Best Merkur Safety Razor – Which Is Best Suited For You?
Merkur is one of the best-known and used safety razor brands worldwide. The range of Merkur Safety Razors made by the company caters to those requiring anything from mild to aggressive and various styles, which include slants, adjustables, and a variety of handle lengths.
I’ve used, tested, and reviewed the Merkur Razors in this roundup and compared them. To narrow down the choices, I have condensed the multiple articles and reviews to make choosing a Merkur Safety Razor easier.
About Merkur and Why The Razors Are So Popular
When I got into the traditional wet shaving game and took it more seriously, Merkur was a brand name that appeared at every good shaving store. As so many guys have used and given feedback in forums and reviews on the razors, choosing a razor that possibly suited me was made easier, so Merkur became my first line of razors used (they helped get me started in the game).
- Made in Germany to high standards for more than 120 years and a trusted brand
- A large range of razors to suit the needs of most -if not all wet shaving gents
- While not the cheapest, the razors are affordable for their quality and cost anything from approx. $25 – $100
- Availability in most countries and all good shaving and men’s grooming stores
- Replacement parts availability is very good
Merkur Razors are made in Solingen, Germany. They are now a subsidiary of Dovo, founded in 1906. Dovo Solingen manufactures scissors and shaving tools, including the Dovo Shavette and Straight Razors.
Choosing A Merkur Razor
It’s worth mentioning that the Merkur Safety Razor collection is mostly made up of the same caps, base plates, open comb, or slant and differs in the handle supplied (Excluding the Futur and Mustache & Beard Razor).
Examples —
- Top Plate (three-piece): 15/33/23/25/20/30/40 /41/42/43/44/47/933/985
- Top Plate (two-piece): 34/38/500/510/570*
- Top Plate (slant): 37/39
- Base Plate (safety bar): 33/23/20/30/40/42/43/44/47/933
- Base Plate (open comb): 15/25/41/985
*The two-piece does not have a base plate, and that’s because the handle and base plate are joined (one part).
Any of these handles are interchangeable – 15/33/23/25/20/30/40 /41/42/43/44/47/933/985.
Combo Example – A user may buy a base plate (4) and use it with a Merkur 42C (closed comb) and vice versa (number 5 with 41C). The user will then have both 41C (open comb) and 42C (closed comb) razors. An open comb for thick/heavy growth and closed for normal growth/stubble.
Other combinations can be considered.
Main Aspects To Consider
- Closed comb (safety bar) – milder
- Open comb – for heavier growth (more aggressive)
- Adjustable for various lengths of growth
- Slant for heavy/thick growth (more aggressive)
- Short handle (good for tricky areas)
- Long handle (good for longer strokes and larger hands)
- Barberpole (for those who prefer long and heavyweight handles)
- Handle grip (deeper knurled provides more grip while others may look more attractive)
Let’s get on with the Merkur Razor roundup.
After spending numerous hours shaving and buckets of lather, I have created a roundup of the best Merkur Safety Razors to suit most gents’ shaving needs after putting them through their paces.
1. Merkur 34C – Best Entry-Level and Mild Razor With One Caveat
The Merkur 34C is most likely the best seller and most popular, and it can be found in our Best Safety Razors for Beginners recommendations.
The one caveat is the handle may be too small for some guys who have never used a small-handle razor before.
34C Brief Description & Features –
Size and Weight – Overall length = 84 mm (3.30 in). Overall weight = 80.5 g (2.84 oz).
The mildness and small blade gap of the 34C make it a good choice for those new to traditional wet shaving and others who either shave daily or prefer a mild type of shave.
Its short handle makes it easier to shave around tricky areas under the nose and around the chin. The handle is also fully knurled and provides the maximum non-slip grip any user would need.
34C Shaving Experience
My first experience using the 34C was a little odd because of how small the handle was. However, I soon found the benefit of a short handle and how it’s much easier to maneuver around the tricky chin, mouth, and under-the-nose areas.
