Author: Richard Wilson I was originally shopping around online for a new electric shaver, when I came across The Shaving Shack. After reading the reviews and talkng to Dan, I bought a 34C. It's a functional, beautifully crafted, compact but hefty instrument. I had to re-learn the shaving techniques I last used over 30 years ago, but it's well worth it - you cannot get this quality of shave with an electric or multiblade cartridge razor. It does take longer, but it's not an unpleasant task any more! Great service from Dan too.
Author: Paul My wife bought me the Merkur 34C for my birthday. I was a bit sceptical at first � if DE razors are so good, why did they invent the cartridge style ones. As soon as I used my new razor, I realised that my doubts were completely unfounded. After following the wet shaving tips on this website and others I managed to have a comfortable, nick-free very close shave first time round. You really appreciate the weight of the 34C and quality of the craftsmanship when it is in your hand. Using light, short strokes the blade glided across my face. Even the potentially more problematic mouth and neck areas were a breeze to shave. Afterwards my skin felt supple and smooth, and the subtle smell of sandalwood (I used Taylor of Old Bond St Sandalwood shave cream applied with a brush) that emanated from my skin was the icing on the cake.
The best analogy I can think off to using a DE razor is that of pens. You can use a bic to scribble a note on a scrap of paper. It�s quick and easy but a bit of a chore and instantly forgettable. Or you could use a beautifully made fountain pen and write with black ink on thick, quality note paper. It might take a bit more skill and it will take more time because you have to be more careful, but the end result will be so much more satisfying and the task itself so much more fun and memorable. It is the same with saving. Using a DE razor does take longer, you do have to be careful and implement some skill but the end result is worth it � shaving becomes a joy, not a chore.
Will I ever use a modern cartridge razor again? Probably � when I wake up late and need a quick shave before going into work. But for the height of luxurary, maximum pampering, totally indulgent I feel great shave I will always use my Merkur 34C.
Thank you Caroline,
Paul
P.S. The service and delivery from Shavingshack was spot on. Order now and you will not be disappointed.
Author: Seppi Evans My first DE razor at the age of 42! For years been using the multi blade cartridges believing that buying newer technology meant better. How wrong could have I been?
The 34C gives me a �really good and close� shave, without the expense or numerous razors burns courtesy of Gillette. Mach 3 blades (for me) are blunt on the fourth day, using the 34C with the Israeli blades last ages and ages, in fact I think I change them too regularly as I cannot adjust to their longevity.
My five o'clock shadow now appears around 10pm, there is no way I will be going back to the Mach 3. Just take your time and over a few weeks you will become skilled in the �art of shave�
Author: John Burgess This has got to be one of the most effective DE razor available for the price.
Its solidly built (German of course) easy to handle and gives the closest shave I have ever had. Once you get one of these you know you will never need another razor again, these are built to last a lifetime and no doubt longer.
This is the third razor I have bought from shave shack I also have a Vision and merkur 570 every one is top class
Do I need three razors, not realy but when I can get all three for less than a cheap set of hair straightners that the wife buys once a year, and know these will see me through a lifetime of top shaves then yes I can have all three.
One thing I can say for certain Once you learn how to wet shave, it could take a week or two, you will be converted for life.
Author: Tony Esinov-Jack Good build quality
Good balance and weight
Close shave (although not with the merkur blades for me).
Shaving shack provided a very good delivery service and advice.
Author: Warren Simpson A work colleague told me about this website and how he now,will never go back to disposable shaving,saving himself a small fortune as well as getting a far closer shave and an all round better experience.After spending over �25 each month on inferior disposable razors and being unhappy with the results.I decided to see if wet shaving was the answer.So I ordered my Merkur HD - Omega Cream - and also recieved my Israeli blades..It took a little getting use to @ first,Having only used the dreaded disposables most my life.But now i can honestly say i would never go back.Shaving is no longer something
i depise,its an experience i enjoy having and its a far sight cheaper than the disposable cartridge way.Thanks to John Burgess and Shaving shack
For showing me the better option of doing things.
W.simpson
Author: Glenn Roberts This is my first purchase of a DE razor, a decision reached for various reasons. One, the sheer cost of blades, for my latest offering from Gilette; two, the idea of going back to basics appeals to me and three, felt worth a go if it can help with shaving rash after having tried so may different options over the last couple of decades! Having read other reviews and general discussion around what's best, I felt slightly apprehensive, about using a DE razor but can honestly say that I have had no problems so far.
