The head on this razor is very similar to that on a
German-made Merkur. I own a Merkur Classic (model 33C), and can
attest that the Lord LP1822L (aka L6) shaves like my Merkur, no
doubt, BUT IN FACT, THE L6 IS SLIGHTLY MORE AGGRESSIVE IN CHARACTER. The L6 provides a mild shave that is not overly aggressive
but is also not difficult to find the proper angle to cut whiskers
well. Since my Merkur 33C cost more than twice this L6, the L6 is
obviously a good value. There are important differences, however,
that might explain the lower cost of the L6. The Merkur can clearly be an
heirloom razor that might provide more than a lifetime of service,
while the L6, properly treated (more on that below) may well last
years and be passed along, but, again, special treatment may be
necessary.
UPDATE: Side view of the Merkur 33C. |
Razor-blade
fit: The L6 holds the blade firmly and edge exposure is uniform.
This is a good thing.
Lord L6 (left) next to the Merkur Classic (33C) |
Handle
length and grip: The L6 handle is generously long -- a full one inch
longer than the Merkur 33c. Since some complain about the short
handle on classic razors, this should make many double-edge (DE)
users happy. Since I'm comfortable with the short handle, this
longer style has no impact; I find it fine and notice no performance
difference whether long or shorter. The criss-crossed diagonal cuts
in the L6 handle make a diamond pattern that, though different than
classic knurling, makes for a fine grip wet or dry.
Finish:
The L6 handle is clearly aluminum and appears unplated, uncoated (it may have some clear coating/anodizing -- I just don't know),
while the Merkur is chromed. The head of the L6 appears chromed, and
in comparing it to the 33C, the only difference in finish quality
that I can see is that on the ends (the narrower sides) of the base
and top plates, they don't have a smooth, mirror finish. But if this
bothers you a lot, you may have larger issues than getting a good
shave at a value price. I, personally, find this minor finish flaw
to be inconsequential.
But
some other, more important concerns have been raised by others that
deserve attention:
1.
Insufficient thread interlocking between head and handle: This
appears to have been a manufacturing issue that may have been
resolved or at least improved. Certainly there is adequate but not
generous thread engagement in the razor that I received: about four
turns of the handle snugs it to the razor head (not four full
revolutions, but four twists of the hand). This is fewer turns to
secure than is required on my Merkur 33C -- and the 33C has a steel
handle, which will be more durable than the aluminum of the Lord L6.
I would suggest buying the razor from a seller with good
customer-satisfaction ratings, and if this short-thread issue arises
at or near time of delivery to you, you can get a replacement as has
been done in the past.
2.
Aluminum handle instead of steel: Here is where user care may make
the difference. Yep, aluminum doesn't have the strength or toughness
of steel. If you cross thread or over tighten, the handle will be
toast. Also, the threads may not feel as silky smooth as you turn
handle on and off the razor head. To address these issues, I suggest
the following:
a)
When you first get the razor and periodically thereafter, apply
petroleum jelly with a toothpick to the threads of the handle. I do
this when I change blades, which is about once per week of continuous
use. (I also do this on more expensive razors that have all-steel
components.)
While tightening or loosening the handle, compress the razor head into the counter to take any unnecessary strain off the handle threading. |
b)
Tighten carefully. Compress the top and base plates together with
your fingers as you tighten and loosen the handle. This takes any
strain off the aluminum threads. Then stop tightening as soon as the
handle engages the base plate; NO ADDITIONAL FORCE IS NECESSARY!
If
you do these things, you will likely get more extended use from this
razor.
3.
Weight and balance of the razor is respectively less and different
than other similar designs because of the aluminum handle. Yes, it's
true; my Merkur 33c weighs 57 grams, while the Lord L6 comes in at
44 grams -- roughly 20% lighter. While DE aficionados insist that heavy razors shave better because "the
weight does the work," not only do I find this to be untrue in
my experience, but also in terms of physics it makes little sense.
You shave in all directions: up, down, sideways; and in any case,
it isn't gravity that holds the razor against your face --
it's the pressure (hopefully very light) that you apply! (It may be
true that the mass of a heavier razor helps keep the blade from
bumping over stubble when using extremely light pressure against the
face, but I don't believe this comes into play for most shavers with
most reasonable-quality razors including this one.)
Find
the right blade for you in this razor and you should be a happy
shaver. This razor gets four out of five stars because of its
shaving performance and its value. The aluminum handle, though
generous in length and with adequate grip, may have its threads
stripped over time from over tightening or simply constant use. This
razor is an excellent purchase as a travel razor over the long haul,
or as an every-day razor if you are willing to accept it as something
less than a lifetime razor. I feel this purchase was money well
spent, and heartily recommend this as a first DE or another option to
add to your collection.
Happy shaving!
Happy shaving!
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