Merkur 23c or 38c?

[BladeDE40]

I'm looking to purchase my first Merkur...upgrading from a Parker 22r...and am looking at both the Merkur 23c and the Merkur 38c, however, I am having a tough time choosing between the two. In reading the reviews I am even more torn as both razors are highly regarded.I've been using a de razor for about three months so I would consider myself to be a beginner. I have large hands which is why I'm looking at these two razors. If anyone has any input or suggestions on these razors I would love to hear them.

Thanks!

 

[DunEdinRanger]

I have the 39C, the Slant Sledgheammer, and I love the way it handles. But I tend to like heavier razors.

 

[slantman]

I prefer heavier razors so I say go for the 38C Barberpole. This is a straight bar with heft. It gives great shaves.

 

[rainman]

It's going to mostly be about weight and handle thickness. They have the same head and same handle length. The 23C is less expensive. I guess it's down to if you want to go ligther weight or heavier weight from the 22R. Either way you go good move IMO as the quality will go up with either purchase.

I vote for the 38C

 

[Arkansas]

I have the 23c, and it's the most forgiving razor I own. You can shave with the 23c in a hurry without fear of cutting yourself.
It's inexpensive. Go for it.

 

[BladeDE40]

Thank you...I appreciate all the feedback. I decided to go with the 23c as l was more attracted to the thinner handle...plus I figured that I can start here and work up to the 34c down the road.

Thanks again!

 

[xivex]

I have the 38c HD barber pole and love it!!

 

[Marco]

I have the Merkur 38c and simply love it.
It is heavy, well balanced and tank built.
Looks fabulous and shaves magnificently.
An excellent DE razor.

 

[cooncatbob]

The 23c is a true 3 piece razor, so you can change the handle if you like.
With the 38c you're stuck with the handle which is permanently attached to the blade platform.

 

[BrianL]

The only DE I have is the 23c, I have not felt the need to buy another. I shave with it everyday and still enjoy my choice of hardware.

 

[BladeDE40]

The only DE I have is the 23c, I have not felt the need to buy another. I shave with it everyday and still enjoy my choice of hardware.

Just out of curiosity, what blades are you using with your 23c?

 

[bhsher]

I have the 23c, and it's the most forgiving razor I own. You can shave with the 23c in a hurry without fear of cutting yourself.
It's inexpensive. Go for it.

+1. I have the 23c and have really enjoyed it.

 

[troy1979]

38c

 

[insomniac]

I'm looking to purchase my first Merkur...upgrading from a Parker 22r...and am looking at both the Merkur 23c and the Merkur 38c, however, I am having a tough time choosing between the two. In reading the reviews I am even more torn as both razors are highly regarded.I've been using a de razor for about three months so I would consider myself to be a beginner. I have large hands which is why I'm looking at these two razors. If anyone has any input or suggestions on these razors I would love to hear them.

Thanks!

I haven't tried the 23c.

However, I do love my 38c. It's a forgiving razor; I only nicked myself a few times in the first few days.

I get a nice shave (except for a bit under the neck, which may be a combination of my technique and the length of this razor) - I can skip every other day if I want, and still have less stubble at the end of the day than my coworkers who use typical razors.

It also seems to like inexpensive blades (like Astras), so you don't need to spring for Feathers to get a close shave.

 

[ray777]

23c all they

 

[AABCDS]

23c all they

What? Do you mean, "23C all day"?

I think BladeDE40 already made his decision a year and a half ago.

 

[alex2363]

23c all they

What? Do you mean, "23C all day"?

I think BladeDE40 already made his decision a year and a half ago.

No, he didn't mean 23c all hey or 23c all day... meant all 23c/610 days, that's how old this post is. 610 days ago, 3/07/2010..Nice resurrection of thread.

 

[Clutch Cargo]

I am new to wet shaving, and my first experience at it was with a 23C. I took it slow and was careful, but ended up with a perfectly close shave (MUCH closer than with any cartridges) and no nicks! I highly recommend it.

 

[GianquiMan]

Maybe I missed it...but I'm surprised nobody has said..."BOTH".

I have a 38C and it kicks rear-end.

 

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

BladeDE40:
I know how you feel...sort of like being "Torn between Two Lovers"...so I got BOTH!!!

Q. Why do I love my Merkurs?

It's because they were moderately priced, 2 piece (38C), & 3 piece (23C), heavy (38C - 4oz), & light
(23C - 2.1oz), both are long handled and great for those who have 'bear claws'

for hands, (38C - 3½in) & (23C -3¾in), and in my opinion...both are fairly mild and very smooth (I use Shark Super Chrome blades), straight bar/closed combed razors which is perfect for my normal beard and sensitive skin.

"Merkur; Solingen quality, Time-tested Tradition with Modern Design".

Christopher "A razor can't be sharpened on a piece of velvet." Author Unknown