I prefer something a bit more aggressive, and when using it after the first time, I used a sharper Feather blade, which helped.
34C Costs – Bottom Line
It is a great razor for a mild shave that helps avoid cuts and potential irritations. If the mildness of the razor suits you, but you are concerned about the short handle, consider another Merkur Razor with the same top and safety bar.
Cost — Approx. $40 (£35 – €42)
2. Merkur 23C – Best Long Handle Mild and Newbie Razor
The Merkur 23C (Merkur 180) fits in nicely here under the 34C as a good option for those who want the mildness of the 34C but with a longer handle closer to the length of a cartridge razor handle.
Those getting started in traditional wet shaving will find these an easy transition shaving tool from a long-handle cartridge razor.
23C Brief Description & Features –
Size and Weight – Overall Length: 105.6mm/4.16in, Handle Diameter: 9.6mm/0.38in, Weight: 60g/2.12oz.
You’ll notice that the handle is lighter despite being longer on the 23C than the 34C. That’s because while it is longer, it is slimmer, and this slimness is a feature that some guys prefer.
A lengthier handle will make longer shaving strokes easier but won’t be as good on the maneuverability around tricky shaving areas. The handle is also knurled and provides plenty of grip while shaving.
The DE (double-edged) head is mild, the same as the 34C, with a small blade gap.
23C Shaving Experience
When testing and using the 23C, I felt the razor’s mildness and lack of threat in terms of potential cuts and nicks.
I could get a nice shave. However, I prefer something more aggressive and not quite as long or slim, so it doesn’t tick many boxes for me apart from being a quality shaving tool.
23C Costs – Bottom Line
The Merkur 23C is about as close as a razor can get for a person transitioning from a cartridge razor. The mildness and long slim handle are ideal.
Other guys will like this Merkur Razor because of personal preference for the design. We all have our preferences and tastes!
Women get along very well with the 23C because the long and slim handle makes it a good leg-shaving tool, so you may need to hide the razor away if you don’t like sharing.
Cost — Approx. $38 (£34 – €40)
3. Merkur 15C – Best Introduction to Open Comb Razors
If you have wondered what it would be like to shave with an open-comb razor rather than a razor with the safety bar and often deal with coarse or heavy growth, then the Merkur 15C is a good place to start.
15C Brief Description & Features –
Size and Weight – Weight: 58g (2oz), Overall Length: 80mm (3.15in)
The handle on this three-part razor is nearly as short as the Merkur 34C, which makes it a good tool for shaving around the tricky under-the-nose and chin area.
The 15C is a mild type of open comb because of its blade angle, unlike a razor like the Muhle 41R. Razors like the 41R have a straight angle, while the 15C curves more.
The knurling on the razor handle is shallow, and while it does not provide the grip that deep knurling does, it will not slip at all while shaving.
If you think the handle might be too short on the 15C, you can look at the 25C, the same razor with a longer handle.
Buying a $9 Merkur safety bar bottom plate will give you an open comb and mild closed comb razor. The open comb plate can be used for heavier growth, and the closed comb plate can be used for stubble after the first pass.
15C Shaving Experience
The 15C was one of the mildest shaves I have had with an open comb type safety razor, which made it easy to identify it as a good tool for those trying out wet shaving with an open comb.
I got some tugging with this razor and found switching to a sharper Feather blade helped make the shave smoother.
15C Costs – Bottom Line
The 15C is a good choice for those testing out shaving with an open comb who grow whiskers for three days or more. More skill is involved when using a razor like this, but a close shave with fewer passes or strokes is the benefit once learned.
Cost — Approx. $32.00 (£25.00 – €35)
4. Merkur Futur – Unique Heavy Weight Adjustable
There is nothing like it on the wet shaving market like the Merkur Futur. Its futuristic modern design is unlike any other razor, including Merkur Razors.
