Merkur 34C HD vs 42: what is better?
- Thread starter AGX
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The 42 is very mild.
The 34c, I didnt care for but many love it
The 34c, I didnt care for but many love it
- Thread starter
- #3
These questions are always so hard to answer. I enjoy my HD34C, others don't. Really, just comes down to trying a few till you find what's right for you.
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- #6
I'm not familiar with the 42, but I find my HD 34G a little more aggressive than my SuperSpeed. I use the 34G during the summer months, but prefer the less aggressive SS in winter. I would stick with one razor until you get the technique down.
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- #9
There are many that are better. Buy a sampler pack and try a few out. For a beginner my greatest recommendation is Israeli Personna Reds. I find it hard to get a close shave with Derby. Astra is pretty good, and for many it's the best. You've got to try them.
As for cutting yourself, it will happen from time to time but as your technique improves it will go away. Look for videos on youtube by "mantic59" to get some guidance on technique, and read some threads in the shave clinic on B&B.
Just to clarify, and possibly help you out, the below Merkur models all have the same head. Only the handles are different in size, shape, weight and wether it's a 2 piece or 3 piece.
38HD
38M
23C
34G
38C
34C
33C
1904
20C
43C
30C
Merkur Travel Safety Razor with Bar
The handle weight and length can alter the way a razor feels on your face, even with the same head. But, if you were to use the heads of all the above models on the same handle, they'd be just about identical and any differences would be purely accidental and due to poor craftsmanship and quality control.
38HD
38M
23C
34G
38C
34C
33C
1904
20C
43C
30C
Merkur Travel Safety Razor with Bar
The handle weight and length can alter the way a razor feels on your face, even with the same head. But, if you were to use the heads of all the above models on the same handle, they'd be just about identical and any differences would be purely accidental and due to poor craftsmanship and quality control.
Use the milder razor first until you have the technique and then move to the HD. The HD gives stella shaves once you are comfortable with it. Mind you doesn't the 42 have the same head as the 34c? http://connaughtshaving.com/merkur42.html
Edit: Sorry I missed the last post. 42 not listed though.
Edit: Sorry I missed the last post. 42 not listed though.
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You are not wrong Sir, my bad, Doh!The 1904 and 42 are the same model.
+1 ... work on your technique first, and stick to one razor during the learning curve until you get the basics down pat.
I haven't tried the 42, but the 34 HD is a modern classic, and everyone should have tried it at least a few times. Many consider the 34C as a "Golden Yardstick" in that is a good reference point to compare other DE razors against.
In another thread, someone asked about gear for the Shavepocalypse. The 34G made my list as a "must have" tool.
IMHO the Merkur 34C HD is a great razor (and bear in mind I have 2 ATT's, a PILS and a Weber PH Bulldog) Many shavers new and old highly recommend it and I would be one of them!
Also of my many Merkur razors the 34C HD was the only one I kept...the 42 is a nice razor but for me the grip let it down...so I would vote for the 34C HD
As has previously been pointed out they have the same head. I find the 42C on equal terms with the HD, but only when I put a heavier handle on it. I use the Bulldog Handle that came with my Weber PH and I find that it improves the overall performance immensely.
