 The Best Shave |
| Review Date: April 16, 2008 |
| Reviewer: A. Casiano, Dallas, Tx |
I remember the day I purchased the new 5 blade razor from Gillette. I was excited and hopeful that FINALLY I wouldn't have to deal with razor burn, bumps, etc anymore. Alas, 5 blades aren't better than 4, just as 4 blades weren't better than 3, so on and so forth. As it turns out you just need one simple little blade to do the trick.
After reading the article 'How to Shave Like Your Grandpa' (http://artofmanliness.com/2008/01/04/how-to-shave-like-your-grandpa/) I decided to switch to a high quality shaving cream, badger brush, and aftershave lotion. I also purchased the Merkur razor and extra blades. The difference cannot be put into words. The best I can do is 'simply amazing'. I never, never get any kind of irritated skin post-shave. I cannot feel one bit of stubble afterwards, even if I run my hand against the grain. The quality of the shave is unsurpassed (at least for at-home shaves. Straight blade shaves are a different story).
There is a slight learning curve to this product. I have never (knock on wood) cut myself but finding the right angle is a bit tricky. You'll learn quickly and the time it takes to shave will become shorter and shorter. But, even though I have the process down to a science it does take me a bit longer than a cheapie razor but I look at shaving as an indulgent experience now; I know my girlfriend appreciates it.
I cannot recommend this product enough. I tried probably 100 different ways to rid myself of irritation and never found it until I tried a Merkur razor. You will not be disappointed with this razor or the results.
***Updated: 02/05/09***
I have tried many different brands of blades for this razor. Nothing compares to the Merkur blades. Just FYI... |
This is one awesome razor!
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| Review Date: January 13, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Soul to Steal, ^^ |
I've used disposable razors on my legs forever and never once felt satisified with my shaving experience. The last straw happened recently when Amazon sent me a few free schick quattro's.
I gave them a try thinking hmmm, four blades must equal one good close shave but unfortunately for me four cheap blades equal lots of razor burn and hair clogging up the razor rendering them quickly useless because its nearly impossible picking the tiny hairs out from between all four blades.
I ordered this Merkur long handled razor after researching the reviews and I'm so happy that I did!
This razor has a beautiful chrome finish with a nice heavy feel to it. Its real quality and built for a lifetime of service. Its such an easy design and gives such a close shave that it makes me wonder how disposable razors were ever invented in the first place.
Unscrew the head, insert the blade then tighten the head. What could be any easier?! I purchased 60 merkur blades with this razorMerkur Double Edge Safety Razor Blades- 3 Packs of 10 Blades - 30 Blades in Total- Made in Germany and it all takes up less room than a small pack of plastic disposable razors.
My first shave with my new merkur felt silky smooth. The blade cuts my leg hair so easily with just one pass, it really speeds up the whole shaving process, just be careful and take your time to avoid injury.
I love this razor and the shave it provides! Its worth every penny! |
The old man was onto something.
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| Review Date: January 25, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Isaac Rushing, |
I got tired of using disposable razors and Mach 3s etc. because they cost too much, dull too quickly, cut me up, and leave my face stinging afterwards. So I looked around, found this one, and decided to give it a go. Best decision I ever made as far as grooming goes. Combined with a shaving brush and a nice shave soap, this razor gets me smooth quickly and painlessly. Shaving in the morning after a nice hot shower has become a pleasant ritual now instead of a painful necessity. The razor is heavy, chrome, and built to last. The Merkur blades are also excellent quality, but I usually get the Gillette ones from a local store (Most Meijer and Wal-Marts carry the replacement blades still) and they work fine as well. Probably save me thousands of dollars just on blades in the long run. Think about it. Why buy 3 cartridges for a Mach 3 or whatever for 12 bucks when you can buy 10 blades for 5 bucks and the plain old blades last longer and shave better? I'll never use anything but a good old double edge safety razor again, just like my Dad used to use. (I guess the old man was onto something.) And I definitely recommend switching to a shave brush and a good shave soap too. It takes a little finesse to get the lather perfect, but it beats any shaving cream/gel by a long shot. Also of note, the "long handle" really is only about as long as a normal disposable razor, so keep that in mind if you're looking at other double edge razors. And of course German attention to detail and quality is a desireable feature of this razor too.
Bottom line: Quality razor that should last a lifetime! |
Finally, the shave I've been looking for.
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| Review Date: January 28, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Charlesw W. Andrews, Los Vilos, CHILE |
I've been working my way up from an electric razor 20 years ago to this, and it's been getting better all the time. I used to use the Gillette 3-blade disposables, and that was okay. Relatively smooth, and the wife was happy.
Now, having switched to the Merkur #180, I'm never going back to any cartridge - evah. Too expensive, too many ingrown hairs, and now I know my shave wasn't nearly as close as it could have been.
I tried the #180 last week with some Derby blades, and the first couple times were not too great. I was very delicate with how I held the handle, didn't apply pressure during strokes, etc. Now I'm a bit more confident, I bought a good badger-hair brush and some decent soap, and things have gotten much better.
My face is smoother than ever, it's easier to shave in the morning due to less overnight growth, and the wife is even happier. Smoove, baby.
Here are a few tips I'd recommend if you're starting to use a DE razor:
1. Exfoliate just before shaving - I use St. Ives with pulverized walnut shells. When I don't exfoliate first, the shave isn't as close.
2. Shave in the shower. It's more difficult to master, but a good mirror is invaluable until you get the hang of it. Shower shaving is great because the steam softens your beard, the razor is easier to clean, and when you're done there's no residue behind ears, etc.
3. Alcohol-based after shave is for chumps. Get a good after shave that moisturizes. Amazon has tons of them for sale - check the reviews. I like the products by Geo F. Trumper.
4. Don't be afraid to pursue the closest shave possible. Having a babybutt-smooth face doesn't make you a metrosexual - it's evidence of a real man who knows how to take care of himself. If you also have a spray-on tan, well then it's time for some introspection.
Most broads like a smooth face. Enjoy. |
Best Kept Secret for Shaving
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| Review Date: October 15, 2006 |
| Reviewer: DCB, Fairhope, AL USA |
Pros: Provides close shave with no skin irritation; low total cost-of-ownership.
Cons: Trouble getting to a few spots on my face; must "unlearn" some bad shaving habits.
I have been searching for the "perfect" shave for as long as I can remember, and have probably tried most, if not all, of the products out there. My facial hair is quite tough, but my skin is very sensitive, which makes shaving something that I usually dread. I bought my Merkur a few months ago, and after a short learning curve, my skin is a lot happier.
I was somewhat surprised that it did not come with any instructions, so the first time I used it, I was very disapointed. After some internet searching and a little experimentation, I found that holding the razor at about a 30 degree angle and NOT PRESSING DOWN were two keys to getting a good shave. Other tips: use Merkur blades (much cheaper than Mach III or Fusion blades, and last longer as well), a good gel (I like Aveeno Ultra-Calming), and take your time. My best results seem to come by shaving with the grain the first time, then going sideways or even lightly against the grain a second time.
Additional info: after expressing my dislike of my thinning-on-top hair, my (cute) barberette talked me into letting her shave my head. While I visit her every so often for a professional shave, I have also found that the Merkur gets my head as smooth as my face.
Conclusion: when Gillette comes out with their 6, 7, or 8-blade razor, I'll just laugh like I do when I see a Fusion commercial.
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What an excellent product!
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| Review Date: March 19, 2009 |
| Reviewer: mr z, San Francisco, CA |
Short review: This razor is awesome. Buy it. Now!
Long review.
I got this product because I was sick of three things: paying too much for the cartridges, polluting the environment and getting ingrown hairs. I paid less than $40 for the razor and for the top of the line Merkur blades and I am never going back to any multiblade cartridge system ever again. Extremely well made Merkur blades run me about 50 cents while my next door general store sells Mach-3 cartridges for around 2.50 dollars per unit. Cheaper blades are available for 9 cents and just the math alone makes this razor a no-brainer.
Then there is the great shave factor. Merkur blades are quite sharp and you really feel the edge dragging against your skin. This allows me to change the angle of shave without pressing on the razor like I used to do with Gillette Mach 3. The fact that there is only one blade makes this razor clog less and I can use thicker shaving creams that add to the quality of shaves. Also one blade means less irritation and my sensitive skin thanks me for that.
Finally, razor blades can be recycled without any issues. Since the razor is hard to clog I go with heavier shaving creams and soaps that are not coming out of an aerosol bottle. Minimal packaging leads to less pollution. So does the fact that a good brush can reduce the waste of shaving products which now last longer.