Keep in mind that this is not a razor for newbies to wet shaving with safety razors or those shy about too much blade gap. It’s an aggressive bugger!
Futur Brief Description & Features –
Size and weight – Overall Length: 109 mm (4.30in), Handle Diameter: 14.0mm (0.55in), Weight: 126g (4.44oz)
The Futur has 6 main adjustable settings and 11 in total. So, just like any other adjustable razor, it can tackle different levels of stubble and growth when adjusted.
The Futur has a large handle, which gives it some heft, and the handle is much longer than most. The handle does not have any grip, but it does have a groove below the head that helps with stability, and a satin version is available, which provides more grip.
The blade loading mechanism is also unique, and it’s easy to release the top cap and insert a blade.
Blade Gap: 1 = 1.12, 2 = 1.19, 3 = 1.35, 4 = 1.47, 5 = 1.60, 6 = 1.65 mm, and 5 other smaller measurements between 1 – 6.
As you can see with the blade gap measurements above, there is no mild setting, and even number 1 is wider than the Merkur 34C. You need coarse growth and tough skin for this razor, and it will not be the best Merkur Razor for those with sensitive skin issues or those who shave daily.
Futur Shaving Experience
I’ve had some very good shaves with the Futur, especially on three or more days of growth. The hefty weight assisted the shaves, and part of using the razor with various settings was fun.
One aspect I did not like is the bulkiness, and this was apparent when shaving under the nose and around the chin area.
The maximum setting I ever needed and used was setting 3, but settings 1 and 2 were enough.
The Futur is not my favorite adjustable safety razor. However, many guys rate it highly, and that’s why it found its way onto the Best Merkur Safety Razors roundup (we all experience razors differently).
Futur Costs – Bottom Line
The Merkur Futur is definitely one of those shaving tools that needs some consideration before buying. It does not suit all men, including myself, but some guys love it!
If you have coarse growth and can tolerate aggressive razors with heft, then the Futur is beginning to tick boxes for you.
Cost — Approx. $72.00 (£68.00 – €72)
5. Merkur Progress – Best Merkur Adjustable
While the Merkur Futur joined the best Merkur Safety Razors roundup based on positive feedback from other users, the Merkur Progress gets the heads up from me.
The Progress can tackle short stubble and heavy growth and is suitable for those new or experienced at using safety razors.
Progress Brief Description & Features –
Weight and size – Overall Length: 85 mm standard and 105 mm long. Weight: 90 grams standard and 102 grams long.
The Progress is a classic Merkur Razor that’s been going strong and favored by many since the 1950s. Its mild forgivable nature while having the ability to tackle thicker growth is worth giving attention to.
The Progress is sold with a standard and longer handle, and while these handles are not knurled, the octagonal large scalloped line-type design offers plenty of grip while looking attractive.
While the head is a little bulky compared to a top-notch adjustable like the Rex Ambassador, it’s not as bulky as the Merkur Futur.
Blade gaps – Blade gap at level 1 = 0.38 mm (nice and mild), 2 = 0.56 mm, 3 = 0.71, 4 = 0.84 mm, 5 = 0. 94 mm (aggressive).
The razor has 5 main settings, adjusted via the knob on the bottom. While this white plastic knob looks odd or old-fashioned, you’ll find some buyers put off by this while others don’t mind.
Progress Shaving Experience
The Progress is still one of my favorite adjustable razors today, and its ability to provide mild and slightly aggressive settings made it so.
Setting 1 is too mild for me, and between 2 and 4 is best. Four days of growth is easily tackled on setting 4, then the second pass and clearing up on setting 2.
The short-handle 500 model (85mm) is slightly better around the chin area, but most gents favor the long-handle model 510 (105mm).
Progress Costs – Bottom Line
While the Merkur Progress has a funky design, especially that bottom button, it provides a range of mild to slightly aggressive settings. It’s a classic but remains a top choice of razor for many guys.
