Thought I'd add a review from the perspective of an already reasonably experienced DE user and a shavette user.

My first DE was the very good Bluebeard Scimiter which I have had for 18 months or so and use regularly. I also have a cheapy shavette that I have been using for a lot of 2015 with some success.

The shavette gets closer than the BB Scimiter but is obviously more likely to cut and nick and due to the more awkward style you shave with it, can result in missed patches that you'd need double jointed limbs to get to. It's also a bit hit and miss as to whether you get razor burn after using it too.

I was looking for a closer shave than the Scimiter which was generally good but missed hairs which bugs me a lot.

So I opted for an open comb style razor which doesn't have the safety bar which pulls the skin and prevents you cutting yourself.

First use - no missed hairs. No discomfort or razor burn, it gluides over the skin to such a degree you don't feel as though it's getting very close but it does and it gets everything.

This seems to be the happy medium between straigh razor and DE safety razor.

As this was to be my first double edge razor, it was with some trepidation that I unpacked it and lathered up. I was completely convinced that my face would be shredded and so continued very carefully indeed. I should not have worried - I found it no more difficult than using my Gillette cassette razor but was for some reason more rewarding. I chose the open comb because I'm a bit lazy and only shave every 3 days or so and thought that it would clog less. I can't compare it to any other DE razor but it certainly clogs less than my old (now thrown away), Gillette.

So, in conclusion, I wasn't cut to shreds, got a good shave with no clogging of the blade. I'm looking forward to using it for many years to come.

So glad that I made the switch to a 'real' razor!

What!!!!! I bought this razor as I wanted to see if using an open comb would make any difference as I have very coarse stubble. (with two days growth I'm sure my other half could use my face to file her nails on!!). Although I'm not a newcomer to using a DE razor; I was expecting my first shave to leave me looking like I'd gone five rounds with Wolverine. My line of thought was areas of exposed blade - more nicks!! However, first time I used the razor it was a close shave but not as aggressive as I thought it would be. In fact I didn't find it aggressive at all. I had a very smooth comfortable shave with no irritation. (I used a shark blade which I find the best on my skin). So I am completely blown away with this razor! My only criticism is that the handle although long is quite thin. (or is it my other razor a futur has an overly thick handle?) Either way that's the only reason I haven't given the razor five out of five (if I could give four and a half I would)

So it defies logic. More exposed blade but a less aggressive shave.

Although similar to the Merkur 23c/180 the 25c has several key differences and is (in my opinion) a better razor.

The 25c is a long handle but slightly shorter than the 23c, although not enough to make any significant difference. It's also a little bit lighter than the 23c as the 'backing plate' is slimmer. Don't get me wrong though, the Merkur quality and the robust design is still there.

However, it is a much better shave than the 23c due to the open comb design and the angle the blade sits.

To explain further, with the 23c you really had to scrape it along your face at a certain angle yet with the 25c it effortlessly glides across, which is strange sensation at first if you've been used to 23c.

Overall it's a damn nice razor, and although I've only ever had 2 Merkurs (including this) I doubt I'll look for another and will probably buy an extra 25c as a back up.

Merkur 25C is a very good razor. It's gentle, but shaves even if my beard is two weeks long. I also like the longer handle and it's light structure. It slides easily on skin and it's safe to use if you are shaving in a hurry.