Cheap. Reliable. Environment friendly. What else do you need?
I read a review where somebody did not like the razor because it did not offer a good shaving angle. The person tried to alter the angle by unscrewing the head of the razor -- bad move! This is a non-adjustable razor and it means that for the best results you have to screw the head all the way down. If you're looking for an adjustable version of Merkur, they're available on Amazon as well. I appreciate the simplicity of this particular model and that's why I did not get an adjustable one. But check out Merkur Solingen Futur Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor if you want a razor that lets you change the angle of the blade.
Finally, I cannot stress enough the importance of other accessories that will make this razor even more enjoyable.
1. Get shaving soap or think shaving cream. Search for O.C. Bigelow, Taylor of Old Bond Street or Proraso on Amazon. These companies make really terrific shaving creams. If you like soaps, check out Colonel Conk. Many of these products costs less than $15 but don't be fooled: They are great. The Art of Shaving has guts to overcharge for its shaving products but they are not bad either.
2. Invest money in a nice shaving brush. Too bad Amazon does not offer brushes by Rooney or Vulfix. A silvertip or super badger will run you for $100+ but it is well worth it. With proper care it will last for years without shedding. If you opt for cheaper brands sold at grocery stores or Bath and Body, you'll end up replacing them quite soon. Get good stuff from the very beginning and save some money. I know, spending $100 on a shave brush sounds a bit Wall Street in this economy, but the fact is that even with all the investment today you'll end up saving money in a long run.
3. Learn how to recycle the blades and get only the best ones you can afford. Merkur leads the pack for me.
Oh, and welcome to the world of real shaving. Next step -- straight razors. |
Merkur Again-
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| Review Date: December 19, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J Keistler, Lake Jackson, Texas USA |
I have been shaving with Merkur for more than 30 years. I bought my first Merkur in 1978 when I was in college; I still have it. It is the slant-bar model with the shorter handle. I have reviewed it on its page.
The big difference between the slant bar and this straight bar model is that the slant bar puts a torsional twist on the blade, causing it to shave very, very close. As I am now in my mid fifties and on aspirin and Plavix, a couple of years ago I purchased this long handle straight bar model.
This Merkur exhibits the same ultra-high quality that my seventies Merkur does. As stated in that review, after Heaven knows how many thousands of shaves, it could be repackaged and sold as new. For buyers out there now wondering about the expense, my older Merkur has had no bubbling, no separation, no dulling of the chrome finish. I see no reason with this newer one to expect anything different.
I have seen other reviewers grouse about the mechanism on this Merkur; it's why I bought one in the first place! I learned how to shave on the traditional Gillette of the sixties with those little 'bay doors' that open on the top, then close down on the blade. The problem with those razor mechanisms is that they tend to accumulate dried soap or shaving cream around the mechanism, and it's nearly impossible to get them truly clean. That's why people just pitched them back then every year or two and bought another one. This Merkur has a one-piece top that unscrews completely. The blade is set on the main body, the top is replaced and screwed down. While it may not provide mechanical entertainment and appear high-tech, what it does is allow the user to simply take the top off and use a toothbrush or other firm brush with a little dishwashing liquid and it's back to new again. Perhaps I shouldn't say so, but I've periodically just tossed the two parts in the silverware part of my dishwasher and it does a great job also! The other advantage to this one-piece top is that cut hair can't clog it. I use a twin-blade on occasion when I'm camping; if I don't shave for a few days, hair will get in those tiny recesses and it's near-impossible to rinse or blow out. I can cut a multiday beard with this, just loosen the top a little and all the hair rinses away. I brought up this hair trapping to a friend who is using one of those umpteen-blade things. He went home and looked, and sure enough, he had trapped hair in his. Couldn't be hygienic!
I have used just about every brand of blade available to me, including the drugstore brands. It is true that investing in better blades will certainly bring rewards in longer blade life and less beard friction. I won't join the Merkur versus Feather debate; I have both and have found them to be equally capable.
It has cost me roughly $1 per year to enjoy the quality of a Merkur razor for 30+ years. I can't estimate how much money I have saved by using double edge blades over all those little plastic cartridge things, and also saved filling landfills with them. If you want a razor for the long run, this one will stick with you.
By the way, when that 5-blade Gillette came out, a friend bought one for me for grins. Felt like I was sandpapering the beard off, irritated the hell out of my skin, and that was that- |
Perfect razor for Women, too!
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| Review Date: September 27, 2009 |
| Reviewer: knittingen, Dallas, ya'll. |
This razor is amazing and very attractive to boot!
I had another razor purchased from Amazon, a Weishi, but it was all wrong. Unlike that product, this razor has smooth edges all over, perfect for a lady who wishes to shave in small places (don't make me explain) where an exposed edge would potentially cut, maim, or cause severe bodily injury...or at the very least catch me off guard. After the other product broke (a couple months after purchase!), I spent the extra few bucks to go with this model. Wish I had done it much, much sooner.
The weight balance is perfect, I do not have to press down on my skin when shaving my legs (as I do at a nearly horizontal angle), and the weight of the razor adds the perfect amount to get the closest shave. I've cut myself exactly one time using this razor, on the knee. It was not even a bad cut.
The razor blade is replaced by unscrewing the handle from the top, which I do by holding the short sides of the razor firmly. It's easy and painless.
The included razor blade is of unmatched quality. I have used it for a couple months and it is still sharp and not rusted.
The shave is close and accurate. On very densely populated areas (or, very hairy, lol? ew?), I may have to shave twice over with the original blade still in it, but considering the amount of time I've spent using it, that's hardly a set back. I've not experienced ingrown hairs or any other problematic symptoms of shaving intimate areas with this razor.
The main reason to buy one of these, though, is for the cost savings. Even with new blades, they cost so much less than the mainstream razor brands it is not even funny! And imagine how much less waste is generated from the use of razors like this, over disposables. I switched over for life and no plans to switch back.
The only thing it is lacking is a razor case for travel. Other than that, perfect, as far as sharp object go! |
Good riddens Gillette!
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| Review Date: February 18, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Robert C., Southeastern MA |
I own this razor and the shorter Merkur classic #178. They are both excellent razors. The handle on this one is just the right length for people used to using modern razors... in fact it allows me to shave twice as fast as the 178 because the longer handle feels so much more secure in my hand and makes the razor much more easy to maneuver and handle.
The Merkur blades are much sharper than any 4-5 blade gillette cartridge and last for about a week. That's about how long my Gillette cartridges were good for as well. You can get a whole years worth of blades for this thing for $20-30.
Stop shredding your cash and buy this razor... it's easy to use, even for beginners, and is built solidly and should last for a lifetime. 6 stars.
Cons: Only con is that it took me so long to discover that these razors even existed! I'll never look back. |
Best Shave Ever
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| Review Date: July 19, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Shawn L. Lobo, FOB Fenty Afghanistan |
| I bought this razor, because I'm in the Army and stationed in Afghanistan and needed a better way to shave without tearing my face up every day. Being deployed I must shave every day. I don't have the weekends anymore to let me recover. Any way I was using the Quattro and would brutalize my face on a daily basis. I tried different creams and all different types of razors. I was pretty nervous after reading about the Safety Razors that I would hack my face up initially, but that wasn't the case at all. I did everything that everyone said to do to keep from doing it and it worked. I have nicked my face maybe a handful of times during the first week of use, but towel no longer looks like the Japanese flag after I'm done shaving. Great product and would recommend it to anyone. Be sure to use a quality shaving soap or cream, it makes I difference too. I use Taylor of Old Bond Street and its great as well. Get the brush and mug to, it's a great change from the cartridge razors. |
I'll never shave with anything else again!!!
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| Review Date: April 9, 2008 |
| Reviewer: D. W. Johnson, New Hampshire |
| I just got this item today and promptly tried it out. Best shave I've ever had! The blade it comes with is crazy sharp, but I managed to not cut myself. Getting used to using it will take some work. But even though I've used nothing but disposables and electrics, I was still able to get a nice shave on the first try. Goodbye Gillette and all the disposables!! I'll probably keep my Wahl though. I can use it to touch up while I get used to using the Merkur. |
First shot at a safety razor
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| Review Date: May 15, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Jared M. Smith, PA |
| This was my first shot using a safety razor and I will never go back. One piece of advice if you just converted from disposable razors--buy good shaving cream. I got a $10 soap and brush from rite aid and it's no better than the canned stuff. Absolutly worth th extra to get good soap! |
Simply superior
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| Review Date: May 31, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Greco, |
For years I swore by cartridge razors. After using the Merkur, I will never go back to them. The double edge razor (both this particular model and all in general) is superior for two reasons:
1. Closer shave (You won't be able to stop touching your face in amazement)
2. Less costly blades (I just bought a 2 year supply of razor blades for $20, compare that with what would cost about $300 if you bought 2 years worth of Fusion or Mach 3 cartridges)
It's a win-win. You'll never go back. |
Best safety razor on the market.