Cost — Approx. 500 Model (short) $76.00 (£58.00 – €70) – 510 Model (long) $85 (£68 – €85
—Related: Merkur Futur vs Progress –Which Is Best Suited For You?
6. Merkur 39C Slant – Best Efficient for Coarse Growth
The Merkur 39C is one of those razors not for the faint-hearted or those new to wet shaving with safety razors. Its unique slant style is moderate in aggression, gives an efficient shave, and requires technique.
It is also known as the 39C Sledgehammer because it can bash its way through facial hair with its longer handle and heavyweight design.
39C Brief Description & Features –
Size and Weight – Overall length: 100mm (3.93in), weight: 110g (3.88oz).
The slant aspect of this razor provides a different shave experience compared to a standard DE or even an open comb. Its slightly twisted design slices hair at a different angle compared to a standard head and mimics the efficiency of a straight razor.
The blade gap of the 39C is no more aggressive or wider than the head of a 34C, 23C, and other Merkur Safety Razors. It’s only the slant that makes it different.
If you prefer long handles and heavyweight shaving tools, then this aspect of the 39C will tick those boxes. Its handle is engraved rather than fully knurled but still offers plenty of grip.
The Merkur 38C Barberpole is the same Merkur Razor as the 39C, only without the slant design and a standard mild top cap and bottom safety plate. And, if you like the idea of a slant design but not the long heavy handle of the 39C, you can go for the 37C, which is the slant head of the 39C with a 34C type two-part handle.
39C Shaving Experience
The 39C preferred shaving with a few days of heavy growth. It’s a great tool for cutting in sideburns and under the nose area, but the chin area is trickier with the large handle.
As I have used other slant razors, I knew how to treat the 39C, which involves less pressure and more allowing light and shorter strokes than a standard razor. With a bit of practice, anyone can benefit from a slant razor.
I favor the open-comb razor when it comes to shaving heavier growth; however, some gents get along well with a slant, and the 39C is a good slant razor as it is not overly aggressive.
39C Costs – Bottom Line
The Merkur 39C is a good choice of razor for those heavier growth types of wet shaving gents that use or wish to try out a slant razor design. You’ll need to like a larger and heavier handle, but if you don’t, get yourself a Merkur 37C (slant short handle).
Cost — Approx. $59.00 (£50.00 – €60)
–Related: Merkur 37C vs 39C – Comparison
7. Merkur 38C – Best Mild & Heavy Barber Pole Razor
So the 39C Slant has the same barber pole long handle as this razor, Merkur 38C, and the mild head as a 34C. This one is for guys who want a nice mild shave but with a larger, heavier handle.
38C Brief Description & Features –
Size and weight – Length: 101mm (4in) – Weight: 111g (3.91oz)
If you have followed this roundup of the best Merkur Safety Razors so far, you’ll know exactly what this razor and its design are about. If you haven’t followed, no worries- here is an overview.
Its long handle is what is known as a barber pole style handle. The bottom and top section design and winding engraved handle give it a barber pole appearance.
While the grip is engraved and not knurled, it does offer enough grip while shaving, and you might find it looks more attractive than knurled.
The two-part design makes blade changing easy enough.
38C Shaving Experience
The heavyweight was pleasing while shaving, although I prefer shorter handles for the trickier areas to shave.
The mildness was good for shaving every 2 or 3 days, which is also suitable for guys who shave daily and don’t usually get irritation, unlike me.
A Feather blade boosted my shaving experience with the 38C and worked better than a mild Astra and Derby blade.
38C Costs – Bottom Line
The 38C is popular with guys who like a mild razor but need a larger handle. The larger handle and lesser grip that a knurled handle can provide will not suit everyone’s shaving needs.
Cost — Approx. $60 (£55 – €60)
That just about covers it for the Best Merkur Safety Razors category. I have kept it as simple as possible while including all razors that would suit every type of shaving need while excluding those that might have just complicated this roundup and no additional value.
