I had been looking for quite a while at double edge safety razors. If you are reading this you probably have been too. The biggest attraction for most people is the cost of blades. There is no shortage of cartridge razor critics complaining about the cost of cartridge blades and the quality of the shave that they give. There is a growing and very loyal following of people who swear by a return to the days of our fathers and gradfathers and an old fashioned safety razor shave.
In researching these razors you will find quite a few strong opinions about them. Their fans will tell you that they are the closest, most comfortable and economical shaves you could ever get. Their detractors will tell you that they can cause terrible razor burn and that you shave with one under the constant risk of slicing a portion of your face off. Both positions are somewhat correct, and therfore both positions are somewhat wrong.
This is my first safety razor. I decided to plunge into shaving with this kind of razor after going back and forth on whether it would be worth it. A lot of purists say that shaving with this kind of razor is not a quick and easy shave. It takes time to prepare to even start shaving and that you shave with one of these razors because you relish the preparation and enjoy a little "me time" in the ritual of shaving this way. I do enjoy that ritual. But I have found a few tricks and shortcts that making shaving with this razor just about as quick as shaving with any cartridge razor. You do need to prepare to shave. But that preparation is not much more involved than other shaving.
That doesn't mean you don't need to pay attention with this razor. It houses a razor blade that is designed to cut and will cut you as easily as it does your whiskers. But, this razor is not a scalpel or guillotine waiting to murder you the first second you let your guard down. When I started thinking about going to one of these razors, I asked my dad what he thought since I could remember him using these kinds of razors way back in the day. His response was a cringe and the comment that I would cut my face off. It was precisely that opinion that kept me from getting this razor sooner. Like I said, you can cut yourself with this razor. But it isn't very likely so don't let this issue keep you from enjoying this kind of shave.
SO..what about the razor. I like it and I think everyone who wants or likes to shave this way will too. It is a reasonable length. But long handled doesn't mean a long razor. It just means longer than other similar safety razors. It is a bit shorter than most cartrdige razors you are familiar with. It however has much better weight. This helps when you shave with it as it is the weight on your face that helps you get a close shave. Experts cotninuosly advise to let the razor "do the work". What they mean is allow the weight of the razor to do the work pressing on your face and cutting the whiskers. I have tried this and found that even with a somewhat weighty razor like this, I need to do some of the work too. I press the razor to ensure a close smooth shave. The weight of this razor alone just isn't enough to do all the work for you.
The razor is solid. It doesn't have any loose parts or play within the head and blade. Simply tighten the handle and it feels as though razor and blade are all one piece. Loosen the handle, and the head comes apart and you replace the blade. Simple, convenient and fail proof.
The handle is textured and gives a nice grip. The head is rounded and holds the cutting edge of the blade in position for a nice shave without being that deadly edge that will fillet layers of skin from your face. I think the recommended angle for these razor is 30 degrees with respect to handle and face. The rounded head of this razor is wide and smooth and angled to give you the right angle while you shave. You will be able to feel the head and blade as you make a pass. Just correct with your wrist and the razor does its job nice and close.
The price of this razor isn't bad. Do any kind of research into these razors and one thing becomes very clear. Merkur razors are considered some of the best, if not the best, made razors in the world. This particular model is priced below many other comparable models and even some cheaper made competitors. But you are buying the Merkur name and quality. This is the perfect razor at a really good price, to start into the whole safety razor club. And this razor is going to last you years, it's that solid and clearly well made. After buying and using this razor, I'm actually worried that I'll never have to buy another razor again. And there are a few other models out there that I'm interested in but cost more - so I didn't buy one of them because I was cautious about how I would like shaving this way. So I bought just about the cheapest razor made by the world's best razor maker - and it just might be my last razor.
So, I am telling you without reservation, that if you are going to get into shaving with a safety razor, this is your razor. But here are my tips and tricks that will help you have a clean comfortable shave and love this razor too. I see a few people have given this razor less than great reviews because of razor burn etc. I am here to tell you that this razor doesn't give you razor burn - you and how you prepare your face give you razor burn. I suffered with it for years on my neck - until I learned how to shave.
1. If you can, shave in the shower. It's the last thing I do in the shower. Your face is warm and moist and clean. If you shave at a sink, wet your face with lots of warm water. Get it warm and relaxed and nice and wet.
2. Get a facial brush. While your fingers do work, a good face brush will help massage your face and the whiskers to stand up. This is very important. When the whickers stand up, they are easier to shave and cause you to use less pressure to get close. This helps avoid the burn. A brush also helps you create lots of lather which is also very important with this razor. This also helps avoid the burn. Purists will tell you that you should buy the best quality badger shaving brush you can afford. I have tried them. I didn't like them. They don't do as a good a job of massaging your face and standing those whickers up - in my opinion. But a small face brush like you can find at a beauty store or Bath and Body Works allows you to really massage and prepare with the lather. And unlike badger brushes, they are cheap and nearly indestructable. And no worries about properly drying them out between shaves. Just leave it in the shower or next to the sink. It will always be in a condition to lather you up again - badger brushes take a bit more care and in my opinion, just don't massage and lather as well.
