I don't quite understand the negative comments on this razor. I just got into DE razor wet shaving and the merkur 34c with green astra blades gives me a near perfect shave. I really don't see a reason to purchase anything else unless I want to collect or make it more of a hobby. This razor is fantastic and I love the 2 piece design and weight. It simply glides over my skin with no effort.
I think it could definitely be sold a bit cheaper in price, but agree with your statement. Unless you have thick skin and stubble, this is an excellent razor to use. After shimming, it definitely takes it a step up in aggression but keeps it completely manageable. People talk about the handle being too small but I don't find it to be a problem at all. While I prefer a 3 piece razor for the ease of cleaning/breakdown and portability (I use a FrugalShave travel tin for my 3 piece razors), I totally see this as a great starting razor as well as a daily driver for even seasoned wet shavers. If I had to mention a con, it would be the blades supplied with it. Not a fan of those, at all. Not in the Merkur or any of my other razors, haha. Astra's definitely work though! My preference (in no particular order) for DE blades is mainly Gillette Nacet, Voskhod, and Bic Chrome Platinum blades.
Even with a sharp blade this razor is too mild for me. Its because not all skin type are the same. I get very good shaves with the razorock gamechanger.84 razor
Thank you for explaining the use of shims - I'm relatively new to safety razor shaving - for almost 40 years I've been a cartridge razor and/or electric razor shaver but about a month ago figured I'd try to shave with a DE safety razor. It does take more time (than a couple minutes in the shower with a cartridge) but the results (for me at least) are better and it's more satisfying. Jury is still out as far as the economics as I have RAD (Razor Acquisition Disease) and I've spent probably more than I really needed to but when I get into a "hobby" I usually start in the deep end money wise ;-). The Merkur 34c is near the top of my list to acquire over the next few months - we'll see how well it does compared to the others in my "shave drawer" currently...
An excellent video. I enjoyed hearing about this razor and also learned what blade gap and blade exposure are, terms that I’ve heard repeatedly on shaving videos, none of which explained what they meant. Thank you.
At some point I'll probably jump in. Since I only trim around my beard, right now I'm using disposables. Some day, perhaps. :) If I do, I'll definitely jump in right here.
@@DailyCarrySolutions I lost my 34C in a move… had to buy another one. I have razors ranging in price from $8-$185 and this razor still has the most intuitive cutting angle. Like you either have or you don’t. Perfectly balanced and weighted and tbh I would pay to have the 34C razor made in titanium. I’m starting to prefer lighter weighted razors for better pressure control
Is mekur 23C exactly like the 34C except that it has a longer handle or are there other differences in terms of quality, grip and closeness of shave? I'm a newbie so looking for something good that won't cause a lot of cuts when trying to shave.
This was the first DE razor that I purchased after years. The 34C has horrible blade alignment. It is hard to correct when tightening down.Get a Rockwell 2C instead for $30.Why would anyone try to 'fix' a bad razor?There are so many superior option out there for the same price!
Hi Twidget - I'm sorry to hear that you had issues with blade alignment. I own a 6C and 6S and can attest to the fact that they are great, so I'm sure the 2C is good too. The 34c I own has been perfectly fine from day 1 and I've not experienced blade alignment issues of any kind whatsoever, but than again, my Fatip is perfectly fine too and you hear about similar alignment issues with their razors as well. At this price range if there are issues with quality control, the item can always be sent back instead of just keeping it. My sole issue with recommending a Rockwell as a first razor is that the head/baseplate are just way too tall which makes detail work (like adjusting a mustache instead of shaving it) a very difficult task. It's still a great razor though, and with plate 5 I get tremendous shaves out of them both. Alternatively, if I had to choose a great first razor, I'd reach for the Razorock MJ90 with the A plate addition. It brings 2 plates (standard and 'A' plate which is more aggressive), the head/baseplate are both aluminum and the handle is stainless steel - all for under $30 from ItalianBarber.com. In fact, I still use the MJ90 to this day even though its not a 'newer' razor to market. Again, never had blade alignment issues but I always check prior to shaving, and clean them once finished. Happy shaving and thanks for taking a moment to express your feedback on the Merkur.
