Buying a new Razor?

[Rob341]

I need help buying a new Razor. I have been DE shaving for a few months now and have a good collection of vintage razors. It's time to try out a newly manufactured razor. I am looking for a middle of the road razor. 10 being most aggressive and 1 being mild, I am gearing towards a 6. I was looking at the Merkur 34c HD. I like a shorter handle and a little heavier razor but up to try anything. What are your suggestions? Looking to spend under $70.

Thanks
Rob

 

[Loganpass]

You might look at a short handle Merkur Progress. It's an adjustable with a pretty wide range and it has a reputation for being a smooth razor that gives nice shaves. It's also within your budget. A long handle Mergress version is a regular choice for me.

 

[smalltank]

buy what you wish...then order a sample pack of blades..certain blades work well with your razor..some not so much..trial n error is the key to finding the correct "blade n razor" combo

 

[Silence!]

I love my Merkur 34c. Although, the handle is short, the weight of the razor is quite hefty. It feels great in the hand, and it shaves really well, especially with sharper blades.

 

[inspiringK]

It seems a tall order to find a more aggressive new razor. They tend to be either mild (think 4 or 5) or get really aggressive (think 8 to 10). I would encourage anyone looking at a 34c to pull the trigger. I still believe the 34c HD from Merkur is the best modern razor design to be had, it also shaves as though it is more aggressive than the other Merkur heads (even though I imagine the heads all have the same specs).

Do you have a vintage razor that you are particularly fond of? If so, we may be able to suggest an equivalent new razor. With your $70 price range, you have lots of options

 

[ArNav]

After trying different razors, I keep coming back to 34c. A very good razor, methinks.

 

[ThomasB98908]

Love my 34c HD. I would put it maybe 1/2 a notch up from the Gillette Redtip in terms of agressiveness. Removes hair like nobody's buiness, great feel and heft and quick learning curve with it.

 

[Searlands]

I love my Merkur 34c. Although, the handle is short, the weight of the razor is quite hefty. It feels great in the hand, and it shaves really well, especially with sharper blades.

+1 here! The 34c is a sensational razor.

Why not try a Futur! Also a very very nice razor, more aggressive that the 34c also. Not sure what you would pay for one in the US.

 

[mistercitizen]

I would encourage anyone looking at a 34c to pull the trigger. I still believe the 34c HD from Merkur is the best modern razor design to be had.....

+1 The 34c was the second razor I got behind the EJ DE89. Since then I've bought numerous vintage razors and the modern Muhle R89 and R41 razors. I have many razors, but the 34c stands alone as being unique and a great shaver. I don't think of the handle as being short when compared to most of the vintage Gillettes out there.... and I like heft in my razors. I'm one of those guys that stuffs tungsten putty in the fat handles of my Techs. Even after all of the razors I've bought after getting the 34c, I do not regret getting it and I expect will always have it.

Ben

 

[UKMerk]

My first DE was the Merkur 34c and I agree its a fantastic razor to start. As my confidence improves I am getting a closer shave, which i attribute to mapping my face and applying the right amount of pressure. 3 passes + cleanup the jaw line was BBS for me.

This morning I shaved with my new Mergress set to 3.5 (with the same Shark blade I used yesterday in the 34c). I would say 2 passes (WTG, XTG) and i was almost done. I did carefully go ATG in the end but didn't require the additional cleanup i usually perform. In hindsight I should had adjusted to 2 or 2.5 as i did pickup a nick.


Long story short, get the Merkur Progress then dial up/down for your perfect shave. If you get the 34c you'll likely end up with a Progress anyway.

 

[celestino]

The 34C is a nice razor as is the EJ89. The Weber razors are fabulous and all-stainless steel.

 

[Shave_Rat]

I'll give another thumbs up on the 34c. Was my first razor, I now have 8 DE's and a straight, and the 34c still remains in the top part of the rotation. I love the feel and the heft, as well as the fact it just does a great job.

 

[euro]

I just joined the Merkur 34c HD club today My opinion about the Merkur 34c HD is, the quality is very high. It has only two pieces and it feels pretty heavy, it cant go wrong with two pieces I bet this thing is indestructible.

 

[Rob341]

Thanks for the advice guys! I decided to go with the 34c hd. It sounds like I can't go wrong with that razor and I can always buy different ones down the road. Anyone know the best place to buy a merkur 34c hd from?

 

[Attila]

www.connaughtshaving.com is a good place for reasonable prices and reasonable shipping. Even though they are in the UK their prices are great. I would recommend you try a 37c Slant razor at some point in the future.

 

[Rob341]

www.connaughtshaving.com is a good place for reasonable prices and reasonable shipping. Even though they are in the UK their prices are great. I would recommend you try a 37c Slant razor at some point in the future.

Their prices are great,I could buy the 34 and the slant and still be in budget, however both razors are out of stock. WCS is also out of stock on the 34c hd.

 

[dpmtherrien]

The HD is a very nice razor, I too like the shorter handle. Take a look at the Merkur 1904 for your next razor. I find I like my 1904 better than my HD. Of course that's me, but the 1904 is well worth a look.

 

[Shave_Rat]

Their prices are great,I could buy the 34 and the slant and still be in budget, however both razors are out of stock. WCS is also out of stock on the 34c hd.

I actually found a good deal for my 34c on Amazon...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-list...7206&sr=1-3&keywords=merkur+178&condition=new

The model 178 is the 34c's redistribution number with the resellers, it's still the same razor.

 

[PMT]

I have a 38c, love the heft as it does all the work at 6am, 34 will be great too!

 

[inspiringK]

Have a look at some of the vendors listed on B&B. They have great service and can help if anything turns out to be wrong with the razor or if you have any extra questions. The nice thing about buying from a vendor, other than contributing to the cause, is that you are also bound to find some other gear that you end up adding to the cart before pulling the trigger on the razor.