Merkur 23C Long-Handle Double-Edge Safety Razor
[MRK-23C]

by Andrew
04/12/2012

After a bit of debate, I finally took the DE shaving plunge after a horrendous shave with a disposable I was forced to use after running out of my Mach 3 blades. My experience, thus far, has been very good with the 23C razor. Of course, I can only compare it to the cartridge razors, but I am extremely pleased with the razor itself and the shaves it has provided. The razor itself is a quality device. Fit and finish is top notch and the razor stays firm in hand do to some very nice knurling on the handle. Of course, it takes some practice, but I found DE shaving to be not that difficult and have only nicked myself 2-3 times in total. Just watch some of the youtube vids out there on prep and technique, and then take your time. The result is a far superior shave than any cartridge ever provided, and the wear and tear on my skin is dramatically reduced. A quick mention on the blades. I purchased the sampler pack and have had the chance to try many of the blades. I found the Merkur blade that came with the razor to be very good, but I have come to enjoy the Feather and Astra Platinum blades just slightly more. The Derby blades, however, were terrible and left my skin raw and red afterwards. I tried a number of these blades, along with different soaps and preps, and the results were always disappointing. Dumped my last Derby blade this morning and popped in a Feather---wow, night and day!! In sum, I would recommend this razor to anyone interested in starting out with DE shaving. Additionally, from my experience, I would recommend the Feather and/or Astra Platinum blades and stay clear of the Derbys.

Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]

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by Andrew
04/12/2012

After a bit of debate, I finally took the DE shaving plunge after a horrendous shave with a disposable I was forced to use after running out of my Mach 3 blades. My experience, thus far, has been very good with the 23C razor. Of course, I can only compare it to the cartridge razors, but I am extremely pleased with the razor itself and the shaves it has provided. The razor itself is a quality device. Fit and finish is top notch and the razor stays firm in hand do to some very nice knurling on the handle. Of course, it takes some practice, but I found DE shaving to be not that difficult and have only nicked myself 2-3 times in total. Just watch some of the youtube vids out there on prep and technique, and then take your time. The result is a far superior shave than any cartridge ever provided, and the wear and tear on my skin is dramatically reduced. A quick mention on the blades. I purchased the sampler pack and have had the chance to try many of the blades. I found the Merkur blade that came with the razor to be very good, but I have come to enjoy the Feather and Astra Platinum blades just slightly more. The Derby blades, however, were terrible and left my skin raw and red afterwards. I tried a number of these blades, along with different soaps and preps, and the results were always disappointing. Dumped my last Derby blade this morning and popped in a Feather---wow, night and day!! In sum, I would recommend this razor to anyone interested in starting out with DE shaving. Additionally, from my experience, I would recommend the Feather and/or Astra Platinum blades and stay clear of the Derbys.

Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]

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by Mike B
08/07/2011

I've been using my 23C for several months now. I only just realized that I never bothered to review it, which isn't fair because it's totally transformed shaving for me. No longer a chore, I enjoy lathering up and working the blade across my face. The shaves are close, comfortable, and consistent. The razor has good heft and and the long handle gives me great leverage for cutting through a few days worth of my thick facial hair. As long as I get my face warm and wet and work up a decent lather, the 23C cuts like a hot knife through butter yet with the heft and balance is incredibly easy to control. Rinse with cold water and a splash of aftershave makes for a good start (or finish) to any day.

Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]

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by Tim
08/25/2010

So I tried out the razor using the sample Merkur blade,Taylor of Bond pre-shave oil, taylor of Bond Shaving cream for sensitive skin and the razor rock alum block. I have to say I loved the shave but made all sorts of mistakes that I realized after the fact, I did not leave my face very wet for the pre shave oil or the shaving cream (mistake # 1 and 2) the shave was good but I also think the Merkur sample blade was not perfect I will try again with it before I say it was not good as I found a couple of nicks and not perfect but again I think I made enough mistakes with not enough water to begin with. But as far as the razor itself I love it. I will post more information as I try it out more :)

Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]

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by Tim
08/23/2010

Just ordered this raqzor a few days ago with a blade sampler... to be honest I can not wait to try it out I feel like a kid in a candy store! As soon as I try it out I will be back to inform of how I did..or how many cuts I have :)

Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]

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by PC
06/30/2010

I have been using a synthetic brush for a year now. Just started using a badger brush and this razor about a month ago. Night and day really. The razor has a nice weight to it. When you get comfortable with this and learn how to shave against the grain, properly, a baby's bottom smoothness is the result. I ordered the blade sampler pack with this razor. Thus far the Merkur blades did not impress me all that much. The Astra is much better for my face. I have a few more other blades to try. Great shave. Don't think I'll be going back to a multi-blade pull and cut system any time soon. I have never shaved 4 times in one week before without having any razor burn on my neck. This system along with the Proraso anti-irritation cream results in no burn or bumps.

Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]

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by Dan Beauchesne
04/04/2010

I've been DE shaving for about a month now. After scouring the internet, the 23c seemed to hit the value "sweet spot". It's a no frills, starter razor that I have had zero problems with. I'm still getting use to different blades, creams, soaps, brushes, and everything else-- but this razor is something I never have to worry about. If you're not sure what razor to start out with, it's probably this one.

Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]

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by Nigel
04/04/2010

The long handle on this razor makes it very comfortable and easy to use. Having used razors with shorter handles, I would have to say that a long-handled razor is far superior for control.

Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]

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by Michael
10/01/2009

As a newbie too DE razor shaving I began cautiously, I started off with the Weishi inexpensive ($16.95) DE razor, which was a great training tool, and non invasive. I have graduated too the 23C. WOW! What a difference! One of the best parts of my day is the mornong shave with my new 23C. Its comfort, ease, and non irritating action makes me smile. I now switch between the Weishi (on lazy days), and the Merkur during the week. Alfreds' suggestions are great.

Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]

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by Alexander
02/09/2009

I am new to wet-shaving with a DE-Safety Razor. I purchased this fine German tool, and I have not been disappointed so far. The long handle is an easier transition for me into this type of razor from the really expensive cartridge Gillette (Fusion). I had a slight learning curve but it was snap to figure out. This unit is a three piece razor, which means the handle un-screws to open the assembly head for blade replacement. I recently purchased the EJ-89R which is an open comb and I will have a nice tool for shave rotations. As soon as I get some use out of it I will let you all know how it is. This Merkur Safety Razor is good in my opinion.

Rating: [5 of 5 Stars!]

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by Skylar Richardson
08/19/2010

Great starter razor, i personally wish i had bought the 38c first, this is too light for me. All in all it produces some very nice shaves, just not for me, ordering the 38c now!

Rating: [4 of 5 Stars!]

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