What feature(s) makes a Merkur razor a "safety" razor and how do they impact the quality of the shave?
464902
I think it's considered "safety" because of the rounded guard on top that keeps the blade angle near 30 degrees. This would be considered "safer" than the straight blade shave where the angle is MUCH harder to maintain and you are therefore much more likely to cut yourself. I shave with both and when I need a quicker shave, I go for the Merker safety razor. It only takes a few shaves to get used to it compared to the modern multi-blade (expensive) versions. I can shave just as quickly with it now as my old (expensive) Mach3 turbo. I still use my Feather artist club straight razor for the novelty of it, if I have time because it does take me longer with that. For me, the 3 razor styles mentioned ordered by speed of a nice, close shave would be: 1.) Modern (Mach3Turbo) 2.) Merker (safety) 3.) Feather straight razor. The fastest is clearly much more expensive though (blades). Being somewhat proficient with all 3 styles, I'd easily say this safety razor is my go-to daily razor for price, and speed. Closeness is not a factor because I can achieve a close shave with any of them. It's just a matter of how quickly I can do it. I don't care who you are, a straight razor across your adams-apple WILL make you slow down. LOL The shorter handle here took some getting used to but it really isn't an issue. It's just different. And cleaning these is MUCH easier than the multiblade ones. Hope this helps, and good luck. I don't think you can go wrong with this one.
464903
Safety is just the name of this style of double edged razors, there is not a safety feature of any kind on it. The quality of the shave is better in that there is no tugging or pulling as in the multi blade cartridge, and most importantly, these double edged safety razors are much more cost effective long term. This is why I made the switch a year ago, and am very happy.
464904
All double edged razors are (were) considered "safety razors" because they replaced, at the time of introduction, the straight razor. The safety razor exposed only a small amount of blade compared to the fully exposed straight razor. You can cut your throat with a straight razor but only do minimal damage with a safety razor. This ends the history lesson.
464905
This is a great product and you will save money not buying Gillette products. I use Derby replacement blades and they are affordable and consistent. Caveat: Be careful when shaving your upper lip. This razor is sharp and offers a great shave with Derby blades; however, you will get cut bad if you're careless.
1446095
I've used the Derby, but I like the Astra way better. It's just a much smoother shave for me. YMMV of course. I have 2 small kids, and a place to put the used blades is always a concern. You can get a "Blade Safe" for about $5 on Amazon. I know Feather makes one. All it is, is a small plastic box that cannot be opened. It has a slit in the top to put your used blades. It holds a couple hundred blades. After it's full, chuck it in your recycle container, and you're done.
151736
I have found the razor to give a wonderfully close shave but be sure to flush blade when you are shaving and after finishing. Because the blades are so close they seem to retain hair that once hard and in place can make the next shave rough. If you do flush completely they last as long or longer than two blade razors and many times closer than any electric I have ever used!
549958
This is a safety bar razor. This was my second DE razor and first time using a feather blade. This razor and blade combination left my face feeling slightly irritated.
1282615
I'm even more late, but thought I'd add my 2 cents. I have used two norelco rotary shavers, two Braun foil shavers and a Panasonic foil. Hands down the best shave is from the Panasonic. One of the Norelco's is my first electric razor purchased back in 1994 and still running like new - now that is quality construction. However the shave closeness is not as good compared to more recent shavers and takes forever. The other norelco is a much newer one, one of their recent nivea lotion models. I can get a good shave out of it, but it lacks in comparison to the Panasonic, not as close and takes much longer. The Braun's both performed excellently, but always left me with irritation, and sometimes good burns too. Both were self-cleaning synchro shavers. If you want strictly dry shaving, Braun is a good choice. Panasonic, a fully immersible wet/dry electric, I may have never used this razor dry, I can't remember so I won't comment on that. i prefer wet shaving with a quality soap or cream and brush, in the shower. It always gives me an almost blade close shave, without any irritation or most importantly bleeding. It never looses power when confronted with dense growth unlike the norelco's. If I have 2 days growth the norelco motor is audibly and sensibly effected. The Panasonic is unaffected It's motor plows through anything. I have loved my Panasonic ES8228S so much, but have decided to upgrade to the ES-LA93K. Will the Panasonic be up on ebay, like the fate of my other dis-guarded razors? HELL NO! I will keep it for a rainy day, change of pace, in case the 93k explodes or some other act of God takes it from me. I will continue to love my ES8228S for it's lifetime. Seriously guys, it's that good.
