Merkur Long Handle Safety Razor - 23C

Ditch your plastic razor ladies!! I stole this from my husband to be honest. I try and live a low waste lifestyle so I thought I’d give this a shot. There is a learning curve for these babies but once you get the hang of it you’ll never trade out for plastic junk again. This is a way more affordable option for a super close shave. It leaves legs, underarms, and bikini area smooth. To keep the razor sharp longer dry the blade after you use. Make sure you use a shaving aid (shaving cream/conditioner) as this will help stop cuts. Shave in small sections with light pressure. It’s a game changer

Great Razor!

This is a great razor! I’ve been using the Merkur 23-C Long Handle Safety Razor for about six or seven years now. I purchased this one as a gift for my son. This was the first safety razor I ever bought and I’ve had a no reason to look for a different one. The quality is excellent. I love the weight and balance of this razor with the long handle. The main reason I looked for a safety razor was to save money on blades. When you find the blade you like, and buy in bulk from a place like NESC, the amount of money you’ll save over a lifetime is outrageous. This razor gives me a smooth shave and if you take care of it, there’s no reason it shouldn’t last a lifetime. I know there are more expensive razors out there, but I really don’t know how much better they could be. ... MoreThis is a great razor! I’ve been using the Merkur 23-C Long Handle Safety Razor for about six or seven years now. I purchased this one as a gift for my son. This was the first safety razor I ever bought and I’ve had a no reason to look for a different one. The quality is excellent. I love the weight and balance of this razor with the long handle. The main reason I looked for a safety razor was to save money on blades. When you find the blade you like, and buy in bulk from a place like NESC, the amount of money you’ll save over a lifetime is outrageous. This razor gives me a smooth shave and if you take care of it, there’s no reason it shouldn’t last a lifetime. I know there are more expensive razors out there, but I really don’t know how much better they could be. At the very least, you can’t beat the value of what you get from this razor, for the price.

Great, Sustainable Swap

I bought this razor to replace my single-use razors, and I'm happy I finally made the switch. This razor comes with a blade already. I've already tried it and it's great. Had to be extra careful since this was my first experience with a safety razor. To be honest, I did accidentally cut myself a few times, so proceed with caution. This "long-handle" is about the length of a standard razor in a retail store. I can't imagine using anything shorter, even if I was just using this for my face (which I am not). Would definitely recommend this length, or even something longer if they have it. Shipping was very fast, and I'm pleased with that.

If you don't know which razor to buy, buy this one.

Fantastic razor. I replaced a Wilkinson Sword butterfly razor because the mechanism wore out and couldn't hold the blade tightly anymore. The Merker is significantly better. I was surprised. I thought they'd be about the same. The Merker is weighted better, has a much better comb design that makes it easier to shave closely, and even cleans up easier because the bottom of the razor is almost totally open. Well worth the cost. As long as I don't drop it it should last decades at least.I have very coarse thick facial hair and use Feathers razor blades.

MERKUR MODEL 180 "LONG HANDLE" A GREAT RAZOR

I am not new to DE razors, I learned to shave using an old Gillette razor my step-father gave me. Like many in my age group (68) I started to use multi-blade razors when they arrived on the market. But, like many I found the cost prohibitive. So, 9 or 10 years ago I decided to return to DE shaving. My goal was to get a 'really good' DE razor. After some research I decided to get the very expensive, at the time, Merkur "Futur". What a disappointment that was. The 'adjusting mechanism' stopped working after a month and the razor began to literally disintegrate in my hands. I started looking again, only this time I wanted more simplicity, i.e., no adjustment. In '2015 I read about a new razor from Viking Blades called a "Chieftain" and made from decent materials. It ... MoreI am not new to DE razors, I learned to shave using an old Gillette razor my step-father gave me. Like many in my age group (68) I started to use multi-blade razors when they arrived on the market. But, like many I found the cost prohibitive. So, 9 or 10 years ago I decided to return to DE shaving. My goal was to get a 'really good' DE razor. After some research I decided to get the very expensive, at the time, Merkur "Futur". What a disappointment that was. The 'adjusting mechanism' stopped working after a month and the razor began to literally disintegrate in my hands. I started looking again, only this time I wanted more simplicity, i.e., no adjustment. In '2015 I read about a new razor from Viking Blades called a "Chieftain" and made from decent materials. It was a simple TTO, Butterfly DE razor. Based on discussions, via email with the owner, he promised me their razor would last more than a year and a half. And, if it didn't, he'd reimburse me the total amount. I took him at his word and bought the razor. The 'Chieftain' lasted for 8 years, but the bi-fold doors became worn and wouldn't hold the blade square and steady. A recipe for a bloody neck. Which brings us to time-now. After a bit of research, I decided to give Merkur another try. The Model 180(23C) "Long Handle" seems to get a lot of good reviews and at a very attractive price point. So, I bought it and 100 Astra Platinum blades. IMHO, this is a great match up. Although, at some point, I'll probably try some "Feather" blades. I know the Merkur 180 razor and blade combo might not work for everybody, but I'm more interested in a comfortable shave. Most pundits consider the Merkur 180 a 5 out of 10 for aggressiveness and for my tough beard and sensitive skin, it's a perfect combo. I'm now able to shave everyday, if I choose, and suffer no razor burns or nicks and still achieve an excellent, close and irritation free shave. At a cost I can live with. Frankly, that's all I'm looking for in a razor/blade combination. Whether your new to DE shaving, or old pro like myself, I think you could do a lot worse than picking up a Merkur model 180 (23C) "Long Handle". My only negative comment, and it's really an observation, is the handle could be a little thicker and the knurling a little deeper. Other than that, it's a great, inexpensive razor. Thanks for playing along.

