Merkur Classic Razor
Even before Gillette announced its over-the-top Mach 5 blade, I made the switch from my Gillette Mach 3 shaving razor (using a standard from-a-can shaving cream) to this "classic" safety razor (with a badger hair brush and good shaving soap) and am amazed at the difference. I switched after years of razor burn and irritation, and after reading an article and visiting a website devoted to classic shaving. This Merkur razor hefts nicely in your hand, and delivers an amazingly close shave without irritation. I believe the safety razor causes less irritation than the Mach 3, because of the quality of the safety razor blade itself. I think that the marketing strategy of the Mach 3 is to dazzle the user with 3 blades, implying that three blades is three times as effective as one blade. Because the value (to the user) lies in the quantity of blades, the quality of each individual blade can be lowered. Furthermore the multiple blade design of the cartridge razors is actually ineffective--the spacing between the blades gets clogged with hair and shaving cream very quickly into the stroke, seriously comprising the efficiency of the higher blades. Another reason is that the cartridge razors are designed to encourage the user to press harder to get a closer shave (not the case with the safety razor). So now if you want a close shave, you are scraping a sub quality razor hard against your skin--resulting in irritation. YMMV. I've never enjoyed shaving so much.
At $26, the Merkur might seem a bit expensive compared to Gillette or Schick, but the real expense for a razor is its blades. Quality double-edge blades for this razor run around $0.45, compared to 3-blade cartridges, which cost at least $1.50.
-- Seth Partain
Merkur Classic Double-Edge Safety Razor
$26
Available from Classic Shaving
Or $32 from Amazon
Favorite (15)
looseduke
Excellent razor indeed, I switched 6 months ago and find it superior. Two caveats: there is a learning curve for sure, go easy in the beginning. The second is that FSA will confiscate your blade at the airport, so is not recommended for frequent travelers.
tony
You're right, the blades will be confiscated, but you can find razor blades at almost any destination you would travel to. Besides a shave with a safety razor makes that sacrifice worthwhile.
ercan
I own and use a Merkur and have done so for about three years. I use it in combination with a brush and shaving cream. However, I disagree that it gives a better shave than a Mach3, which I used before getting the Merker. I also disagree that the blades on the Mach3 are of a lower quality than any of the many safety blades I have used with the Merkur. In fact, for a daily shave I believe that the Mach3 will give the same results as the Merkur but with a shorter shaving time.
I continue to use the Merkur for a few reasons. I shave only every second day so as mentioned a multi blade razor will clog too easily. The Merkur is a lot cheaper per blade (I buy a box of 100 which lasts about two years for around 18 dollars). The razor is solid enough to last a lifetime. I can drop the metal razor in the sink as I fill it and I get a nice warm blade against my face.
Peter
Merkur razors are really the best. One type of this razor is the Merkur 12C Barber Pole Open-Comb Classic Razor. It permits a close shave while still offering maximum protection from razor burn. Additionally, it accepts all standard double-edge blades. Check it out at www.fendrihan.com
John
Is is better than my Mach 3 or Fusion 5 bladed? Does it give a closer shave? No, not really. After using if for about 2 weeks straight, I can say it gives AS CLOSE a shave as my modern safety razors but not really closer. HOWEVER, when I tried to get a very close shave with my modern razors I suffered heavily from razor burn on my neck area. With my Merkur and two weeks, I am shaving at the closest I've ever shaven with NO razor burn!! Plus the soaps and creams with my badger brush are a delight to use.
Ash
It took a few bloody shaves with the Merkur as "practice" but I can say with confidence that one can get a closer shave with this razor than with any 4-blade contraption or the latest marvel from Braun and Norelco (I own them all). Still, I am not completely bloodless but I am getting there. And a shave with a DE like this Merkur takes longer than with a multi-blade (and of course, skill). I wonder that those who say cartridge razors give as close as a shave as a DE simply don't take the time and skill necessary to get a close shave.