Merkur 1904 (42C)
The Merkur 1904 (42C) safety razor receives accolades for its classic and elegant design that harks back to early 1900s aesthetics, complete with an ornate hexagonal handle and chrome plating that enhances its visual appeal. The construction is praised for its solidity, crafted from brass and die-casted zinc that ensures durability and resistance to corrosion. While it looks the part, the razor sports an open comb design that is unexpectedly mild, making it more suitable for regular beard growth rather than heavy.
Users noted that the handle can be slippery and uncomfortably small for those with larger hands, affecting the grip and overall shaving experience. With a manageable weight and standard length, the Merkur 1904 (42C) does offer a solid shave but might require going over the same area multiple times. It is recommended as a versatile backup or travel razor rather than a primary option for those seeking a more aggressive shave. The three-piece construction brings a nod to tradition with the practicality of modern use, suitable for nostalgic design appreciators and effective for managing regular facial hair growth.
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| Details | Merkur 1904 (42C) | Parker 26C × | King C. Gillette Safety Razor × | Merkur 39C × | Merkur 43C × | Western Razor × | Parker 92R × | Parker 97R × |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Merkur | Parker | King C. Gillette | Merkur | Merkur | Western Razor | Parker | Parker |
| Country Of Origin | Germany | India | China | Germany | Germany | United States | India | India |
| Length | 3.14 | 3.75 | 3.75 | 4 | 4 | 4.25 | 4.2 | 3 |
| Materials | Brass, Zinc, Chrome | Genuine Brass, Black Anodized | Chrome-Plated Handle, Platinum-Coated Stainless Steel Blade | Brass, Die-Casted Zinc, Galvanized Surfaces, Chrome-Plated | Stainless Steel, Chrome | Metal, Zinc, Zamak | Genuine Brass Frame, Electroplated Graphite, Chrome | Genuine Brass Frame, Chrome Plated |
| Pieces | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Razor Adjustable | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Razor Head Type | Closed Comb | Open Comb | Closed Comb | Slant Bar | Closed Comb | Closed Comb | Closed Comb | Closed Comb |
| Weight | 2.5 | 3.4 | 3.68 | 4 | 5.3 | 4.1 | 3.2 | 3.4 |
Key Facts
Editorial Reviews
asuperiorshave.com
A Superior Shave praises the Merkur 1904 (also known as the 42c) for its top quality materials and construction, durable 3-piece design, and classic yet unique appearance that recalls razors used a century ago. The razor is seen as an excellent choice for those with thick, coarse beards due to its open tooth comb and moderate aggressiveness, which allows users to control the shave intensity by choosing different blades. The hexagonal handle with diagonal grooves provides a good grip, although it may feel awkward initially to some users because it is not round like most razor handles.
However, A Superior Shave suggests that the Merkur 1904 may not be the best choice for beginner wet shavers and indicates a preference for handles with knurling over the grooved design for better grip. Despite its lighter weight, the razor doesn't feel insubstantial, thanks to good weight distribution and balance. The review recommends the Merkur 1904 to experienced wet shavers seeking a close shave and a distinctive safety razor to add to their collection, but potentially prefers a slightly heavier model. Comparatively, other razors like the Merkur Futur, Merkur 23C, and Parker 96R are also discussed as alternatives, each with distinct features such as adjustable aggressiveness, long handles, and varying aggressiveness well-suited to different user preferences and experiences.
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