MERKUR Bakelite Safety Shaving Razor (Model: MK030)

 (5 customer reviews)

The Merkur 45 is a nice bakelite razor with a great antique look and feel about it. The shave is on par with a Gillette Tech. The one problem I find, however, is that the razor's head screws directly into bakelite threading -- i.e., there isn't a brass ferrule for the brass threads on the head. This will wear the threading in the razor's handle prematurely and cause it to have to be replaced well before it has reached the end of its usefulness.

I got this *just* because of the cool retro 1940's look. Then I started reading reviews, and it actually seemed to be a good razor, too. When it first arrived I was horrified of the weight, or lack their of. I figured I was going to have a hard time having to apply the pressure myself. However, this is such a non-issue. Something about the angle of the head produces an amazing shave. It is now my first go-to razor every day. Despite the reason I actually purchased this thing, I have become one of those people who are not toting how great this thing is for its actual purpose. I'd recommend this to anyone who uses a safety razor. Don't take my word for it. Look around the web. While there are some negative reviews, the vast majority of them are quite positive.

For reference, I have 3 Merkur razors. This one was purchased for traveling purposes, but now has become my everyday use razor. I get a closer shave with less effort that with any other razor I own. I wish there was a duplicate razor in metal as it would be my next purchase.