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Product Description
Keeping classic shaving alive, this handcrafted, chrome-finished, double-edged razor is a perfect revival for experienced wetshavers and grooming newbies alike. The extra weight of this razor allows the user to apply less pressure than its multi-bladed counterparts, resulting in a smooth comfortable and ultra-enjoyable shave.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 34 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
So much better than multi-blade razors, if you have more time to shave
January 24, 2011
Amazon Verified Purchase
So, really, I don't see how you could rate this lower than five stars. It's solid, well made, and it holds a razor blade at an appropriate level. The materials are rust resistant, the threads are spaced enough in the tube to make screwing the head on or off easy and fast.
It's plenty heavy, so you won't forget it's there when you're shaving, and can, in fact, use the weight of the razor to shave for you. You just sort of guide it along.
I've seen a few reviews of this and other razors complaining that the handle is too short. I don't see how--I have big hands, and it feels fine, though this is my first safety razor, and I've never used one with a longer handle. Also, since this is my first safety razor, I have no basis of comparison for models that are somehow adjustable. I'm not sure I understand how that would work, exactly, but I seem to be shaving just fine with this one, and in fact, am sold on giving up cartridge razors entirely.
One thing that I didn't realize with this razor when I bought it: shaving is no longer a quick thing. Using this razor makes shaving into a daily ritual--one that I love, and here's the things you should be aware of if this is your first:
1. You have to shave twice. The second job is just a once over the face again to get that super, baby-skin-soft close shave, which is worth it, but be aware, it takes a little more time.
2. Using canned shaving cream with a safety razor is a travesty. Shaving soap is cheap and lasts forever, and, even better, it's soooo much more luxurious and functional than the canned stuff. However, this adds a couple more things you need to order--a brush and the shaving soap.
3. You can't just wet your face, glop on the cream and go. You really do need to shower first or soak your beard in a hot towel for a few minutes first. It's worth it, and needed, to soften up your beard. Unless you have very soft facial hair to begin with, in which case you may be able to avoid this step. If I don't shower first, the safety razor shreds my face.
4. You now have to consider what blades to buy. Not all blades are equal. In addition, different blades have different levels of difficulty in shaving. The Merkur blade that came with it is a low-level difficulty. It was super easy, and painless--a great first impression. I bought some derby blades, when I ordered the razor, and when I switched, my face looked like I had measles, and the styptic pencil was like fire on my face. I'm doing better now, but you can't just load and go--you have to think about pressure, and angle.
5. Along those lines, you really have to pay attention to the grain of your beard. I have a sort of cow-lick in my beard, so I have to shave one side upwards, one side downwards, and side to side in the middle. If you go against the grain, the razor will hurt you.
Strangely, in spite of these things, I have found I love shaving with this razor. It's a challenge sort of, the soap I bought smells and feels amazing, and the end result of shaving is easily the closest shave I've ever had. It's like there's now a way to make shaving a truly manly activity, complete with blood-loss and skill development. On the other hand, my wife found it works well on her legs also, and will be purchasing one for herself. Forget those cartridge razors. What a rip-off! I never knew.
Oh yeah. the 15 replacement blades I bought cost six bucks. Derby makes a 100 blade pack that costs ten dollars. I didn't buy it because I wanted to try them before I loaded my medicine cabinet with them. Next time, I'm buying the bulk pack--which will last all year.
It's plenty heavy, so you won't forget it's there when you're shaving, and can, in fact, use the weight of the razor to shave for you. You just sort of guide it along.
I've seen a few reviews of this and other razors complaining that the handle is too short. I don't see how--I have big hands, and it feels fine, though this is my first safety razor, and I've never used one with a longer handle. Also, since this is my first safety razor, I have no basis of comparison for models that are somehow adjustable. I'm not sure I understand how that would work, exactly, but I seem to be shaving just fine with this one, and in fact, am sold on giving up cartridge razors entirely.
