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1579 of 1589 found the following review helpful:
 Well, looks like a winner. Mar 12, 2008
By M.D.C.
"The Franchise"
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2H7SCLBX4FGXJ UPDATED 6/27
OK.
So if you're here, it's either because (1) you're one of the old schoolers who recognized the brand and was looking for another razor like the one you had back when shaving was an art form, or (2) you're a young buck who has done studying and have heard the recent hype: That straight razors and safety razors are making a comeback.
Unfortunately, I can't speak to the 1st audience, because I wasn't born when Merkur was made popular. I can, however, speak to the 2nd audience, as I somewhat fit into that category.
First some history. I'd been a Gillette man for the longest time. I had the old Mach 2 Turbo, then the Mach 3, then the M3 Power, then the Fusion. Yes, I've wasted a lot of money, between the handles and the replacement razors. I'd estimate it to be in the $1,000 range. Well, as you can probably understand, I didn't want to spend that money on razors anymore, plus I'd read stories that the straight and safety razors of old times are supposed to be better for your shaving area than the newer razors with multiple blades and lube strips, mostly due to the frequency of razor burn. So I decide to pick one of these up.
Just so you know, I use (and recommend) various shaving products, listed as follows:
- Proraso Shaving Soap with Eucalyptus Oil and Menthol - Normal Skin 150ml/5.2oz - I use this now. Very good lather, good smell, a bit expensive and a tad difficult to rinse out of the razor if you don't give it enough water.
- Proraso Pre and Post Shave Cream - 3.6 oz - I use this now. Makes the blade glide over the skin when applied as a base under the shaving soap. Increases the eucalyptus smell and gives a cooling sensation to the face. Good stuff, small portion.
- Proraso Menthol and Allantoin Aftershave Splash - I use this now. Smells like a lighter version of BRUT which was disappointing; I expected a light eucalyptus smell. Seems to do pretty good at smoothing the skin, nice texture, but nothing special.
- Van Der Hagen Select Shave Soap, 2.5-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 12) - I use this now. Great value for the price, solid soap, lathers thick, but you have to have the right ratio of soap to water, so it's not too runny.
- Col. Conk World's Famous Shaving Soap, Almond * 3 - Pack * Each Net Weight 2.25 Oz - Great smell, applies smooth, but doesn't lather quite as thick as I prefer. Also I found it had basically tarnished the inside of the soap cup over time. Not a big deal, just something to consider.
- 100 7a.m. Platinum Double Edge Safety Razor Blades - Excellent value, they don't last long...the idea is to buy so many that it doesn't matter if they don't last that long. I can get between 1 and 2 weeks use out of a single blade; so you figure between 1 and 3 years without having to buy more.
- Shaving Gift Set with Merkur Safety Razor, Bowl, Shaving Soap, Badger Brush, Stand and Safety Razor, Great Fathers Day Gift - Bought for myself, the brush is good, and I gave away the small razor that came with it. It's not the top of the line but it'll do.
The first thing I noticed about this little ditty is that it's easy to clean. If you're like me and you shave using a running faucet of warm/hot water, you'll be right at home and pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to clean. One thing to watch out for - because it's all metal, it holds in the heat VERY WELL - so you'll not want to use full heat or I guarantee you'll burn yourself something fierce.
Second thing I noticed, and quite notable, is how easy it is to replace the actual blade. Just unscrew the handle, lift off the bottom, replace the blade, replace and screw back on. Never easier. Speaking of the blade, the instructions don't tell you how frequently to replace the blade, but online some people state to replace it once a week. That seems a bit frequent to me if you're just doing maintenance shaves once a day. Some with rougher beards I can understand, but mine is not nearly that bad - and mostly maintenance from previous shaves. I would say - change it when it feels like it's starting to snag easier than you're thinking it should. The biggest things to keep in mind: lather, lather, lather, and keep the blade wet.
I saw a few people were cutting themselves with this razor. I haven't cut myself and I've used it quite a bit. The two main causes of cutting oneself are incorrect angling and too much pressure. Because this is a razor with no plastic guides to protect you, it means you have to go slower, be more careful, and master the art of shaving the way it was originally intended. Not for nothing though - you just need to practice control. Also, you can't hold this razor like the older ones, you really need to hold it with graceful fingers; the lighter you hold it the less tempted you'll be to press down when you're shaving. The angle also matters - it shouldn't be held like a squeegee, it should be held at roughly a 30 degree angle. The combination will effectively leave it up to the blade to do the cutting, not your strength (or lack thereof).
I did notice that this blade can get insanely close. In fact, just to test, I shaved with my old Fusion razor and felt my face; I could feel follicles, but then I shaved right after with the Merkur, and it actually got hair that the Fusion didn't. Additionally, I had some razor bumps on my neckline, not too large, but still visible, no matter how frequently I shaved. Since shaving with the Merkur, some of these have disappeared entirely. I also follow up my shave with an all-over astringent due to oil issues, and normally it's a crazy burn after shaving, but after shaving with the Merkur there's no burn whatsoever. Definitely a positive change from what I used to experience, trust me.
