Merkur 23C Long Handle Safety Razor - No Blades Included

I came to this razor after using the Wilkinson Sword Classic DE for a month or so (the chrome one, not the "plastic fantastic"), and a long line of cartridge razors for thirty-odd years prior to that.The Merkur 23C is one of the cheaper options among the mid-priced mild DE razors offered by Edwin Jagger, Muhle and indeed Merkur. I agonised over the choices available, pouring over every review I could find. In the end my desire for a longer handle and 3-piece design (separate handle, base plate and cap) together with its huge popularity swung things in favour of the 23C.Blade loading is easy and I haven't experienced any alignment problems with the blades I've used (Shark, Derby, Wilkinson, Silver Star). I haven't missed the twist-to-open (TTO) convenience of the Wilkinson at all. Another thing I haven't missed is the neck irritation that I consistently experienced with cartridges and even the Wilkinson; that was gone with my first shave with the Merkur. Previously I'd assumed that my skin was sensitive and I needed smoother blades like the Shark and Derby Extra, but in the Merkur sharper just means more efficient and irritation is never a problem. Part of this is down to the head design, but I think the Merkur's long, slender handle plays its part too; it encourages a delicate, balanced grip which results in precise control. The knurling on the handle prevents slippage even with soapy fingers.Good points:- Very forgiving; you have to get really sloppy to cut yourself with this razor.- The long slender grippy handle and slimline head make for a razor that is very easy to manoeuvre, even under the nose.- Irritation-free shave at long last, regardless of blade!- No blade alignment issues.Bad points:- Very mild, maybe too mild. The Derby Extra and Shark Blades that I'd been using with my previous DE razor are now going unused and I've had to order more Silver Stars which are substantially sharper.- Like EJ and Muhle, Merkur makes its heads from rigid but brittle chrome-plated Zamak (zinc alloy). All these razors share the same weak point: the screw thread on the underside of the cap. If the razor is dropped, or the handle is over-tightened, or the chrome plating is compromised through heavy use, then screw thread is liable to break off the cap.

I switched from a regular 3 blade shaver and I can confidently say that this will be my go to for the rest of my life. I used to get a lot of redness and ingrown hairs, not with this. I don't know how or why that is but I get a lot less irritation from this old school shaver.Would highly recommend to anyone. Blades cost a fraction too so in a long run you will be saving money too. I don't see any negatives. Only positives.

Already owned a 15C, but find the longer handle much more comfortable to hold and easier to handle because the balance is better.Find the closed blade give the smoothest of daily shaves but would return to the open comb on the 15C if i was dealing with a few days growth.

Good quality razor with good weight balance.As safety razors go this has to be the safest i've used, you can even shave against the growth without cutting your skin. I'm using Treet blades, which might be a bit tame for use with this model of Merkur so might try some others to see if can get a harsher cut.

Smooth, accurate, a delight to use and of course no plastic! Given to my son as his first razor and he could not have been more delighted.

I have used cheaper razors by more recognised manufacturers but they left me with irritation on my neck. The Merkur 23C doesn't and with good quality blades does a great shave.

I love this razor, this is in fact the second I have bought as I got it for my sister in law who is also loving perfectly smooth legs and no longer polluting the planet or being forced into paying yet more pink taxes! I nick myself even less than I used to and one big pack of blades seems to last forever Best Buy of my year!

Found this item at a discounted price, arrived quicker than expected, did include a blade. Great service - I even brought another Merkur with a short handle from the same seller.Only gripe (probably my lack of knowledge) is the best way to hold this when replacing the blade).