Author: William Wood I was recommended to try a shaving brush, shaving soap and a Merkur safety razor to ease the discomfort of shaving and I must say it is fantastic and surprisingly a lot easier than I thought. It does take a few shaves to get used to but overall my skin is fairing much better compared to the mach 3 style razors that irritated my skin to a severe degree. This product may seem to be on the expensive side for a razor but you must remember how much you will be saving through cheaper blades and the fact that this tool will last several lifetimes!
Author: Will Wheatcroft Well, what can I say? Like many I have ditched my plasticky, overpriced, poor performing Mach 3 cartridge razor, and I think it's one of the best decisions I have made. After much research into DE razors, I opted for the Merkur 38C 'Barber Pole'. I can honestly say all the praise heaped onto this razor is well founded. A truly amazing first DE shaving experience...my skin felt alive and glowing. With care and NO PRESSURE on the blade I only nicked my neck once. After the extremely satisfying shave, I could run fingers back AND forward over my face and feel no stubble at all...unlike my past Mach 3 sessions. The 38C looks and feels like the high end tool that it is - tactile, weighty and masculine! I know I won't ever need another razor...unless this is stolen by a mate! - in short - one of the best purchases of my life. It isn't often you know that something you have bought will be with you when you're old!
Author: Mark Woodcock The Merkur 38C is a superb razor. I have been shaving with it for a few months now and have to say it is one of the best razors that I have used to date. I prefer the longer handle that the 38C offers and find that it is very well balanced and easy to use and to change blades. I get a very close shave with no nicks or razor burn. I would definately recommend this razor and am convinced that it will last a lifetime.
Author: Charudutt Thirumalai I phoned before I placed the order and got indepth brief on what I should be going for and for what reason. Very knowledgeable indeed. Anyway went ahead with Merkur 38C based on suggestions and also on review from this & other website(shaving shack is definitely the cheapest for sure!). Had my first shave and even though this is my first time with a single blade it proved to be a great success. No nicks and clean smooth result! What is even more amazing is that the skin is totally moist and no bumps or red blotches/marks and no irritations. Had to wait till I was 32 to discover this. Merkur is slightly on the heavy side but boy once you get to use it you would never go back to multi blade system. Cost wise it is a investment well made. Perhaps few videos on the website for freshers would be much useful!!!
Author: simon boulstridge This is the first time I have used a Merkur razor, in the past I have always used a mach 3 razor. I couldn't believe how much closer it felt, and didn't leave any burn. So I am going to get one for my dad for his birthday.
Author: Jakob Elb�k Egegaard Pedersen I bought this razor because I thought it was beautiful - I simply had to have it in my collection. I didn't really need it as I already have a HD 34C (ok, who am I kidding? Off course I needed it) :)
This is truly a beautiful, well made and highly functional razor. Everyone should have one in their rotation. But, if you are a beginner looking for which razor to buy first I would recommend the HD 34C before the 38C.
Author: Paul Ryder Name the things you have owned for YEARS ? Not a lot I bet... well, this is a LIFETIME purchase !
A top quality piece of German steel that will outlive you !
Ive spend 30 years looking for this razor... and like ANY quality tool - it needs practice to achieve a decent job, but thats not to say you will bleed on the way... DE shaving isnt as hard as some folk make out, as long as you follow 2 rules:
1:DO NOT "press on" - guide it over you face only.
2: Make sure the blade is touching skin !
The last one sounds obvious, but there are 3 edges to drag along the face - ONLY the middle one is the blade.... its easy to get the angle wrong, and require lots of "passes" - which creates soreness.
You shave with your EARS - you will soon learn the "right sound" then it becomes automatic.
Once you have "mapped" your face, and get the angle right, its as easy as a cartridge razor, only closer.
Plan on spending a month or more to get the hang of it... and you will be rewarded with an excellent shave EVERY DAY.
Try different soaps and blades too - they are NOT all the same, and different folk need different combinations !
A "Rolls Royce" of a razor A+++
Author: N B Panikker I've been using this with excellent results for a fortnight now, having had it recommended last month by Sam Tellig in Stereophile magazine. The last time I used a safety razor was ~30 years ago - my late dad's! Since then, it's been various landfill-bound disposabes and cartridges. This is a whole other experience. Okay, it requires a bit more care and my shaving seems to have become somewhat more ritualised - I lather and heat everything up much more now - but the 38c works beautifully. It doesn't just feel good in the hand due to its weight, but it gives a much cleaner shave, even with just one with-the-grain pass. Highly recommended, then (by me, this time!), for novices and returnees.
