Durability of Razor Coatings

Glossy or durable? That’s the question many face when choosing the finish of their safety razor. Disappointment is often inevitable when a supposedly luxurious gold coating loses its shine faster than expected. However, there are clear differences in the durability of various surface treatments. We’ll show you which finish not only looks elegant but also withstands daily wear and tear.

What types of finishes are available?

The surfaces of safety razors are mostly chrome-plated. This involves applying three layers onto the base material (zinc die-cast or brass) using a galvanic process: first copper, then nickel, and finally a thin layer of chrome. The matte chrome effect comes from the underlying matte nickel layer. The best durability is found in products with chrome coatings, as chrome is hard and abrasion-resistant.

In gold-plated razors, such as the Merkur 34G, the third layer is 0.08 – 0.1µm thin and made of 24-carat gold on top of nickel and copper. Gold is a noble but soft metal, and its resistance to abrasion is low.

Microfiber cloths can damage the surface in a short time. Our gold-coated products are very elegant but unfortunately not very durable.

Care guide for your safety razor

This blog post provides helpful tips and tricks to ensure your safety razor lasts as long as possible.

Care for chrome-plated safety razors (standard)

Chrome surfaces are known for their robustness and ease of care. To ensure your razor remains beautiful and hygienic for a long time, please follow these tips:

• After every shave: Rinse the razor thoroughly under warm, running water to remove all soap and hair residue. Let it air dry or gently pat it dry with a soft, clean cloth.
• Regular deep cleaning (e.g., weekly): Disassemble the razor if your model allows it. Carefully clean all parts using a soft toothbrush and mild soap (ordinary dishwashing detergent works well) to remove stubborn deposits. Rinse all parts thoroughly and allow them to dry completely before reassembling the razor.
• Definitely avoid: Never use acids or acidic bathroom cleaners on razors, as they damage the surfaces. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents, scouring creams, or abrasive sponges, as these can harm the chrome surface and reduce its shine.

Care for gold-plated safety razors

Since gold, as described above, is very delicate, your gold-plated razor requires especially careful handling to preserve its shine:

Keep these tips in mind:

• Strictly avoid any rubbing or polishing.
• Do not use paper towels or regular towels for drying.
• Rinse the razor thoroughly under warm, running water.
• Let it air dry or gently pat it dry with a soft cloth.
• Do not use acids, aggressive cleaners, or abrasive substances.

Conclusion on durability:

For safety razor users who value maximum longevity and durability of the surface, chrome plating is clearly the superior choice. Thanks to its hardness and abrasion resistance, chrome offers the best protection for the underlying base material. In contrast, gold-plated finishes may look elegant but are significantly more susceptible to wear and cleaning-related damage due to the softness of gold.

Enjoy your shaving experience! Feel free to browse our online store to find your perfect safety razor!