Ask Aaron Q/A: Should I upgrade my DE safety razor this Christmas?
Andrew Horwell, from the UK, asks:
“I have been DE shaving for a couple of months or so now and getting on a lot better. I use an Edwin Jagger basic-ish DE razor (think it’s the 29L or something, only cost about £20). I am thinking of upgrading my razor at Christmas but not sure what to? Would I be just best stopping with my current razor? I have sensitive skin and use Taylor of old Bond st ‘jerym’ and an Edwin Jagger best badger brush. Currently using derby razor blades.”
Merkur 37C Slant Bar DE Safety Razor
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Horwell,
I’m a pretty firm believer in the phrase “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” when it comes to things that are currently working. It sounds like you have a nice set-up that is working well for you. However, I do also encourage you to experiment and explore. You might find something that works even better for you. If you are looking to upgrade your razor, I think the the Merkur Progress would be a great next step razor. It is adjustable allowing you to customize your shave to your face and how the shave is feeling that day and is a great razor for experienced shavers. Some others you might want to contemplate trying are the Merkur Futur, the Edwin Jagger Chattsworth, the Bluebeard’s “Scimitar” and the Parker 90R. If you’re feeling really adventurous try the Merkur Slant. These would all be good upgrades and worthy razors to try!
Smooth Shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger?
CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q/A: Parker Razors vs Merkur Razors: What are the differences?
Paul Broadwith, from the UK, asks:
“I have a Parker Model 91R razor and I have a question about razor in general - what exactly is the difference? When you buy a razor, the blade is the most important part. With the double edged razors you can buy different blades so I’m thinking that the actual razor itself is less important but there are a loads to choose from so I am missing something. I know some of the Merkur razors have mechanics where you can angle them which I think would be a good place to start, but I can’t see what the other razors offer over what I have. So what is the difference, what should I be looking for and what will give me the best shave?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr Broadwith,
I’ll try to answer you question succinctly, because the nuances and differences of razors could easily fill the chapter (or two) of a book. However, in brief the biggest difference you will find between razors is the “mildness” or “aggressiveness” expressed in the differing blade exposures. Typically the more acute the angle the more “aggressive” it feels to the face. The adjustable razors on the market are built with mechanics to change the exposure gap customizing your razor and shave. The rest of the razors that are manufactured have just one blade gap setting. This is the major difference in razors. The rest of what separates razors apart from each other are just different options in physical characteristics such as handle length, weight, handle diameter, finish and other options. Look for what feels most comfortable starting with the blade then to each razor based on your own personal preferences until you find your ideal razor. (which for me at this point in time is the Merkur Futur) Best wishes on finding your ideal shaving equipment!
Happy Shaving!
Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
Ask Aaron Q/A: Which is better - The Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic or the Merkur 38C Barberpole?
Tariq Khandoker, from the UK, asks:
“What is the diffrence between the Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic and the Merkur 38C Barberpole? Which is better?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Khandoker,
The only difference is the length of the handle, and a slight addition of weight. One is not necessarily better than the other, but depending on your preferences, you might want one or the other. If you like a very hefty razor go with the 38c. If you have large hands the length of the pole on the 38 will help you maintain a good grip on the razor. Otherwise, the head is just the same and will provide the same shave. Hope this helps!
Smooth shaving! Aaron”
Do you have any burning questions you would like ask our wet shaving expert Aaron Wolfenbarger? CLICK HERE TO ASK AARON YOUR QUESTION
The Merkur 33C Classic - A lighter variation on the legendary Merkur 34C
It is hard to argue with the older generation when they vehemently claim that the classics are still the best. They may generally be talking about old movies or TV shows, but the old adage also still rings true when it comes to a choice of razor. It is not just war veterans and old folks that prefer a razor that is designed for real men, one that gives you the closer shave most modern razors just cannot match.
Just take the Merkur 33C Classic, for instance. This chrome-plated razor is the lighter weight version of the legendary Merkur 34C Heavy Duty. It utilises the same head but with a slighty narrower and consequently less weighty handle. As always, the same fantastic Merkur build quality has been applied to the 33C making it a top alternative to its heavy-duty sibling.
With Merkur you know you are purchasing a well-crafted razor, built on a tried and trusted design. This quality razor model is great for those starting out shaving and proper men looking for a heavy duty razor that is easier to handle when improving your technique, for a closer and smoother shave.
The Merkur 33C Classic is priced at just £19.99 at the Shaving Shack, while the Merkur 34C Heavy Duty is a little bit more expensive at £26.99.
Long Handled Progress back in stock!
We also have a limited number of Long Handled Merkur Progress safety razors in stock. These are quite difficult to keep in stock so get them while they’re here!
Limited number of Merkur 34C available!
OK, we’ve just taken stock of a limited number of Merkur 34C but we’re still expecting a shortage after these have gone, so snap them up whilst they’re here!
Merkur 34C not available till 2010!
Oh dear, just coming up to our busiest season and the Shack’s favourite, the Merkur 34C, is out of stock and unavailable till 2010 due to manufacturing problems at Merkur! With this in mind we’ve decided to reduce it’s longer handled variant, the Merkur 38C, down to £27.99 as a viable alternative. Don’t forget that they both use the same head so the real difference is in the handle length.
To adjust or not adjust….the best double edge razor for a newbie
I frequently get asked this and often the decision is between a fixed head Merkur 34C (and it’s long handled version, the Merkur 38C) and the adjustable headed Merkur Futur.
Most fixed head razors we sell will fit the bill 99% of the time. However:
- if you have particularly heavy growth or
- are the tinkering kind who likes to experiment with different blade gaps or
- simply like futuristic designs…
then the Futur could be the one to go for.
To complicate matters, if you like the Futur, chances are you will like it’s bigger brother, the Vision 2000. The Vision is a bit heavier, bigger and can dial a wider blade gap than the Futur - the ultimate safety razor for all occasions! It also has a claim to fame in that it made an appearance in an episode of the 2004 series of Battlestar Galactica, a great little fact to accompany the perfect gift for a sci fi fan!
-
Stay connected:
-
Keep up to date
-
-