Author: Marius Larsen Many people recommend the 34C as a starter razor. I say; get the 38C instead!
The head on the 34C and 38C is the same, but the weight makes the 38C superior. You quickly learn to let the razor glide over your skin, and let the heft of the razor to all the work.
The 38C is stunning to look at, and is suited for both beginners, and experienced DE-shavers. You will outgrow the 34C, but the 38C will be a shaver for life.
Author: P.A.K. I ordered this razor as my first DE razor ever a few weeks ago and since then I've been having the best shaves in my life.
First, like many others, I was concerned that this would be a rather "dangerous" experience since I wasn't familiar with safety razors or blades but the truth is that it is very easy to shave with it and since then I have reduced in nicks and cuts by a 99%.
It is aggressive but not too much. This way it offers a well balanced equilibrium.
Another thing I like it's is heaviness. It allows you to slide and glide the razor so easily and gently over the skin without any pressure that it will help you to get a closer shave.
And finally here's a tip I love: The razor is completely made of quality metal, that means that if you rinse it off under hot water and then apply it on your face you get a lovely delicious warm feeling you can't experience with a cartridge razor. Try it out!
Author: Mark Stapleton My 38C arrived this week and I have officially entered the world of DE shaving.
Along with the 38C I got some Mitchell's Wool Fat Soap and a brush all from here.
Initial thoughts are must try harder, me that is, I guess like many is a new learning curve, but one I am happy to make.
Morning and before I got out are more like a performance which I am beginning to enjoy.
The razor is a joy to use with that quality feel about it............wish me luck on my journey.
Author: Michael Skinner Ah, my first steps into the world of DE shaving. For 10 years I shaved with clippers, maintaining a constant level of stubble. I'd given up on wet shaving due to the horrific rash I would always get the next day, and besides, every time I was clean shaven (weddings, interviews etc) people would always comment that I looked 12 yrs old!! Time moves on....looking young could now be considered a high quality problem. A quick search on the internet might lead you to think that the best shave comes from potions and gadgets, however proper research reveals that solutions for today can be found in products from the past, a good brush, quality soap, a faithful razor and cheap (high quality) blades. I'm 3 weeks in, the learning curve has been enjoyable, and the results are better than I ever achieved in 1 year with a Gillette mach 3, or 3 months with an electric razor. Shaving is now a pleasure, and my Merkur 38C will probably last forever.
Author: Craig Hunter ([email protected]) Ever since beginning shaving 18 years ago I have predominantly wet shaved, since I found electric razors poor both in terms of shave quality and the rash they gave me.
I thought that I would settle with the Mach 3 combo forevermore. However after a brief flirtation with the Fusion (expensive, poor shave and ingrown hairs), I reverted back to my trusty Mach 3 combo. As my beard growth has become heavier, I have found myself needing to shave twice a day; both the inherent cost of cartridges and additional time out of my day proving unwelcome.
I started looking for alternatives and had seriously contemplated a straight edge, but after much research settled on the idea that a Merkur razor seemed like the gateway choice to traditional style shaving�..
Well with the 38C I think I may have found my shaving partner for life. The razor is perfectly balanced. The weightiness of the razor is a joy to use (rather than the flighty feeling Mach 3�s). The machining quality is excellent, and no amount of �ergonomic R & D� that Gillette invest in will ever come close to the simplistic beauty and comfort of the 38C. The shave is of course superb, easily the closest I have experienced. Less is most definitely more.
A truly fantastic product.
Author: captn.jack Having extensively mined ebay for vintage Gillette's and tried most...also tried Edwin Jagger, Mule etc...I can honestly say that either the Merkur 34c or this one the 38c and the progress are possibly the best razors available anywhere...
Author: KRistian Tippins I have left it 12 months for a proper unbiased review. The 38C was my first step into DE shaving. I chose it from SS as it was a very keenly priced UK website.
I ordered a selection of blades to go with it, and started with the feather baldes....I never looked back. Firstly they are THE best DE blades about. Patience, research and light pressure means even for the first time user, they offer amazing results without nicks and cuts. Rush or be heavy fisted and you'll know about it though!!
To start with I wasn't getting brilliant results from the DE, but after making sure i showered, used a decent foam and brush, and made 3 passes, I ended up with a fantastic shave.
The 38C is a nice weighty unit, great looking and feels like it will last a lifetime.