Merkur 23C simply brilliant

This is the best razor handle Ive ever used and its because of the closed comb. Im 63 and had used electric shavers until a few years ago. But I could not wet shave daily either face too saw or cuts. So back to basics and this is my 4th handle type as I now understand what I wanted. Have shaved daily for a couple of weeks and every shave has been a pleasure. Highly recommend the Merkur as its elegant design and manufacturing quality are apparent.

Review - Merkur Chrome DE Safety Razor

I was sick of paying crazy prices for complex shaving cartridges. Started shaving with a Track II in 1970 so I've never used a safety razor. After ordering the razor and a selection of blades, as suggested, they sat in the drawer for a few weeks while I summoned the courage to give it a try. I have sensitive skin and nicks bleed for a long time so I was being very cautious. After daily use for more than 3 weeks I am impressed well beyond expectations. This is a far more comfortable shave than the Harry's I was using which I liked better than the Gillette blades used before that. Close shave, fewer nicks and cuts. Ive used the Merkur blade and the Kent blade. Looking forward to trying the others. I actually look forward to shaving.

The perfect starter razor

I was nervous to try out a traditional safety razor, but I'm so glad I did.I have very sensitive skin and I'm clumsy, so I used to shave with five-blade disposable razors. I hated throwing them away -- they're expensive and wasteful.This works just as well, it's cheaper, and it's much better for the environment. I bought this and a 50-pack of Astra Platinum blades and now I'm set for the next 4 years!Some tips for beginners like me:To insert the blade, just twist off the handle and drop the razor blade on top of the pegs inside the head. You don't need to use pressure like with a disposable razor; just run it gently along your skin. You DO need some kind of shaving cream or lather so it glides nicely.I especially recommend this for people who shave their legs ... MoreI was nervous to try out a traditional safety razor, but I'm so glad I did.I have very sensitive skin and I'm clumsy, so I used to shave with five-blade disposable razors. I hated throwing them away -- they're expensive and wasteful.This works just as well, it's cheaper, and it's much better for the environment. I bought this and a 50-pack of Astra Platinum blades and now I'm set for the next 4 years!Some tips for beginners like me:To insert the blade, just twist off the handle and drop the razor blade on top of the pegs inside the head. You don't need to use pressure like with a disposable razor; just run it gently along your skin. You DO need some kind of shaving cream or lather so it glides nicely.I especially recommend this for people who shave their legs because the handle is longer and textured for a better grip.Thrilled with this razor and thrilled with New England Shaving Company. I ordered yesterday and it arrived today with a bonus pack of blades! Thank you

We’ll-built, affordable, and smooth.

This safety razor provides a smooth shave at a medium aggressiveness level. If you prefer a heavier razor, you may find this one to be too light, but the weight feels balanced due to the longer handle. I like a closer shave so I pair this with a sharper blade. I find sharper blades last longer, as well. Overall, this is an affordable, solid starter razor for those who want to transition from using plastic disposables. I love that I save money on blades, reduce the amount of plastic waste, and get a good shave.

What a way to shave

I regret little from my life on earth. I've spent a good deal of time learning to meditate, talking through, coping, all effective ways to accept the past as it is, instead of trying to change it.By and large my work has been successful. However, every moment before this safety razor made contact with my stubbly face was wasted. Wasted time and money on bad shaves.If you want to give a safety razor a try, this modestly priced option will exceed your expectations. Not only is the shave cheaper than a disposable razor by a factor of 10, I have also noticed ingrown hairs clearing up on my chin. Instead of constantly scrubbing built up hair from between the blades, now I simply rinse the hair out and continue to shave.The shave itself is dramatically better and ... MoreI regret little from my life on earth. I've spent a good deal of time learning to meditate, talking through, coping, all effective ways to accept the past as it is, instead of trying to change it.By and large my work has been successful. However, every moment before this safety razor made contact with my stubbly face was wasted. Wasted time and money on bad shaves.If you want to give a safety razor a try, this modestly priced option will exceed your expectations. Not only is the shave cheaper than a disposable razor by a factor of 10, I have also noticed ingrown hairs clearing up on my chin. Instead of constantly scrubbing built up hair from between the blades, now I simply rinse the hair out and continue to shave.The shave itself is dramatically better and quicker. With a little practice, I can do each cheek in a few strokes, maneuver the blade over my chin efficiently, and find my face clean shaven in just a minute or two.As I said in the beginning, I'm a man who's learned to accept the past and eschew regret. Yet, having wasted time and money on plastic, bad-for-the-planet razors that shave bad has opened up a deep well of hot regret, like a dry summer wind in my smooth face.If you want a shave so good that it makes you bitter about your shaving history, join me on the other side friends. This particular Merkur is hefty, and it has a small bore hole in the handle. Perfect for a homemade stand.