The shaving rash has reduced, I have extra cash in my wallet in the longer term, and I'm enjoying it so far.
Author: Zac Barnett I had many reviews about different DE razors and finally decided to go with the 34C. I am new to DE shaving, but wanted to change because i kept getting awful shaving rash and the cost of mach 3 blades were becoming ridiculous. I had my first shave this morning and it was great. I watched the videos on youtube of how to shave properly and so didnt cut myself at all. Its very easy to use and my skin looks and feels so much better.
Also would like to mention the very good service from shaving shack, giving me advice when emailed and a prompt delivery.
I did not realise that there would be such a difference between this and my mach 3, but there was. However, beware of the need for a quality brush and shaving cream to finish the job off properly!
Author: S. Allen Well some have tried it earlier in life so at 48 I thought - Ok, I will give a DE razor a go but it surely cannot be any better than three blades on a Mach 3 etc. How wrong could I be? I chose the 34c having read several reviews of this and others. Seemed liked a good, reliable and sturdy first choice for a DE razor. REALLY close shave with the Merkur blades supplied. N/S pass followed by a bit of a mix and match with direction has given SUCH an excellent shave , best ever!!! The only negative I can think of is _ maybe the longer handled version would be better for me but, hey ho, will only add one of those to this one, not replace it.
Well done Shavingshack!!!! great service, fast efficient delivery and - Good price too!!
Author: R Haggart Tried the 34C HD after years of Gilette cartridge razors. I couldn't believe the quality of the shave on my first attempt! It was a particularly close shave, and nowhere near as difficult as I was led to believe. The razor itself is a lovely piece of equipment, and looks good in your bathroom. It seems bullet proof, and is a joy to use. The shorter handle ensures tricky spots (like under your nose) are still simple to shave, with no nicks.
The razor seemed a lot sharper than my multiblades I used previously, resulting in fewer passes. My face is now smooth to the touch, and the girlfriend noticed a change completely unprompted!
Author: neil wilby My first venture into the world of shaving was at the tender age of sixteen,and that involved purchasing an electric razor,a few years on I had moved onto the wet shave using disposables and shaving foam,I can now state I have seen the light!.After reading a number of reviews on safety razors and the old method of using shaving cream and a badger hair brush I decided too investigate all the hype myself and purchased a Merkur 34 HD,I can now confirm it is not hype these old tried and trusted safety razors leave everything else in the shade.
Along with the razor I purchased the Taylors of Bond st Eton College shave cream and a badger hair brush.The results were unbelievable,my skin felt very smooth and fresh.
Would also like too thank Shaving Shack for their quick and excellent service.Thanks for converting me.
N.Wilby.
Author: imran ansari Well, it arrived today and is my entry in to the world of DE shaving. After great anticipation, I'm not disappointed AT ALL! The packaging is excellent, and the razor itself looks solid and as if it will last a lifetime. I toyed with the idea of going for a Merkur Progress or Futur, but was worried they may be too aggressive for a newbie.
This razor is PERFECT however! Nice and easy to use and causes no upset to my sensitive skin.
I've been using electric shavers all my life and while they cause no irritation, the result has not been very close; this system and razor has changed all that, for the better!
Well done to Dan for the great help and advice. I will be returning here to buy future shaving supplies.
Used with Taylors of Bond Street cream and a good badger brush, the shave is unsurpassed.
Author: Phil Got my 34C, my first DE razor after using a Mach 3 then Quattro in my quest for a 'perfect' razor.
For me, 'perfect' is a close shave with little irritation as I suffer from adult acne.
I was not disappointed, getting the closest shave in my life (though it took some practice as it was my first DE experience) and my skin feels fine not scraped like it did after the Quattro!
Almost forgot, thank you The Shaving Shack for the cheap price and quick delivery!
Author: kevin gibbs After several days of research I decided to take the plunge and buy my first ever DE razor. After a few weeks of usage I am blown away by what a great shave I get from my 34C. If you are sitting on the fence about getting rid of your mach3/fusion dont hesitate. Do it now and and you'll never look back.
Kudos to the Shaving Shack for delivering within 2 days as well!