531013
Yes. I had a lot of issues with razor burn and bumps. I actually have two of these. A small for travel and a large for home. I won't be going back to Gillette style anytime soon.
1225971
The Merkur is heavy and has a quality feel. Unlike store bought razors, even with batteries, it has much of the weight in the head. This allows you to not have to pull the razor, just let it slide down your face almost at a right angle. Great razor and my first DE after 55 years of shaving. Bob
1065566
My girlfriend has borrowed my razor several times before (just make sure to switch blades, I've been told once a blade is used for body hair it will cut up the face) and we both noticed that she had much softer skin and a much closer shave. She did say it was harder to use than a normal razor, but she really liked how it didn't damage her skin at all.
467150
Hello, very sharp - not razor! There's the safety that's dependant on a thin "L" shaped unpainted latch that's weak, mine broke somehow when sitting. I can't do anything heavy, the metal handle made it a bit too much for me. Hope this helped, I loved the blade design!
2172168
That's the only downside. It doesn't slosh or anything. Ive actually switched over now and started using the Barbasol Shaving Cream safe now.... WAY sturdier and is more convincing.
1502857
Yes. A safety razor is designed so that you can not slice off a chunk of your cheek, an ear or a part of your nose.This can be done with a straight edged razor.COMPARATIVELY SPEAKING... it is safe.
1442731
The Apollo website says they have a lifetime guarantee. I own this razor and, if you want my advice, pay a bit more and get a Merkur Double-Edge Razor SV-05X. - I will say that the Apollo razor has a very nice handle, though.
1818091
The Edwin Jagger De89 is well balanced. I find it just aggressive enough and it works great on my course thick hair with feather blades.The Merkur Progress is adjustable and able to be more or less aggressive than this razor.Hopes this helps!
559426
From my own experience, I have only tried out on the Gillette fusion, and it works fantastic. It will work for most if not all of the replaceable cartridge type, but I don't know about the traditional safety blade or double sided blade. I would doubt that it would work with a safety razor by looking at the design.
2047531
The Mekur Future is an excellent razor with a few caveats. I have "sensitive" skin myself. I tried the Japanese Feather brand blades and found them "too sharp" or perhaps their profile is a bit too thin. A fraction of a millimeter in blade thickness can make a huge difference. I switched over to the USA Personna blades. I find them much more forgiving. Overall the Mekur is an excellent razor made of high quality materials. The key is to use a very slight pressure and take your time until you are familiar with it.
1073126
The razor itself will not cause ingrown hairs as it is the blade and technique that does the actual cutting. The best answer to buying any safety razor is to get a sample pack of blades to find the one that works best for you. Technique is a different matter. I would look at tutorials at either badgerandblade.com or theshaveden.com to guide you in that respect. One you find your stride the ingrown hairs will be a thing of the past.
1367267
the blades came with the razor. I ordered a kit to include the shaving mug and soap.The soap arrived broken and didn't make very good foam, the razor works as expected but, I never use it. I had the notion that this might be a very comfortable and satisfying shave. IT'S NOT! My face looked like I'd been in a knife fight. Any Gellette safety razor (I use the Fusion) will give you a very comfortable and safe shave. So much for the romantic days of Barber shops and razor strops. Order the blades with the razor, they are little half blades. They look like 1/2 the size of blades out of a safety razor. the blades came with the razor. I ordered a kit to include the shaving mug and soap.The soap arrived broken and didn't make very good foam, the razor works as expected but, I never use it. I had the notion that this might be a very comfortable and satisfying shave. IT'S NOT! My face looked like I'd been in a knife fight. Any Gellette safety razor (I use the Fusion) will give you a very comfortable and safe shave. So much for the romantic days of Barber shops and razor strops. Order the blades with the razor, they are little half blades. They look like 1/2 the size of blades out of a... » Read More the blades came with the razor. I ordered a kit to include the shaving mug and soap.The soap arrived broken and didn't make very good foam, the razor works as expected but, I never use it. I had the notion that this might be a very comfortable and satisfying shave. IT'S NOT! My face looked like I'd been in a knife fight. Any Gellette safety razor (I use the Fusion) will give you a very comfortable and safe shave. So much for the romantic days of Barber shops and razor strops. Order the blades with the razor, they are little half blades. They look like 1/2 the size of blades out of a safety razor. « Show Less