Daedric quests are a huge part of the quests found in Skyrim and tend to be some of the more interesting ones as well. If you’re looking to unlock the Oblivion Walker achievement and complete all the Daedric quests, or if you’re simply on the look for legendary or unique items and weapons, you might want to look more into the artifacts you’ll be hunting down.
One of these Daedric weapons is Mehrunes’ Razor, a short blade so powerful you can’t even find it whole when first receiving the quest. However, as you hear of a museum opening its doors in Dawnstar, make your way to it and the quest will begin at once. Here are 10 facts you probably didn’t know about this famous blade.
10 It Has Other Names
Mehrunes’ Razor is the official name of this peculiar looking weapon that resembles something in-between a dagger and a one-handed sword. However, it’s also known by a few other nicknames that accurately describe just how terrifying its powers are.
Called also Kingslayer, no doubt due to its one-shot potential, as well as Bane of the Righteous and The Dagger of the Final Wounds, Mehrune’s Razor has many names but only one purpose: to kill in a blink of an eye. Ultimately, its most famous name remains the one attached to Mehrunes Dagon.
9 “O” Is For Oblivion
When looking very closely at Mehrunes’ Razor, you’ll notice some interesting details in the scabbard. In fact, the Daedric letter “O” will be written on it, which is most likely a reference to Oblivion, the plane from which all things Daedra are summoned from.
The blade otherwise looks extremely unique and much sharper than any other dagger found in Skyrim. Its sides are pointed, and it’s a combination of what looks like silver and something black, which is most likely ebony.
8 Upgrade With Ebony
While Mehrunes’ Razor is a unique weapon, if you have enough perks in the Smithing tree, you can actually upgrade it. In order to do so, you’ll need an Ebony Ingot, as well as to unlock the Arcane Smithing perk. Keep in mind, however, that you won’t see much change in its quality once it has reached the flawless stage.
If you truly want to make it better, you’ll need to consume potions that boost Smithing skills while your Smithing is at level 100 in order to reap extra benefits. That being said, there’s no real point in improving the weapon, given how good it already is. You can also find some cool modded versions of the Razor in NexusMod, as pictured above.
7 Special Powers
Mehrunes’ Razor might not look like a lot, but it is highly efficient when it comes to killing single targets quickly. In fact, it has a special enchantment which gives you a 1.98% chance to end your enemy in a single swipe.
While the chance itself might sound minimal and anecdotal at best, it’s a nice advantage to have as a character who specializes in assassinations for instance. It’s recommended to use Mehrunes’ Razor as a secondary weapon, which can be dual-wielded with a one-handed sword, allowing for a quick succession of strikes.
6 That’s A Nice Blade You Got There
Mehrunes’ Razor is not just a nice weapon to have when you’re sent off to murder some poor soul by Astrid in the Dark Brotherhood quest. It’s also an item that will undoubtedly get you some admiration and attention if you happen to walk around with it in public areas, like major cities or towns.
Having the Razor equipped and drawn in front of a city or town guard will sometimes prompt the guards to whistle in admiration and ask who you had to slay in order to get your hands on such a weapon. It’s nice to be recognized, isn’t it?
5 Beware The Ebony Warrior
As you reach level 80 in Skyrim, you’ll eventually get a random quest once you enter any major hold in Skyrim. You’ll be approached by a seasoned warrior, clad fully in Ebony armor, who seeks to challenge you to a duel as a final test of strength. It might be tempting to use Mehrunes’ Razor to slay him, but be careful if you do so.
The Ebony Warrior has a special armor perk which can reflect damage inflicted upon him, including the chance of one-shot killing someone by slashing at them with the Razor. You wouldn’t want to accidentally kill yourself, now would you?
4 Choose Carefully
It’s not fully evident that you’ll get your hands on Mehrunes’ Razor. In fact, depending on the choices you make during the quest, you might just end up missing it altogether and never getting the chance to snatch it ever again.
If you decide not to kill Silus, once the Razor is intact and given to him, he’ll simply put the weapon away and you won’t be able to retrieve it from the class case he’ll confine it in. If this happens, you won’t be able to complete the Oblivion Walker achievement, which is why it’s important to make the right choices during the quest.
3 Immune Beings
While Mehrunes’ Razor will work on pretty much any target you find in Skyrim, there are some exceptions to the rule. Some key characters are completely immune to the one-shot chance the blade has, and it’s important to know that if you actually rely on the Razor as your main or secondary weapon.
The Razor never needs to be charged with a Soul Gem, but it won’t ever work on Miraak or Karstaag. So, if you happen to own the Dragonborn DLC, it’s best to think of alternative strategies when trying to beat these two boss enemies.
2 The Dark Brotherhood Drama
It seems natural to have Mehrunes’ Razor in the hands of an assassin. After all, only a real Dark Brotherhood associate could truly benefit from its one-shot ability by getting up close and personal and striking their target with devastating damage. However, stories tell that the Razor was once at the center of some major Dark Brotherhood drama.
It’s unclear what this was all about, but it is said the Razor tore the Brotherhood apart by creating a power struggle so severe it left the faction in shambles. No doubt many assassins of the Brotherhood were overly eager to get their hands on the weapon.
1 Finding The Pieces
During the actual quest, the Razor must be put together. Its pieces are scattered all across Skyrim. The scabbard is already in Silus’ possession, but the Dragonborn needs to find the pommel, located in Dead Crone Rock, the hilt from Morthal in Jorgen’s and Lami’s place, as well as the shards, which are at Cracked Tusk Keep.
While some people might give up the pieces willingly, others need to be fought and slain in order for the Razor to be completed successfully.
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