Author: Richard Clarke After trying disposable, cartridge and electric razors, i still had quite frequent flare ups of razor burn and ingrown hairs on account of my extremely sensitive skin. After doing some research on DE razors I decided to go for the Merkur 34C because it was a good choice for a beginner. Immediately noticed the shaving rash clearing up and my face feels much softer and less irritated after shaving. It is far less irritating using 1 extremely sharp blade than it is to use the double, triple etc blade cartridges they have out today, and also far less costly. Definitley worth the try if your skin is sensitive, the shaving experience is much better and more comfortable!
Author: Kamran Farooq Well, what can I say. My wife ordered me one of these beauties on the 31st December, and it arrived on the 2nd Jan, just in time for my birthday. I've been using it ever since, and everything I've heard is true. This really is a very remarkable razor. Heavy, well made, tactile, and gives a great shave. A definite recommendation to DE shavers of any experience level.
Author: E. Cracknell I was unsure at first as to the quality of the razor or whether or not it would improve over a modern 3+ blade cartridge razor. Well let me tell you don't hesitate in buying one!
The Merkur 34C is a well finished and strongly built razor which handles effortlessly and is well balanced. It has over the last few months provided many first class shaves. I now fully believe that with the right blade, soap (or cream), brush and the Merkur 34C you can get better, closer and more enjoyable shaves.
One other thing, this may be a "old style" razor but it performs better than any modern alternative. Dont let it's style put you off whether you are young or old, Im in my 20's and now proud to be a DE shaver. Thank you Shaving Shack for helping me improve my Shave.
Author: Jakob Elb�k Egegaard Pedersen This is an excellent safety razor for the beginner and experienced wetshaver alike. No shave-den should ever be without a Merkur HD 34C. The quality, heft and balance of this razor is perfect. Of all my razors this gives my some of the best and most enjoyable shaves - I doubt it will ever loose it's well earned place in my daily rotation. If you are a beginner - og looking for a razor to give to a beginner this is it!
Author: Paul G As a 22-year old starting my first real job in the City after graduating, I felt that the perennial nicks and razor bumps caused by my 'juvenile' shaving with a Mach 3 had to be banished for good. After a bit of searching on the net on how to get a better shave I came across the Shaving Shack and I haven't looked back since. The Merkur HD Classic is an excellent example of German engineering at its best. It's perfectly weighted which means no more pressing down on my face and thus no more hacking away at my skin. The knurling on the handle makes it easy to grip even with wet hands and the screw down design works perfectly. Although many say you have to be more careful with DE safety razors, I'd disagree to a certain extent. Although it does take more time to get an even shave (10mins as opposed to 2-3mins), I very rarely cut myself with this little beauty and razor bumps are a thing of the past. Although there are cheaper DE razors out there, if you are a first time entrant into the market I cannot recommend this model highly enough. Although the razor itself may seem expensive, in the long run with the low cost of DE blades it works out far cheaper than my Mach 3. Go on, spoil yourself!
Author: Alan Messenger Shaving is not something I never look forward to. I�ve always found problems with both electric and modern cartridge razors including ingrown hairs, razor burn etc. I had become resigned to the fact that this was just the way the world was until I did some further research on the internet. Many people suggested using a traditional safety razor such as the Merkur 34C. After using this razor for a week, with traditional shaving cream and a badger brush my response is simply this: �Where have you been all my life?�. Although shaving in this way takes a little longer (particularly for an inexperienced user like myself) the shave is pain free during and after and I�m getting a closer shave than ever before. I no longer dread the morning shave, in fact, I rather look forward to it. Also the money saved on razor blades is really quite something!
The razor its self feels like a quality solid tactile instrument, which is something I have come to expect from German engineering. I�m sure this will last me a lifetime!
Author: Sami Al-Adawy Had heard great things about this razor and after much research decided this would be a good choice for its greatly praised high quality shave, and also not to burn too big of a hole in my pocket. And this razor certainly lives up to its reputation, an affordable, beautiful piece of shaving equipment that like it did with me, will convince you to never, EVER, go back to shoddy overpriced cartridge razors available today. Having quite large hands I was at first worried about the size of the shaft, but soon found it easily managable to hold and control. Great stuff, shaving has never been so easy, enjoyable, and close. If your contemplating getting into traditional wetshaving, go ahead and start right here!
