A Choice of Two Merkurs

I've been reading some DE reviews over at the "other forum" (I'm not a member, I promise! :)) as I've never tried a DE razor... complete newb.

Anyway, I have my choice narrowed down to two models of Merkur: The 34c HD and the 38c, the HD commonly referred to as the barber pole.

It seems to be a tough choice. I'm looking for a DE that will not rip up my face while learning (ergo the slant model is not on my short list) but is good enough for a daily razor when experienced.

The 38c got some great reviews, as did the HD, but the reviewers were split right down the middle about how good it is as a starter razor. Some stated it is absolutely terrible to start with, some said it was great.

The HD also got great reviews all around, especially as a starter, but it seems that many people end up graduating to the 38c due to it's longer handle length and additional heft. Buying two near identical DE razors is something I'd like to avoid. Is the 38c really that bad to start with?

So mates, which one would you tell a guy to go with? Advantages/disadvantages would be great too.

When I used to shave with a DE the slant with a Feather or a Gillette Swede was my tool of choice. Anyhow, if you have large hands the longer handle will be easier to maneuver with. Whether you like a heavier razor overall is something you won't know until you try it. I routinely shaved with the standard 37C slant until the 39C came about and then I went to the longer and heavier model and liked it even better. YMMV.

I went with the regular HD when I started and havne't looked back. It's a great razor. I think the shorter model encourages you to use less fingers, which to me often equates to lighter pressure.

I think the Slant is probably the best DE I have used by Merkur, it gives very cool shaves. You do need to practice with it though, as it is an aggressive razor. I used to own the HD but gave it to my uncle as I didn't really like the shaves with it. Vintage Gillettes are really good also, so keep that in mind. I love the open comb NEW improved models from the 30s.

I have three Merkurs. I have the 33c, the 1904 and the 25c long handled classic. They are awesome razors. I have a few vintage Gillette Tech ball ends and they are VERY easy to shave with as well. My wife uses one of them actually. I have thought about getting the HD and also a Barberpole model sometime in the future but I am trying to avoid collecting and sticking with using. I would never dream of owning three of the new razors like a fusion or something so it is weird to own many DE and SE razors.

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Originally Posted by Disburden

I think the Slant is probably the best DE I have used by Merkur, it gives very cool shaves. You do need to practice with it though, as it is an aggressive razor. I used to own the HD but gave it to my uncle as I didn't really like the shaves with it. Vintage Gillettes are really good also, so keep that in mind. I love the open comb NEW improved models from the 30s.

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I have read that the Merkur slant is very good for people with Wookie-like beards; I don't have a Wookie-like beard, but it's not exactly light either. My fiancee always jokes that I'm like Homer Simpson, with his insta-stubble growing back immediately. I thought you might like that Disburden, as you are always making that comparison to yourself. ;)

I was also wondering why you gave up on the HD, as it is a very reputable DE razor (based on the opinions I've read about it)?

Whatever Merkur you choose,you might like to try different blades to the Merkurs they usually give you with the razor.I used Derby razors when I first got my Parker and found I got less weepers.Now I use Feather with a slant bar if I need to rush.I found the heavy razors easier to use as they encourage you to only use the weight of the razor.If you feel you need to use pressure to get a good shave it means the blade isn't sharp enough.
And with that I wish you many great shaves:beer2:cheers.

Ryan,

May I suggest the Merkur 38C "Barberpole"? I have had both, the 34C and the 38C. Even though I have small hands, I found the 34C a tad too small. The 38C "Barberpole" is an elegant double edge. Try it with Feather blades or the Gillette 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge (Yellows). A great combination.

Regards,

Obie

I also recommend going with the 38c barberpole for your first razor. For me, the longer handle DEs were more comfortable as a beginner because you're used to the long handle mach 3's and whatnot.

Later on, scour your local antique shops and flea markets to pickup a Gillette slim adjustable or fatboy. both great razors with shorter handles with the added feature of adjustable blades. Don't spend more than $10 on one!

