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 use this every day and can highly recommend it. Blades are highly variable in how they feel on your face, but this razor makes all brands that I have tried feel safe and comfortable. While not a super-high end razor, this is one that everyone who tries this shaving method should own. Made in Germany.

I want to first start off by saying that I think the folks who are writing reviews about this style of razors having a "learning curve" to learn how to use must be either crazy- or this is just the perfect razor.I am a 39 year old man- and before this razor I had never shaved with a old style double edge safety razor. From reading the reviews (on a lot of razors) I was really worried that I was going to nick up my face and bleed. Out of the box this was a true pleasure to shave with-- the shave is hands down the best shave I've ever had. Even my wife commented and I hadn't told her I had tried a new razor.From reading dozens of reviews I found this model kept coming up in reviews as a good choice so I took the plunge- and man am I happy I did. I also bought a high quality shaving soap and lather brush- and a stand to hold everything. Reminds me of a time from long ago. I almost didn't shave the first time as I was so worried that I was going to Nick myself and walk around looking like a 14 year old kid with band aids- but that didn't happen-- I followed all the good advice from other reviews and went at it.Here's a short list of what worked for me.A: Buy quality- I almost bought the $19.99 as seen on TV razor from the history Channels "Pawn Stars" reality show ( I love that show-) but after reading the reviews it was obvious that for slightly more money- just a little bit more I could do better. So go with quality- and get a HEAVY razor that is of heirloom quality.B: Really wet your face with HOT water prior to shavingC: Buy a really good shaving/lather brush with real animal hair- get it very wet and hot before shavingD: Buy a high quality shaving soap- and use hot hot water and your brush to really get a great lather. ( I just went with the #1 seller on Amazon and was very happy-- it's smoothness and scent was an instant hit and I knew all was good)E: Let the weight of the razor do all the work- don't pull the razor- just line it up, give a quick angle to have the blade make contact and let the weight of the razor do the workFor the love of god please, don't ever shave against the grain of your face-- DUH!F: Use a good after shave/conditionerOverall all I have sensitive skin and coarse facial hair (think 2pm shadow). My first shave through I had zero issues. No burn, no nicks, no redness and no blood-- just a great shave. And for those who say it now takes them longer to shave I say NAY! My first time it took no more than 90 seconds longer than normal and that included opening the boxes putting in the razor blade ( which was brainless by the way just in case you're worried about it like I was) unwrapping the soap and the brush etc.This has become the way I will shave forever-- hell maybe in 100 years a grandchild of mine will have that razor in their bathroom and use it everyday- the quality is top notch. It's an heirloom and you don't even have to be close to a rocket scientist to use it. Don't let all the reviews of nicks and rash scare you- I'm convinced those reviews are from guys out there who may be a little clueless on most matters of hygiene.End note-I did a lot of research on which razor blades to buy- this razor only comes with one. I have chosen Astra blades after reading through many reviews and they work excellent for me.I did read some reviews that say you have to shave twice with this type of razor- I have not found that to be true- it seems that I get a great shave with just one pass- although I have tried a second pass from time to time but mostly because its just fun to shave with this razor and the brush and lather is so awesome. I do not see any really noticeable difference between one shave and two pass shaving- but that could be just me.If you are thinking of going to this type of shave- buy this razor and enjoy- Since I started shaving I've always used the cheap 8 pack generic throw away brands from rite aide--- never again. This razor is truly shaving the way it should be. I only wish I had figured that out 20+ years ago.Disclaimer: I am not an expert in shaving by any stretch. Shaving is obviously inherently dangerous- be careful shaving. Just because it worked for me out of the box doesn't mean it will for you. GO SLOW let the weight of the razor do the work. Don't cut your face up. If you think you can't handle it don't do it. It worked for me but that's no guarantee it will work for you- so don't go and get all pissy if you cut yourself- everyone's face is different. Read the reviews. Get a game plan-- watch some you tube videos. Buy good equipment and enjoy the shave safely.

Very happy with my new Merkur 34c. The shave is nice with persona blades, I typically dry shave. The weight and handle length are great. I prefer this shorter handled model over my longer handled Merkur 23c, which has the same cutting head. I also prefer the blade removal mechanism on the 34c. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is price. It’s a great little razor, but all of the Merkur razors, and many other big brands, are 2x what they should cost.

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.