Ask Aaron Q/A: What is the perfect safety razor for someone with small hands, soft skin, and a modest budget?
Felix Clarke, from the UK, asks:
“I’m new to shaving, and have been using an old Gillette Contour nicked off my step-dad. Not as overpriced as some cartridge razors, but still. Up until now it’s been working well, teamed up with King of Shaves shave oil and used after a shower. Trouble is, my stubble’s getting thicker and harder on the blades but my skin’s still soft, and I’m starting to cut myself with the Contour. So I’m thinking it might be time to treat myself to a double-edged razor - preferably one that I won’t grow out of. What combination of razor, blades and prep would you recommend for someone with small hands, soft skin, and a modest budget?”
AARON SAYS
“Mr. Clarke,
Thanks for your question! You prep is great. Showering before a shave is one of the best ways you can prepare your beard. Also you can wash your face with a mild wash or scrub. For a razor I would recommend the Merkur 34c/HD, Parker 98r or the Bluebeard’s Scimitar razor. As for a blade, I generally don’t recommend specific blades because they are highly subjective depending on your skin and hair types. What I do recommend is getting a blade sample pack. Smooth shaving, Aaron.”
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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
Caring for your Merkur Razor
Your Merkur razor is a quality piece of engineering and should be treated as such. The following is from Merkur regarding the maintenance of their safety razors. Please note that failure to follow these maintenance guidelines could invalidate your warranty.
Maintenance of Merkur Safety Razors
Dear Customer,
In order to prolong the live of your safety razor it is necessary to clean the moving parts of your razor after each shave, for example with a soft nail brush or tooth brush. Only if the soap residue is removed thoroughly, the mechanics of your razor will work satisfyingly in the long run. We suggest to completely break down your razor for a thorough cleaning with each new blade that you install in the razor.
IN CONTACT WITH HARD, CALCIFEROUS WATER all parts of the razor need to be decalcified regularly, depending on the concentration of lime in your water. The parts should be put into a diluted and lukewarm decalcifying solution for a maximum of 15 to 30 minutes and should be moved in the solution every few minutes. It is also recommended to move the mechanical parts a few times, so the solution can get into every crevice. A more extended contact with the decalcifying solution will destroy the surface and corrode the metal of your razor.
DOVO/MERKUR Stahlwaren Solingen-Germany
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.
So why are double edged razors still the razor of choice for real men?
These days, while you are watching anything on TV it is almost impossible to escape from the latest ads describing how great the ‘new’ electric razor blades actually are. These models are so much better than the last, apparently, and will give you the best shave possible. That is, if you believe all the hype.
There is so much money to be made from getting males who are old enough to shave to spend their hard earned cash on the latest all singing and all dancing electric razors. Not only do they cost a packet in the first place, you have to spend a fortune each year on expensive replacement blades.
Therefore, it is no wonder to learn that many blokes are not taken in by this clever marketing but judge their razor solely on results. It is no secret that the old ways are usually the best. Sure, you can always claim to improve on shaving products, but at the end of the day the quality of the shave speaks for itself.
If you need reminding of the benefits of using double edged razors, then firstly, there is the amount of money to be saved. Just by switching from a Mach3 or Fusion model to a double edged razor you will start to notice the extra cash you have in your wallet, which you can put to good use.
The main reason that these razors are superior is the effectiveness and closeness of the shave, with less irritation of the skin. Electric razors pull on your facial hair, leave more stubble and are decidedly uncomfortable to use. It is also a myth that electric razors are faster to use too.
Double edge razors are surprisingly easy to use and the investment in these decent razors is certainly worth it in the long run, as real men can testify. Indeed, many men have tried out these electric gimmicks and have now gone back to a traditional, manual razor.
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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!
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