Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor
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List Price: Our Price: $28.00 You Save: $9.00 (24%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Health Care See more product details |
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Customer Reviews of Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor
Customer Review: Simple, heavy duty, and highly effective
Summary: 5 Stars
I've been using an electric Panasonic shaver for the past year and it was Gilette Mach 3, Mach 3 Turbo, etc etc before that. Just poking around on Youtube and various sites I felt that I wanted to try out an "old school" double edge razor. I'm 22 myself, so I've never known anything other than cartridge razors and Edge gel in a can. I can tell you right now that when my package arrived 45 minutes ago I ripped into it.
First impression of the razor was that it had a really nice heft to it. It's not heavy by any means, but it was nice to have something that felt substantial and that would last me years and years. It came with one Merkur brand blade in the box, but the literature is in German so I just tossed it. I also purchased Proraso Shaving Soap, Ultra Sensitive Skin 5.2 oz (147 g) and I really like it. Better than the Col. Conk soaps in my opinion.
After my first shave there was no irritation as I was accustomed to after shaving with Edge gel and Gilette Mach [insert number here]. It takes a tad more time to finish your shave but it is oh so worth it. Best shave of my life.
If you're on the fence about buying this razor, just get it. I like the length of the handle since I have relatively large hands. The angle of the blade isn't too agressive but it still shaves you nice and close. Do a little research on techniques for double edge (DE) blade shaving and get a decent quality brush and some soap and prepare to experience the best shaves of your life.
Customer Review: Great Shave
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm 21 years old so dont think im some old school person. This is one of the best investments i have made. I used to use the mach 3 then went to quattro then fusion. they always were close to the same shave none closer than the other and always seemed to clog up between the blades. i switched to classic de shaving about 3 months back and will never go back. One reason being how economical it is. i was paying from 2 to 4 dollars per cartridge before and now i have the bulk of the derby blades for 15 dollars for a 100. thats 15 cents a blade which will last about as long as the cartridges. The second reason is i get the same closeness of shave. If you are more experienced you can get a closer shave with different techniques. I've used merkur, schick, and derby blades. I so far like the derby the best but merkur was pretty good too. schick was probably the sharpest i used but it wasnt as comfortable. different people have different preferences. also to get a better shave you need to get a good brush and shaving soap or cream (not the gel but the old school proraso or w.e creams). trust me it actually somehow makes the shave better. i would suggest a decent badger brush and proraso cream bc of the colling effect it has. the razor itself is about as good as any other merkur razor, i got long fingers so i wanted the long handled, but ive used the classic and it was just the same. classic however is easier to maneuver. all i have to say is it takes a week or two to get used to shaving. learn about it watch tutorials it will help alot. classic sahving is a art and is perfected by practice.Customer Review: Best Kept Secret for Shaving
Summary: 5 Stars
Pros: Provides close shave with no skin irritation; low total cost-of-ownership.
Cons: Trouble getting to a few spots on my face; must "unlearn" some bad shaving habits.
I have been searching for the "perfect" shave for as long as I can remember, and have probably tried most, if not all, of the products out there. My facial hair is quite tough, but my skin is very sensitive, which makes shaving something that I usually dread. I bought my Merkur a few months ago, and after a short learning curve, my skin is a lot happier.
I was somewhat surprised that it did not come with any instructions, so the first time I used it, I was very disapointed. After some internet searching and a little experimentation, I found that holding the razor at about a 30 degree angle and NOT PRESSING DOWN were two keys to getting a good shave. Other tips: use Merkur blades (much cheaper than Mach III or Fusion blades, and last longer as well), a good gel (I like Aveeno Ultra-Calming), and take your time. My best results seem to come by shaving with the grain the first time, then going sideways or even lightly against the grain a second time.
Additional info: after expressing my dislike of my thinning-on-top hair, my (cute) barberette talked me into letting her shave my head. While I visit her every so often for a professional shave, I have also found that the Merkur gets my head as smooth as my face.
Conclusion: when Gillette comes out with their 6, 7, or 8-blade razor, I'll just laugh like I do when I see a Fusion commercial.
Customer Review: Terrific razor
Summary: 5 Stars
My previous shaving experiences consisted of an electric razor, and using mach3 cartridge razors.
I was growing unsatisfied with the poor quality of the shave the cartridge razor was giving me, and how expensive it was to replace the blades on an electric razor or cartridge razor. I decided to take the plunge and use an old fashioned double edge safety razor.
Ever since early 2009, I have been using the Derby Extra razor blades, this Merkur long handled razor, and the Proraso eucalyptus oil shaving cream, and the difference is amazing. I receive much closer shaves, with far fewer ingrown hairs, and an almost complete disappearance of razor burns and razor bumps. I barely even need to use an aftershave lotion, although before if I skipped this step my skin and neck would be red and angry.
I have not cut myself with this razor yet, and feel it places the blade at a perfect angle. Less pressure is better. The natural weight presses it down about as much as you want: don't dig into your face or drag it along, just let it skim along the surface.
Replacing blades is incredibly easy. Cleaning it is very easy. I am very glad I bought the long handled version - anything shorter would be awkward.
If you are still slogging through a tedious, painful, and unsatisfactory shaving experience using overpriced cartridge razors, I highly recommend making the switch. Keep your face wet and exercise caution, and you can use a safety razor in perfect safety. As I say, 18 months later, I haven't cut my face once.
Customer Review: The Good Old Days
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm in my 60's and can still recall my dad shaving with a Gillette DE back when dinosaurs roamed the planet. In fact, it was just such a razor that I learned to shave with when the peach fuzz turned into a real beard.
Over the years, I've used every "new and improved" model from Gillette and even a Schick product or two. The end came with I tried the Gillette Fusion and felt like my pocket was being picked every time I bought a pack of cartridges. That's when I moved to a Braun electric.
It's been about 2.5 years that I've been using the Braun and have never been 100% satisfied with the shave I get. Don't get me wrong. For an electric, it gives a pretty darned good shave. But, the qualifier "for an electric" says it all.
Back to the days of yore, when men were men and weren't afraid of a sharp piece of steel or felt that they needed 5 pieces of steel to get a close shave. C'mon guys, we've been hoodwinkied, bamboozled and just plain ripped off by all the hype Gillette can dish out.
It took me a couple of days to get back into the swing of shaving with a DE, but a few drops of blood are no big deal to a real man! Seriously, I had forgotten what a really close shave felt like and I'm not going back to the Braun unless I'm late for work.
By the way, I'm using Merkur blades right now and they seem to be fine. I'll probably try one or two other brands just to see the difference, but I can't imagine anything much better.