Merkur 38C (Barber Pole) Safety Razor

The Merkur 38C is the best razor I own. I own the other, with the spiral knurling, and have had my eye on the black handled version for a while. I did have my doubts as to how well I could keep a grip on this razor, even after reading several reviews that said it was not slippery even when wet. It went on sale, so I finally decided to bite the bullet and try it for myself. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the other reviews were right. Although it is not as grippy as the knurled version, and it takes a little more attention when using, I really have nothing to complain about. It looks a lot more sleek and classy in black, and the performance does not disappoint. Same smooth, close, comfortable shave, and comfortable to hold...even when wet.

I remember my father using one of these types of razors when I was a child but I've always used a cartridge razor, starting with two blades and now up to five, at a cost of about $4/cartridge.My facial hair isn't terribly thick so the cartridge worked fine and I only had to change it every few weeks. In other words, this purchase wasn't about saving money but rather I'd read about safety razor shaving and thought I'd give it a try.After just a few weeks with this razor I know that I will never be going back. I started with a derby blade, which was great, but then went on to an Astra, which is amazing on my face. I have somewhat sensitive skin so I was a little worried, but shouldn't have been. The shave is incredibly close, smooth and doesn't irritate my ... MoreI remember my father using one of these types of razors when I was a child but I've always used a cartridge razor, starting with two blades and now up to five, at a cost of about $4/cartridge.My facial hair isn't terribly thick so the cartridge worked fine and I only had to change it every few weeks. In other words, this purchase wasn't about saving money but rather I'd read about safety razor shaving and thought I'd give it a try.After just a few weeks with this razor I know that I will never be going back. I started with a derby blade, which was great, but then went on to an Astra, which is amazing on my face. I have somewhat sensitive skin so I was a little worried, but shouldn't have been. The shave is incredibly close, smooth and doesn't irritate my skin.More than anything else though it is about the process. Just as I've packed up my Keurig and now I'm using a French Press for coffee, I've also packed up my cartridge and I'm using the DE saftey razor for my shave. It takes a few extra moments but it is well worth it. I feel like I am treating myself and frankly I feel like a man rather than a boy (funny to say as I'm approaching 50!) when I put the razor to my face.Of course over the long run this will save me money, but that is honestly secondary at this point. It is about treating myself right and the Merkur 38c is a great way to accomplish that.

As a first safety razor and being someone who has never ever enjoyed shaving, this razor has changed all that. It gives a great shave with a forgiving amount of play in the blade pitch. The weight of the handle is great and effortlessly glides through the stubble. Changing blades is simple and straightforward using a screw closure meaning a firm hold on the blade, ensuring you get a great shave every time. Using the right shaving cream and pre-shave oil certainly helps to get a close shave without irritation. Truly a great first safety razor.

I had dabbled with a DE in the past using a cheap $10 Lord DE with Bluebird blades and it was a total disaster, I was nothing but nicks and razor burn and the shave was not all that close. So I returned to cartridge razors. Wanting to try the DE again I decided to get a decent quality razor and a pack of feather blades to see how it would work out.I just had my Merkur 38C delivered yesterday and was nervous to see if I had just blown a lot of money. Hesitantly I tried it out just now and did not want to get too fancy so I just stuck to a single pass. Immediately I realized this was the best shave I have ever had and I have still yet to master the art of using a DE, I cannot recommend this product enough. I have never been a dry shaver but had poor experiences with ... MoreI had dabbled with a DE in the past using a cheap $10 Lord DE with Bluebird blades and it was a total disaster, I was nothing but nicks and razor burn and the shave was not all that close. So I returned to cartridge razors. Wanting to try the DE again I decided to get a decent quality razor and a pack of feather blades to see how it would work out.I just had my Merkur 38C delivered yesterday and was nervous to see if I had just blown a lot of money. Hesitantly I tried it out just now and did not want to get too fancy so I just stuck to a single pass. Immediately I realized this was the best shave I have ever had and I have still yet to master the art of using a DE, I cannot recommend this product enough. I have never been a dry shaver but had poor experiences with DEs and not that I have the proper gear I am a very happy camper!I admittedly did nick myself on one spot, but I was expecting to have to go through a huge learning curve, this blade did all the work and I have the best shave I have ever had. I am looking forward to my next shave, and I think I have a new store to **** up my hard-earned money!

