Merkur 23c Safety Razor

Excellent starter razor.

I think I got my closest shave yet with this merkur 23c razor, its very mild it will suit beginners as its allmost impossible to get nicks and cuts with this razor.. It took down 3 day stubble with 2 passes I guess everyone will be different right? Overall super impressed with this and shave.ie. Excellent for shaving everyday or every 2 to 3 days.

I chose this razor as my entry into DE body and face shaving. I like the simplicity of Merkur's marketing; where as other companies loudly and proudly advertise certain razors as "women's" or "unisex", Merkur's blog has no problem recommending this "average" razor for body shaving, as well. The closest they have gotten to making a body-shaving-specific razor is the 24C, which merely has a longer handle. (Okay, that is enough sarcastic quotation marks for one review!) The first shave went amazingly well compared to those with a Mach3. Even while my technique was still poor, there was much less skin irritation afterwards. And on the second shave with a more confident hand and sharper blade, there was none at all, and it's been that way ever since. What a difference! I adore all the other benefits, too! Being able to rince the blade so well each time — those darn plastic things have some hairs left in them no matter how hard you try. Less waste (depending on brand, but even one plastic holder is much less than 5 cartridges). Not so much a cheaper shave, though. I used to shave quite rarely before, as it felt like a chore. Now that it no longer does, I suspect that with all the creams and soaps out there to try, the blades will be the least of my problems ... The 23C delivers on everything it promises. The handle is of perfect length for me, and easy to grip. The head hides the blade so well that I doubt you could seriously cut yourself unless trying. And overall, the razor is quite light and maneuverable. Unfortunately, however, it turns out I dislike most of those things. While the razor has good grip, it does not feel comforting in the hand, and I cannot use the weight of the head to guide the strokes. And the mildness means that I cannot achieve that baby-butt-smooth finish without a Feather blade and patience. I am very happy I chose it to start with, but I have already ordered a razor that requires more respect, to see if that works better for me. In short, this is a great beginner's razor. But beware; it may spark the desire to collect more!

I have had closer shaves from other razors but I get a decent shave with this razor and far fewer cuts.

It's mild and perfectly balanced with long and very comfortable handle. One of the best for me.

This razor is excellent and there is plenty of protection to guard against cutting yourself. Highly recommended. The razor looks great and you know it is of sturdy design. Handle is comfortable and of similar length to my old Wilkinson Sword Quattro.

Coming from an Open comb razor this is a bit too safe razor for me. However this makes it perfect for people who want to switch from the Cartridge razors. You can shave with this baby on a moving train and you will not be able to cut yourself. The long handle makes it very easy to handle. I take away 1 star for the slightly rough feel of the end of the handle. I think a tiny chamfer would have made feel a lot more premium.

Merkur is one of the top brands around and this razor is perfect. Really pleased with my purchase.

I've tried a lot of Merkur's. Sold most of them, kept my first, the 34C. It needed care to use with the sharper blades, but it was a good weight and efficient. Then I tried a 30C and while Merkur says all their heads are the same, I think after buying the 23C - the 3 piece ones are either less aggressive, or I got an overly aggressive 34C (a 2 piece). This razor is excellent. I loved the 30C, but wanted a longer handle, so tried this. Same great mildish, but totally efficient shave and I get extra control. I can use Feathers in both with comfort. Not something I could ever do with the 34C.