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: It's all hype
Summary: 2 Stars
I'm 49 years old. When I started shaving, I used a safety razor like this. After seeing so many good reviews, I decided to purchase one and try it again. The result? Now I remember why I left the old safety razor behind.
In comparison to the Gillette Sensor Excel, the only possible advantage I see with this razor is overall cost. Here's why:
1. The head of the Merkur is too big. It is almost impossible to shave up close under the nose.
2. The Merkur blade becomes dull after one use. Since I would have to change the blade after each shave, I'm not sure the cost savings is truly there.
3. The Merkur razor does not shave closer than the Sensor. Period.
4. The Merkur razor is very difficult to negotiate over the chin and jaw line and still maintain a close shave. With the Sensor, chins and jaw lines are a piece of cake.
5. Since the Merkur must be held at the proper angle, and since there is a much greater risk of nicks and cuts, it takes twice as long to shave as it does with the Sensor. With the Sensor, a nick or cut is almost impossible.
Now I remember why I quit using a safety razor - technology won the battle of the razors long ago. I'm going back to my Sensor Excel. It's worth the extra cost.
Customer Review: Simply Awesome
Summary: 5 Stars
Bought this because I was looking for a cheaper and better shave than those four and five-bladed monstrosities that go for $5 a blade and last a week. I found it with the Merkur. I've been using it for several months, and I have to say that it was well worth the money, and more. So far I've only tried one type of blade with it, but the razor itself is easy to use, easy to clean, easy to change blades, and feels solid in your hand. It's heavy, which is great for this type of shaving, as the weight of the razor is supposed to be all the pressure applied. I have fairly large hands, so I wish the handle were slightly longer, but it's not bad. Make sure, when installing a new blade, that you put the middle piece on the correct way. It's not difficult to figure out.
Shaving with the Merkur, as with any safety razor, takes a little while to get used to. It takes a little longer than shaving with a "normal" razor, but it's worth the time investment. I'd recommend a good lather brush, and a good shaving soap (both of which I bought right here on Amazon), because using this thing with normal shaving cream is frustrating, and doesn't provide as close or as comfortable a shave.
Overall, this is one of the best purchases I've made in a long time, and expect it to last for years and years.
Customer Review: An excellent addition to your shaving routine!
Summary: 5 Stars
I recently made the change to safety razor shaving, and added this razor to my kit.
I was a little disappointed at the packaging; you get the razor and a sample blade in an unsealed box with no paperwork. Yes, unscrewing the blade holder is simple, and keeping the razor clean and dry when not in use is common sense, but for $30+ I expected at least an insert with care guidelines.
For being "long handled," it's about as long as my dad's old Schick razor (~4 inches). That's not a big deal though; it's more about the feel and quality of the razor, which has a nice weight to it and glides over the more difficult areas (mustache, chin, and Adam's apple) without causing irritation or cutting the skin. I like how you don't have to put any pressure on the razor to slice the hair off; as long as you hold it right, the angle of the blade does the work for you. There's also no clumping as long as you swish/rinse it after every few strokes, even if you're removing a week's worth of beard growth. Overall, it handles and performs much better than the old razor, or the Mach 3 (which just seems awkward after using this one).
Personally, while I think it could be a little cheaper, it does deliver a great shaving experience and was worth the investment.
Customer Review: Excellent Investment
Summary: 5 Stars
This was the first of 3 Merkur razors I have purchased - this one I purchased for my husband. We had a small fortune invested in the Mach razors - which never really worked except for the first shave. A few minor nicks the first few times he used it, but quickly got the hang of it and it gives him a very close, non-irritating shave (we also use natural goats milk soap rather than chemical "shaving cream"). Then I purchased one for my teenage son (it's the one just like this one, only with a short handle). He loves it, too. I purchased the 1904 replica for myself - I figured if it worked so well for the guys, it might work great for the girls. And it does. Nice close shave without stripping my skin. Respect the razor, know the proper way to use a safety-razor and you will never want to go back to those other things again.
The short-handled razors are great for my small hands, but a man with large hands would probably prefer the long-handled razor (which is about the same length as a Mach razor). Also, the 1904 one has "open" teeth whereas this one does not. To me, both types give just as close a shave - I see no difference (neither does my husband). Perhaps those who allow their beard/hair to grow longer before they shave might find a difference.
Customer Review: Best safety razor on the market.
Summary: 5 Stars
I have tried so many different shaving methods that I almost gave in and settled for the old Mach 3 stand by. I researched blogs, reviews on Amazon, and read just anything that I could find information on the best shave with or without cost considered. I bought this razor over a year ago along with the Merkur platinum blades and can tell you that I have finally found the best shave possible. I use Taylor of old something or other tub shave soap with a horse hair brush to apply lather. The shave is close and smooth. Yes, it takes a little longer but I don't cut myself any more than I did with a disposable head razor. The best Braun or Phillips electric can't even come close, the Mach 3 and the Fusion do not shave as well and cost a lot more money. I invested alot of money in a vintage 1949 gillete safety razor with a twist-open top, tried a Merkur with a shorter handle and twist open top, and this particlar old-school razor. The balance of the handle, the design of the head, and the over-all quality kept bringing me back to it. I suggest you save alot of time and buy this razor, a set of Merkur blades, some high quality soap and a good real horse-hair brush and toss the rest of your shaving supplies...you won't go back.