Merkur safety razors were invented by Meyer J. Shnitzler and Michael Douglas Benedict Jr. in 1956, but the first razor was sold on the market two years later, in 1958 by Gillette. Ever since, the same brand developed and produced more than 14 adjustable safety razor models. Not even one of those is still being produced today. Merkur, another well-known brand among wet shavers, only produced 3 models that are still manufactured today. The adjustable Merkur safety razor allows the shaver to adjust its razor’s gap to offer the right cut depending on the type of skin and beard density, which is why this is one of the coolest inventions for men.
Currently, most of Merkur’s razors are two-piece and three-piece designs and are considered to be traditional, comparable to new technologies. These types of razors are a must among men who enjoy shaving their beard with precision. Various options are being offered by the manufacturer, from razors with straight safety bars, to slant bars. Additionally, they can be two-pieced, three-pieced and adjustable. They are all extremely useful for men who enjoy being in control of the razor’s gap.
These classic tools are highly appreciated by the public thanks to their design and abilities. They are extremely elegant and can be found in golden and silver versions. Men who have sacred routines when it comes to shaving adore Merkur’s shaving sets that also include a high quality brush and possibly, a stand. Merkur safety razors often come with frosted glass bowls or razor boxes. Safety razor blades can be bought separately and they are really affordable. Travel cases are easy to find for these type of razors, too. More than that, there are specific products such as foam and shaving gels that can be used with razors such as the ones Merkur is producing. They are meant to soften the skin, give a fresh sensation and avoid unwanted irritations.
Unlike common razors, Merkur safety razors are more expensive and meant to satisfy the pretentious’ public needs. Most models are extremely easy and comfortable to use, having nice, elegant handles with anti-adherent surfaces. Some models are even advertised as environmentally compatible due to the fact that steel is not combined with plastic or any other materials. Regardless of all advantages of these products, experts in the field advise beginners to try simple razors first and try to get used to the angles and blades before trying out complicated models such as the Merkur Futur or other similar models.
Giving the fact that there are plenty of men out there who have never tried Merkur’s razors, we have decided to write this article that is comprised of 10 best-selling razors manufactured by Merkur, analyse their pros and cons and help the public get an idea about what using such a tool means. Also, a secondary reason why we have gathered all these products and reviewed them is to show men why a Merkur razor is worth paying for. During the reviews, we have looked at the materials, price, finish, visuals and levels of functionality.
1. Seki Edge Steel Double Edge Safety Razor
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This safety razor is one of the expensive shaving tools on the market but it is definitely worth the money. Its classic, impeccable design is visually enchanting and its performance is incredible. It comes with a comfortable handle with anti-adherent surface, as well as multiple contour lines. It is made of stainless steel and offers safety and convenience during its use.
This product has Feather blades that offer a mild shaving experience. The blades are stable and precise, well-centred. This is a high quality product, one of the best the market has to offer. It is highly recommendable for both beginners and advanced shavers.
What’s to like about Seki Edge Feather All Stainless Steel Double Edge Safety Razor (AS-D2) ?
- Has an impeccable design
- Has a comfortable handle
- Is made of stainless steel
- Uses Feather blades
What’s not to like:
- Is quite expensive
- Might require a bit of practice before getting used to it
2. Merkur Heavy Duty Double Edge Razor #34C
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This product comes with a double edge safety razor, is made of stainless steel and offers a clean shave thanks to its traditional design and shape, which are very easy to work with. The package includes a blade, which is pretty cool. This is the ideal razor for beginners, but can also be used by advanced shavers, as its perfectly built handle and head are designed to last for a lifetime.
It has a comfortable, textured handle with a 3 inches length and is finished in polished chrome. Even though this is a great product that is worth paying for, the shave prep can take longer than with usual razors.
What’s to like about Merkur Heavy Duty Double Edge Razor #34C?
- Has a blade included
- Is sturdy
- Has an excellent design
- Cleaning is extremely easy
- Has a comfortable handle
What’s not to like:
- Shave prep could take longer than with other models
- Has a smaller handle than other similar products
3. Perfecto Double Edge Long Handled Safety Razor
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This safety razor by Perfecto is great for those who are used to such models. It offers precisions, it has a solid construction, offers an extra close shave and has a gorgeous design that is impossible not to like. Razor blades can be bought separately. The bad thing about this product is the fact that not even one blade is included in the package. It is extremely affordable comparing to other similar razors on the market.
Its handle is approximately 3.5 inches long and has a heavy chrome finish. Also, it has a non-slip grip that makes it easy and comfortable to use. In order to remove the blade, you need to open the head. The great thing about it is that there is a wide range of blades that are compatible to this model.
What’s to like about Perfecto Double Edge Long Handled Safety Razor?
- Has an excellent design
- Has a 3.5 inches handle
- Has a non-slip layer
- Can be used with almost any blade
- Is inexpensive
What’s not to like:
- Does not include any blade
4. Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor
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This product is one of Merkur’s affordable razors that offer high quality and performance at a small price. It comes with a longer handle, it has a chrome finish and a sturdy constructions and it offers an extra close shaving. It is usually used with a separate smooth brush. It has a double edge design that allows the shaver to shave faster, easier and better.
