Merkur 42C Review – A Mild to Medium Shorty of a Razor
Merkur 42C Safety Razor
The Merkur 42C is a short-handled chrome double-edged safety razor. It’s a mild and stylish razor that’s going to suit a certain type of gentleman who favors a combination of smallness and mildness.
Pros
– Easy to use
– Attractive appearance and design
– Mild enough for guys that require a mild razor, including sensitive skin types
– Short handle for guys that enjoy shaving with a stubby type of handle
– Handle may be changed if required
– Affordable razor
– Beginners and all others can make this razor a good shaving companion
Cons
– A bit mild for course growth
– Short handle could be too short for some guys
– Handle won't provide grip like a knurled type
– Could be on the light side of weight for some users
In this shave-down review, we take a detailed look at the popular Merkur 42C safety razor and its features, its pros and cons, the all-important shaving experience after testing out this razor, and who it’s best suited for.
The Merkur 42C was inspired by the famous classic Gillette 1904, which is a double-edged three-piece razor with an attractive handle design.
There are a lot of similarities between the 42C and the extremely popular Merkur 34C and Merkur 41C, although they have their share of differences, too. Let’s stay focused on the 42C here, though!
Brand/Company: The German behind the Merkur brand DOVO Stahlwaren was established in 1906, and the brand Merkur dates back even further. The lifespan of the company alone gives its products some credence. Merkur Safety Razors and other shaving products are sold and known worldwide, including the Merkur 34c, Futur, Progress, and others.
Before we go into the shaving experience, let’s take a look at the all-important features and what they mean to the end user.
Merkur 42C Description & Features
- Materials and Finish – The handle is made from brass, and the razor head is manufactured using a zinc die-casting method. The razor from head to toe is chrome plated, which makes it shiny and attractive, although chrome plating can deteriorate and discolor over time.
- Double-edged – DE razors are the most commonly used safety razors. They provide a user with two sides of a blade to alternate between with shaving strokes.
- Closed comb – Closed comb razors like the 42C have what’s called a safety bar as the bottom plate that has no kind of openings. This bottom bar has grooves and helps to make the skin slightly taught before the blade hits the whiskers.
- Three parts – The razor head comes apart in two pieces, and with the handle, that’s three parts. Three-part razors are better for cleaning well.
- Blade replacement – Blade replacement is a little more difficult than a two-piece or butterfly-type razor. Users have to be a bit careful with their fingers as well when removing and replacing the blade for obvious reasons.
- Handle – As mentioned, the handle on the Merkur 42C is smaller than most, and it’s also quite slim. The hexagon-shaped handle has engravings that make it attractive.
- Aggressiveness – The 42C has a blade gap of 0.71 mm, which puts it in the mid-range of aggressiveness when basing aggressiveness on the blade gap and comparing it with other razors. It leans more toward the mild end of medium, if that makes sense.
- Size and Weight – Total length 80mm (3.14in), and Weight 70g (2.5oz).
- Warranty – Merkur offers a 2 year warranty that’s limited.
How Well Does The Merkur 42C Perform And Shave?
I had a good idea of what to expect when I picked up the 42C. I’ve used enough Merkur safety razors including the Merkur 34C to have a good idea of how it shaves.
First impressions – It had been some time since I had used and reviewed a stubby kind of handle type razor and it was the Merkur 34C that made me realize the advantages of a small handle (shaving curves on the chin and jaw area made easier for example).
How did the 42C shave with 3+ days of growth? As I knew the 42C was a non-aggressive razor I jumped in with a Feather blade and whipped up some Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving cream. I had about 3 days of growth which was great for testing the 42C out initially, and I found the Feather blade was the perfect choice to improve its aggressiveness.
I had a great shave with three passes, and the only issue was the growth after 3 days is a bit tough for the 42C on the chin to get through without dragging and pulling (I got there though).
How did the 42C shave daily or every 2 days? I get a really nice and easy shave every two days with the 42C.
Daily shaving isn’t my thing, as I don’t need to, and shaving too often causes irritation. However, just for testing purposes, I tried it out shaving for three consecutive days and there was not much irritation, and I got a close enough shave.
If a guy has a daily shaving routine then the Merkur 42C is the perfect type of razor because of its mild to medium non-aggressive nature.
What blades are best suited? As mentioned above I used a Feather blade as I had a good idea it would go well with the Merkur 42C because of its extra sharpness. I had no need at all to step down in sharpness with something like a Derby or Astra blade.
