Company:MERKUR Stahlwaren GmbH & Co. KG
MERKUR Stahlwaren GmbH & Co. KG a family-owned company [1] based in Solingen, Germany, who produces cutleries since more than 125 years. Today the international distribution serves customers worldwide.
History
The original company was founded in 1896 by Emil Hermes. Because other cutlery companies in Solingen were already named HERMES, he decided finally to register his brand MERKUR, the Roman equivalent to HERMES, the Greek messenger of gods.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the production of double-edged, extremely sharp blades, began. This launched the production of safety razors that significantly reduced the risk of injury compared to open straight razors. The DE razor blades started out as one of the first disposable products in everyday life.
Over the years, MERKUR registered several designs and patents for features of single razor models.[2] The double edge razors were stamped with “Made in Solingen” and “Made in Germany”.
In the 1970s, the Hermes family sold the company in Solingen. In the 1980s, design models were created, such as the London series, the MII for twin blades and finally the 700002 Duo Clip series. The last one is since 1986 up to now still in production.
1996 the family of Markus Kirschbaum acquired the company and founded today's MERKUR Stahlwaren GmbH & Co. KG
In 2021, the longstanding technical manager and managing director Ulrich Wiethoff acquired all shares. In 2022 offices and production moved to a new location at Nordstr. 10 in 42719 Solingen, Germany.
Products
The range of products includes classic razors based on the design features of the 1920s and 1950s.[3] The most famous razors are the classics like 23001 and 34001. There are specialties such as bevel-cut / slant bar models and planers adjustable in the blade gap. The shavers are in the main made of die-cast zinc and brass. Most surfaces are chrome plated composed of three layers (copper, nickel, chrome). Gold plated razors are electro plated finally with 24k Gold. The razor blades branded MERKUR are the heart of the product range alongside the razors.[4]
Awards
In 2013, the weblog Lifehacker chose the top 5 razors from over 300 nominated razors by its readers. The 34C and 38C shavers from MERKUR took first place.[5] [6]
At the plagiarius award ceremony 2020, MERKUR Stahlwaren GmbH was awarded the prize “Shaver Futur 700” in February 2020.[7] [8]
References
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- ↑ MERKUR Stahlwaren GmbH & Co. KG. Official web site. https://merkur-razors.com/
- ↑ https://patents.google.com/patent/DE29706022U1/de
- ↑ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-NL4dbCLeI
- ↑ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeI7q_eIs7g
- ↑ https://lifehacker.com/five-best-razors-761736867
- ↑ https://www.solinger-tageblatt.de/solingen/merkur-rasierer-internet-3897105.html
- ↑ https://www.plagiarius.com/index.php?ID=53
- ↑ https://www.solinger-tageblatt.de/solingen/solingen-plagiate-jagd-faelscher-kostspielig-13540867.html