Author: Giles Loxton After reading a bit about DE shaving and safety razors I decided to give it a go and purchased the 34C after reading such glowing reviews. I've got to say it lives up to its reputation and I'm more than pleased.
I used to use a Mack3 but the shave you get with this is so much better (girlfriend loves it as well) that I'm never going back.
A word of warning if your intent is to save money (which you will on blades in the long term). I find myself wanting to buy and try other DE razors and already have two on my list (38C and the Futur). I feel an obsession coming on.
Author: S.M. I chose this razor as my first safety razor after experiencing nothing but razor burn from disposables and cartirdge razors. After reading around, it seemed that this was almost universally recommended as the perfect starter razor: medium aggression, comfortable to hold, easy to control and well-balanced. Having used this razor for several weeks, I can report that its reputation is well-deserved, and I have no hesitation in recommending this product to new shavers or those who have been shaving "properly" for a while.
Author: Northumberland's Finest I have returned to the DE shaving fold about 30 years after leaving it.
So frustrated have I become with the gloop foams/soaps and the bewildering array of, frankly dreadful, modern 'razors' (and I use the term very loosely) that something had to be done.
Blind E-searching led me to Shave Shack and the immediate purchase of an Merkur HD 34C and it is an item of absolute beauty which works like a dream with my (Jordanian) Erasmic cream.
Only tried the free Israeli blades so far but Derby's and Omega cream are winging their merry way to join what will be a magnificent and probably costly obsession.
One question,why did Gillette, makers of such great kit in the 50s & 60s, leave such a huge potential market?
I love the look of the Edwin Jagger chrome 89 so that may be next but only after a badger brush.
The service from Dan at the Shack has been first class as have the products.
I'm in!!
Author: Shaher Ashhab I don't think that I need to add another word, just look how many reviews this razor got!!
I am 22 years old and shaving was like hell, until I've searched the internet and bought this razor with a good badger brush and a descent shaving cream... the results; fascinating, no more red nicks and shaving is just about enjoying my time.
This was the best decision I've ever made, definitely going to recommend it to everyone I know.
Author: Daniel Lorey If you are new to safety razors, this is the perfect start.
Slightly shorter than you would imagine (you might want to go for a longer handle if you have large hands) but otherwise it's very rugged and easy to hold thanks to it's nice handle.
Get some decent blades and a nice pouch for travelling and you'll own this razor for a long long time :)
Author: Graeme Couttie Bought one from Dan, great price and quick delivery. This razor is immense it has a great machined handle that grips you rather than the other way about! Well made with a lovely chrome finish and simple blade changing. Effortless close shaves can be obtained with a little practise, its weight is enough to get the job done. Great all-round package! Looking at the Slant next!
Author: Jamie Quan I had a Parker for my first safety razor, then tried my brothers Merkur. I noticed the difference so much I got one for myself. Great solid razor gives out consistent shaves. Despite it not being twist to open as with most of the Parkers the blade is alot easier to change compared to the other Merkurs. Comes in a very nice chrome finish feels solid and like a well engineered piece of equipment.
Highly recommended for a mid-priced razor I'm actually buying one for my Grandad now!
Author: Ben Watson Its hard to say anything about this cracking razor that hasn't already been said. It really is a great shaving tool from all aspects. It feels good, it looks good and it shaves amazingly well.
I went to a 34c after using a Wilkinsons Sword Classic DE razor. I wanted to use something that was a bit better quality, as the Wilkinsons Classic has a plastic handle and head, which makes it very light and flimsy feeling. I checked about several web sites and found the Shaving Shack to have the biggest selection of quality razors as well as a great number of user reviews. I chose the 34c, and it arrived through the door very promptly.
Overall I am very happy with the product and service, and I have already recommended several friends and colleagues to check out the shaving shack and to get rid of their mach 3's.
Author: Sully Hussain My brother bought me this last year from shaving Shack and let me tell you it was worth every penny, Initial price may seem steep but with the cost of the blades at dead cheap prices, the razor has paid for itself.
Now onto the Razor, I was skeptical at first, how could an old tech from yesterday beat the likes of Gillette mach 3 and fusion today which I was so used to. must admit it took me a while to get used to.. This Merkus has given me the best shave ever and I have no no more razor burn!!! :o
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Based on 106 votes