If a user tries out this razor and it seems too mild, then using a blade like the Feather can make a lot of difference or just enough to make the razor shave perfectly.
Is it easy to use shaving under the nose and chin area? I personally like the shorter handle and how it can make shaving around the nose area and chin easier than some other razors, especially touching up missed hairs or patches. As mentioned though, after three or more days of growth the razor does not enjoy the chin area (tugs and drags).
How about blade overhang? There is a very small amount of blade overhang on the sides of the head but it’s insignificant and does not affect the shave experience.
Shaving Angle
The blade or shaving angle really stood out for me while shaving with the Merkur 42C and rarely does with all the razor testing I do.
This razor makes so much difference in aggressiveness with a slight move from the 45° normal shaving angle, so when it’s not aggressive enough on the second pass, I just lean the razor down say 10°, and it’s much better.
I think I notice this more because of the smaller handle. It could be used as a training tool to improve a guys shaving experience with safety razors.
Handle and Grip 7/10
The size of the small handle is going to be about personal choice and it’s said that those with big hands would not find the Merkur 42C razor suitable. However, I believe this only applies to guys with very chunky fingers as a safety razor requires a lot of finger tip work that most hands can do with a small handle.
A user will not get the type of grip he could get from a knurled type handle; however, the engraving and hexagonal shape provide enough, and it’s a slick-looking handle.
Weight and Balance – 9/10
While 70 grams (2.5 oz) is not heavy for a razor –it’s a good weight since the 42C has a smaller handle. I’ve used some pretty heavy safety razors recently and noticed the lack of weight, although I do have a preference leaning toward heavier razors, and my experience is based on using many razors. If I were new to using safety razors then it would feel heavy compared to a cartridge type (in a good way).
The Merkur 42C still has a good balance despite the smaller handle, and it’s a very well-made razor. It deserves its recognition as a well made small handled razor it gets.
Value for Money – 10/10
The 42C is worth every penny and priced up at around $28 USD (£27 GBP – 28 € Euro). This is not a lot to part with for a good-quality razor.
Any Common Consumer Issues, Complaints, or Positive Reports?
There has been a hell of a lot of reports about the Merkur 42C razor because it is so popular. Most of them were very positive and a pattern emerged where a lot of people new to wet shaving with a safety razor praised it, including women.
The only real issue consumers have had is with the small handle not being suitable, and a number of people found the handle does not offer enough grip. I guess they did not do their research or lacked experience while choosing a razor (it’s a small-handled razor that’s engraved; that’s how this razor rolls…….man).
Final Thoughts – and who is the Merkur 42c best suited for?
The Merkur 42C safety razor is a quality shaving tool for those that require something that shaves with a non-aggressive nature. It’s also attractive and affordable while being functional for the right gents shaving needs.
The first and obvious buyers that the 42C would be best suited for is those that are new to wet shaving with safety razors, as long as the short handle suits them well. The next group of buyers could be guys that like a mild-medium razor and would like to try out an affordable quality razor that has this style of handle.
Keep in mind that the handle can be changed because of the razor is a three piece kit. Get fed up with the shorter handle? Then replace it and keep the head!
See you on the next shave down!
Alternative Razors
While the Merkur 42C is a good piece of kit for shaving it’s not going to suit every bloke out there and it’s always worth checking and comparing with other razors before making a buying decision.
Merkur 34C
It has been hard to write about the 42C without over-mentioning the Merkur 34C. They are so closely related and more so than any other razor on the market.
The head of these two razors are the same although the 34C is a two piece razor and has a longer rod that connects the head to the handle. The handle is also knurled which is a lot better for providing users with grip.
See Review: Merkur 34C
Mühle R89
The Mühle R89 safety razor is a superb option for beginners to wet shaving and other guys. Especially if they like attractive looking razors and would like handle options to choose from.
The German made Mühle R89 offers more handle length and it’s thicker than the 42C, but it’s still a three piece kit. The twist version is a two piece razor.
The R89 gives a similar mild-medium shave as the 42C that’s well worth checking out!
See Review: Mühle R89
Merkur 23C
If the 42C sounds like a great razor but the handle is likely to be too small then the Merkur 23C could be worth looking at. The handle on this razor is quite the opposite of the 42C; it’s longer and has the knurled grip but the head is the same.
For guys transitioning from cartridge razors to safety types would generally find the transition much easier with a razor like the 23C as its long and slim handle will feel quite familiar.
An ideal razor for the ladies.
See Review: Merkur 23C
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