Merkur 15c Review – A Mild to Moderate Open Comb Razor
Merkur 15C Safety Razor
The Merkur 15C is a popular open-comb safety razor that features a short and slim knurled handle. I found it to be a mild to moderate razor in terms of aggressiveness for an open-comb design, which could make it a suitable choice for those who have never used an open-comb razor.
Pros
Traditional razor with a modern and traditional look
Excellent design for those who like a smaller safety razor
Easy cleaning and less clogging with the open comb
Within the affordable price range for most buyers
It could make a good razor for a buyer's first open comb
Lightweight for those who prefer a lighter razor
Cons
The handle could be too slim and not long enough for some gents (the 25C is a long-handled option)
The teeth are not as comfortable as other open-comb razors
It might be on the light side for some guys
The Merkur 15C is an open-comb type safety razor designed for those who wish to achieve more blade exposure and can accommodate larger bristles of growth than some closed-type razors with a flat bottom safety plate.
These open-comb types are generally more aggressive than closed-comb double-edged razors, although there is more to aggressiveness than just one aspect, such as the comb/bottom plate (blade gap and angle, for example).
The 15C holds a spot in the Best Merkur Razors recommendations article for being a good introduction to open comb razors.
I knew before the 15C arrived at the door that it would be an interesting razor. This is because I had spent some time not so long ago using and reviewing the Muhle R41, a pretty aggressive open-comb razor that I have come to love for its close finish. As a result, I was unsure how the Merkur 15C would compare (it’s milder, that’s for sure).
Let’s take a close look at the Merkur 15C, recommend who it is best suited for, and provide you with some shaving experience, including useful facts about its features.
Description & Features
The Merkur 15C is quite a unique safety razor, featuring an interesting combination of a small and slim handle that’s open-combed.
You’ll also find the same razor, the only difference being a longer handle, the Merkur 25C. Some guys favor a short and stubby handle, like the one on the 15C, while others prefer or actually need a longer handle due to having big hands.
- Materials and finish – The handle is made from brass, and the razor head is manufactured using a zinc die-casting method. The finish is chrome and shiny, and while it looks very attractive, it may wear off after some time. These are not lifetime razors like some of the stainless steel types, but they should last long enough for a buyer to get their money’s worth.
- Handle – The short and slim handle is finely knurled. While this offers enough grip, it does not provide as much as deeply knurled types, although they are usually heavier and may require more grip, whereas the Merkur 15c is a fairly lightweight razor.
- Double-edged – Like most safety razors, each side of the head exposes the blade, allowing the user to switch between them when shaving and then rinsing.
- Open comb – The bottom safety bar on this razor features an open comb, which means it has teeth that expose the razor rather than a straight bar. The open comb makes cutting through long growth easy and helps prevent debris from becoming clogged in the blade area.
- Three parts – This razor is a three-part unit that comes apart after unscrewing the handle, which removes the head, the top cap, and the bottom comb. These types are very easy to get clean and look new when taken apart and cleaned.
- Blade replacement – Three-part razors are not the easiest to change blades on. It’s just more fiddly than other type,s and users have to be a bit cautious with the blade and their hands when replacing blades.
- Dimensions & weight – Weight: 58g (2oz), overall length: 80mm (3.15in).
- Warranty – 2-year limited warranty from the date of purchase.
Handle and Grip
The handle is a tricky one, and some aspects may not suit many gentlemen. While I love a short, stubby handle, others don’t, and it is also slim. The slimness of the handle took a little time to adjust to.
If a buyer prefers longer-handled types, they may consider purchasing the Merkur 25C, which is the same razor with a longer handle.
The shallow knurled design will offer enough grip, although some individuals might prefer a deeper design, which would provide more grip. For this razor, I don’t think that’s a major issue, though – it grips well enough.
Weight and Balance
While the balance of the razor head with the handle is fine and well-balanced, the weight is very light at 58g (2 oz). If you are usually shaving with 80g + razors, then the 15C will feel very light and could be too light.
Look & Design
It is a nice-looking little razor with its shiny chrome finish and jagged teeth. The teeth on the bottom bar are not as gentle as those on the others.
A fatter handle would be nice, although other users like them slim.
The top cap (head) is slim enough to make shaving under the nose area easy.
Ease of Use
I’m not sure I would put the 15C at the top of the charts for ease of use. One reason is that blade replacement is slightly more difficult than 2-part razors and others, and another reason is that the size may not be best for some gents.
This razor is only rated lower in the ease of use department when compared to others. Some of these others cost more, which makes a difference, especially if a buyer is trying to balance budget with quality.
Shaving Experience
It did not take long to get used to the shaving style of the 15C, even though it is an open comb type. It falls within the mild to moderate category of aggressiveness for an open comb and leans more toward the moderate end.
On the very first occasion I shaved with the 15C I had a nice 4 days’ worth of growth to get rid of. Armed with a new Personna blade, Taylor of Bond Street Sandalwood shaving cream, and, of course, the razor, I went to work on the shave.
While the open comb got well between the hairs, I experienced a lot of tugging, which made it an awkward shave, especially in the chin area. On the next occasion, I swapped to a Feather blade, and it made such a noticeable difference.
Using the right blade with any safety razor can make a lot of difference, as it did with the 15C. The Feather blade with this razor made all the difference; however, that’s not the case with other more aggressive razors, such as the Muhle R41, which goes well with a milder blade like a Personna, Derby, or Astra.
Some guys like me have to experiment with blades a bit with certain razors. If you encounter issues with a particular razor, such as tugging, excessive nicks or cuts, or a too mild lather, consider the blade being used.
Because the Merkur 15C is lightweight and lacks a straight safety bar to press against the skin before a stroke, it requires more pressure. If you’re new to using open combs, applying more pressure may seem a little odd at first, but you’ll soon get comfortable with it.
I found that the 15c setting worked best, or I got the best results from the razor after 3 days of growth. Otherwise, the open comb was unnecessary, and a straight safety bar would have worked better.
After getting used to using this razor, I could achieve a very close shave, although I had to make two or three passes, and I had to clean up the leftover areas quite a bit. Because the blade angle is very curved rather than straight, it is non-aggressive, which is a plus for some guys but not for others.
Value for Money
Buying one of these in the US will cost around $32.00 (UK £25.00 – EU 35.00 €). So, it’s not an expensive razor and deserves its price tag.
As you can see, some of the pros and cons could work either way. For example, one buyer may prefer a smaller handle, and others may need a longer handle.
Final Thoughts – Who Is It Best Suited For?
The Merkur 15C would likely make a good razor for those trying out an open-comb razor. It is mild to moderate in aggressiveness, giving the user an idea of what other, more aggressive open-comb razors could be like.
The razor is designed to help those with a decent amount of whiskers to remove, and it’s possible that men who struggle with irritation and razor bumps could end up getting along well with it. However, the curved blade angle, making it mild, may not work well for razor bumps or other issues.
I would suggest starting with the 15C using your normal blade or an Astra or Derby type. If it’s too mild, then step up to a Feather blade or another sharper blade.
See you on the next shave down!
