I've been using both of these razors over the last few days, both with a variety of blades and I've decided that I definitely prefer the Merkur to the PAA Bakelite Slant. Here's why:
First let me say that you can get a very good shave with either razor. At around $20 they are both bargains but I feel that the better engineered Merkur Bakelite wins out, even though the PAA Bakelite Slant is based upon the revered Fasan slant.
The PAA Slant seems quite fussy about blades, Pick the wrong one and the shave can be harsh. By contrast, the Merkur seems happy with just about anything you load it with, so it's more versatile. This is important if your're traveling and may not be able to find your favorite blade.
The Merkur is much more comfortable in the ATG pass.
The Merkur is easier to use under the jawline, across the neck and ATG under the nose. For many of us these are problem areas, and it handles them comfortably and efficiently. I never feel it's going to bite me, even ATG in these areas of my face.
It's almost impossible to cut yourself with the Merkur, unless you're really ham fisted, or a complete novice to DE safety razors. Despite this I think a novice would do o.k. with the Merkur. Not so with the PAA Bakelite whose use demands more skill.
The Merkur is a more forgiving razor in terms of precision of angle. In fact Joe at Italian Barber admitted that his Baby Smooth, a well reviewed razor, was modeled after the head of the Merkur Bakelite, though he felt his Baby Smooth razor is an improvement. And I believe him, but I haven't used his Baby Smooth yet!
Ladies and gents can both use the Merkur. Enough said
The Merkur comes with a traveling case and a packet of blades.
I like the PAA Bakelite Slant, and I have many razors and many slant bar razors, but I think in this instance the Merkur is a clear winner. It's a pity they don't offer the design with a metal head too.
For me the Merkur is an ideal travel razor because even though it's mild it's efficient, and light weight. When I travel for work I have to shave every day. I need a razor that's efficient, easy to use in a hotel room with either hard or soft water. Forgiving enough that if I have to shave fast it does the job efficiently without much possibility of nicks, cuts or weepers.
I will say that you will probably need to make more touch up passes with the Merkur Bakelite than with the PAA Bakelite Slant, because the latter is more aggressive. However, for those with a sensitive skin and/or a light beard, the Merkur is by far the better choice. I have a heavy beard and 13 hours after my shave with the Merkur today, my face is still smooth enough to attend a business meeting if I had to. Since my days on the road often mean morning and evening meetings, it's good to know that one shave in the morning is enough.
The Merkur is not my favorite razor but it certainly has a place in my rotation.
Try the Merkur if you haven't I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. By the way amazo has better prices that Ebay for this razor.
I'd like to know what others who like me have both of these razors have found.
Merkur Bakelite and PAA Bakelite Slant: A Comparison
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