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| Review Date: August 26, 2009 |
| Reviewer: M. Mansfield, Knoxville, TN |
| I have tried so many different shaving methods that I almost gave in and settled for the old Mach 3 stand by. I researched blogs, reviews on Amazon, and read just anything that I could find information on the best shave with or without cost considered. I bought this razor over a year ago along with the Merkur platinum blades and can tell you that I have finally found the best shave possible. I use Taylor of old something or other tub shave soap with a horse hair brush to apply lather. The shave is close and smooth. Yes, it takes a little longer but I don't cut myself any more than I did with a disposable head razor. The best Braun or Phillips electric can't even come close, the Mach 3 and the Fusion do not shave as well and cost a lot more money. I invested alot of money in a vintage 1949 gillete safety razor with a twist-open top, tried a Merkur with a shorter handle and twist open top, and this particlar old-school razor. The balance of the handle, the design of the head, and the over-all quality kept bringing me back to it. I suggest you save alot of time and buy this razor, a set of Merkur blades, some high quality soap and a good real horse-hair brush and toss the rest of your shaving supplies...you won't go back. |
Most important...
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| Review Date: December 31, 2009 |
| Reviewer: ~B, |
Might as well make it an even 90 (reviews)...
The first step of this journey started when I noticed what appeared to be my dad's old razor in a high-end gift catalog...
The journey ended at one of the world's oldest & best razor makers, Merkur.
I also learned that I'm not the only one who resents the price of disposable blades.
Most important facts/lessons learned:
*Budget a minimum of $75-$100, if you are planning a switch to (real) wet-shaving.
The shave is only as good/comfortable as the weakest-link.
"In for a Penny, in for a Pound"...might as well go all the way now, so you can really judge/decide accurately, for yourself if real (old school) wet-shaving is for you.
*If you've been using a modern disposable, then this is the perfect replacement, due to it's longer handle it will feel familiar & natural.
The "Open Comb" model for those with heavy (hairy-guy) beards.
The acclimation to these types of razors is simply the time it takes the user to stop freaking out about the possibility of cutting themselves with such a hefty piece of quality hardware.
No worries. Use your usual shaving method/stroke, just don't press so hard. You won't have to.
You may need to double-check if the hair is actually being shaved off since the shave-glide is so smooth...like the first time you used (snuck) Dad's...w/o a blade!! Oh sure, like I'm the ONLY one that's ever done that...
*The design & quality of this Merkur (straight bar) razor has stood the "Test-of-Time", the only real test of anything really.
Do some more razor research & read more reviews of actual customers. Nuff' said.
*The only way to get a closer shave is with a straight-razor (feel lucky?) or with the older/original razor design that uses a torque-type head which really brings the blade close to the skin. Both are better suited for the younger/tighter skin set.
*Find a nice Badger brush (start @ $20) & Stand (start @ $4), keep shipping charges in mind (sic).
Yes, Badger (vs. Boar or Synth.) is a difference you can feel/distinguish. No need to spend more than on the razor though.
*Select one of the many great shaving soaps (Col.C, Pros., Omega, etc.) (start @ $2) & bowl (start @ $7). Mug optional.
*Merkur, Feather, & Derby are the blades of choice. All great! Go for price/deal.
The way to make (all) blades last a long time is to dry them (blades) or store them (razor w/blade) in mineral-oil.
This prevents micro-rust & hard-water deposits from forming on the blades.
You didn't think your hair was actually dulling the heat-treated laser-polished/layered stainless-steel blades so quickly?
Yes, stainless-steel rusts and hard-water particles can cut/nick skin. Oh, it's true...
Dad's can try using a baby-food jar & baby oil, since they're generally abundant in the house, to store the razor (w/blade).
FYI-Wipe-off oil with TP (vs. rinse-off), prior to shave to avoid build-up in sink drain/plumbing.
If you find that this shaving method/hardware is not for you...The Gillette Fusion really does live up to the marketing hype and you can get blade refills online (start @ $2).
Shower-Shavers:
*All mirrors will fog, condensate, or get wet during shaving, to some degree.
Magnified mirrors (x5) are a great upgrade/accessory.
Mirror attachment-integrity (how well the mirror stays attached) is everything!
Rarely will one feel more vulnerable than when wet, butt-naked, now hurried, in a shower (floor) covered in broken glass.
Hope this helps in your decision/research making.
Enjoy da shave!! |
wow
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| Review Date: May 12, 2010 |
| Reviewer: super, philly |
| Like many others I got sick of the disposable razors. It just seems like such a racket, what with the prices constantly going up. So I recently tried out a straight razor (great but steep learning curve and slow at first) and I've tried this out. Holy... this thing is as simple to use as a mach 3. It's just pick up and shave. Granted proper preparation goes a long way. keep your face wet keep keep your face lathered and you will get a great shave for the fraction of the price. After just one shave I am converted. I'll always keep a couple of disposables around for those times I have to rush. but if I have a few extra minutes I'm always shaving with this. |
Excellent Investment
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| Review Date: October 4, 2008 |
| Reviewer: J. Reid, |
This was the first of 3 Merkur razors I have purchased - this one I purchased for my husband. We had a small fortune invested in the Mach razors - which never really worked except for the first shave. A few minor nicks the first few times he used it, but quickly got the hang of it and it gives him a very close, non-irritating shave (we also use natural goats milk soap rather than chemical "shaving cream"). Then I purchased one for my teenage son (it's the one just like this one, only with a short handle). He loves it, too. I purchased the 1904 replica for myself - I figured if it worked so well for the guys, it might work great for the girls. And it does. Nice close shave without stripping my skin. Respect the razor, know the proper way to use a safety-razor and you will never want to go back to those other things again.
The short-handled razors are great for my small hands, but a man with large hands would probably prefer the long-handled razor (which is about the same length as a Mach razor). Also, the 1904 one has "open" teeth whereas this one does not. To me, both types give just as close a shave - I see no difference (neither does my husband). Perhaps those who allow their beard/hair to grow longer before they shave might find a difference. |
Great Shave
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| Review Date: November 20, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Sumit Kshatriya, |
| I'm 21 years old so dont think im some old school person. This is one of the best investments i have made. I used to use the mach 3 then went to quattro then fusion. they always were close to the same shave none closer than the other and always seemed to clog up between the blades. i switched to classic de shaving about 3 months back and will never go back. One reason being how economical it is. i was paying from 2 to 4 dollars per cartridge before and now i have the bulk of the derby blades for 15 dollars for a 100. thats 15 cents a blade which will last about as long as the cartridges. The second reason is i get the same closeness of shave. If you are more experienced you can get a closer shave with different techniques. I've used merkur, schick, and derby blades. I so far like the derby the best but merkur was pretty good too. schick was probably the sharpest i used but it wasnt as comfortable. different people have different preferences. also to get a better shave you need to get a good brush and shaving soap or cream (not the gel but the old school proraso or w.e creams). trust me it actually somehow makes the shave better. i would suggest a decent badger brush and proraso cream bc of the colling effect it has. the razor itself is about as good as any other merkur razor, i got long fingers so i wanted the long handled, but ive used the classic and it was just the same. classic however is easier to maneuver. all i have to say is it takes a week or two to get used to shaving. learn about it watch tutorials it will help alot. classic sahving is a art and is perfected by practice. |
Quality built
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| Review Date: April 23, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Michael J. Jarosinski, |
-Solid metal construction and screws tight when blade is in
I'm still getting used to the double edge classic razor but it works very well |
perfection
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| Review Date: July 16, 2009 |
| Reviewer: atticus, glyndon, md United States |
| nostalgia was my initial hook. my beloved grandfather used a butterfly double edge, which i always thougt cool. when i found this, i was quick to give it a try. within a couple of shaves, i had gotten used to the difference from shaving with a disposable. i am thrilled with this razor and blades (I bought the Merkur). as others have stated, this is actually an enjoyable part of the day. requires only a very light touch and leaves a great fresh feeling. An added benefit, a Gillette Fusion blade costs $3 per blade and a Merkur costs $.70. assuming a blade per week, this is an annual savings of $120. why did we ever go to disposables? as for cream, i am still loyal to Noxema Aloe, rather than the soap and brush - to each his own. |
Awesome razor
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| Review Date: August 4, 2009 |
| Reviewer: T. Flores, |
| I gotta say i was a bit unsure how good this razor was gonna be but it has an amazing shave to it... make sure you get the razor blades and the soap and stuff though with it too.. besides that it has an extremly close shave and unlike the gilette fusion i the merkur doesnt leave me any razor burn like the fusion did... these razors are a much better choice than the mainstream ones..= ima just go put my fusion in the closet.. overall a great product :) |
Closer shave for a lesser cost.