Shaving is now a joy, no irritation, a clean shave and it just looks damn cool with the extras you can by :D
My shaving setup, dax and brylcream for my hair, Euthymol for my teeth....I'm like a retro geek, but i get compliments from all who see my setup :D
Just bought my first shavette from SS to have a little play.
Overall. Give DE razors a go, give them a bit of time, don't rush, use feather blades, and you'll have an amazing shave.
Author: Alan Hurcumb I have just had the most amazingly close shave of my life, after using cheap DE razors I decided to treat myself to a 38C and am so glad I did. The quality of the 38C is excellent as is the service from The Shaving Shack, 24 hours from order to delivery.
Overall. 10/10 Buy one, and some Feather blades and start to enjoy shaving again, you wont regret it.
Author: Ben Wilson I purchased the Merkur 38C a few months ago, and I am very satisfied with the razor. It has a nice weight, which allows for the razor to glide naturally over your skin without applying pressure.
Additionally, the length of the shaft makes the razor easy to hold in your hand, though the additional length of the razor has required a bit of an adjustment when shaving just below my jaw line because of the direction that my hair grows.
At any rate, disassembly and cleaning are a breeze, and the brushed, barber pole finish gives the razor a nice appearance...it stands out in radiant glory amidst all the make-containers and brushes that occupy our bathroom counter top!
All in all, I would recommend the 38C as a quality DE razor that is built to last.
Author: Sharaz First Impressions:
Nice weight and feel definitely built to last and feels just right in the hand. Changing blades is easy and painless you will never go back to a cartridge razor after using this.
Comes with one Merkur blade.
Overall:
I currently use this with the Merkur blade that came with it and it is very sharp although i plan to get the feather blades later on. I love this DE razor so much that i also use it to shave my head not just my face and it does a wonderful job...providing you are careful.
If you cut yourself or have a difficult time just remember DE razors are much sharper than cartridge razors and requires a skill to use it effectively so have patients and i promise you will not regret it.
Author: Adzy_166 This is a great piece of kit. The weight and balance is superb and I can't imagine anyone complaining about the longer handle. It feels more natural than, say, the HD. Trialled it for a week using the supplied Merkur blade and I found it shaved very well without any serious nicks when combined with Mitchells. Now using it with a feather blade and it is like another step up in closeness again. I really can't imagine how much better a slant could be when the 38C performs so effectively!
Author: Paul James Lycett I have been shaving with a DE razor for 40 years.My wife bought me this razor for Christmas,as soon as I removed it from the box it felt right.The balance is perfect.
The gap ( space between the head and blade) is enginered to provide a shave without tugging or pulling of the beard.The resultant shave is ultra smooth.Makes shaving a pleasure,not an every day chore.
Author: Angelo Maiorano The Merkur 38C razor is beautiful Barberpole believe a work of art of its kind. I purchased it because the Merkur razors have always intrigued me but I have to be honest I think for my type of beard or for a smoother shave razor is the best free-hand. Again this is a personal assessment, the razor 38C is very nice but is heavy and you need to use it very familiar and so I returned to the cut-throat razor.
Author: Simon Lewis Just used my Merkur 38C for the first time today, this is my first foray into DE razors. What a great change & an welcome replacement for the Gillette Fusion I have used for many years.
No looking back now, will not be sticking to one blade, who needs x5, when one does the job better.
Took it nice & slow for my first time, no cuts. Also used my new Alun block to close the pores after. Only a little stinging.
Hopefully will work out cheaper in the long run, with the blades being a lot, lot cheaper
Highly recommend to everyone.
Author: Martin Giles Everything about this Razor is pure class, don't think about it, buy it. It is without doubt the most smooth and close shave I have ever had, and that includes the use of a straight razor. First class service and a first class product. Thanks Shaving Shack!
Author: Ian Bisson I returned to DE shaving after I ran out of double-blade Gillete cartridges, that I'd bought in bulk. I couldn't believe the price of triple, quadruple bladed cartridges! Then I read in a music forum lounge that people were dissatisfied with the recent quality of cartridge blades and that many were returning to DE razors.
I resigned myself to internet research as there were no people in my immediate circles to ask advice of. Those with experience of DE razors have passed on, while my contemporaries all follow the TV advertising led herd.
Reviews here and on other shaving sites all pointed to one brand in particular; Merkur (or Mercury, as translated). They alone had the reputation built over many years and had a range of razors to choose from.
I have large hands and wanted a razor I could easily hold. The 'Barberpole' 38C fitted the bill (and my hand) with a long stem and beautifully engraving, that means I have no fear of slipping.
