Merkur HD, long handle vs. short

[buyandhold2018]

Hello Everybody,

Recently, I've been using a Merkur 34C HD and it's been working great. Today, I noticed the same razor comes in a long-handled (barber pole?) version that is 0.75 inches longer. For people that have used both, are there any benefits to the long-handled version over the regular/short?

Thanks,

Joseph

 

[Jim B.]

I have the Merkur HD and the Merkur Long Handle HD. The extra length is helpful if you have big hands because your little finger doesn't hang off the end of the handle. However, the Long Handle is not as heavy or as thick as the regular HD. I solved the weight and thickness problem by having CooncatBob make me a Bull Mastiff XL.

 

[Russtopher]

I have a Merkur Long Handle, and I love it. It gives my hands more space and I feel like I have good controle over it. I also have a 1959 Fat Boy. It's a fine razor, but the shorter handle feels stubby to me, I never feel like I have the same control over it when I'm shaving that I do with the Merkur.

 

[rainman]

I use all of my fingers for the grip I use. It can only be done on the long handle one. Also, the extra weight helps you to shave with no pressure.

 

[dpmtherrien]

I think its all a matter of personal preference. I have big hands, but the way I shave I find that the longer handle just gets in the way. I can get a better shave with a razor with a shorter handle, so I'll take the regular size handle anytime. The best way is to try both and see which works better for you. Advice is great, and helpful, but in the end it has to be a good fit for you.

 

[Marco]

Hello Everybody,

Recently, I've been using a Merkur 34C HD and it's been working great. Today, I noticed the same razor comes in a long-handled (barber pole?) version that is 0.75 inches longer. For people that have used both, are there any benefits to the long-handled version over the regular/short?

Thanks,

Joseph

Joseph,

In my opinion if you like the HD 34c, then you'll like the HD Barber Pole 38c as well.
The 38c is bigger, heavier and with a longer handle than the 34c and has the same head design as the HD.
Honestly I do not think that the HD Barber Pole shaves better than the HD, but, since these two razors are so great, why not have them both?
Just to add the beautiful 38c to your collection!

 

[buyandhold2018]

Thanks for the input, gentlemen.

 

[theinternot]

Just my $.02... but, I find the HD to be in my top two razors.

I have four Merkurs in order of preference: Futur, HD, 23c long handle classic, Hoffritz Slant.

The barber pole for me was like a different razor. I didn't like the balance of it at all, and I think attributed to my poor shaves I got with it.

But, I am 100% Merkur in my rotation, aside from an occasional injector shave.

EDIT: It is a great looking razor though. No doubt about that.

 

[MedicBill]

Joseph,

In my opinion if you like the HD 34c, then you'll like the HD Barber Pole 38c as well.
The 38c is bigger, heavier and with a longer handle than the 34c and has the same head design as the HD.
Honestly I do not think that the HD Barber Pole shaves better than the HD, but, since these two razors are so great, why not have them both?
Just to add the beautiful 38c to your collection!

I agree with Marco's comment that if you like the HD.... you will like the Barber Pole.

I had a barber pole, then I purchased an HD for my father. He had used the barber pole and preferred that over the HD, so I traded. I don't miss the length, but the heft was nice.

If I were you, I'd think about sticking with the HD... then purchasing the Merkur Slant in the long handled version. That way not only are you getting that long handle & heft, you're getting the serious cutting power of the Slant.

 

[Copierguy]

I started with the 38C then got the 34c and found even though I have large hands, I enjoyed the nimble 34c more....YMMV

I only use vintage razors now and the Merks are just collecting dust...