Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor 38c

by Merkur

Product Features

• Classic shaving tool with a long handle to enable a superior shave.

Product Description

Classic Safety Razor has a slick chrome finish and a double edge design that provides a very close shave. Comfortable extra long handle is designed for a non-slip grip and works well with all hands, especially larger mitts. The handle weighs a hefty 4 oz. and is 3.75 inches long. Don't you wish you had a longer handle?

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: 3812028492
• UPC: 123456786622
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #39,747 in Health & Personal Care (See Top 100 in Health & Personal Care)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 38C is a great shaver, December 10, 2008

By 

Earl Dunbar "Zuikoholic" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

I purchased the Merkur 38C (chrome barberpole) as my first double edge (DE) razor in over 35 or so years. I had gotten tired of crappy shaves from multi-blade cartridge razors, with each cartridge costing so much. The last straw was a brand new Quattro cartridge that was so rough it felt like someone was dragging the jagged edge of a tin can across my face ... backwards.

After doing some research on DE razors and blades, I settled on and ordered the Merkur 38C, along with a sampler pack of blades and some high quality shave cream.

The good:

* The 38C is a heavy razor. This is an advantage because in DE shaving you want the razor and blade to do the work, not the pressure of pushing the blade against your face, as you must do with cartridge razors.

* The finish on my razor was pretty near perfect, so don't let the previous review put you off. If there is a problem, any reputable retailer should honour an exchange.

* The 38C is a somewhat "mild" razor. That is, the blade gap and angle afforded by the head design is such that even with the sharpest of blades you can shave comfortably ... given proper technique, of course. I wouldn't advise using a Feather blade as your first experience with this razor; use a somewhat milder blade. Being milder rather than very aggressive, this gives the user a lot of latitude with blade selection.

The less good:

* The barberpole pattern on the handle could be a little deeper. Some people have reported problems with the razor being a bit too slippery, but I have never had a problem.

* The razor is heavy. This is actually an advantage as noted above, but some people may not like the feel. So for me (and I suspect most people who try this razor), this is not a problem at all.

All-in-all, this is a great product. I won't downrate it for not be adjustable, because (duh), there are adjustable models from Merkur and other manufacturers. If that's what you need or want, then don't buy the 38C.

I have other DE razors which also can give really good shaves ... a Schick Stainless (aka Krona), a Feather Portable, a 1940s Gillette SuperSpeed. If I were forced to live with only one, I could easily live with the 38C as my only razor. Not that that will happen, mind you!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My first DE razor and I love it., January 5, 2008

By 

JanSobieski (United States of America) - See all my reviews

I just love the form factor of this razor. It is simply a beautifully engineered device whose form compliments its unparalleled function. This razor is perfect for my style of shaving. It is VERY forgiving allowing a neophyte such as myself to obtain a near perfect BBS shave out of the gates.

I realize there are those who prefer a more aggressive razor. Me, I want one which will provide a close shave and at the same time be forgiving of any lapse of concentration. This is such a razor. I had serious reservations about DE shaving until I put this razor though its paces and it delivered an incredibly close shave with nary a nick and I managed this in the shower without a mirror.

My 1949 and 1951 Super Speeds are nice, but nearly as nice as the 38C. First of all, for me they simply do not provide as good a shave. They require considerably more attention and care while shaving than does the 38C and do not provide any better shave. In fact, for me, not as good a shave. Forget the ebay auctions! Forget the classic old razors! The 38C is more attractive and a better shaver. When you pick up the Super Speed or even the Fat Boy they will seem puny by comparison, their huge disproportionate heads (with their TTO mechanisms) notwithstanding.

The other razor I have to compare the 38C to is the Weishi and it BLOWS the Weishi away in every category except possibly blade replacement. The weight, balance, form factor and shave of the Merkur simply far surpass the rather hapless Weishi, which suffers in comparison to the incomparable 38C.

The 38C is the perfect marriage of form and function. It is esthetically a winner and functionally it is everything I had hoped for and more. Though it cost over twice what I paid for the Weishi it was worth every single penny and then some. It is so far the best value in a razor that I have.

Ease of blade replacement can arguably be nicked (pun intended) a point because it is not a TTO, but I decided not to do so because Merkur obviously adopted this approach to achieve their excellent shave characteristics as well as their outstanding form factor. The heft may take some time getting used to - it has for me, but I love the way it feels in my hand, looks on the sink and shaves my face. You cannot go wrong with this razor.

If you do not own this razor, do yourself a favor and go out and buy one pronto.

Addendum: I've since purchased the Futur and the Vision. Both capable razors but the 38C remains my favorite. Balance of the razor, closeness of the shave, comfort and ease of use are all in favor of the 38C.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very close shave, September 14, 2007

By 

Jon Huether (Knoxville, TN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This razor works better than any disposable type and is 10 times sharper. Be very Careful when using. This is a must buy if you are seeking alternatives to the throw away razors.