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| Review Date: November 9, 2009 |
| Reviewer: N. Kurland, VA |
Before purchasing this, I was going through a box of 8 Mach3/Fusion/etc cartridges a month, at the cost of $15 or more. The cartridges gave a very poor shave, and it was nearly impossible to get 'close' without some serious razor burn. Money was not my main focus for buying this, but when you realize you're spending $2-4 a cartridge for a mediocre shave, the Merkur becomes much more appealing.
I researched brands and models before settling on this one. There are a number of reasons I like this one versus others, but the most important for me was the longer shaft (at ~3.5). I've tried shorter shafted razors, and found myself really bearing down causing nicks and razor burn. The longer shaft reinforced the need to drag the razor down the face instead of applying excess pressure towards the face. I do need a second stroke against the grain to really get a close shave, but I haven't nicked myself on the 180 after a year of use.
In general, the blades are a huge savings over the cartridges that are so prevalent today. Using Merkur blades, the cost is about $0.50 for the same durability as a Fusion cartridge (at least for my case this holds true). The only cost on top of this is oil and soap, but I figure I would be using that anyways. If you're on the fence about buying this, it's worth it for the closer shave. |
Simplicity is best
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| Review Date: February 27, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Jason Green, Warrenton, Virginia |
I was frustrated with the manipulation by the shaving product companies of the razor I used. It is too personal a product for someone to keep changing that much, and the changes never gave me a better shave. A razor is not supposed to be that complicated. This Merkur is all I need. Even if I buy the more expensive blades at Amazon, I still save money. I like being able to dismantle and clean my razor after each use. The plastic razors are not very sanitary if one thinks about dead skin and shaving cream getting stuck in all of those nooks for 5 days. I do not have the need for lotion like with my Excel or other razor of that type.
I use the Barbasol shaving cream for sensitive skin, in the little tube that Amazon sells. A little of that cream goes a long ways for me. I have finally simplified my shaving process. Some may prefer a brush, but hand application of the cream works just fine for me. At last, free from all of the hype. |
Been using it for more than 4 years.
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| Review Date: March 14, 2010 |
| Reviewer: ZeeZee, USA |
I've had a Merkur Long Classic now for more than 4 years. I was a convert from electric shavers (which I had used since my teens). I went on my honeymoon and forgot my electric shaver. As a resort, I went to the grocery and picked up a cheapo plastic razor and some cheap shaving cream... And I was really impressed. Eventually, I tried to find out if other products were better. I was faced with replacing the microfoil on my electric, and decided to go the wet-shave route. Prices on big-name products really discouraged me. I couldn't see myself spending all that money on those 2, 4, even 5 blade Gillette and Schick products.
I did a bit of research and found that old-fashioned wet-shavers often preferred the traditional (original) Gilette-styled razor that you see here. Until I researched it, I never know that such products were still used, and I especially had never considered that there are so many fantastic shaving creams and brushes out there as well (though not in your local supermarket).
There is a small learning curve to using this product. You don't "rake" your face like you're whipping around a Mach-5. Wash your face, use plenty of water, lather up a quality soap or cream with a handmade badger brush, and shave in a way that makes in enjoyable - not just some daily chore. You'll be amazed at how a quality shaving cream is an eye-opener in the morning, and how a quality razor can give you a shave that's almost as close as a straight razor with no irritation.
You can buy replacement blades for as little as $1-$2 for 5 packs from your grocery, or order other brands online that might match your beard type. Everyone's face and beard are different. I buy my blades in bulk-packs of 100 for for fractions of what you'd pay for the 5-blade store brands, and I get a perfect shave every time. Try a few different brands of blades and I am sure that you'll find one that is perfect for you. |
Stop using Mach 3 razors now!
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| Review Date: March 18, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Wes, Jacksonville, AL |
Little background on me...
I'm a 27 year old guy who hated shaving. Even though I needed to shave at least every other day, I shaved once a week. I sported a neck beard most of the time because I just hated to shave. I hated to shave so much in fact, that I decided to grow a handlebar mustache. Well, as time went on and it became time to start waxing my manly man 'stache, I decided the look wasn't right for me and I shaved it all of except a goatee.
I then decided that I should try a new (er, old?) style of shaving. I picked up this razor, a beaver-hair brush, some shaving soap, and away I went.
I love shaving now. It just feels so awesome to spend the time shaving like my grandaddy used to shave. The closeness you get with this razor is really hard to believe until you try it.
Please note: when you use this style of razor, you will want to actually shave your face 2-3 times. First time you shave, shave with the grain. For your second and third passes, shave against the grain. It really makes your face so incredibly smooth, and the entire experience is just enjoyable. It takes about 5-7 more minutes to shave than it does with canned cream and a newer razor, but the quality and the enjoyablity (made up word) more than makes up for the extra time.
Also, I know that $40 can be a hefty initial investment for some people, but you have to remember that you can buy 100 razor blades for it for 17 dollars. Compare that to like 8 blades for 20 bucks for newer, multi-blade razors. It doesn't take very long for this blade to pay for itself and then some, and to make it sweeter, you'll actually enjoy shaving. |
switched from a Parker 91r
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| Review Date: March 30, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Yair Marx, Northern VA |
| My first d/e razor was a Parker 91r. been using it for about a year, til i dropped it and broke. I was happy with the Parker, but I decided to get this Merkur to see what all the rave was about. Well, now I know. This razor is much more forgiving, I never knew how aggressive the parker really was until I tried this one. I wish I had used this one to begin with. |
One Amazing Razor!
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| Review Date: April 12, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Irfan Noormohamed, Ontario, Canada |
I've been shaving for just over 10 years now, so I started with the good old Gillette Sensor Excel. Switched over to the Mach3, then Mach3 Turbo, M3 Power, Fusion and finally Fusion Power. In that time, I had also tried 2 Schick razors, with limited success. Clearly, I had always been drawn towards Gillette and it's ever "improving" technology. I did enjoy the shaves (i.e. the closeness/smoothness) I got with my Fusion, and even my Mach3s for that matter, but what I hated was the irritation, or razor burn, that I would suffer with for the next day or two. Though smooth, was face always had an irritated feel. I just assumed that this was normal, as I was shaving using the proper technique, and was not driven to do anything about it. On a search for a nicer, classier, version of the Mach3 or Fusion, I came across an article about Double Edged razors and decided to research further. It eventually led me to the Merkur razors, which I had read some reviews about, as being good razors. After some reading about the technique and products required, I decided to make the investment, and I must say, I was/am impressed!
I decided to purchase the Long handled version, along with 100 Derby blades and a badger hair brush. I already have a decent aftershave, which I will continue to use. After watching some youtube videos by mantic59, I decided to try it out. The first couple of shaves were a bit rough, with some nicks and, I must say, some razor burn. What I realized, however, was that the cuts were being caused by my habitual pressure application, that is, I was applying too much pressure, as I was used to doing with the Gillette cartridge based razors. You don't have to apply any pressure with this razor, as the weight of the razor applies enough pressure for the shave. The razor burn, on the other hand, was a result of taking multiple strokes on a single lathering. This was easily corrected. The difference with these razors being, you can't expect to get all the hair in a single stroke. Take your time, as it will pay off in the end.
I've only been shaving with the Merkur for about 3 weeks now, and I am loving it! The lathering part is fun, I must say, and quite relaxing. Some say that it takes too long to shave, and I won't lie, it does take longer than a Mach3, but the shave is more enjoyable. Plus, it forces you to slow things down a bit, in an otherwise rushed day, which can be very relaxing. My face feels cleaner as well, probably because I'm using shaving soap (in my case Proraso), instead of the usual shaving gel "goop" from a can. No more irritation! I can even shave the next day, if I want to, which I couldn't do before. Definitely a good choice for a beginner. Just remember to take it slow and easy. |
Shave what your Mama gave ya!
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| Review Date: April 14, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Erich B. Wenis, Woodbury, CT USA |
Having put up with the razor cartridge and marketing for years since I've begun shaving, I got wide eyed when I recently ran out of cartridges.
