My new Merkur razor, blade safe, and blades.
Simple things are best. That maxim applies to razors, too, I discovered. I have been increasingly annoyed at the increasingly expensive Mach 3 Turbo razor blades I’ve been buying lately. Then I ran across a post on Cool Tools touting the superior shave of a German-made double-edge razor — the kind my dad used to shave with. Classic Shaving has the razors, blades, shave cream, shave mugs, straight razors, and stuff you didn’t even know existed in the world of “wet-shaving,” as they call it. Which is what it is, I suppose.
I did some quick math on my current situation, as follows:
- Mach 3 Turbo blades: approx $12 for 4.
- 1 blade lasts 1 week.
- Total: 52 blades per year x $3 per blade = $156 per year.
Next, quick math on the cost of switching to the Merkur “1904″ with 1-year’s supply of blades:
- Merkur “1904″ = $26.99
- Pack of 10-count premium stainless blades: $5.99/per pack.
- 5-packs of blades per year: 5 x $5.99 = $29.95.
- Shipping: $8.95
- Total: $65.89.
- Total savings Year 1: $86.11.
- Total savings Year 2+: $113.10/per year.
This savings, of course, would not be worth switching if the shave were not as good or better. I am happy to say I like the shave from the Merkur much better. It’s closer, lasts longer, and leaves no razor burn that the disposables gave me. Plus, nothing about the razor or blades is plastic. Look at the detailing on the razor handle. If you could hold it, you would also experience a nice heft to the “1904″ in your hand.
Reportedly, Gillette spent $750-million dollars developing the Mach 3 razor. Seems like a lot of money when a better product was already on the market. BTW, the Merkur “1904″ design comes from the old Gillette double-edge razor, the granddaddy of all D/E razors. Ironic, isn’t it?
you change your blade once a week? wow…i usually get a month out of mine…though i only shave once or twice a week. facial hair isn’t a typical thing in my family. i swear it will be 20 years before i can ever grow a beard. lol
Matthew, thanks for stopping by. Yeah, I used the first blade for the last time today. You can tell when they get dull because then they do cause razor burn. If I could go a month, I’d save even more! — Chuck
I’m so happy to find this blog. I want one of the razors. I shave with a mug and old fashioned soap, but use plastic razors. I’m way into this. Where do I get it?
mind email me?
Real live preacher–This is a great shaving product site: http://www.classicshaving.com
Check it out.
Steven, that’s exactly where I got my razor. You’re right, great site and helpful stuff. – Chuck
[...] 3, 2008 by Chuck Warnock You may remember my posts about my new Merkur “1904″ double-edge razor. Not only am I saving money, but I’m getting the shave of my life. Or so I thought until I [...]
I think I’m going to try this! Thanks!
Chuck, your blade prices seem just a tad high, have you shopped around since you posted the above?
I’m a recent convert, I grabbed a short handled Merkur 34C (HD).
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In an ideal world, Gillette would acknowledge their past and heritage by issuing 50th anniversary issues of classic safety razors like the Gillette ‘Fat Boy’ (1959-2009).
Wishful thinking of course.. Heaven forbid that someone, much like yourself, would see the light and stop buying overpriced, multi-blade scratch sticks..
I’m a big fan of Merkur products, they are for me the best shaving tools on the market. I found out that the Merkur blades are also one of the best on the market, they last much longer than other brands, it’s a perfect shave with my Merkur Vision 2000!!! Highly recommended