MERKUR25C Double Edge Safety Razor in Bright Chrome with an Open Comb Design, Long Handle, Made in Germany, Plastic-Free, Three-Piece Design, and Straight Bar

The rule of thumb with any sort of alternative shaving method (straight razor, double-edge safety razor, etc) is YOUR MILEAGE MAY VARY.Choosing the right shaving equipment is a very personal decision. Everyone's face and skin are different, and what works really well for one person- or even most people- might not necessarily work for you.Even if the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, one needs to know going in that its unlikely they will find the exact right equipment on the first go-round.Instead let the reviews guide you toward which equipment is /well-made/, then go from there in finding what works for you.--Backgound--I discovered DE (double edge) safety razor shaving after looking for a cheaper alternative to traditional cartridge razors. While they always gave me a nice clean shave, I always hated having to drop $4 per cartridge only to have it dull after a week.While helping a good friend clean out his grandfather's garage, I discovered a 1940's era Gillette razor in basically unused condition. He let me keep it. I took it home, and cleaned it to a nice shine. I then went and bought some Personna blades from the local Walgreens, and off I went.However, I found the handle on the Gillette too short for my liking, and combined with its weight made my fingers cramp. The combination of blade+razor also did shave as close as I would have liked. So I ordered some Feather blades (based off good reviews) as well a sampler package of different blades (definitely go this route starting out)I then went and ordered this. I was initially on the fence about going with an open comb or with a guard. But I figured if I didn't like the open comb, I could always go back to the old Gillette.--The Product--When I opened the package, I was really impressed. Its a really beautiful looking tool. It feels heavy enough to be substantial but light enough to be deft in one's hands. The finish work is really wonderful, and it looks and feels every bit the German-made tool that it is.It came with a blade that I didn't especially care for, but with the Personna blades it gave a nice smooth shave. It is definitely more aggressive than the old Gillette, and gets to the top lip hairs under my nose that the Gillette couldn't reach.--On Blades--When I finally received the Feathers and Sampler pack, I found that different blades were picky about which of the two razors I used. One giving a nice shave in the Merkur would be totally ineffective in the Gillette. (like the Personna)Or the reverse: one in the Gillette might give a smooth, comfortable shave but when in the Merkur would shred your face to a bloody mess. (the Feather was the worst offender, but could be controlled with a bit of practice)It was a nice bonus that the threads on the Merkur and Gillette both matched, so that I could use either head with the Merkur's long, comfortable handle, if I needed to.In the end I found that I generally preferred the Merkur. I also found that- much to my immense chagrin- the blades that paired best with it, lasted longest, and gave by fair the best shave, were the Gillettes I so wanted to avoid.--Conclusion--As I've said, you really can't go off rating alone when purchasing shaving gear, so I've tried to relay as much about my own experiences as possible to help you make an informed decision.My only piece of advice: if you don't already have a safety razor, you might want to start on one with a guard.Once you've got the technique down, you can get a more aggressive one if you decide you really need it.But in the end this is just me, and my advice will only get you so far.

I, like so many others, have decided to go back to shaving with a double edge safety razor. I am tired of paying the high price of the multi-blade refills. I am old enough to have learned to shave with one of these, so my experience will be different than someone who is buying one for the first time. I researched many razors before selecting this one. Prices varied from $19.99 to $100+. Two features I wanted were a long handle and a removable head vice the butterfly opening head. The Merkur 25C fit both of those desires. The razor itself is very well made and has, for me, just the right amount of heft. In my opinion, the removable head holds the blade more securely than the butterfly style does and this is important when shaving with a double edge. This razor has an open comb (rounded teeth) vice a closed comb (bar) and I was a little concerned about that as back in the day I used a closed comb style. No worries. I have not noticed any difference from what I recall with a closed comb. Having said that, if you are new to a safety razor do not press and drag as hard as you do with the multi-blade razor you have been using. You will end up looking like you shaved with an angry cat. I have not nicked or cut myself yet and while the shave was a bit uncomfortable the first couple of days it is nice and smooth now. I think this was more a matter of technique than anything else. Use plenty of soap (cream) and water and let the razor do the work. It has the weight to give you close, comfortable shave by itself. Cleanup is a breeze (won't clog like those multi-blades) and I recommend a razor stand to store it on between shaves. If you are looking for a well-made safety razor, look no further. You won't be disappointed with Merkur.

On Dec 8, 2023, I bought the Merkur Razor Double Edge Safety Razor, MK-25C (Open Comb)But let me tell the WHOLE STORY ........ I bought the Merkur 23C Double Edge Safety Razor on Nov 17, 2023, after having bought my first double edge safety razor of another brand on Oct 21, 2023, which cut me up really good, blood everywhere! Being new to double edge safety razors, I decided to do some research, and from my research, everyone said to buy the Merkur 23C Double Edge Safety Razor if you are new to double edge safety razors. When I received my Merkur 23C on Nov 18, 2023, I unboxed it, and shaved with it for the first time, and got NO CUTS, and NO BLOOD, just a perfect shave! The Merkur 23C closed comb razor is not a real aggressive razor, so I did have some problems in spots that were hard to get to! So on Dec 8, 2023, I bought the Merkur 25C open comb razor, which is a more aggressive razor, It solved my problems with the hard to get to spots! So I suggest having both the Merkur 23C closed comb razor, and the Merkur 25c open comb razor! I am very pleased with having both of those razors !! There are to many variables as to what the best blade is for each user, but my favorite blade is the Astra Platinum Double Edge Safety Razor Blades! FIVE STARS for all three items mentioned in this review! After 40 years of shaving, I finally enjoy shaving !! This is the only way to shave, and the most economical way to shave!! I feel so ripped off by the shaving products that I have used for the last 40 years !! Make the switch to a Double Edge Safety Razor, TODAY !! GOOD LUCK, AND HAPPY SHAVING !!SIDE NOTE: Woman, these razors are great for shaving your legs !!