Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor (MK 23C)
- Price
- Quality
- Value
- Agressiveness
Summary
The Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor 23C is one of their top selling safety razors. It is an affordable razor that could be a great starter but also does it’s job.
Product: Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor (MK 23C)
Rating: 4.6/5 stars on Amazon with over 5,000 reviews
Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon
Description
Merkur is a subsidiary of the parent Company Dovo Solingen.They have manufactured fine scissors and shaving equipment for many years.
The MK 23C is one of their top selling safety razors. It is an affordable razor that could be a great starter. But also does its job well so you don’t have to spend a bunch of money to get a quality shave.
This model has a comfortable 4” long handle and weights 1.76 oz. This is a nice weight that is not too heavy but will feel sturdy in your hands.
The razor has a chrome finish with non-slip texture on the handle. This is to help prevent any slips that might occur when you are wet shaving.
This razor is also easy to keep clean with only 3 parts. So you can quickly take it apart after each shave and leave out to dry to keep your razor clean and sharp.
The design also makes it easy to quickly change the blade out when it becomes dull or time for a new one.
Since the whole thing is metal it will conduct heat so be careful if the water from your sink gets real hot.
Many of the reviews mention using a pre-shave oil underneath a soap to get a close smooth shave. These two additional items will help your Merkur slide effortlessly over your skin without pulling your hair.
Since this razor won’t pull your hairs and cut them below the skin’s surface you may find it actually reduces irritation or razor bumps as well.
Another thing to keep in mind when using a safety razor like the 23C is that it will take a little more time to complete your shave. So, if you are looking for speed or convenience, you may want to consider an electric razor. Or continue using your cartridge razors.
You will need to use short, steady strokes when shaving with a safety razor.
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Cons
The most common complaint seems to be from those who might not know the right technique for shaving with a DE safety razor.
Some say it doesn’t give a close shaver but with over 5,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating. Over 90% of those were a 4 or 5-star rating so this is definitely a popular favorite on Amazon.
There may have been a few defective products like with anything you buy. Some customers mention having issues with the screw.
Conclusion
Whether you are just starting out or a seasoned wet shaver, the Merkur Long Handled 23C is a great razor for the price. It will last many years as long you take care of it and keep it clean. Which will save you hundreds of dollars vs. buying disposable cartridge razors.
Wow!! Your website is absolutely amazing! The site offers a lot of information and comparisons. I was looking at many different types of safety razors but as a reader I can say I definitely made the right choice in my purchase for my husband.
I am sure he will love his Merkur 23C. Thank you for this review!
Kind regards,
Holly
You’re welcome Holly! I am sure he will love it as well, after he has had a chance to use the 23C for a while let me know how he likes it.
Hi Jeremy
Thanks for such an insightful post. I’m about to take my first shave. I wasn’t really sure what caused irritation or razor bumps but you simply dissected my fears.
Can you state an average time frame(in your own opinion of course) the merkur razor lasts considering it is guarded jealously.
Hey there,
If you are asking about the razor itself, it should last for many years if you take care of it and keep it dry between uses.
If you are asking about how many shaves you get with each razor blade, most guys usually get 3-5 shaves per blade and some even longer.
It really depends on how thick your beard is and what type of blade you are using.
Yet again another great razor review. I’m becoming a fan of your site. I have already bought about 3 different razors from reading your site. I use them all as well. Different ones each week and I will say that it is quite intresting and increases the life of the razors in my opinion. After reading this post. Looks like I will be adding to my collection.
Thanks James, be sure to sign up for our email list at the bottom of any post for news and updates.
That is a good strategy to rotate your different razors to extend the life of them. Thanks for the comments!
Hi, I was thinking of changing my electic razor to a manual one because my bathroom is always wet and I don’t like to keep moving my razor in and out of the bathroom.
Another thing I don’t like about my electric razor is that I keep forgetting to charge it.
Do you think a manual razor shaves better than an electric razor? Thanks!
Yes it will definitely give you a closer shave and possibly more comfortable. However, it will not be as convenient as your electric shaver.
It will also be cheaper than buying replacement heads for your electric shaver, if you decide to make the switch let me know how you like it!