38C

I've been shaving with DE blades for about 5 years. The Merkur closed comb models provide a non-irritating, smooth and adequately close shave. It is a fairly mild razor. I find this perfect for a quick shave without cuts or irritation. If I need a super close I can buff a little with this razor and get that and still have no irritation. This model has nice heft and looks great. I use Astra blades and Proraso soap or cream. All are great products. You might also enjoy the Merkur 47C which is slightly lighter with the same comb in a 3 piece unit. New England Shaving Co. has great delivery and price. Thanks!

A Better Choice than What Some Want you to Believe

I purchased this razor based on a recommendation. For years, I have been the Futur for years and it physically cant fit under my nose. The 38C HD with an Astra blade is giving me a great shave. No irritation. Admittedly the 38C HD is not the most aggressive razor, but the one thing I noticed watching the pro reviews, is that it never gives a pro shave. I wanted and like the longer heavy handle because I was used to the the Futur. The pattern on the barrel is comfortable and adds a non-slip quality. If you are an experienced shaver with some difficult places you haven't figured how to shave, or if you are buying your 1st safety razor, and you want to shave every day, this is definately a good choice.

Another first timer...

I bought this razor simply based on its description, which fit everything I was looking for. The fit in my hand is nice, the weight is excellent. This being my first DE safety razor I was a little concerned about cutting myself...pfft! First use gave one fantastic close shave.I started hating the cartridge razors years ago when the twin blades started going out, now if you can find them they're insanely expensive. The 5 blade cartridges are just flat out ridiculous. When I bought this razor, I also bought the 100 pack of blades for $18 (Astra superior platinum).In the end, just as WCS claims, I have a superior product (over "disposable" and cartridge razors) that will actually save me money in the long run. I win!Last two things I can say - I definitely ... MoreI bought this razor simply based on its description, which fit everything I was looking for. The fit in my hand is nice, the weight is excellent. This being my first DE safety razor I was a little concerned about cutting myself...pfft! First use gave one fantastic close shave.I started hating the cartridge razors years ago when the twin blades started going out, now if you can find them they're insanely expensive. The 5 blade cartridges are just flat out ridiculous. When I bought this razor, I also bought the 100 pack of blades for $18 (Astra superior platinum).In the end, just as WCS claims, I have a superior product (over "disposable" and cartridge razors) that will actually save me money in the long run. I win!Last two things I can say - I definitely recommend this razor, and I wish I had known about DE safety razors 30 years ago.

Blown Away By My Merkur

This is my first safety razor and it has far exceeded my expectations. The Merkur 38C has great weight to it and feels like a very high quality piece in the hands. I was nervous about beginning to shave with a safety razor but after only a few days of using my new setup, I can honestly say that I'll never go back to cartridge razors again. The Merkur 38C is a smooth operator and provides a very good shave that is much more comfortable, both during and after, than any product I've used in the past. My face feels fantastic every day and I honestly really look forward to shaving now because there is no zero irritation when using the Merkur. I'm so glad that I switched to this safety razor!