I had grown a beard over the winter, and when it came time to shave it off for the spring thaw, I wasn't happy with the $22 for 4 pack, or the $28 for 5 I had seen at the store.
I thought there had to be a better way, and indeed there is.
Having come to this product, and reading through the many glowing reviews it is hard to see that this is anything but a tremendous change in your shaving habits, and all for the best.
While I was satisfied with the gels you get at the store, I shaved only as often as I had to, to avoid looking like a caveman.
It scraped and pulled more than shaved, and I put off shaving frequently.
As a born again shaver, I look forward to shaving as never before.
With the lightest amount of pressure, the safety razor cuts the hairs as smooth as can be.
After a week or two, you get in the groove of maintaining just the right consistency between airy foam and a thick lather, how to apply it with a badger brushTweezerman Men's Shaving Brush, and the joy of a good face full of skin.
Now I'm on to finding just the right soap, just the right razor blade, and eventually I'll roll into getting just the right brush.
I'm one of those who is never quite satisfied, and is always on the hunt for something just slightly better than what you have.
Needless to say I am now a shaving soap and cream sampler junkie.
I've written and received samples from most of the major brands, and enjoy the wonderful smells from MamaBears soaps, Col Conks, Crabtree & Evelyn, Trumpers, and the Body Shop. Whether I am in the mood for a more masculine earthy, musky smell, or I feel like a light yet strong ginger lime or citrus there is always something close at hand.
Plainly put - I love the razor and the world it has opened up.
I now love shaving and this is easily my newest favorite hobby.
Merkur makes an excellent razor - all of them.
They are all reasonably priced, and I had picked this one more because it was a long handle, for my long fingers and large hands, and most similar and easily transitioned from the world of the cartridge razor.
Perhaps someday I will pick up another model, or another brush, or another blade, but at the moment I am perfectly content knowing my purchase can easily last a lifetime. |
If you shave everyday you'd be a knuckle head not to own one!
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| Review Date: April 27, 2010 |
| Reviewer: John Mosier, Crofton, MD US of A |
I have to shave daily and this razor is not only provides the best shave, but it makes shaving affordable! A pack of 10 blades goes for less than $2.00 (on average) and I only change my blade once a week! I've introduced a couple of buddies to this razor and every single one of them has loved it too! Most dudes are turned off by the blades (double edged safety razors) which come in packs of 10 and must be loaded into the razor, but they work way better than anything disposable on the market and I've tried every one of em. I have extremely sensitive skin and I took me forever to find a razor and cream that didnt tear up my face. If you buy the razor and blades be sure to get a good tube or cake of shave cream/soap. The only differece in shaving technigue with this style razor is that you dont press like you would with a conventional razor.
It's not that great of a razor for shaving your body, but thats not really its intended use anyway. |
Great Shave
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| Review Date: April 29, 2010 |
| Reviewer: James G. Davies, Madison WI USA |
| Never gets clogged like all the "fancy" new double, triple and "quatro" razors. The blades are super cheap (and can be recycled if taken to a metal recycling center) and the (merkur blades) last FOREVER, I shave 2-3 times a week and an on my third blade over the course of a year. |
Amazing Razor!!
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| Review Date: June 14, 2010 |
| Reviewer: I. Lopez, Florida |
| Like everyone says this razor is hands down my favorite! I cant believe i was suckered into buying other shavers with 3,4 blades or an Electric Shaver. This razor gives you the closest shave hands down and for the value you cant beat it. If you take your time and you use slow strokes you will enjoy your shaving experience. I threw out all my other Gillete razors in the garbage. This thing is built like a tank. And I expect many many many years of shaving with this Razor. Dont even read more reviews just buy the thing already. :) |
Better than I expected
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| Review Date: June 30, 2010 |
| Reviewer: TexasGooner, Dallas, Texas |
I bought this razor for much the same reasons I hear others do - sick of spending lots of $$$ on disposables and also wanting to reconnect with how our grandfather's shaved. So I took the plunge and decided to try this out. After some research I decided not to spend a ton of money because I thought this may not work out.
Well, I have used this razor now for a week, and I am absolutely blown away by it. I have had closer shaves than I have ever had in my life. Just today I skipped a shave because I simply didn't need to, and I have a fairly heavy beard. I also use the tweezerman badger brush and Col. Conk's rum soap. The only thing I am missing now is a good aftershave.
If you are considering trying out a double edge razor, I could not recommend it more and this Merkur model is awesome. Just take your time, shave gently and you will find the cleanest shave you have likely ever had.
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Super close shave
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| Review Date: July 2, 2010 |
| Reviewer: D. Coates, |
| I've read many reviews, tried to figure out what would be a good place to start, so I got the Merkur 180, i hadnt got a clue how to use one, i'd seen my dad use a safety razor as a kid, but by the time i needed to shave gillette had brought out the mach razor, so easy, close and frustration free, until you had to buy a blade that is...so after 20 years of shaving, i plunged into the safety razor world and all i can say is wow, i didnt know how to correctly shave as im sure there is a right and wrong way, but first time i shaved was a few minutes ago and i cant believe the results, closest ever shave, no More mach for me, this item is great. |
Great safety razor option
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| Review Date: July 10, 2010 |
| Reviewer: D1omedes, NY, USA |
I've been collecting knives for several years now. My curiosity of steels, grinds, heat treatment and such eventually led me to look into the world of shaving. Let me tell you, there's a lot to take in.
As someone who has only used the traditional Gillette Mach 3 razors, I found it intimidating to jump right into straight edge shaving. Not only is there greater chance of a serious accident with a straight edge razor, there is also the question of maintenance - you have to learn how to sharpen and strop free hand. I also have found that straight edge razors are far more expensive than I originally believed them to be.
In steps the safety razor. I remember my dad using one when I was little, so you can say nostalgia helped push me along this route. The cheaper investment cost and smaller chance of a serious injury drew my attention as well. Merkur is widely touted as one of the top options for a safety razor and after purchasing the 180, I can confidently say that all of my expectations have been met.
The razor has a great chrome finish, something you rarely see nowadays. It has a good weight to it as well. The fact that you can buy 10 razors (which equals roughly 50 shaves) is very nice. The biggest thing is technique, which only comes with practice. Lathering with bar soap is a bit more time consuming but is actually quite enjoyable. The precise shave with a safety razor is awesome (especially when getting at those pesky hairs under the nose). It's also nice to rinse your face and apply a nice aftershave.
It all comes down to what you want from a shave. If you are fine with learning some new techniques, and accepting the learning curve, then you will enjoy a safety razor. If you are unsure which razor to pick, you can't go wrong with the 180. I have no complaints and this is my first, and only, safety razor. It works so well that I have no real urge to pick up any different models (yet, anyway). Remember, short strokes and take your time. |
Simple well-made razor-excellent shave
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| Review Date: July 13, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Francis X. St John, Lawrence, NJ |
| This is a quality razor. I also own and use a Merkur Futur. I purchased this to use as a travel razor and I was really surprised that it gave as good a shave as the Futur and only cost about half as much. I liked it so much, I ordered one for one of my sons. |
Amazing... Simply amazing.
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| Review Date: March 4, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Juxkrit Rittymanee, New York, NY |
| The cost of mach 3's cartridges led me to purchase this and change my shaving routine. I use this with feather blades (sharpest little mofos around) and I get a perfect, irritation-free, baby [...] smooth shave every time now. I used to hate shaving until I got this beauty. Now I'm looking for a travel case for this sucker. If you like something with a shorter handle try out the classic or the Heavy-duty. |
Great intro to double-edged razors!
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| Review Date: January 31, 2008 |
| Reviewer: phu, MN |
I'm new to DE shaving; after reading and searching at length, I decided on this razor as my first. Coming from a mach 3, I was looking for a closer, less irritating shave. Even after a very short time, it's clear that this razor delivers on both of those.
While that's partially due to the blade (I'm using Merkur blades, nothing fancy), the fact that the razor itself is very solid and well-built helps considerably. The handle unscrews from the head to sandwich the blade -- i.e. there are no screws to worry about, and the way the razor is built helps ensure the blade is securely in place.
I did not stop to ponder the fact that 'long handled' means four inches long... if you're used to the handles on typical cartridge shavers, going with this option will be a good thing, as even the long handle feels pretty short.
The only thing I may have done differently given what I know now is going with a heavier razor; however, I am very happy with this one, and intend to continue using it indefinitely.
