Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor
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List Price: Our Price: $30.78 You Save: $6.22 (17%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Health Care See more product details |
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Customer Reviews of Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor
Customer Review: Been using it for more than 4 years.
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had a Merkur Long Classic now for more than 4 years. I was a convert from electric shavers (which I had used since my teens). I went on my honeymoon and forgot my electric shaver. As a resort, I went to the grocery and picked up a cheapo plastic razor and some cheap shaving cream... And I was really impressed. Eventually, I tried to find out if other products were better. I was faced with replacing the microfoil on my electric, and decided to go the wet-shave route. Prices on big-name products really discouraged me. I couldn't see myself spending all that money on those 2, 4, even 5 blade Gillette and Schick products.
I did a bit of research and found that old-fashioned wet-shavers often preferred the traditional (original) Gilette-styled razor that you see here. Until I researched it, I never know that such products were still used, and I especially had never considered that there are so many fantastic shaving creams and brushes out there as well (though not in your local supermarket).
There is a small learning curve to using this product. You don't "rake" your face like you're whipping around a Mach-5. Wash your face, use plenty of water, lather up a quality soap or cream with a handmade badger brush, and shave in a way that makes in enjoyable - not just some daily chore. You'll be amazed at how a quality shaving cream is an eye-opener in the morning, and how a quality razor can give you a shave that's almost as close as a straight razor with no irritation.
You can buy replacement blades for as little as $1-$2 for 5 packs from your grocery, or order other brands online that might match your beard type. Everyone's face and beard are different. I buy my blades in bulk-packs of 100 for for fractions of what you'd pay for the 5-blade store brands, and I get a perfect shave every time. Try a few different brands of blades and I am sure that you'll find one that is perfect for you.
Customer Review: Perfect razor for Women, too!
Summary: 5 Stars
This razor is amazing and very attractive to boot!
I had another razor purchased from Amazon, a Weishi, but it was all wrong. Unlike that product, this razor has smooth edges all over, perfect for a lady who wishes to shave in small places (don't make me explain) where an exposed edge would potentially cut, maim, or cause severe bodily injury...or at the very least catch me off guard. After the other product broke (a couple months after purchase!), I spent the extra few bucks to go with this model. Wish I had done it much, much sooner.
The weight balance is perfect, I do not have to press down on my skin when shaving my legs (as I do at a nearly horizontal angle), and the weight of the razor adds the perfect amount to get the closest shave. I've cut myself exactly one time using this razor, on the knee. It was not even a bad cut.
The razor blade is replaced by unscrewing the handle from the top, which I do by holding the short sides of the razor firmly. It's easy and painless.
The included razor blade is of unmatched quality. I have used it for a couple months and it is still sharp and not rusted.
The shave is close and accurate. On very densely populated areas (or, very hairy, lol? ew?), I may have to shave twice over with the original blade still in it, but considering the amount of time I've spent using it, that's hardly a set back. I've not experienced ingrown hairs or any other problematic symptoms of shaving intimate areas with this razor.
The main reason to buy one of these, though, is for the cost savings. Even with new blades, they cost so much less than the mainstream razor brands it is not even funny! And imagine how much less waste is generated from the use of razors like this, over disposables. I switched over for life and no plans to switch back.
The only thing it is lacking is a razor case for travel. Other than that, perfect, as far as sharp object go!
Customer Review: Goodbye razor bumps.
Summary: 5 Stars
If you've been raised on Mach 3's or 5's or other disposable type cartridge razors, this is a great razor to step up your game with. Can't really compare this product to other similar safety razors since it's my first of this sort, but I can say that it does its job and does it well. There is a learning curve however, but once you get in enough practice shaving becomes more of a joy than a chore.
The best effect I've seen from this product, besides a wonderfully close shave, has been a near total elimination of razor bumps and irritation from my neck area. I have what you might call "ethnic" hair in the sense that my hair can be extremely curly and frizzy, which has in the past meant that all the razors I ever used would only PUSH rather than CUT my hair down back under my skin whenever I shaved. The result would be an almost constant irritation and acne on my neck, a bothersome and neverending problem which would leave me going days without shaving out of a simple wish to spare myself the grief. With this razor I no longer have this problem, due to the simple physics of how single-bladed razors work as well as the fact that I can now afford to swap out my blades for new ones after only 2 or 3 shaves. With my old Gillette Fusion I would sometimes go WEEKS before swapping razor heads just because the cartridges were so expensive. Not very healthy.
My best advice, if you're going to buy this product shop around for the right kinds of blades that fit your particular tastes, and invest in some good shaving cream like Proraso Classic Shaving Cream With Eucalyptus Oil & Menthol and a nice shaving brush. If you're going to buy a Mercedes there's no point in filling it with cheap gas.
Customer Review: The Best Shave
Summary: 5 Stars
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...
Customer Review: Who says it's just the blade and not the razor?
Summary: 5 Stars
A few days ago I had, quite by accident, dropped my old safety razor (S.R.) and the head snapped off. It was a Parker. I am aware that these are not the best, but I didn't want to have much money invested in an S.R. if I was not sure if I would like it or not. It also came with 100 7 a.m. blades, so how could I lose? 3 years later, I still love using an S.R. and will not willingly go back to using a cartridge razor.
As I was writing, the head popped off of my old S.R. and I needed to buy a new one. I searched all over to find a brick-and-mortar building that I could purchase one from, but to no avail. Saying that, I was forced to buy some cartridges to use and decided to order a new S.R. off of Amazon.com. The package arrived very quickly, in not even 2 days, and came to my doorstep in good condition. It came with a free trial razor-blade by Merkur, as well, which I have not used yet because I still have a lot of 7 a.m. blades to use, but from previous experience they are very good blades.
On to the product itself. It has great balance, and the long handle allows for better maneuverability. This also allows for a better shave. The balance of the weight puts more at the head so that it smoothly glides across the face due the weight of the head pushing down upon it. I can honestly say that there is a complete difference between the two S.R.s I have used and am very happy with this purchase. Don't take this the wrong way, though, I still enjoyed my Parker and it was a great training razor.
The razor is heavy, which I like, and seems to be very durable and should last a very long time.
I definitely recommend this purchase.