The Merkur Brand
25 February 2020
We are aware, describing Merkur on a shaving site, is just like describing Mercedes in a car forum. We don't think there is anyone left who still has not heard of Merkur or does not own a Merkur razor in our world of traditional wet shaving. So let's talk about this German shaving legend, whose razors are one of the most imitated ones in the market. Merkur has one of the strongest footprints in this league, having numerous models from classic to futuristic designs, from razors with soft shaving characters to aggressive big boys, from adjustable models to bakelite models.
While Merkur was operating under the same roof with Dovo Company between 1996 and 2021, it decided to continue it's operations independently in 2021.
Merkur is a very rooted and important company by itself. It was founded in 1896 by Emil Hermes in Solingen, Germany. Actually, Emil Hermes wanted to name the company as his last name “Hermes”, but since there was already a cutlery brand with the Hermes name in Solingen at that time, he decided to name it Merkur an echo of the Roman avatar of Hermes, the messenger of the gods. Today Merkur is a business of about 100 people, operated by the 4th generation of the family.
Merkur's first razor was the Barthobel model from the early 1900s. This model, one of the forerunners of Single Edge razors, used a 4cm wide, wedge-type blades similar to a straight razor that could be removed and resharpened. With the advent of double edge razors, the forerunners of today's 37C slant and 42C model were produced. In the 1920s, Emil Hermes was successed by his sons at the helm of the company. Throughout its history, the company has patented many new models and since then Merkur company has carved its name in the world of traditional shaving. Razorus is one of the authorized dealers of Merkur Safety Razors.
Looking at the Merkur models, one feels like looking to an open buffet with delicious meals where you want to taste all. You willl ask yourself questions like “Should I buy myself a classic 42c, or a must-have 34C?” No collection would be complete without a 37C Slant or a Futur.
Merkur is easily one of the leading brands in wet shaving, whether it is workmanship or material quality and durability. Especially the 34C model is one of the most popular safety razors, which is especially recommended for beginners to traditional shaving. The two-piece model is ideal in every way; design, shaving performance and price/performance ratio.
Merkur is also the first brand that comes to mind when it comes to adjustable razors. The classic Progress and modern Futur models have been one of the most beloved shavers of the shaving enthusiasts for years. They are both very effective razors that can offer shaving characteristics from mild to very aggressive. The Futur especially, cuts the whiskers effortlessly like a harvester, it is one of those top of line razors.
Until recently, Merkur had a very glorious model named Vision; a butterfly type, adjustable modern design which you can see on the photo on the right. The unique razor which resembled the Thor's hammer was one of the most complicated, largest and heaviest safety razors in the market. But now It has become a collection piece since the production stopped for some reason.
Merkur has various models, in addition to the classic chrome and gold-plated models, there are also some new models with non-slip rubber coated handles. Let's look at some iconic models with their release dates:
In summary, Merkur has always a model to offer for varying taste of any wet-shaver. If you have a bit of experience in wet shaving, chances are, you may already have at least one Merkur razor in your shaving cabinet. But if you haven't used one yet, we strongly recommend to take a look at the models of this brand, which is one of the indispensable brands in traditional shaving world. It is unlikely you will be dissatisfied with these German engineered shaving beauties.
See you in another brand article, may your shaving pleasure ever last.