@@DailyCarrySolutions Over the past few years I've returned to DE shaving. I didn't know where to start and the old razors I'd used were gone. So I've tried several (at great expense!) and the Rockwells are either 2 or 6 in one(2C vs 6C) or 6S. The base plates are a bit thick but I can manage that. I recently bought a Rockwell T2 adjustable butterfly razor. No good reason for it, I just wanted one! I like it but I can't say I prefer it to my 6C or 6S. Trying different safety razors is like dating different women.
haha - thats a great analogy, but the destination is worth the journey! in DE shaving I really found its so much more complicated. For me, it's the right razor, right blade, right soap and splash. Once I found that synergy I started looking forward to shaving, and for something to be video-worthy on an EDC/knife channel, that's saying alot :) I prefer the non-adjustable versions because (like my knives) I like breaking them down to clean between shaves, and it's much more difficult to do with an adjustable. If you ever feel like trying some different soaps, drop me a message and I can send some smooshes over to you, no charge. PS - I actually did a video for The Razor Company's TH-cam channel on the Rockwell 6S, which is why I don't have that review on here ;) go check it out!
Thanks for watching g! It looks like the place I purchased mine from no longer carry’s it, so I’d recommend purchasing it from Merkur here (looks like it’s currently about $10): merkurshave.com/merkur-replacement-part-empty-razor-case-fits-short-handle-razor-models-progress-570-34-37/
Totally understandable - at home I rarely use razors that have this short of a handle, but find it to be perfect when traveling. Which razor did you end up with instead? These days, I’m using a Karve Overlander with a 3.25” handle along with some Feather blades. Awesome shave :)
I love it - taking a good shower after a long day and getting a good shave before bed is something I’ve really looked forward to after picking up a DE razor like the Merkur 👍🏼
Thank you so much for talking about adding the shims! New info for me. It turned my 34c into the best DE safety razor I’ve used so far! Cheers!
Glad it helped! While it may not work for every razor in my (or your) collection, it really turns the Merkur 34c up a notch!
I don't quite understand the negative comments on this razor. I just got into DE razor wet shaving and the merkur 34c with green astra blades gives me a near perfect shave. I really don't see a reason to purchase anything else unless I want to collect or make it more of a hobby. This razor is fantastic and I love the 2 piece design and weight. It simply glides over my skin with no effort.
I think it could definitely be sold a bit cheaper in price, but agree with your statement. Unless you have thick skin and stubble, this is an excellent razor to use. After shimming, it definitely takes it a step up in aggression but keeps it completely manageable. People talk about the handle being too small but I don't find it to be a problem at all. While I prefer a 3 piece razor for the ease of cleaning/breakdown and portability (I use a FrugalShave travel tin for my 3 piece razors), I totally see this as a great starting razor as well as a daily driver for even seasoned wet shavers. If I had to mention a con, it would be the blades supplied with it. Not a fan of those, at all. Not in the Merkur or any of my other razors, haha. Astra's definitely work though! My preference (in no particular order) for DE blades is mainly Gillette Nacet, Voskhod, and Bic Chrome Platinum blades.
I agree.
Even with a sharp blade this razor is too mild for me. Its because not all skin type are the same. I get very good shaves with the razorock gamechanger.84 razor
Very cool! Awesome to learn about the razor and to see a good beginner option. Great review 👍
Thank you for explaining the use of shims - I'm relatively new to safety razor shaving - for almost 40 years I've been a cartridge razor and/or electric razor shaver but about a month ago figured I'd try to shave with a DE safety razor. It does take more time (than a couple minutes in the shower with a cartridge) but the results (for me at least) are better and it's more satisfying. Jury is still out as far as the economics as I have RAD (Razor Acquisition Disease) and I've spent probably more than I really needed to but when I get into a "hobby" I usually start in the deep end money wise ;-). The Merkur 34c is near the top of my list to acquire over the next few months - we'll see how well it does compared to the others in my "shave drawer" currently...
An excellent video. I enjoyed hearing about this razor and also learned what blade gap and blade exposure are, terms that I’ve heard repeatedly on shaving videos, none of which explained what they meant. Thank you.
You’re welcome! Thanks for watching :)
I missed out on trying out the Merkur 34C when I started shaving. It would have been so much better.
Hello, I have the same kit, and it's more stable if you put the head and tail of the razor to opposite direction when you insert to the case.
I'll definitely try that next time. Thanks for the tip!
Very good job done!