Even though it has a chrome finish, it is made of stainless steel and it will not rust when left in humid places such as the bathroom. It comes with one blade on purchase and inexpensive blades can be easily acquired.
What’s to like about Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor?
- Has a great design
- Is sturdy
- Has a longer handle
- Has a chrome finish
- Is cheap
What’s not to like:
- Blades need replacing quite often
5. Edwin Jagger DE89Lbl Safety Razor
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This is an affordable razor with a great design that closely imitates Merkur’s original models. It has a great balance, can be used with al DE blades and offers a close shave. It is more suitable for experienced wet shavers than for beginners, as it offers an accurate shave. Its handle is highly polished and chrome plated.
IT can be used in the shower, as it will not rust and it can be used with all types of shaving products, but creams are more recommendable. It is easy to clean and use and it has a great appearance thanks to its smooth and vertically lined handle.
What’s to like about Edwin Jagger DE89Lbl Safety Razor?
- Is inexpensive
- Has a great design
- Offers an accurate shave
- Does not rust
What’s not to like:
- It is not recommended for beginners
6. Merkur 20C Long Handle Black Double Edge Safety Razor
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This is one of Merkur’s razors that offer a more modern approach when it comes to its design. This product has a moderate price and is worth buying due to the close shave it gives, to its double edge safety razor and the quality of its construction. Its handle is approximately 4 inches long and has a non-adherent part made of a unique material with a special grip.
The product is packaged in a small cardboard box, it includes a flyer and a double-edge blade. It is lightweight and extremely easy to use and clean. This is a great option for beginner shavers, too.
What’s to like about Merkur 20C Long Handle Black Double Edge Safety Razor?
- Is affordable
- Is made of stainless steel
- Includes a double-edge blade
- Has a 4 inches long handle
- Has a unique design
What’s not to like:
- It might require some practice before getting used to it
7. Merkur Long Handled Double Edge Safety Razor Chrome #180
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This product is great due to the fact that it includes 10 bonus blades. It has the classic design of most Merkur razors and long handle that is suitable for people with large hands. It is made of stainless steel and covered in a chrome layer. It has a pleasant design and it is comfortable to use thanks to its anti-adherent surface. Its price is affordable and giving the fact that it comes with 10 extra blades, the user will save some money on those.
This product is suitable for all those who wish to obtain a perfect shave, even for those who have extremely thick beard. The great thing is that all types of removable blades are compatible with this safety razor.
What’s to like about Merkur Long Handled Double Edge Safety Razor Chrome #180?
- Comes with 10 bonus blades
- Has a classic design
- Has a chrome finish
- Has a straight edge for extra close shave
- Is inexpensive
What’s not to like:
- It might require time to get used to it
8. Parker 99R Double Edge Safety Razor
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This is a classic piece that includes 5 extra blades and has a long handle that suits men with large hands. It has a twist-to-open design that is meant to allow the shaver to easily replace the blades. The handle is covered in a textured layer for sure grip. It weighs 3.4 ounces and it has a solid construction that seems to last forever.
Its price is inexpensive comparing to its durability. It offers a close shave without any pressure at all. It is compatible with most replaceable blades, but it is recommended to be used with paired ones. Even though this is a cheap product that offers all the advantages a simple safety razor needs, it might be a bit heavy for some of the shavers.
What’s to like about Parker 99R – Long Handle Safety Razor?
- Is inexpensive
- Includes 5 extra blades
- Has a twist-to-open design
- Has solid construction
What’s not to like:
- It might seem heavy for some shavers
9. Merkur “Heavy Classic” Double-Edged Safety Razor 34c
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This Merkur safety razor is one of the preferred ones by beginners and advanced shavers, thanks to its double-edged, high quality razor and the comfortable shave it gives. This razor has a classic design, just like all other Merkur razors, but has extra weight, unlike similar models. Extra weight is meant to give a smooth and comfortable shave every single time it is used.
It is inexpensive and has a great design, typical for Merkur razors. It is chrome finished, it does not rust if used in the shower and has a short handle that you will love if you are accustomed to such length. It is plenty heavy, but lighter than other models.
What’s to like about Merkur “Heavy Classic” Double-Edged Safety Razor 34c?
- Has a great design
- Is inexpensive
- Does not rust in wet environments
- Has extra weight
- Is chrome finished
What’s not to like:
- Experienced users might feel the need of a bit more pressure
10. Merkur-Razor Double Edge Safety Razor Gold Plated
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This Merkur safety razor has a moderate price and it is one of the most beautiful when it comes to its design. It is gold plated and has a heavy duty handle with etched design. it weighs 3.2 ounces, which offers you precision, smooth shaving and comfort while doing it. The coating looks extremely good and durable and the mechanical parts of the razor do not need lubricants.
The blades are evenly sharpened on each side and replaceable blades are very cheap. This is an outstanding model that is an ideal present for any men, giving its exquisite aesthetics.
What’s to like about Merkur-Razor Double Edge Safety Razor Gold Plated?
- Has an excellent design
- Has a moderate price
- Is gold plated
- Is heavy
What’s not to like:
- It might require some practice before getting used to it