Merkur 34C HD Upgrade

[sinik]

I'm looking to upgrade my DE razor and definitely want something with a longer handle but want to maintain a comparable weight or ideally, heavier. I'm not restricting my options to Merkur and am willing to explore other brands. Any suggestions fellas? Thanks!

 

[Niles]

You could try the Merkur 38c, which is the same head on a longer handle.

 

[engblom]

Is it only the handle you want to "upgrade"? Sometimes on BST just a handle or just a head is sold.

If you want to "upgrade" the head also, what do you want? More aggressive?

 

[kirkendol]

I transitioned away from a Merkur 34C HD to a Weber all stainless polished head DE razor with Bulldog handle. The shave is very similar to the 34C HD, but the razor is much heavier and Weber quality is lightyears ahead of the Merkur. Weber razors are LOVED around here. I believe that for a USA-made ALL STAINLESS DE RAZOR for $70, there is no better value in shaving! It gives an amazing shave. Order one! You won't regret it! If you're wanting a handle longer than the HD, they also offer a "classic" handle model (see second link).
http://weberrazor.hostedbyamazon.com/Polished-Bulldog-handle-Weber-3-piece/dp/B00A867LTE

http://weberrazor.hostedbyamazon.com/Polished-Classic-handle-Weber-3-piece/dp/B00A86IUEE

 

[sinik]

my beard isn't very coarse so I don't need a more aggressive shave, plus I don't mind doing extra passes. if I can get smooth in the end, it doesn't bother me how long it takes as I typically shave at night (nice to lay your clean shaven cheek down on a new pillowcase).

basically I'd like a heavier razor (just for the feel of the weight in my hand) and am willing to try other heads. will give those webers a look. what about them makes them 'lightyears' ahead of Merkur' though?

 

[kirkendol]

Merkurs are mass-produced ZAMAK (pot metal) razors coated in chrome. By comparison, Weber handles are turned from a block of solid stainless steel and their heads are made from cast stainless steel and then hand polished. When I am holding the Weber and Merkur side-by-side, the Weber exudes quality and "feels" like it will outlast me...I cannot say that about the Merkur with the same level of confidence.

 

[sinik]

Merkurs are mass-produced ZAMAK (pot metal) razors coated in chrome. By comparison, Weber handles are turned from a block of solid stainless steel and their heads are made from cast stainless steel and then hand polished. When I am holding the Weber and Merkur side-by-side, the Weber exudes quality and "feels" like it will outlast me...I cannot say that about the Merkur with the same level of confidence.

GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME!

did not know that about Merkur

 

[ArNav]

I transitioned away from a Merkur 34C HD to a Weber all stainless polished head DE razor with Bulldog handle. The shave is very similar to the 34C HD, but the razor is much heavier and Weber quality is lightyears ahead of the Merkur. Weber razors are LOVED around here. I believe that for a USA-made ALL STAINLESS DE RAZOR for $70, there is no better value in shaving! It gives an amazing shave. Order one! You won't regret it! If you're wanting a handle longer than the HD, they also offer a "classic" handle model (see second link).
http://weberrazor.hostedbyamazon.com/Polished-Bulldog-handle-Weber-3-piece/dp/B00A867LTE

http://weberrazor.hostedbyamazon.com/Polished-Classic-handle-Weber-3-piece/dp/B00A86IUEE

+1

 

[ultra]

I'm looking to upgrade my DE razor and definitely want something with a longer handle but want to maintain a comparable weight or ideally, heavier. I'm not restricting my options to Merkur and am willing to explore other brands. Any suggestions fellas? Thanks! [/QUOTE
Hi there, I had the same exact thought and also coming from the 34C. I'm going with the Ikon Oss , the open & closed comb feature seems intriguing to me. Stainless steel, 100g , about double the price of the Weber but a less agressive one according to my research here.

 

[sinik]

I'm looking to upgrade my DE razor and definitely want something with a longer handle but want to maintain a comparable weight or ideally, heavier. I'm not restricting my options to Merkur and am willing to explore other brands. Any suggestions fellas? Thanks!

Hi there, I had the same exact thought and also coming from the 34C. I'm going with the Ikon Oss , the open & closed comb feature seems intriguing to me. Stainless steel, 100g , about double the price of the Weber but a less agressive one according to my research here.

what purpose does open comb serve?

 

[ultra]

 

[ultra]

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/132500-Difference-between-open-and-closed-comb

 

[engblom]

what purpose does open comb serve?

1. Letting more soap to the blade
2. Letting you cut longer whiskers
3. Allowing a closer shave
4. Making the razor to look more interesting

For cutting a few days of growth, I really prefer open comb razors. I abstained from shaving during last weekend, and even my super mild Merkur 15C had no problem. In two passes I was ready to go to work.

 

[sinik]

1. Letting more soap to the blade
2. Letting you cut longer whiskers
3. Allowing a closer shave
4. Making the razor to look more interesting

For cutting a few days of growth, I really prefer open comb razors. I abstained from shaving during last weekend, and even my super mild Merkur 15C had no problem. In two passes I was ready to go to work.

Is there any benefit for daily shaving though?

 

[engblom]

Is there any benefit for daily shaving though?

Of those I listed, take away No. 2. The rest applies to daily shaving too.

Note, however, not all OC razors will give closer shave. For example my Merkur 15C is very mild and is an exception.

 

[Snidely]

The Merkur 38c is a nice razor. Long handle. Heavy. I like mine a lot--probably my favourite razor.

 

[kirkendol]

I'm looking to upgrade my DE razor and definitely want something with a longer handle but want to maintain a comparable weight or ideally, heavier. I'm not restricting my options to Merkur and am willing to explore other brands. Any suggestions fellas? Thanks! [/QUOTE
Hi there, I had the same exact thought and also coming from the 34C. I'm going with the Ikon Oss , the open & closed comb feature seems intriguing to me. Stainless steel, 100g , about double the price of the Weber but a less agressive one according to my research here.

No way that any OC razor is LESS aggressive than the CC Weber or any CC/safety bar razor for that matter.

 

[kirkendol]

Here is a good side-by-side video comparison of the Weber vs Merkur HD

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XQkXhg5c4_s

 

[ultra]

Revisiting this thread because I just had a great shave with the Ikon Oss. Could be my technique improving but Im sure this razor equally contributes to it as well. Started with the open comb on the first pass like the "PROs" do and flippage for the rest. I find it ultra smooth , not aggressive on either side. Plus the open comb tackled the 1st pass significantly smoother than my merkur 34c. I'm settled with this 1 on a daily basis. The merkur is nice but this is a step or 2 ahead. For me anyways.

 

[sinik]

how many days' growth did you have? wouldn't the OC side be overly aggressive for a daily shaver? or is it mild and just allows you to do a 2-pass bbs shave? right now I do a 3-pass with my Merkur 34C and Blue Personna's..curious to try a feather blade in the future..and am still looking to replace my 34C, want something longer and possibly heavier and am intrigued by the 100% stainless steel (vs ZAMAK) composition..