One thing that I didn't realize with this razor when I bought it: shaving is no longer a quick thing. Using this razor makes shaving into a daily ritual--one that I love, and here's the things you should be aware of if this is your first:
1. You have to shave twice. The second job is just a once over the face again to get that super, baby-skin-soft close shave, which is worth it, but be aware, it takes a little more time.
2. Using canned shaving cream with a safety razor is a travesty. Shaving soap is cheap and lasts forever, and, even better, it's soooo much more luxurious and functional than the canned stuff. However, this adds a couple more things you need to order--a brush and the shaving soap.
3. You can't just wet your face, glop on the cream and go. You really do need to shower first or soak your beard in a hot towel for a few minutes first. It's worth it, and needed, to soften up your beard. Unless you have very soft facial hair to begin with, in which case you may be able to avoid this step. If I don't shower first, the safety razor shreds my face.
4. You now have to consider what blades to buy. Not all blades are equal. In addition, different blades have different levels of difficulty in shaving. The Merkur blade that came with it is a low-level difficulty. It was super easy, and painless--a great first impression. I bought some derby blades, when I ordered the razor, and when I switched, my face looked like I had measles, and the styptic pencil was like fire on my face. I'm doing better now, but you can't just load and go--you have to think about pressure, and angle.
5. Along those lines, you really have to pay attention to the grain of your beard. I have a sort of cow-lick in my beard, so I have to shave one side upwards, one side downwards, and side to side in the middle. If you go against the grain, the razor will hurt you.
Strangely, in spite of these things, I have found I love shaving with this razor. It's a challenge sort of, the soap I bought smells and feels amazing, and the end result of shaving is easily the closest shave I've ever had. It's like there's now a way to make shaving a truly manly activity, complete with blood-loss and skill development. On the other hand, my wife found it works well on her legs also, and will be purchasing one for herself. Forget those cartridge razors. What a rip-off! I never knew.
Oh yeah. the 15 replacement blades I bought cost six bucks. Derby makes a 100 blade pack that costs ten dollars. I didn't buy it because I wanted to try them before I loaded my medicine cabinet with them. Next time, I'm buying the bulk pack--which will last all year.
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By Baby Sprite
Amazon Verified Purchase
Solingen/Merkur have no illusions when it comes to wet shaving. They produce a superior quality classic safety razor and equally superior double-edge blades. The result is a lifetime of superior shaving experiences.
Unique to the Merkur Classic safety razors is the design of the top, which screws down into the handle by means of a threaded shaft, a simple and reliable method for holding the blade in place.
The blades alone are well-worth the money, lasting two to three times longer than inexpensive brands and combined with a one of the classic safety razors, you'll never want to use any thing else.
To maximize razor blade economy with Merkur blades, rinse your razor with COLD water and they'll last a number of times longer than most other supermarket brands of double-edge blades.
Unique to the Merkur Classic safety razors is the design of the top, which screws down into the handle by means of a threaded shaft, a simple and reliable method for holding the blade in place.
The blades alone are well-worth the money, lasting two to three times longer than inexpensive brands and combined with a one of the classic safety razors, you'll never want to use any thing else.
To maximize razor blade economy with Merkur blades, rinse your razor with COLD water and they'll last a number of times longer than most other supermarket brands of double-edge blades.
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
By JaySin
Amazon Verified Purchase
I must start out by saying I am one of those men with a beard that seems to be made of wire and skin that is incredibly sensitive - shaving has never been fun, easy or without issues since I was a teenager. The majority of my life has been spent shaving with those lovely cartridge razors that burn your skin and your wallet leaving you unhappy and with a dread of shaving; something that in today's world is nearly a must in all professional circles.
I decided to purchase this razor after 3 weeks of research into wet shaving and in all honesty with much reluctance to try something that held a razor capable of leaving you in need of stitches. In essence this was a "last resort" in an attempt to get that close shave that lasted more than half a day and didn't leave me feeling uncomfortable.
When my razor arrived, I inserted the Merkur blade that comes with the razor, lathered up and began to shave after taking a deep breath and resigning myself to potential nicks and scrapes...I was so wrong in thinking this way. The 34c provided a smooth, comfortable shave with no pulling of my beard, no unpleasant burn after each stroke and surprisingly it was even fun.