At some point I'll probably jump in. Since I only trim around my beard, right now I'm using disposables. Some day, perhaps. :) If I do, I'll definitely jump in right here.
Stay tuned and you're going to see how a DE razor blade like this one works to remove and shape a beard ;)
@@DailyCarrySolutions I lost my 34C in a move… had to buy another one. I have razors ranging in price from $8-$185 and this razor still has the most intuitive cutting angle. Like you either have or you don’t. Perfectly balanced and weighted and tbh I would pay to have the 34C razor made in titanium. I’m starting to prefer lighter weighted razors for better pressure control
Is there a video on how to make the shims?
Is mekur 23C exactly like the 34C except that it has a longer handle or are there other differences in terms of quality, grip and closeness of shave?
I'm a newbie so looking for something good that won't cause a lot of cuts when trying to shave.
This was the first DE razor that I purchased after years. The 34C has horrible blade alignment. It is hard to correct when tightening down.Get a Rockwell 2C instead for $30.Why would anyone try to 'fix' a bad razor?There are so many superior option out there for the same price!
Hi Twidget - I'm sorry to hear that you had issues with blade alignment. I own a 6C and 6S and can attest to the fact that they are great, so I'm sure the 2C is good too. The 34c I own has been perfectly fine from day 1 and I've not experienced blade alignment issues of any kind whatsoever, but than again, my Fatip is perfectly fine too and you hear about similar alignment issues with their razors as well. At this price range if there are issues with quality control, the item can always be sent back instead of just keeping it.
My sole issue with recommending a Rockwell as a first razor is that the head/baseplate are just way too tall which makes detail work (like adjusting a mustache instead of shaving it) a very difficult task. It's still a great razor though, and with plate 5 I get tremendous shaves out of them both. Alternatively, if I had to choose a great first razor, I'd reach for the Razorock MJ90 with the A plate addition. It brings 2 plates (standard and 'A' plate which is more aggressive), the head/baseplate are both aluminum and the handle is stainless steel - all for under $30 from ItalianBarber.com.
In fact, I still use the MJ90 to this day even though its not a 'newer' razor to market. Again, never had blade alignment issues but I always check prior to shaving, and clean them once finished. Happy shaving and thanks for taking a moment to express your feedback on the Merkur.
@@DailyCarrySolutions Over the past few years I've returned to DE shaving. I didn't know where to start and the old razors I'd used were gone. So I've tried several (at great expense!) and the Rockwells are either 2 or 6 in one(2C vs 6C) or 6S. The base plates are a bit thick but I can manage that. I recently bought a Rockwell T2 adjustable butterfly razor. No good reason for it, I just wanted one! I like it but I can't say I prefer it to my 6C or 6S.
Trying different safety razors is like dating different women.
haha - thats a great analogy, but the destination is worth the journey! in DE shaving I really found its so much more complicated. For me, it's the right razor, right blade, right soap and splash. Once I found that synergy I started looking forward to shaving, and for something to be video-worthy on an EDC/knife channel, that's saying alot :) I prefer the non-adjustable versions because (like my knives) I like breaking them down to clean between shaves, and it's much more difficult to do with an adjustable. If you ever feel like trying some different soaps, drop me a message and I can send some smooshes over to you, no charge. PS - I actually did a video for The Razor Company's TH-cam channel on the Rockwell 6S, which is why I don't have that review on here ;) go check it out!
@@eminusipi
Are you using lasers for your blade alignment?
I’m looking for a good Travel case for Merkur 34C
Cool video
Thanks David!
Very nice
Where did you buy that Travel Case?
Thanks for watching g! It looks like the place I purchased mine from no longer carry’s it, so I’d recommend purchasing it from Merkur here (looks like it’s currently about $10):
merkurshave.com/merkur-replacement-part-empty-razor-case-fits-short-handle-razor-models-progress-570-34-37/
I found it to short…, returned it to retailer
Totally understandable - at home I rarely use razors that have this short of a handle, but find it to be perfect when traveling. Which razor did you end up with instead? These days, I’m using a Karve Overlander with a 3.25” handle along with some Feather blades. Awesome shave :)
I using my Safety safety razor for 6 months
I love it - taking a good shower after a long day and getting a good shave before bed is something I’ve really looked forward to after picking up a DE razor like the Merkur 👍🏼
Hot water will sterilize it as well and if you use some soap water and then hot water (not boiling) it will sterilize it.