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* Merkur Classic Safety Razor, Straight-#178- Made in Germany * An Extra Close Shave! * Merkur High Quality Shaving * Chrome Finish Sturdy Razor * Straight Edge for a Luxurious Shave * Made in Germany The Merkur Safety Razor has a chrome finish. Its double edge design provides a very close shave. Its comfortable handle is designed for a non-slip grip. The safety razor has a straight edge especially great for an extra close shave. Blade replacement is so easy - simply turn the knob on bottom of handle turns to screw or unscrew head. Comes with one stainless steel razor blade. Made in Germany. Razor 3" in length. Merkur Replacement Blades available.
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Technical Details
- An Extra Close Shave!- Merkur High Quality Shaving
- Chrome Finish Sturdy Razor
- Straight Edge for a Luxurious Shave
- Made in Germany
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By D. C. Froburg (Haverhill, MA)
After about a month shaving with the #178, I've only noticed a few drawbacks:
The handle is a bit short, if you've large hands, I would suggest you consider getting the #180, which is the same basic no-frills design, just a longer handle. I would say I have slightly smaller than average hands for a guy, and if I had the chance to order again, I would go with the longer handle. The posture you'll need to use the razor is a bit different than a disposable, but easy to get used to. The overall weight is good, heavier than a disposable system razor, but if you want something hefty, look for the HD models, which are a good deal heavier.
Also, be sure to get a stand to hang the razor when not in use, as its generally not a great idea to have the razor's edge so close to a hard surface, as it would be if you just laid the razor down on a counter.
The #178 has a lot of great points though:
A rugged design, all stainless. Changing razors is a breeze, and with the screw down mechanism, you can feel confident the blade is not shifting, nor going anywhere. I would say that the learning curve switching from a modular disposable razor is short and easy to deal with. The available replacement blades are all generally sharper than in the disposables, but the design of the #178 allows for some lee-way, you're not going to cut yourself as long as you use deliberate strokes and take your time.
I personally would recommend getting some Derby Extra DE blades "Derby Extra" Stainless Steel Double Edge Razor Blades, I find they are better than the Merkur blade that comes included, but that's another review. Just know that there is a wide range of replacement blades, and it could mean the difference between a slightly better than average shave, and an exceptional shave.
By Neil (Northern Virginia)
I've been using this razor for about a year and a half. This is the same razor as the 34C (not sure why they use two model numbers for the same razor).
When I first started shaving in the 1970's I used a Gillette adjustable safety razor. When I went off to college I was given a Gillette cartridge razor and was told this was "new and better". It's too bad that it's taken me all these years to figure out that the "old" safety razors are better in virtually all respects to the "modern" expensive cartridge razors.
A few things to keep in mind. After using something like a Mach 3, switching to the Merkur HD will take a week or so to get used to. You must be more careful using a classic razor as it is easier to cut your face by accident. However, with a little bit of practice you will get shaves so close you won't believe it's possible with this circa 1904 technology. Trust me, it's true. You will get the best shave of your life.
Here are some tips. Use a good razor blade. I recommend the "Derby Extra". They are very, very good; not too aggressive, just right. I find that one out of 40 blades or thereabouts I get a lousy shave. Probably a manufacturing glitch. Each blade lasts me about 6 shaves. You can buy a pack of 100 blades for about $14 or $15 on Amazon.com. So your total cost in blades for a whole year is about $7 to $8.
Also, buy yourself a good "super badger" shaving brush and some Taylor of Old Bond shaving cream. After you finish shaving rinse your face with cold water and finish by running an Alum Block (Bloc Osma is great) on your face. After a month or so of using these products your skin will look fantastic.
By Pavel Sorokin (Seattle, WA)
I've used a number of shaving systems: electric shavers (higher-end Braun and Norelco/Philips) and, of course, the ubiquitous multi-blade cartridge razors from Gillette. I was never completely happy because I would nearly always get ingrown hairs and irritated skin on my neck. Also, for some reason it was all but impossible to shave the neck clean (there always were some hairs left on the neck after shaving, no matter how hard I tried). Using irritation-fighting skin creams didn't help a bit. Enter a double-edge Merkur razor... It took me about 2 weeks to get used to the new way of shaving. I did cut myself a few times during that time, especially when I tried to shave in a hurry (never do that with a razor like this!) Now, about 3 weeks later, I'm very happy. I can get a really smooth shave, closer than I've ever had, including in the "problem" areas like the neck. So, no more Mach 3 cartridges for me! I do spend more time shaving now, but hey, I enjoy it, and I know it'll be the time well spent! Now, a few words about the Merkur Classic. It's an extremely well-built razor, pretty heavy, with a great non-slip handle. It feels good just to hold it, unlike those modern plasticky shiny Gillette handles. And as any good tool, it "disappears" in your hand when you shave. I highly recommend this product. Happy shaving!
By Jonathan Mahoney (Middle Tennessee, USA)
I've been using this razor for about 4 years now. I went from using a Mach 3 with standard shaving gel at the sink to shaving with this (usually with Gillette blades) and Shave Secret shaving oil in the shower. A few observations:
*Pros:
-I went from having a constant red razor burn rash on my neck to basically blemish free skin. I attribute this to GREATLY reduced irritation from shaving. I actually enjoy shaving now. This in and of itself makes this a worthy purchase in my eyes.
-I can and do shave against the grain with this thing, but only after making a first pass with the grain.
-Blades are incredibly cheaper. 10 blades for $5-10 dollars instead of 8 blades for $15. They last longer as well, which makes it an even better deal. I usually get about a month out of each of my blades.
*Cons:
-Learning curve is a bit steeper. You have to train yourself to vary how you hold the razor to follow the curves of your face, the razor won't do it for you. I cut myself the first few times shaving with it. Get a good styptic pencil, and maybe some hydrocortison cream.
-After 4 years of using it in the shower mostly and not drying it off before storing it head down, the chrome has started to flake a bit on the top curved portion. I did ding that part up a little by dropping it a while back, so I'm going to say that's mostly my fault. Still, it's worth noting.
-Don't go really cheap on blades. You can get a pack of 10 for around $3. Don't do it. Trust me. Your face will curse you if you do.
*Bottom line: I'm getting another Murkur razor to replace this one, possibly with a long handle. There's no way I'm going back to the latest fades in shaving. One blade is truly better than 3. Or 4. Or 5. Or 27...
By Vidhyashankar Kannan (India)
After reading so many positive reviews on this razor, I decided to get one and found out that I was lucky to get the Merkur HD. The #178 is the model number given in another part of the globe. This is the same as the Merkur HD or 34c.
The razor is made with precision and finesse. It is so heavy that it shaves with just its weight gliding down the face. Very sturdy and it looks all set to last a lifetime.
The shaves itself are so close that some care has to be taken initially as there is a little learning curve. But it is a beautifully balanced razor. Excellent product!
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