold and the lower plate goes on the handle first. Put a blade in between the two top pieces screw down the handle and you are done.
As you really do not know until trying there is a difference in performance. The three piece razor has a thinner profile. It can be easily taken apart to clean. The thinner profile makes it easier to shave around say your nose for instance. The Tech is thinner than the Merkur.
The Merkur is not an aggressive shaver as such but more so than the Tech. It may also be the blades as the Merkur has been feed Wilkinson and my usual blades are Dorco bought in bulk. Maybe next time we can discuss blades.
