The Best Shave I remember the day I purchased the new 5 blade razor from Gillette. I was excited and hopeful that FINALLY I wouldn't have to deal with razor burn, bumps, etc anymore. Alas, 5 blades aren't better than 4, just as 4 blades weren't better than 3, so ...

Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor Buy this product from Amazon
 
4.5
Publisher : Cache Beauty Supply, Inc.
Company : Merkur
List Price: $37.00
Our Price: $30.95
You Save: $6.05 (17%)


Features
  • An extra close shave
  • Merkur high quality shaving
  • Chrome finish sturdy razor
  • Long handle - great for people with large hands
  • Made in Germany

Product Description

The Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor has a chrome finish. Its double edge design provides a very close shave. Its comfortable extra long handle is designed for a non-slip grip and works well with all hands especially larger hands.

SimilarProduct

Customer reviews

The Best Shave 5 by .. A. Casiano (Dallas, Tx)
I remember the day I purchased the new 5 blade razor from Gillette. I was excited and hopeful that FINALLY I wouldn't have to deal with razor burn, bumps, etc anymore. Alas, 5 blades aren't better than 4, just as 4 blades weren't better than 3, so on and so forth. As it turns out you just need one simple little blade to do the trick.

After reading the article 'How to Shave Like Your Grandpa' (http://artofmanliness.com/2008/01/04/how-to-shave-like-your-grandpa/) I decided to switch to a high quality shaving cream, badger brush, and aftershave lotion. I also purchased the Merkur razor and extra blades. The difference cannot be put into words. The best I can do is 'simply amazing'. I never, never get any kind of irritated skin post-shave. I cannot feel one bit of stubble afterwards, even if I run my hand against the grain. The quality of the shave is unsurpassed (at least for at-home shaves. Straight blade shaves are a different story).

There is a slight learning curve to this product. I have never (knock on wood) cut myself but finding the right angle is a bit tricky. You'll learn quickly and the time it takes to shave will become shorter and shorter. But, even though I have the process down to a science it does take me a bit longer than a cheapie razor but I look at shaving as an indulgent experience now; I know my girlfriend appreciates it.

I cannot recommend this product enough. I tried probably 100 different ways to rid myself of irritation and never found it until I tried a Merkur razor. You will not be disappointed with this razor or the results.

***Updated: 02/05/09***

I have tried many different brands of blades for this razor. Nothing compares to the Merkur blades. Just FYI...

This is one awesome razor! 5 by .. Soul to Steal (^^)
I've used disposable razors on my legs forever and never once felt satisified with my shaving experience. The last straw happened recently when Amazon sent me a few free schick quattro's.

I gave them a try thinking hmmm, four blades must equal one good close shave but unfortunately for me four cheap blades equal lots of razor burn and hair clogging up the razor rendering them quickly useless because its nearly impossible picking the tiny hairs out from between all four blades.

I ordered this Merkur long handled razor after researching the reviews and I'm so happy that I did!

This razor has a beautiful chrome finish with a nice heavy feel to it. Its real quality and built for a lifetime of service. Its such an easy design and gives such a close shave that it makes me wonder how disposable razors were ever invented in the first place.

Unscrew the head, insert the blade then tighten the head. What could be any easier?! I purchased 60 merkur blades with this razorMerkur Double Edge Safety Razor Blades- 3 Packs of 10 Blades - 30 Blades in Total- Made in Germany and it all takes up less room than a small pack of plastic disposable razors.

My first shave with my new merkur felt silky smooth. The blade cuts my leg hair so easily with just one pass, it really speeds up the whole shaving process, just be careful and take your time to avoid injury.

I love this razor and the shave it provides! Its worth every penny!

The old man was onto something. 5 by .. Isaac Rushing ()
I got tired of using disposable razors and Mach 3s etc. because they cost too much, dull too quickly, cut me up, and leave my face stinging afterwards. So I looked around, found this one, and decided to give it a go. Best decision I ever made as far as grooming goes. Combined with a shaving brush and a nice shave soap, this razor gets me smooth quickly and painlessly. Shaving in the morning after a nice hot shower has become a pleasant ritual now instead of a painful necessity. The razor is heavy, chrome, and built to last. The Merkur blades are also excellent quality, but I usually get the Gillette ones from a local store (Most Meijer and Wal-Marts carry the replacement blades still) and they work fine as well. Probably save me thousands of dollars just on blades in the long run. Think about it. Why buy 3 cartridges for a Mach 3 or whatever for 12 bucks when you can buy 10 blades for 5 bucks and the plain old blades last longer and shave better? I'll never use anything but a good old double edge safety razor again, just like my Dad used to use. (I guess the old man was onto something.) And I definitely recommend switching to a shave brush and a good shave soap too. It takes a little finesse to get the lather perfect, but it beats any shaving cream/gel by a long shot. Also of note, the "long handle" really is only about as long as a normal disposable razor, so keep that in mind if you're looking at other double edge razors. And of course German attention to detail and quality is a desireable feature of this razor too.

Bottom line: Quality razor that should last a lifetime!

Finally, the shave I've been looking for. 5 by .. Charlesw W. Andrews (Los Vilos, CHILE)
I've been working my way up from an electric razor 20 years ago to this, and it's been getting better all the time. I used to use the Gillette 3-blade disposables, and that was okay. Relatively smooth, and the wife was happy.

Now, having switched to the Merkur #180, I'm never going back to any cartridge - evah. Too expensive, too many ingrown hairs, and now I know my shave wasn't nearly as close as it could have been.

I tried the #180 last week with some Derby blades, and the first couple times were not too great. I was very delicate with how I held the handle, didn't apply pressure during strokes, etc. Now I'm a bit more confident, I bought a good badger-hair brush and some decent soap, and things have gotten much better.

My face is smoother than ever, it's easier to shave in the morning due to less overnight growth, and the wife is even happier. Smoove, baby.

Here are a few tips I'd recommend if you're starting to use a DE razor:

1. Exfoliate just before shaving - I use St. Ives with pulverized walnut shells. When I don't exfoliate first, the shave isn't as close.

2. Shave in the shower. It's more difficult to master, but a good mirror is invaluable until you get the hang of it. Shower shaving is great because the steam softens your beard, the razor is easier to clean, and when you're done there's no residue behind ears, etc.

3. Alcohol-based after shave is for chumps. Get a good after shave that moisturizes. Amazon has tons of them for sale - check the reviews. I like the products by Geo F. Trumper.

4. Don't be afraid to pursue the closest shave possible. Having a babybutt-smooth face doesn't make you a metrosexual - it's evidence of a real man who knows how to take care of himself. If you also have a spray-on tan, well then it's time for some introspection.

Most broads like a smooth face. Enjoy.

Best Kept Secret for Shaving 5 by .. DCB (Fairhope, AL USA)
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.