One aside: Before judging any razor, study up on creating a good lather! It's perhaps the most important part of a DE shave. |
A real man's razor
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| Review Date: March 21, 2008 |
| Reviewer: R. Voicu, Toronto, CA |
| This razor will give you an extremely close shave! Unlike the plastic Gillette fusion razors this razor is heavy, so you don't have to apply any pressure. Just hold it by the end and let it glide. You don't want to shave against the grain at first (if that's what you did right off the bat with the old plastic razors), shaving with the grain and 90 degrees to it will give a nice smooth shave. Also, when I used to lather for the second time, the old plastic razor would really irritate my skin the second time. With this type of razor though there's no irritation, so you can lather, and relather multiple times. Just remember to not apply too much pressure. The blades are also very cheap so you can change them frequently. |
lived up to the hype
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| Review Date: April 18, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Hunter Lawrence, texas |
I have been researching for a while trying to discover products or shaving methods that give you a close shave without irritation and redness. I have tried all of the 3 and 4 bladed wonders and all the gels and foams to absolutely NO avail. During my research, I discovered that these double edged safety razors were getting outstanding reviews, even better than the 3 and 4 blade wonders we are all using!! I decided to order one, because at this point i don't have anything to lose, i already have irritated skin from shaving, so the worst that could happen is it would stay like that.
Well the razor came yesterday, and i used it last night. Using correct form, no pressure, and good quality shave cream, these razors will live up to the hype and even exceed it. Now, i DID cut myself once or twice, but only because I am still learning how to adjust to this razor, but it gave me an extremely close shave. I am confident that with practice and repetition, razor burn and irritation will go away completely. If anyone has sensitive skin or is tired of the 4 blade wonder, order a Merkur and discover how to get the correct, best shave. |
Great shave
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| Review Date: May 28, 2008 |
| Reviewer: R. Rash, Virginia |
Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor - #180 - Made In Germany
I used the Merkur razor for the last week and have been very impressed. I don't know how we began using cartridge blades but I will never go back. I recently bought an electric razor because I must shave twice a day and it is very convenient if I have evening engagements. I found that the results of the foil electric were superior to my Gillett Fusion. However, after using the Merkur I realized that a blade is still superior, my wife noticed very quickly. The real selling point for the Merkur, beside the comfort and effectiveness, is cost. Even at discounters, cartridge blades are enormously overpriced for what you get. I don't think anyone will be disappointed by this purchase. Be advised, it will take two shaves to adjust to the different dynamics of this razor - take it slow and easy. |
Great Shave
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| Review Date: June 13, 2008 |
| Reviewer: F. Spohr, |
| I purchased this razor after reading some other sites saying double edge safety razors would give you a much better shave. I was a little worried though because some people had said it was a lot easier to cut yourself with this type than with a disposable. My worries went away though after my first shave. The Merkur glides over my face well and feels like I'd have to push hard to cut myself. In the past, I noticed I'd get some irritation with disposables and cheap shaving creams, but have found my skin feels great after using this razor with Proraso shaving cream. I totally recommend switching to this kind of razor. |
No more ingrown hairs
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| Review Date: July 27, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Scott C. Locklin, Berkeley CA |
I'm a recent convert to old school shaving. This one was recommended to me because I have large hands. People also recommended the ones with the adjustments on them, but for the life of me, I can't figure out why a tension adjustment is meaningful in shaving. I figure the tensioner was just early an 20th century marketing device to sell more expensive shavers, so I got this one instead. It is a finely made tool, and it shaves as well as anything I've tried. I have a thick beard with very coarse hairs, so have had all kinds of problems with razor burn (with cartridge razors) and ingrown hairs (the drawback of electric shavers, which eventually drove me to the old school). This and a shaving brush is the cure for what ailed me. It takes a bit more attention, but the effort is worth it. I don't think it takes any longer than any other shaves. Certainly the results speak for themselves. As others point out, you do have to do a little research on how to use this kind of tool.
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Wow.
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| Review Date: August 18, 2008 |
| Reviewer: The Great Gonzo, Prunedale, California |
Excellent product; only one gripe: I was not informed as to how I was supposed to flip the bottom piece of the head up to allow a shave. My first try, I tried scraping with no results, so I shaved with the head slightly loosened and it worked. By this time I was wondering, "How the hell did this get five stars?! There's got to be more to it". Of course there was. Color me stupid, I felt like a dumbass, and finally figured I might as well try flipping the bottom half. Voilla! After that, it was goodbye Gillette, hello Merkur! I Dig the close shave, cheap blades, lather process, as well as the safety cap the razor produces when you flip the bottom half down. I was shaving with the safety on (like an idiot, though I still feel they should tell you to flip it), but once I figures it out, well, I'm guite satisfied. Buy this razor if you like a good, inexpensive, close shave from a classy and built-to last design. Five stars (as it was my own damn fault I couldn't shave right in the first place).
Gonzo |
Smooth Shave
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| Review Date: August 30, 2008 |
| Reviewer: N. Fornario, |
| I grew up using safety razors, then migrated to the disposables, which are fine. At the end of the day, I went back. It's simplier, the weight of the razor does the work for you. Once you "get it," how to shave, unlearn bad habits, life is good. This has a nice easy balence, and feels right, that is the best way I can put it. |
Wow. Wish my dad had told me about razors like this when I was growing up!
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| Review Date: November 3, 2008 |
| Reviewer: M. Potvin, SC PA |
I guess I too had bought into the marketing hype, I'm sure the next thing will be a five bladed razor, one less refill in the packs and holding the price the same for the refills. Gone are the $10 refill packs with this razor. Low cost, SHARP blades for a real barbershop style shave.
Okay so the first couple days, I came out looking like I was attacked by a vampire. This morning, I figured out, NO pressure. Just use the weight of the head, and it'll do the work for you.
I have very sensitive skin, I can't even use an electric razor, and have to use the special shaving creams. Well I got a tube of the Proraso for my birthday with this razor. Great stuff as well! I look forward to shaving now. It is amazing what I've been missing all of these years. Time will tell if I don't get the ingrown hairs on my neck.
The razor doesn't come with any directions, the only thing you need to know is that the handle loosens to open the head up to drop in the blades. |
Merkur Lg Handle and Derby Blades
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| Review Date: December 23, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Painter33, Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| I've only recently returned to a safety razor after paying way too much for Gillette Mach3 Power replacements. Because I shave my entire head, I'm interested in closeness and comfort. I bought the Merkur long handled razor, and after remembering the many cuts I used to get with a Gillette Fat Boy, I was very tentative the first few shaves. As I eased into letting the weight of the razor do the work the shaves improved. The long handle allows me to get into tight areas with a very light touch. But, I still felt the shaves could have been better. I initially used a Merkur blade, but a purchase of Derby blades has proven to be the real clincher. While I'm aware that everyone has different skin and beard/hair texture (my skin's somewhat sensitive - I could never use an electric - and my beard and hair are coarse), my brief experience has been that the Derby blades give me a closer and smoother shave. This combination will last me for some time - I might buy another style safety razor just for fun - and I would heartedly recommend the razor and the Derby blades. |
Looking It!!!!!
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| Review Date: April 7, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Scott A. Lockwood, |
| Fell in love with the razor from the first shave. I know it's also the blade that counts, but if you're looking for a cheap, great shave this product is for you. I pay under $3 for set of 10 blades at the grocery store and I'm only on my second one. By this time I would have on my 3rd one or more with the Mach 3. Tell me I'm not saving money .... I AM. It's worth the price up front and think about the money you'll be saving over time. |
solid, durable, and intuitive
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| Review Date: April 15, 2009 |
| Reviewer: barfhead, ohio |
This safety razor is wonderful. a nice long handle (I have large hands) with a thick enough shaft for a good grip and no muscle cramping. the rounded head and toothed inner-plate allowed intuitive angling when switching to the other side of the blade and they guide you towards a nice rhythm of shaving. replacing blades is a breeze while the screw connection for the head is sturdy enough not to wobble or give while shaving. little pressure is needed and the gap around the blade prevents hair from getting stuck or clinging when rinsing.
a side note on this type of blade- it is wonderful. blows the mach-# and the like of semi-disposables out of the water. economically much more affordable as replacement blades of good quality can be found for 1/10th of the price. shave slow and with the grain, and remember to lather for a second pass if going against the grain. I CONSTANTLY accrued razor burn using the mach 3, but this type of razor has removed 80% of the irritation in 2 weeks. perfect for sensitive neck skin and to prevent ingrown hair. slowly and smoothly is the key. |
Ditch Your Plastic Razor
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| Review Date: April 18, 2009 |
| Reviewer: SandyinSantaFe, Texas |
| When the blades for my old double blade razor "disappeared" from existence (i.e., Are no longer available so that I will have to buy a new razor.), I decided to go back to the Old School. This razor is great! I have small hands, but like the long handle, weight, and balance. I'll never have to buy over-priced, plastic junk again. |
My daily shave
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| Review Date: April 30, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Michael C. Jackson, Louisville, KY United States |
The hype on traditional safety razors is true. Get this, and throw your cheap handles that take expensive blades away.
