MERKURMk34c Double Edge Razor with Heavy Duty Short Handle

Merkur Mk34c Double Edge RazorPros:Excellent Build QualityMade in Germany, the 34c features a solid brass body with a chrome finish. It feels weighty, well-balanced, and built to last a lifetime with proper care.Beginner-Friendly DesignWith a short handle and mild aggressiveness, it’s perfect for those transitioning from cartridge razors. The forgiving blade angle minimizes the risk of cuts and irritation.Two-Piece Design = Easy MaintenanceThe two-piece construction makes blade changes and cleaning simpler than three-piece razors, without sacrificing stability or alignment.Cons:Short HandleThe handle length may be too short for users with large hands or those who prefer a longer grip, which can affect control during shaving.Mild Aggressiveness Isn’t for EveryoneWhile great for beginners, more experienced wet shavers or those with thick, coarse hair might find it too mild, requiring multiple passes.Price vs. SimplicityWhile it’s high quality, some might find the price a bit steep compared to other similarly mild razors that offer adjustable settings or more features.

I had a Merkur 34c I bought about ten years ago, it was a butterfly style. I loved it, it worked well. Finally it broke, it was apparently so corroded on the inside that it wouldn't even open anymore, and I was always careful to clean and dry it after every use. So I ended up buying this one, unsure of how it'd compare, being slightly different. But wow! It's even better, everything I hoped for and more. It gave me the best shave of my life, and I couldn't be happier with it. 10/10, I'd recommend it to everyone.

Instantly obsessed! If you are on the fence about a single blade razor, this is a great one to start with. I was so nervous to cut myself, but honestly, I was worried over nothing.Great quality. My only complaint is that I wish the handle was a bit longer. And as a picky girl, I also wish it had a couple other color options.

#1, it isn't made in China. That was important to me.#2, cost effective. In the long run I will save enough money on DE blades to pay for the razor.#3, I am sending less plastic to the dumpThis is my first DE razor. I was pleasantly surprised I was not nicking my face and neck with this razor especially after reading about the risks of using a DE razor. The bad news is I have to take multiple passes to get rid of all the stubble and even then I don't feel like the shave is as close as it should be.After starting with the Merkur a friend gave me his old butterfly razor and I loaded it up for a trial run and unknowingly nicked myself in about a dozen places (I was rushing through the shave to get out the door). However, the razor gave me a much closer shave and it does work much faster because I don't need to take two and three passes to get all the stubble. I continued to use the razor with much more caution and just a few nicks, nothing much. I now want a more aggressive razor than this Merkur after a few shaves with a much more aggressive razor.From this trial, I learned what an aggressive blade can do versus the non-aggressive blade. I took a close look at the difference and the Merkur which exposes much less of the blade and the angle appears to be different as well. I've since read up on adjustable DE razors and I suspect they do the same thing, they limit the amount of blade exposed. I also learned an aggressive blade is better because for multiple days of growth. That is me. I work from home and have a few times a week. If I worked in an office I would need to shave daily.I am happy I got the Merkur. I will probably pass it down to one of my kids, They too value sustainability. The more we can reduce plastic, the less we rely on oil, the lower our carbon foot print, blah blah blah. For me, I like the fact I can buy something made outside of China and save money at the same time. That is awesome! There are lots of made in China DE razors that will save you even more money if that is what you want.I don't like the crib on the handle. It feels like it will sleep. The knurled handle isn't very "grippy". I have software water and I use a real soap so things get very slippery. I've become accustom to it now but it was interesting at first to get comfortable with. I would very much like to have far more texture on the handle. I am curious how well it grips with hard water rather than soft.Full disclosure, I am just getting started with double edge (DE) shaving. I am doing this because I want to stop spending stupid amounts of money on five or three blade razors and buying and disposing of more plastic. Also, DE blades are suppose to be far less expensive and the math adds for for me. Investing in a nice razor will save money in the long run. Even a razor made in Germany.

I haven't used a double edged safety razor in decades. I am so glad that I made the switch back. Quick, excellent, close shave much better than I ever got with the disposables, from a subscription that I had. The razor is a good size and has a good weight and feels good in the hand. Best shave that I have had in many, many years. I will never go back to disposable multi blade razors.

One of the best razors I have ever used. This is my first DE safety razor and I have to say Its wild that Ive never used one before. The best, smoothest, easiest shave Ive ever had. After that fist initial nervous shave Ive been gliding all over grooming like a boss. If you're thinking about taking the plunge do it. Its much cheaper over time to use safety razors than any other product (minus going full straight razor).