Merkur38C Double Edge Safety Razor - Bright Chrome, Extra Large Barber Pole Grip Brass Handle, Made in Germany, Plastic-Free, Two Piece Design, Closed Comb, Straight Bar

I wanted to give this razor a few weeks of use before I reviewed just to make sure it was really as much of an improvement from my old razor as I thought when I first used it. I previously owned a Vikings Chieftain for about a year and a half before it broke. As I said in my recent review of that razor, I'm actually happy that it broke, because it gave me an opportunity to try a different razor before giving up on safety razors altogether.Whereas my old razor would leave me with razor burn or bleeding nearly every time I used it, I have yet to receive razor burn or any nicks at all from the Merkur after using it about every other day for a few weeks. I almost gave up on safety razors as a result of what the Chieftain would do to my face. I thought that was what people had to go through to get the close shave afforded by a safety razor. I'm so glad that I gave it one more try and ended up with the Merkur. It is heavy, well built and, most importantly, gives me the extremely close shave that one would expect from a safety razor, without razor burn or cuts. If you've had a bad experience with other cheaper razors, give this razor a try before going back to the expensive multi-blade units. It's very likely that you'll be glad that you did.

Have been using cartridge razors for literally decades, simply due to availability and TV commercials back when as it were. Wet shaving is taking on a whole new life, and I've always wanted to give it a go. I researched straight razors, shavettes, and safety razors rather thoroughly. After reading online reviews here on Amazon and from several of the dedicated shaving forums, decided to go with the Merkur 38C.The brand itself was heavily favored for quality and function, and it delivers! Great shave the first time at it, no bleeding from the neck to report. :)I also looked at Merkur's 34C which is basically the same as this razor only with a shorter handle. Definitely glad I went with the 38. Handle is comparable to the cartridge razor bodies I've been using and presented no learning curve upon initial use.Absolutely outstanding first DE razor purchase!

Definitely the best shave I've ever had.

My husband absolutely loves this shaver. He has tried several and upon opening this he said the weight of it felt better, not cheaply made, the handle is longer and easier to hold onto while shaving, much easier to get the blade in and out, well made product!!!

Extremely happy that I went with the longer handle. Don’t go by hand size. Go by what is comfortable. I have smaller hands and used standard replacement cartridge shavers for many years. Having said this I can’t imagine going to a short handle safety razor like the 34C. The 38C feels perfect.They ain’t a kiddin’ when they say this is a weighty razor. There is some serious heft to the 38C. I believe it is the perfect weight. You really do let the weight of the razor do the work. It will take time to get used to not pushing the razor against my face to get a good clean shave but moving to a safety razor is the right way to go. My first shave is outstanding!There are heavier safety razors than the 38C which I cannot imagine using. I believe the weight of the 38C would be as much as anyone would want to go. However, personal preference is key and I would recommend trying ones with lesser and greater weight as well as handle length.The one thing about a safety razor is that it is unforgiving if you have a bump on your neck. It will get you - unlike with standard cartridge razors. So, be careful and mindful.The handle on this is more slippery than I would have liked. With just slightly wet hands it can take some real practice to keep it from slipping free.Overall I am very happy with this purchase.

Over the past few months, I've been trying to find the perfect DE razor for me. This is the 5th one that I've tried and while it comes the closest to "perfect" it does have one glaring flaw that is difficult to overlook.First the good: It's aggressive. I like that, with a quality blade, I can usually get by with one pass of this razor. A second pass, against the grain, will give you that hairless feel. The two-piece design is a bit easier to change blades compared to a three piece. The fit and finish seem to be good. I like how heavy it is. Overall I'd say this razor is an excellent value.The bad: The grip. While I like the long, heavy handle, the knurling on the grip is awful. It's like Merkur sat down and had a focus group for how to come up with the worst grip design. The grooves are so small, shallow, and close together that it feels like you're gripping a high grit sandpaper. And the spiral design, combined with the razor's weight, makes it easily slip and rotate in your hand, especially if your hands are wet and/or there is lather on the handle. I saw other reviews complain about it feeling slippery in your hand, and I have to concur.Its a shame because the razor does so many things well. If Merkur would just make this same design, but model the knurling after a feather, or even a cheap Weishi, it would be absolutely perfect. As is, I recommend it, but with the caveat that you'd better make sure to grip it tight.

Great product

Razor worked great for a year. I love the weight and feel, pretty effortless to have a good shave. After about a year, the threads started to degrade on the handle so I'm now not able to fasten the razor down and making the razor no longer safe to use.