After a year, pickup a slant so u can experience the best of all worlds :D

Forget the mercurs get yourself a vintage Gillette fatboy. That's what I use when I don't have time for a straight and though I have the mercur barberpole I much prefer the fatboy.

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Originally Posted by Ryan82

I have read that the Merkur slant is very good for people with Wookie-like beards; I don't have a Wookie-like beard, but it's not exactly light either. My fiancee always jokes that I'm like Homer Simpson, with his insta-stubble growing back immediately. I thought you might like that Disburden, as you are always making that comparison to yourself. ;)

I was also wondering why you gave up on the HD, as it is a very reputable DE razor (based on the opinions I've read about it)?

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:rofl2: Funny that you mentioned the Homer Simpson thing. I didn't like the HD because it gave me less satisfactory shaves. I don't know why, but it just did. Actually, come to think of it, the slant is the only Merkur I have used that gives me good shaves without raking my face up ( I haven't tried the progress YET). I usually will use old Gillettes like the NEW and Old Types before I reach to buy a new Merkur, but the slant stands out as something I am very happy with owning. I actually gave my HD to my uncle for xmas with a brush and a soap and he loves it, so things work out for the best eventually.

**Disclaimer** I should say for the record that I'm by no means giving up straight shaving; I'm a straight shaver through and through.

My interest in DE's is twofold: I've never tried one before, and I want a back-up razor to provide those one-off quick and easy shaves (once experienced of course) as opposed to reaching for a cartridge. I haven't used a cartridge for quite a while now, as I shave exclusively straight, and I'd like to keep it that way. Better to use a 50c blade every now and then instead of a $5 dollar one.

Unfortunately for me I know how this will end up. It won't be just one DE, it will be multiple Merkurs, then Gillettes, then Schick SE's....... just like how it was only going to be a couple straight razors! I guess that's one way to pick your favorites:roflmao

I have started with and still to this day use the HD. I go back and forth between straight and DE's depending on how much time I have. I am still working on my stropping. The hd has been great for me and I use wilkinson or personna blades with it. The blade choice will be personal as it seems everybody has a specific preference there.

Hi Ryan,

Not sure if you've made your choice yet, but thought I'd add my thoughts. I started with a 38C and it was perfect for me. Tried a number of vintage gillettes and although they gave good shaves, I ended up going back to the 38. I had a fatboy, but I didn't give it a chance and kicked myself for a while after I sold it. Then i bought a slant....I was in heaven after about a week. I've gone back to my 38 and it still gives a great quick shave but it's just not enough for me. I planned on buying the long handled slant, then was bit by the straight bug. ;) Now YMMV and all that, but I think the Slant is given too much of a bad rep. If you're already shaving with a straight, I'd suggest to try the Slant. I don't think the learning curve would be that much longer than a 38 or HD, but it is a better shave in the end in my opinion.

Sorry for the long rant. Enjoy!

Well, after some good advice, hard thought, and a very timely sale over at SRD, I came to my decision. I went for the Merkur 38c barberpole with silver finish. It's a hefty razor alright, shouldn't have much of a problem mowing through my whiskers.

Not having any experience with DE blades I chose a sampling of what SRD has to offer: Derby and Merkur.

Anyway, I haven't had a chance to try it yet as I have a special occasion coming up this weekend and don't want to show up all bloodied and irritated. I'll need good ol' straight shave to look as good as I can ! When I do try out the Merkur I'll post my experiences.

Thanks to all who took the time to write some advice. And for the members who suggested models other than the ones I was asking about - don't worry, the 38c is only my first DE ......;)

Go for the Derby blades. Most folks prefer them to Merkur.

I used to prefer derbys to merkurs, but coming back to de for first time in a year, liked them both. the iridiums and 7 oclocks are also excellent, as is the maginificent feather de blade.

I started with the Long Handle Classic and then moved to the Progressive. I like the Progressive. The Progressive's weight feels better to me than the LHC; however, I do like that long handle for my big hands.