3. Get a good shave cream. You can't go wrong with any Proraso products. I LOVE the sandalwood. Can smell it even a few hours after I shave. It comes in a soap which is in a dish, or in a tube like toothpaste. I use the tube version right now. Simply take off the cap, but a bead of cream in your face brush, run it under a little warm water, and start massaging those whickers. It's just like loading up your toothbrush to brush your teeth. But instead you brush your face. It takes a minute or two to do. Use more water as needed to get that lather going and smell the sandalwood. A tube of this stuff will last you almost forever. I am guessing that a tube of this stuff lasts me almost an entire year. At $10, you can't beat it. Once you are lathered up, don't rinse out your brush. Leave it full of lather and simply set it aside. It will be ready in case you need a little bit more lather to finish.
4. Put the razor to work. Shave like you have for years. Let your face and your fingers be your guide. They will tell you if you are doing it right. If your first shave isn't close enough, lather up real well and do it again. You will learn the best angle, track and pressure to shave your unique face. Alternate both sides of the razor while you shave. Then rinse with some water and shave some more.
5. If you find that you missed a spot or that some areas aren't as close as you would like, grab your face brush and lather those spots again. Then just shave them again. If you try to shave those spots real quick without lathering up, the razor will drag and skip rather than simply glide nice and smooth across your skin. THIS WILL GIVE YOU A GOOD CASE OF RAZOR BURN. This is also how you get cut in areas you wouldn't expect a cut. As long as your skin is wet and lathered, this razor is going to glide right over it.
6. Rinse with warm water, dry off, and use some aftershave or balm. I perosnally have made my own aftershave that I found works really well in avoiding irritation. I got a small plastic spary bottle and put wintergreen scented rubbing alcohol and a little bit of witch hazel in it. When I am done shaving, I just give my neck a quick spray, and then rub it on the rest of my face. Simple, cheap and effective for preventing irritation. I really like an aftershave balm from Burt's Bees that I found. It has a bergamot smell......fantastic.
So how about razor blades? Well quite a few experts talk about how some blades are sharper than others and how some people find that certain brands of blades work better for them than others. Based on everything I read, the reviews and the cost, I bought a 100 pack of Derby blades for this razor. I like them so far. They don't seem to be too sharp, they cut great when they are new, and 100 blades will last me over a year. Using just one blade a week means that $10 in razor blades will last me 2 years. And to be honest, this razor and these blades shave so close that I can usually get away with 2 days per shave. So how long will these blades last me? 3 years? 4?
If you're looking into getting into shaving with a safety razor, buy this razor. It is great quality at a good price and you won't regret the shaves you get from it. If you already use safety razors, buy this razor. You will like it as much if not more than your other razors and at this price, it makes a great second razor for travel, vacation etc. Skip all the stuff from the purists about more expensive razors, blades and badger hair brushes. This razor, a tube of Proraso and a face brush will change your life. And it won't take much longer than your regular shave but it will be the closest and most comfortable shave you have ever gotten. For what amounts to be PENNIES a day given that this razor will last forvever, a tube of Prorasso and these blades will last for a year or more. You won't be disappointed........
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Compare with similar items
This Item  Merkur Futur MK 23C Long-Handled Traditional Double Edge Safety Razor - Excellent Comfort, Control, and Design - 4.2 Inches, Chrome Finish |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | $85.50 | $39.95 | $300.00 | $37.54 | $29.36 |
| Price Per Unit | — | $85.50 / Count | $39.95 / Count | $300.00 / Count | $37.54 / Count | $29.36 / Count |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, May 1 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Craftsmanship | ||||||
| For beginners | ||||||
| For sensitive skin | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Sold By | — | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| number of blades | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| material | Chrome | — | Alloy Steel | Silver | — | — |
| target gender | unisex | male | male | unisex | male | male |
| weight | 0.3 ounces | 0.12 kilograms | 0.1 pounds | 1 pounds | 0.15 pounds | — |
Videos
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
Videos for this product
4:30
Click to play video
Customer Review: Well, looks like a winner.
Tempting Reviews
Reviews with images
Forgotten Quality Rediscovered
I would like to highly recommend the Merkur Model 180 Safety Razor. I recently had a visit at my dermatologist discovering the thing on my face was an ingrown hair. She asked what razor I was using, well of course the Triple bladed bells and whistle Excel 2525 (you know what I mean). She informed me how bad those razors are for your face and told me to switch to a single blade brand. I decided to research a good safety razor. I like most had flash backs of the day my father taught me shaving with a safety razor. It was recorded on 8mm film and made it into the movies under the name Blood hotel. I did however place the order recalling how dad swore by it. This razor gives a remarkable shave in addition to being a piece of art. For once there will be something in the bathroom that you not the wife can be proud of. I park it on a glass shelf with an English shaving brush, outstanding. When you purchase the Merkur add Feather hi Stainless Platinum blades to the order. They have the proper sharpness and flex for those starting out again. Last my tips for a great shave. Like all meticulous tasks take your time but go in orderly fashion. 1. Hot wet towel to the face 2. A good foamy shave cream like Rise Super foam lather, apply a moderately good portion warmed up under hot water 2 seconds than directly to beard. 3. Now guide your Merkur no applied pressure letting the weight of the razor do the work. 4. Rinse the blade frequently. You will feel like Joe Namath with blondes all around.Feather Hi-Stainless Platinum Double Edge Razor Blades 30 Ct
Top reviews from other countries
Bharth ganeshan
Can't go wrong with merkur, Amazing piece of craftsmanship.
Reviewed in India on April 12, 2017STYLE4MEN.CA
Fabulous 3 piece safety razor
Reviewed in Canada on September 24, 2016