The 34c is brilliantly designed and the chrome finish and heft make it a pleasure to own and to use. The knurled handle offers plenty of grip, loading the razor is incredibly easy and it feels sturdy and stable in your hand.
My very first shave was closer than any I've ever had before and so much more pleasant. My wife is amazed and incredibly happy with my shaves now.
If this is your first DE razor you are on the right track. I must offer a bit of advice though: Do not think that the short handle is going to be a burden, this design actually makes it easier to use and to apply the proper technique. Let me repeat that last part, TECHNIQUE, is essential in wet shaving. There is no pivot-head which means you must be aware of and account for the organic curvature of your face and neck. A longer handled razor will only impede your learning, your technique and ultimately affect your shave!
Also, if you purchase this razor, start off with the Merkur blade but don't be afraid to try other blades. A multi-pack with an assortment of blades would be a good purchase as well so that you can try out other manufacturers and find the best fit for your skin and beard type. So far, for me, the Merkur blade is wonderful! Don't forget to get a good soap (I use Art of Shaving cream for ease of use) and a good badger brush to lather with. These are essentials to a good wet-shave! You won't be disappointed!
There is something to be said for shaving with a DE razor. Most of us today shave without a thought to how much of shaving is tradition as well as necessity. Our fathers and grandfathers and further back passed tradition on as well and many of them shaved with a DE or a straight edge but with the advent of the cartridge razor the tradition has nearly died out. Cartidges take out the need for learning, technique and patience. Shaving with a DE brings back this tradition among men and puts this time-honored right of passage back in our hands. Try a DE, you will get a wonderful shave and possible develop nostalgia for those simpler times when men were proud to be men and life involved reminders of what is meant to be a man in daily life.
Pros:
Excellent, sturdy design
Heft and weight offer a effortless shave
DE technique is easy to learn due to the design
Blades are cheap! What you pay for replacement cartridges would buy you almost a year supply of DE blades
Cleaning is incredibly easy
Razor won't clog with hair like cartridges do
Cons:
Shave time increased for me but only by 5 minutes
Shave prep is more extensive but worth it
Smaller handle does take time to get used to but as I mentioned it has a purpose
UPDATE: 3/26/2013
So here I am, on vacation and the one thing I forgot to pack was my Merkur. I thought I'd catch a quick shave with one of my wife's Schick razors and it was like rubbing sandpaper across my face. The final shave is terrible, my face is still full of stubble and nowhere near close to the shave I can achieve with my old-school Merkur. Thank God for Prime shipping - I'm ordering another Merkur so I can shave while away from home. So lesson to be learned: never go away without your Merkur...your face won't be pleased.
I decided to purchase this razor after 3 weeks of research into wet shaving and in all honesty with much reluctance to try something that held a razor capable of leaving you in need of stitches. In essence this was a "last resort" in an attempt to get that close shave that lasted more than half a day and didn't leave me feeling uncomfortable.
When my razor arrived, I inserted the Merkur blade that comes with the razor, lathered up and began to shave after taking a deep breath and resigning myself to potential nicks and scrapes...I was so wrong in thinking this way. The 34c provided a smooth, comfortable shave with no pulling of my beard, no unpleasant burn after each stroke and surprisingly it was even fun.
The 34c is brilliantly designed and the chrome finish and heft make it a pleasure to own and to use. The knurled handle offers plenty of grip, loading the razor is incredibly easy and it feels sturdy and stable in your hand.
My very first shave was closer than any I've ever had before and so much more pleasant. My wife is amazed and incredibly happy with my shaves now.
If this is your first DE razor you are on the right track. I must offer a bit of advice though: Do not think that the short handle is going to be a burden, this design actually makes it easier to use and to apply the proper technique. Let me repeat that last part, TECHNIQUE, is essential in wet shaving. There is no pivot-head which means you must be aware of and account for the organic curvature of your face and neck. A longer handled razor will only impede your learning, your technique and ultimately affect your shave!