Great since 2009

I purchased the Merkur 38C along with 100 israeli blades from WestCoast in 2009, after talking to a work colleague about the joy of using a 'proper' razor. I was initially put off by the initial investment: retiring my old gillette disposable cartridge style with vibrating handle, and handing over around $120 (from memory) for this razor, blades, a decent entry level brush and some good shaving creme. It seemed like an outrageous price at the time. That was 8 years ago, wow. Since then I have purchased a 25 pack of assorted blades to try out, and bought more of that awesome shaving creme when it ran out. Since then I have convinced two of my friends to make the switch to a proper razor. I have not yet exhausted the blades that I purchased, still have the brush and ... MoreI purchased the Merkur 38C along with 100 israeli blades from WestCoast in 2009, after talking to a work colleague about the joy of using a 'proper' razor. I was initially put off by the initial investment: retiring my old gillette disposable cartridge style with vibrating handle, and handing over around $120 (from memory) for this razor, blades, a decent entry level brush and some good shaving creme. It seemed like an outrageous price at the time. That was 8 years ago, wow. Since then I have purchased a 25 pack of assorted blades to try out, and bought more of that awesome shaving creme when it ran out. Since then I have convinced two of my friends to make the switch to a proper razor. I have not yet exhausted the blades that I purchased, still have the brush and it's perfect. The razor has been dropped a few times and has a few tiny dents on it, but it's great. I can't believe how little money I have spent in these 8 years on shaving: I'm high-estimating about $2 a month is what I pay for a great shaving kit.If you're on the fence about making the switch to proper razor, take money out of the equation. If you were like me, you might have been spending around $30 a month on disposable cartridges, and still not having an easy time of shaving. Yes, once you get used to shaving with a real razor you can go back to blind-shaving in the shower without a mirror and still get incredible results. I admit, I'm lazy and I like shaving in the shower and I can do it without a mirror. I was afraid that upgrading to a proper razor would take that away. For the first few weeks, yes until you get used to the way to hold it, and the feedback for get from the sound and feel through the handle, but after that you'll be back in your element.Best value for money. Great joy has come from this product. If mine was lost or stolen I would replace with another Merkur in an instant without even considering another brand.Final comments: Try different blades, it's really hard to believe that the blade you will prefer is not the blade that I prefer. I got lucky with Israeli blades, they are still my favourite. Get a good brush.

Like it a Lot

Got this razor based on the positive reviews and because I wanted a razor with a longer handle that was a little heavier in general and the 38C definitely fits that description. The handle on the 38C is chrome plated brass, the head is Zamak. My only real complaint is that while the threads on the head were generally in good shape, they were not as clean as I would have liked; meaning there was some casting "flash" clearly visible. It doesn't appear to affect function, but it's poor form, in my opinion. The chrome finish seems good all the way around and while there's a certain amount of "grippiness" to the handle, there's not as much as some others handles I've used and certainly no "bite" to it. That's not a nit-pick, it's just an observation. Overall the build ... MoreGot this razor based on the positive reviews and because I wanted a razor with a longer handle that was a little heavier in general and the 38C definitely fits that description. The handle on the 38C is chrome plated brass, the head is Zamak. My only real complaint is that while the threads on the head were generally in good shape, they were not as clean as I would have liked; meaning there was some casting "flash" clearly visible. It doesn't appear to affect function, but it's poor form, in my opinion. The chrome finish seems good all the way around and while there's a certain amount of "grippiness" to the handle, there's not as much as some others handles I've used and certainly no "bite" to it. That's not a nit-pick, it's just an observation. Overall the build feels pretty good; maybe not as refined as I would like (and certainly not "OMG fantastic") but entirely satisfactory considering the price point. This razor IS significantly heavier than what I was using before and I found I was unconsciously applying a bit of pressure with it while shaving which, combined with its weight, lead to some post-shave irritation. Once I corrected my technique I started getting great shaves - without irritation - using a variety of blades. Everyone has their favorite blade of course but for me Gillette Silver Blues, Personna Lab Blues and Gillette Nacets were all excellent performers for me in the 38C. The included Merkur blade also gave me a great shave but Merkur just wants too much money for their blades. Too many other great blades out there for a lot less money. Still, at least you'll have one blade to get you started if this is your first DE razor. Overall it's a pretty fine razor. I'm not shouting from the rooftops about it but it's quite good.