I shave in the shower without any gel or anything - Just the water. Not only do I have no problem with this and the dinky little dollar store blades, my skin has really cleared up.
There's a learning curve to this, of course, if you have never shaved as a man should before.
This is the razor a man should have. |
amazing shave!!!
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| Review Date: September 14, 2009 |
| Reviewer: S. B., Wisconsin |
| Hard to believe a razor could make such a difference. I started out with a Parker 22R butterfly razor and hated it, blade was always loose and when finished shaving I looked like I was atttacked by a slasher. Was thinking of going back to the fusion power but thought I would give this Merkur a try. The difference is night and day compared to the Parker brand, it feels much better in the hand and the shave is awesome! I've not had one nick since using the Merkur. If you are thinking of buying a new razor go with the Merkur. I've been using it with Derby blades and very happy, now! |
Gateway drug to the world of wet shaving.
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| Review Date: September 25, 2009 |
| Reviewer: W. R. Voss, New Jersey, USA |
| This razor is a gateway drug, plain and simple. I bought it about a year ago solely for the purpose of saving money on blades. The razor has saved me quite a bit of cash, blades for it are an eighth of what my old razor cost me. More than that, though, it's awakened in me something that sounds vaguely dorky to say out loud but feels deeply satisfying to know -- I now enjoy shaving. It used to be a task, an annoying thing that I'd do as fast as possible as infrequently as possible. The more I used the Merkur, the more I looked forward to my daily shave. I no longer felt the sting of razor burn and I was getting a far closer shave than I'd ever had in the eight years since I started shaving. Now putting a blade in the razor was something worth smiling about, knowing I was going to get a great shave. But there was a problem -- squirting a dollop of shaving cream out of an aerosol can was no longer enough. I needed more. I had to disassemble and re-assemble my razor with every shave, surely the cream that I was using with it deserved the same attention to detail. The next thing I knew, I had a mug full of shaving soap and a badger hair brush. I've graduated to the world of wet shaving, and I couldn't be happier with it. I'm getting an unbeatable shave and from the low-rent to (most of) the high-end materials, wet shaving is still cheaper than most "modern" shaving creams, razors and blades. |
Excelent for first time users
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| Review Date: October 13, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Geo888, Milwaukee, WI |
| This is my first safety razor and I haven't cut myself in the first month or so that I've had it. I was really worried that I would cut my face up the first time I tried, but now I can get a clean comfortable shave in as long as it would take with a normal razor. The only thing I would want different is more weight, but I would have bought the heavy one if it made that much of a difference. Overall its a great razor. |
Fantastic Shave!
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| Review Date: November 12, 2009 |
| Reviewer: T. Higgins, |
| The razor takes a bit of getting used to when you switch over from a regular Mach 5, but after a week or so, I picked up on how to use it, and I'm getting extremely close shaves, with no razor burn. These are also much easier to trim with than one of those Gillette or Schick monstrosities. Before I got this razor, I did not look forward to shaving. Now, however, shaving is relaxing and pleasant. Hot shaving cream and a good shave are great right before going to bed. Get a Merkur! |
So glad I got this Merkur razor!
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| Review Date: December 2, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Rens, |
| This razor is my first double edge safety razor. I wanted to go to a safety razor because I wanted a close shave without spending a ton on blades. I have had this razor for a few months now and I cant find a single thing wrong with it. I like the long handle because it makes it easier to hold when your hands are wet during shaving. I like the solid three piece design. It has a nice heavy feel to it. I cant see how a person could damage this razor, this one should last you a lifetime. |
still haven't cut myself
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| Review Date: December 20, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Reicherts, minneapolis, mn, usa |
| I LOVE this razor, and will never go back to overpriced, poor performing disposable razors ever again. This razor offers less waste, a closer and more enjoyable shave, and a significant cost savings as opposed to disposables or overpriced cartridges. Also, I used to get alot of ingrown hairs, or razor bumps, but this has almost completely gone away. After reading a few of the reviews here, I was prepared for a few cuts in the beginning due to a learning curve, but after almost a year of using this, I still have yet to cut myself. The razor itself is sturdy, weighted nicely, and simple. I thoroughly recommend this product. |
Goodbye razor bumps.
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| Review Date: December 31, 2009 |
| Reviewer: J. Hartzog, Reno, NV |
If you've been raised on Mach 3's or 5's or other disposable type cartridge razors, this is a great razor to step up your game with. Can't really compare this product to other similar safety razors since it's my first of this sort, but I can say that it does its job and does it well. There is a learning curve however, but once you get in enough practice shaving becomes more of a joy than a chore.
The best effect I've seen from this product, besides a wonderfully close shave, has been a near total elimination of razor bumps and irritation from my neck area. I have what you might call "ethnic" hair in the sense that my hair can be extremely curly and frizzy, which has in the past meant that all the razors I ever used would only PUSH rather than CUT my hair down back under my skin whenever I shaved. The result would be an almost constant irritation and acne on my neck, a bothersome and neverending problem which would leave me going days without shaving out of a simple wish to spare myself the grief. With this razor I no longer have this problem, due to the simple physics of how single-bladed razors work as well as the fact that I can now afford to swap out my blades for new ones after only 2 or 3 shaves. With my old Gillette Fusion I would sometimes go WEEKS before swapping razor heads just because the cartridges were so expensive. Not very healthy.
My best advice, if you're going to buy this product shop around for the right kinds of blades that fit your particular tastes, and invest in some good shaving cream like Proraso Classic Shaving Cream With Eucalyptus Oil & Menthol and a nice shaving brush. If you're going to buy a Mercedes there's no point in filling it with cheap gas. |
best shave for the money
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| Review Date: January 4, 2010 |
| Reviewer: superT, chicago usa |
| I have this long handled mekur and I am very satisfied. I have several Parker shavers and a mekur futur(expensive) which I also like but this mekur gives me the closest and best shave I have had in a long time. I have ultra sensitive skin and a thick beard and if I follow the general rules (shave after shower/wet face with warm water/put on creme with a badger brush and wait for about 2 minutes/shave -follow the beard growth first and then against the grain- I get a close shave with little irritation that lasts all day. I use non-alcohol creme and after shave and it works for me. The other razors are nice to use once in awhile but I really like this light, long-handled mekur the best. |
Not Just For Men!!
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| Review Date: February 4, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Stephanie D. Lucas, Alaska |
| I love this razor! I was raised using this type of razor. I've tried thousands of disposable razors in my life time. None of them come close to how well this safety razor does its job. You do need to e careful as the razors for it are extremely sharp and you can cut yourself really bad I like this type of shave for my legs because I do not have to shave them as often. I was having to use disposable razors too often and my legs and underarms were breaking out and beginning to get that "raw" feeling. I do use the safety razor on my underarms as well, just gently. I couldn't find a safety razor here because they are considered to be outdated but I can get the razors. There were a few men who knew what I was talking about but they didn't know where I could get one off the shelf! Thanks to Amazon and Merker for an excellent product that came quickly in the mail. |
Husband loves it
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| Review Date: February 15, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Briana Tomkinson, |
| Bought as a gift for my husband, and he loves this razor. In particular, he likes the long handle. One thing: the blades are hard to find in stores where we live, so we ordered more from Amazon. I'd recommend buying a pack of replacement blades at the time of purchase. |
I like it
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| Review Date: February 23, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Dion Grimes, Bessemer, AL |
| I just received my Merkur Chrome Long-Handled Razor and have used it twice so far. I absolutely love it. This is my first time using a safety razor, having given up on my Gillette fusion. The closeness of the shave is amazing! I am getting pretty good razor burn, but as it is only my second time using it I have to figure that my skin will grow accustom to using it. It does take a bit longer to shave, but it's worth it. I currently use it with a drug store mug soap and a cheap boar brush from CVS but I think Wal-Mart carries the same brand. |
Great Shave!
