Merkur 33C Classic Safety Razor - No Blades Included

Having been using a "cut throat" razor with replacable blade for almost 2 years now, I decided to try a milder DA razor for faster daily shaving and to try something different.The Merkur 33c does give a very mild shave. I would say it is perfect for begginers. In that respect I give it 5 stars. However if you have been using DA shavers for a while, I would suggest something a bit more aggressive. Personally I wanted a mild shave to speed things up on a daily basis, while if I want a very close shave, I will be using my cut throar razor. While there is always a small "risk" for small nicks with a cut throat, with the Merkur it is almost impossible to get nikcs. Always shave with the grain though for the first pass at least and if you are new to DA shaving, take your time. The benefits of DA shaving is that you will get to understand your facial hear growth much better. Rashes and in-growth hair will also become a thing of the past. At least that is my experience. That said, if you go up to 3 passes with the Merkur, it is very capable of producing a very smooth shave. On first pass it still is acceptable for a quick result and to be ready for the day.As for value I give it 4 stars. The quality is there, but remains to be seen if it will sustain the test of time and not break, as a lot of the cheaper options do,as the thread of the head usually breaks off. Remeber not to overtighten the head and also put a drop of oil on the thead itself. If the razor last for many years I will be very happy indeed.Good shaves!UPDATE: 18 MONTHS+This razor has been my daily driver for more than 18 months now and it is holding up very well. I am rinsing, dismantling and wiping it after each shave and leave it dismantled to dry until next shave. It only takes a couple of minutes and the razor looks and shaves like new. Very happy and I do not see any reason to "upgrade".

I switched to DE shaving mainly due to cost and the fact I hated throwing out plastic razors. At first, the quality of the shave was less than that with a BIC disposable, less comfortable, and took longer. But once I developed a sense and muscle memory to maintain the correct angle, and my skin got used to using a different razor, my shave is now better quality, vastly more comfortable and quicker than a disposable razor can provide.The 33C is a mild razor, which offers me the best of both worlds. I can shave with one pass for a quick and socially acceptable shave for work, or do another pass or two to get a much closer shave. I have yet to cut myself with the razor, it seems a bit difficult to do. Use of the correct shaving soap/cream is vital for DE shaving to be comfortable and irritation free, and I do notice a difference in how my skin feels/how the tiny amount of stuble left feels beteen different soaps.

I bought this razor 12 years ago as an introduction to double edged shaving, and its still going strong today. I've never needed to replace it. It gives a mild shave which is quite adequate for me, and has never caused soreness or nicks. Its also neat enough to pack away for travel, and has been with me to India, China, USA and Canada. It can take any double edged razor blades (I currently use BIC), and can be cleaned and polished up by soaking in lemon juice for a while then rising and polishing. Altogether an excellent, practical everyday razor, and for me an old friend. I would highly recommend it.

I bought this DE razor with the intention of shaving my head and neck. I was using a straight edge razor (cut throat type) in combination with a cartridge razor to shave my head but was finding it quite difficult to get an even shave and the cost to replace the cartridges was high.Having had experience with 'real' razor blades and how sharp they are has made using this DE razor really easy to use. It feels really well made and it all fits together tightly.I would agree with others that have mentioned that the shave is very mild, however it is perfectly adequate for my head and neck.I experienced no nicks or cuts with this razor and I would suggest those that have, have a poor pre-shave routine.

I have got used to using this razor now and really enjoy shaving with it. I usually get 6 shaves per blade and they always feel good. The shaves are fairly close. Had no nicks with the razor yet, so I think my technique is improving.I have replaced the short handle with a medium length handle which works for me.I would recommend this razor to anyone.

As a previous sufferer of quite severe acne, I wanted to be extremely careful with which razor I chose. This razor coupled with the Astra Superior Platinum blades makes for a very comfortable shave.I love the ease with which it glides over the skin however this did take a couple of attempts to get used to. A fair warning for anyone coming from a cartridge razor where you are used to hacking away at your face: minimal pressure is necessary, I'm talking just the weight of the razor is enough to ensure a good shave.Getting a good shave is not the quickest of processes, I would say, as precision is necessary to avoid cuts and also some people like to soften the hair with moisture before shaving - something I found helps with razor rash but again adds to the time.To conclude, this is a wonderful razor - there is no doubt about that; bare in mind that it may not necessarily be conducive with your lifestyle if you find yourself rushing and not being able to make time for things like shaving. The take home message here is it is a wonderful five star product for sure however just because it suits me and many others doesn't mean it will suit you. I would have a good long think about whether you really want to change up your shaving style before you invest in the kit.