I soon learned that those advising a featherlight pressure on the skin were very correct! It seemed so different from my previous hacking with the Gillette twin blade. Still, a little more reading about double and triple pass techniques soon had me shaving to a standard I had never experienced in my, oh, 35 years of shaving.
The 38C looks stunning. The chrome plating (more resilient than nickel) looks superb and after 10 months use looks just as good as it did when freshly unpacked. The bottom of the razor twist to release the head, which lifts of to reveal the blade. Changing the blade is easy, just make sure you are alone in the bathroom when you do it! I speak from experience.
I reckon this razor will see me out and then hopefully be used by my descendants, its that well built. The packaging is a little 'Military' in its plainness, but don't let that disappoint you. At least all of your money is going towards the razor itself. The feeling I have towards the 38C is the same as I have towards my Paul Reed Smith guitar. Its a pleasure to behold and use. Its more capable than I am. That said, I'm getting better!
The 38C isn't cheap and is quite a commitment for a first time or returning DE shaver. Fear not, it shaves close but isn't 'aggressive' as I understand the term used here by people with more experience than me. It shaves close and only needs a light touch onto the skin. It balances beautifully, is easily gripped and looks superb. I'm glad I chose this one. I would have had to get one eventually, so why not save money by getting it first?
Author: Juraj Beger I bought this razor for my father last Christmas. He used an old wilkinson razor, which is mostly build from plastic; so his first impression was 'wow, thats heavy!'. But then he realised that the weight of the razor is it's biggest advatage, so that he does't have to push at all to get a perfect shave. My father does't like to change things, so i was very happy when he said that he is using his new razor insted of he old ones. I personaly like the elegant and clen curves of the shaft and I am thinking to buy me the same piece (I am using the 34C).
Author: Christopher Williams Bought 7 months ago as art of change in shaving regime, together with a Merkur 34c. The 38c is weightier, and easily glides through the rough! Used for those times when I haven't shaved for a few days, however, since shaving has become much more of a pleasure this razor hasn't had much use as the 34c is my daily shaver. Thoroughly recommended, with great service from The Shaving Shack!
Author: Robbie Farrance I bought one of these superb razors after hunting around forever, trying to find a razor that didn't fall apart after a couple of uses, the construction is second to none and to get over any issues, I use a little dropper bottle of olive oil to put a tiny smear on the thread about once a week, a totally outstanding piece of kit, with very impressive pedigree.
Author: Sean Crowcroft The absolute Dogs. Chunky, heavy and hefty, this razor made mincemeat of my rough even after a few days growth. Would 101% recommend to anyone, either novice or experienced DE user.
Author: John. Mercer This razor surely must be the best piece of de shaving kit in the world having been a wet shaver for over 40 years i have used a lot of different razors in my time This is the most well made and comfortable razor i have ever owned i use 7 oclock blades with proraso shaving creme and i get the best shave i have ever had thanks shaving shack for keeping real mens wet shaving alive
Author: Stephen Engwell Smooth, elegant, sophisticated and so handsome looking! Well enough of me, let�s talk about this razor. When you pick this beauty up and hold it to your face, you will know that this is true quality. The sheer weight of this stylish razor does the hard work for you �.no extra pressure needed as it glides the contours of the face. This German precision coupled with a Derby blade is an awesome combination.
If you have a hectic lifestyle and everything runs at a frantic pace, then you may want to stick with the dull multi blade razors, but my Fusion is now relegated in favour of a more leisurely and enjoyable shave��cos I�m worth it!. Well, if this approach to shaving system is good enough for Daniel Craig in �Skyfall�, then it�s good enough for me!
Following the friendly advice given so readily by the Shaving Shack team over the phone, I actually went for this more expensive 38C Merkur option. I agree that with such quality �you get what you pay for�, and yet isn�t it good to know that you�ll not only have an enjoyable and close shave but also save money in the longer term thanks to the wide variety of inexpensive DE blades available from Shaving Shack.
I could tell you this is one of the best DE razors available, but I would rather leave this for you to find out yourself. If you don�t end up with a super smooth face then the chances are you may not be using the shaving process to your best advantage � thankfully you�ll find many Youtube videos to guide you through a new experience.
As if this wasn�t enough, you�ll then find yourself lured into the Aladdin�s cave of shaving goodies to supplement the Merkur as you obsessively peruse the Shaving Shack website!
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Based on 72 votes