Also, if you purchase this razor, start off with the Merkur blade but don't be afraid to try other blades. A multi-pack with an assortment of blades would be a good purchase as well so that you can try out other manufacturers and find the best fit for your skin and beard type. So far, for me, the Merkur blade is wonderful! Don't forget to get a good soap (I use Art of Shaving cream for ease of use) and a good badger brush to lather with. These are essentials to a good wet-shave! You won't be disappointed!
There is something to be said for shaving with a DE razor. Most of us today shave without a thought to how much of shaving is tradition as well as necessity. Our fathers and grandfathers and further back passed tradition on as well and many of them shaved with a DE or a straight edge but with the advent of the cartridge razor the tradition has nearly died out. Cartidges take out the need for learning, technique and patience. Shaving with a DE brings back this tradition among men and puts this time-honored right of passage back in our hands. Try a DE, you will get a wonderful shave and possible develop nostalgia for those simpler times when men were proud to be men and life involved reminders of what is meant to be a man in daily life.
Pros:
Excellent, sturdy design
Heft and weight offer a effortless shave
DE technique is easy to learn due to the design
Blades are cheap! What you pay for replacement cartridges would buy you almost a year supply of DE blades
Cleaning is incredibly easy
Razor won't clog with hair like cartridges do
Cons:
Shave time increased for me but only by 5 minutes
Shave prep is more extensive but worth it
Smaller handle does take time to get used to but as I mentioned it has a purpose
UPDATE: 3/26/2013
So here I am, on vacation and the one thing I forgot to pack was my Merkur. I thought I'd catch a quick shave with one of my wife's Schick razors and it was like rubbing sandpaper across my face. The final shave is terrible, my face is still full of stubble and nowhere near close to the shave I can achieve with my old-school Merkur. Thank God for Prime shipping - I'm ordering another Merkur so I can shave while away from home. So lesson to be learned: never go away without your Merkur...your face won't be pleased.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
first time DE user
I was reluctant to spend this much on a razor but when you compare the price of the blades to what I was used to, ( pro glide fusion @ $18/ 4 cartridges), I will end up saving a... Read more
Published 10 days ago by Thomas
5.0 out of 5 stars
So glad I switched from cartridge razors to the Merkur
This is my first safety razor and I'm very happy. Initially, I was concerned it might be difficult to use or it would produce a lot of cuts on my face, but I had no trouble with it... Read more
Published 21 days ago by Michael Duda
4.0 out of 5 stars
My first safety razor and its a good one
The weight of the head really enables you to get a close shave without having to apply much pressure. This in turn helps prevents annoying nicks and cuts. Read more
Published 25 days ago by matt deangelo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Last Razor I'll buy
I've had numerous razors in the past including multiple DE's. This is a great razor with a nice non slip handle. Buy this one and never look back.
Published 28 days ago by bryan
5.0 out of 5 stars
my go to short handle razor
well built, fits in my hands and allows for a good shave technique. I use this one as my go to short handle razor if I have shaved regularly during the week (adjustable version if... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Joshua A. Daggett
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Product!
I did quite a bit of research before deciding to try out the Merkur 34c and very pleased with the results. Read more
Published 1 month ago by bbessette
5.0 out of 5 stars
The high life at a low price!
I am a novice wet shaver and this is my first "high end" razor. I like how it keeps the blade crimped down tight while not creating a wavy edge like the 13 dollar one I... Read more
Published 1 month ago by gregers23
4.0 out of 5 stars
Best for the money
This is a great razor. Compact yet robust and substantial. the 2-piece construction makes blade changing easy. The texture of the shaft makes it stable even with wet hands. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Robert M. Sherman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Starting Razor
I got this to try out double edge safety razors for the first time and it is awesome. It is small enough to not get in the way but heavy enough to give you a nice close shave. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Clayton
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is my new razor, for good.
I was tired of spending $2.50 or more per razor cartridge, so I did some research and bought this baby. I like it. It works well, ti feels good in my hand. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Jonathan J. Hall