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| Review Date: March 5, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Dennis, Poughkeepsie |
| It took me a few tries to master the use of this razor, but it really does give me a better shave than the fusion or mach 3. The other reviews are correct, you really do need to take your time. But I also feel as if I enjoy shaving more now that it is sort of a learned technique! The razor costs some money up front, but at $4.99 for a 10 pack of razors at the supermarket it sure beats the $12-15.00 mach 3 and fusion replacements. Excellent product! |
Better than Advertised
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| Review Date: March 19, 2010 |
| Reviewer: DV, Washington, DC |
There are a lot of great reviews for this razor so I'll try to make this as brief and practical as possible. This is an outstanding razor. The shaving experience is much more enjoyable and ridiculously close.
A few notes - I switched from a Gillette Mach 3 and if you are switching to a safety razor for the first time then I highly recommend that you invest in a quality shaving soap or cream. Don't bother buying this razor if you are going to use a standard foam or gel. I've tried cans and cream w/ shaving brush and there is a stark difference. The can is fine in a pinch, but the blade will not glide on your skin and you are more likely to cut or nick yourself.
Also, you cannot shave with this razor in the same way you would shave with a conventional blade. Don't press or force it. Make sure you dry it after each use. Finally - I've used Merkur blades and Israeli blades and found both to be very effective...
It's really hard to believe the difference. I went from shaving every other day because I hated the experience to not having to shave every day because the shave is so close (but I do anyway b/c this thing is just fun...). |
Think Unit cost
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| Review Date: April 9, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Case Wagenvoord, Leonardo, NJ |
One of my reasons for changing to a Merkur was cost. I've been using a Mach3 for years. The problem with it is that the unit cost/100ct for their blades is $250. Compare this with a unit cost/100ct for the Merkur blades, which is $59 and you're looking at a bargin. If you are looking for even greater economy, you can get a dispenser of generic double-edged razors at a unit cost/100ct of $50.
I change the blade once a week, which probably isn't necessary, but given the low cost it makes sense to do so just to insure a comfortable shave. |
Great Shave
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| Review Date: April 29, 2010 |
| Reviewer: , |
| Never gets clogged like all the "fancy" new double, triple and "quatro" razors. The blades are super cheap (and can be recycled if taken to a metal recycling center) and the (merkur blades) last FOREVER, I shave 2-3 times a week and an on my third blade over the course of a year. |
Excelent Shave
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| Review Date: May 14, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Eric E. Duranti, Parkersburg, WV, United States |
| Have been using this razor now for 3 weeks now and I love it. I use it withCol. Conk World's Famous Shaving Soap, Bay Rum, Tweezerman Shaving Brush and Shark Super Stainless Razor Blades and together they give me one of the smoothest shaves I've had since I started shaving (I'm curently 30 y/o), even along the jaw line. The razor is a completly difrent tool then the disposable or cartrage razors so it dose take about a week or so to get used to but once you do you will never want to go back. I tried it first with the can of shaving gel I used with my fusion recomend and I highly recomend geting a good old school shaving soap and brush. Buy this you wont be sorry. |
Best Shave Ever!
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| Review Date: June 26, 2010 |
| Reviewer: M. Burch, Tuscaloosa, AL USA |
| This razor provides the best combination of comfort and closeness that I have found in a razor. Of course, much of your experience will depend on the blades you choose, but I have found this razor to be awesome. It feels very heavy in your hand, making it easy to glide across your face. Also, the longer handle helps when controlling the blade. Overall this is a wonderful, versatile razor that is likely to last a very long time. Great low-cost investment as far as safety razors go. Highly recommended. |
Recent convert
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| Review Date: June 27, 2010 |
| Reviewer: smooooooth, |
I understand it takes a bit of practice to get a really good shave with these. Well, my very first shave was better than any shave I've ever had.
I have an unusual combination of very sensitive skin and a very tough beard so I am prone to ingrown hairs and post-shave irritation.
However this razor causes no irritation and has eliminated ingrown hairs. Be sure to use quality blades of course. |
Excellent. Make sure you know what you're doing!
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| Review Date: June 29, 2010 |
| Reviewer: kj, nyc |
1) The razor is an excellent alternative to being a gillette/schick slave.
2) It is a very cheap shave, a very close shave and a very easy shave, once you know what you're doing.
I have very very sensitive skin and the first time I used this razor, I had tons of nicks. It was not a good situation. I was then told by a friend to follow the following procedure and my shave has been great ever since:
While in a hot shower, wash your face with a good preshave scrub to scrub away all dead skin (I use 1 by Anthony, but i'm sure they are all good.)
I then coat my face with "nivea 3", which is nivea liquid 3-in-one body soap, shampoo and shaving cream. I'm sure any shaving cream is good.
I then proceed to shave down/across my face and neck. I eventually go over the rough spots against the grain to get extremely close. I use very short strokes.
Warning -> Be careful when changing the blade and when shaving over pimples! |
The Forever Shaver
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| Review Date: July 5, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Fred in Kauai, |
| This shaver will last me for the rest of my life because it is stainless steel. One steel blade gave me close shaves for over a month. I like long lasting, non-disposable solution to things. The shaver will last 30 years, I can reuse the blades for other things around the house. Great shaves. Great economics. Nothing disposable. |
Simple, heavy duty, and highly effective
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| Review Date: July 20, 2010 |
| Reviewer: A.G., Santa Barbara, CA |
I've been using an electric Panasonic shaver for the past year and it was Gilette Mach 3, Mach 3 Turbo, etc etc before that. Just poking around on Youtube and various sites I felt that I wanted to try out an "old school" double edge razor. I'm 22 myself, so I've never known anything other than cartridge razors and Edge gel in a can. I can tell you right now that when my package arrived 45 minutes ago I ripped into it.
First impression of the razor was that it had a really nice heft to it. It's not heavy by any means, but it was nice to have something that felt substantial and that would last me years and years. It came with one Merkur brand blade in the box, but the literature is in German so I just tossed it. I also purchased Proraso Shaving Soap, Ultra Sensitive Skin 5.2 oz (147 g) and I really like it. Better than the Col. Conk soaps in my opinion.
After my first shave there was no irritation as I was accustomed to after shaving with Edge gel and Gilette Mach [insert number here]. It takes a tad more time to finish your shave but it is oh so worth it. Best shave of my life.
If you're on the fence about buying this razor, just get it. I like the length of the handle since I have relatively large hands. The angle of the blade isn't too agressive but it still shaves you nice and close. Do a little research on techniques for double edge (DE) blade shaving and get a decent quality brush and some soap and prepare to experience the best shaves of your life. |
Fabian 'Duke' Rodriguez
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| Review Date: March 10, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Fabian M. Rodriguez, Phoenix, Az USA |
| I am not new to shaving but am new to this type of razor. I used to used those 3, 4 and 5 bladed razors but cost way too much and really don't stay sharp for very long. Like the other reviewers have stated, this razor has a learning curve but with practice and patience you'll enjoy that old fashion way of shaving. Oh, and please be sure to but pre-shave oil and shaving cream. It really makes a big difference.Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor-#180- Made in Germany |
Best shave i have gotten so far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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| Review Date: March 11, 2008 |
| Reviewer: L. Quaranta, |
| Well i have used it for almost three weeks now and it is perfect and the replacement blades can be bought for 50 cents or less each.Its a lot cheaper then paying 20 bucks for a 5 pack of mach 3 blades |
Best Shave Ever
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| Review Date: May 29, 2008 |
| Reviewer: B. Jensen, UTAH |
| I was introduced to DE razors by my dad when I was young. I got sick of paying for stupid cartridges that left my face looking like I had shaved with a potato peeler, so I decided to borrow his old school Gillette. What a shave! I decided to give his back and buy my own and this one does the job with no burn, or irritation. |
Never have to buy mach3 razors again!
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| Review Date: July 13, 2008 |
| Reviewer: Browneyedgurl, Illinois/ Land of corn |
| My husband has been hinting around that he wanted one of these razors, like what his grandpa used to use. So I bought it for Father's Day for him. He absolutely loves it! And I love how smooth his face is now. No more expensive Mach3 razors! |
Top notch quality
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| Review Date: July 15, 2008 |
| Reviewer: K. Smits, Twin Cities, MN |
I recently switched to double edge wet shaving and this was the razor I chose. I picked this one because I have larger hands (XL-XXL glove size) and I'm really glad I did. The handle is about 4 inches long and has plenty of room to maneuver my hand to just the right place for a comfortable hold.
The handle has a nice criss-cross etching that provides a very good grip, even with wet hands.
I looked at getting the more popular Merkur HD, but opted for the longer handle of this model. The head is the same as the Merkur HD, so you will get the same great shave from either.
This is a great first double edged safety razor. It's a very good quality metal and construction, should last many many years. |
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