Some added information: you want to make sure your face is clean before shaving. I say that because the oils and dirt on your face can contribute to razor bumps and poor shaving quality. The cleaner the better. In my case I use some shower cleaners that work extremely well, but just make sure your face is clean with whatever you choose to use. Also, to improve the quality of the shave, I apply a bit of baby oil to my still-wet face, then the shaving soap lather on top of that. Helps the blade move smoother across the skin and makes it feel baby smooth. Some other items are body oil (Vaseline has two good ones, cocoa butter and aloe vera) and and certain pre-shave oils. Everyone's physiology is different though; do whatever is comfortable for you. I'm just adding this here for ideas.
In short, if you're tired of paying $20-$30 for blades that claim to last a month yet last a week or two...if you're wanting a closer, more comfortable shave with little-to-no razor burn...if you want to experience what the old schoolers have been talking about, definitely try a Merkur.
I wanted to throw in a bit here as I see more and more reviews from people who just don't get it. Merkur is all about the quality of the shave, not the speed. I don't know how many times people need to express that, but if you do your research you will find numerous people saying the same thing - this razor is NOT for those who just want to speed through their shave! You need to take your time and not rush through it. You WILL cut yourself if you rush with this razor. You WILL NOT get a quality shave if you don't take your time. You WILL wear down the blade if you dry shave, and this blade WILL NOT protect you. If you're going to use this razor, take the proper precautions. If you know you're a speed demon shaver, DON'T BUY THIS, because I really don't want to see you up on here complaining that you have to take your time.
168 of 171 found the following review helpful:
 The Best Shave Apr 16, 2008
By A. Casiano
"AC"
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...
88 of 93 found the following review helpful:
This is one awesome razor! Jan 13, 2008
By Soul to Steal
""Ruinmania""
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!
72 of 77 found the following review helpful:
Warning: this is a razor! Jan 30, 2011
By Edward F. Shimkus
I'm going to review this in reverse order, having considered some of the lesser ratings.
Several people stated that they cut themselves with this "safety" razor. That makes sense: it does house a sharp blade. I'm 68 and while I can remember cutting myself with a straight razor occasionally, safety razor cuts are a rare occurence. Bless them all, there are people who frequently cut themselves with paper, glass, knives, and even safety razors; others, like me, seem to be largely immune. Therefore, I would not rate this razor on the basis of its proclivity to inflict extraneous cuts. In my hands, when applied to an adequately softened/lubricated beard, cuts are rare.
Some went on to mention that changing blades is dangerous. Now that word - dangerous - is relative, no? I load shotshell for skeet and .40 cal ball ammo for silhouette shooting - both of which I consider minimally dangerous. At 68 I still ride my Harley Low Rider without a helmet in NM: a great danger to some. There is a review here at Amazon by someone who considers hot air popcorn poppers dangerous because some of the kernels pop when in the bowl sending popcorn flying (they were worried about their small child becoming blinded by flying popcorn). Obviously then, people whose lives are fraught with danger or who, otherwise, place themselves at great risk when using various implements should avoid the occasions of danger, whatever that entails. The thought occurs to me that, if razors are a danger, then electric shavers might be the answer. Then I thought of the shock hazard.
One reviewer dispelled the notion that using the Merkur was a life changing event. Then I noticed that there were 11 people who agreed with that statement. This gave me long pause: I wondered what state of psyche does one have to enjoy before considering whether a safety razor has the potential to change one's life or attitude thereabout. It's a razor!
Not to be wiseacre but I was further impelled to incredulity to read one's lament that, after bouncing his Merkur off the floor of the shower, he was surprised that it broke. If I was a wiseacre I might have replied duh . . . !
There were a few reviewers that, to me, implied that it took a team of experts to change the blades (unlike the older Gillette-style butterfly head that spread its wings and spit its blade asunder). Let's see: unscrew the handle, separate the head into its two pieces, remove and discard the blade, insert the new blade, assemble the two head pieces, replace the handle, then what . . . take a nap to recover? Really?
Did you note that review by the large guy with big hands who dissed the long handle? Perhaps he's used to holding small things.
Finally, there are a few who noted the lack of closeness to their shaves.
What is the Merkur safety razor to me? Primarily, it is an instrument designed to render a satisfactorily close shave at a much reduced cost when compared to today's options, especially cartridge systems. To date, the Gillette Mach3 has been the all-time best-selling razor and here, at Amazon, one can purchase a 12-pack of Mach3 blades for $22; 8 Mach3 Turbos for $18. I purchased 100 DE blades for $8. Let's see, that's $1.83 for the M3s, $2.25 for the M3 Turbos, and $0.08 for the DE - EACH. Let me put it this way, the M3s cost 23 times, and the M3 Turbos cost 28 times what the DE blades cost. I like math: it costs $183 for the same number of M3 turbos that I pay $8 for in DE blades. Okay, enough math.
The weight of this Merkur, plus blade, is 2.2oz: the head plus blade is 1.2 oz; the handle is 1oz. In my hands, the combination of the long handle and balanced weight is ideal. Then too, I'm used to handling long things. Apart from empirically defining the balance of the Merkur, in the end, how it feels in one's hands is a matter of preference. I prefer the weight and heft of the Merkur to that of the M3, e.g.
Finally, as one very good reviewer - M.D.C. The Franchise - noted, the use of any DE safety razor requires two things: an adequately softened/moistened beard (I usually shave in the shower so that is, for me, is a non-issue) and time: if your life consists of anticlimactic quickies, you probably do not want to consider the DE safety razor.
22 of 22 found the following review helpful:
Merkur Again- Dec 19, 2009
By J Keistler
"johnrktx@sbcglobal.net"
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-
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