The Merkur 34c HD. A review and shave. 

Hey John. Great news and a terrific razor to try out first. You might try a selection pack of different razor blades to see which ones you like. I loved it when I first had a shave with a safety razor and I still love it. All the best on your journey 😀👍

Give us an update, mate! How has it been?

This is fantastic, Prentiss. The very video! Terrific mate and what a good razor to start your journey with. Thank you, mate - for watching and being a part of my shaving journey, on video. It has been and still is a lot of fun. Cheers👍

+Jeremy Vuozzo Thank you very much, Jeremy. In the end, mine was just a little too mild, which was a shame because I'd wanted one for a long time. Thanks for watching.

+Dirty Fingernails Hey, nice one. I'm glad your enjoying it; thank you very much for letting me know, I appreciate it. Cheers.

Thank you 😀

Excellent Lee. They are well liked. You don't often see one second hand so that proves how many people like them. Happy shaves to you 😃👍

I find that in my merkur 34c, one side of the blade protrudes out slightly farther than the other side. Is this just my razor? Or is this a trait of many safety razors?

+The Suffolk Shaver Thanks, Steve. It's nice that you noticed and commented. Much appreciated.

+Stephen Judge Nice one, Stephen. I do like those blades. Thanks for watching.

Nice one Andy. A true master! 😀

@@FriendshipShaving thanks Mark, going to try the feather blades tonight now the 34c is repaired!

Hey Mike, good price! You never can tell when a cheeky offer might work. On the other hand, I seem to insult people quite regularly by offering them a low price! 😊

Hi David, thank you for your kind compliment. I must admit I'm not always fully aware of pulling funny faces and stretching. It's like yoga for your face 😃 The videos show my own learning curve/progression and you'll see my technique change as I explore and settle into the two pass shave that I use. Every now and then, I will try something slightly different but I always try to make my shave enjoyable and never a chore - I had enough years of that. A big realisation for me was that 'with the grain' didn't necessarily mean down, on all areas of my face. It seems obvious written out like this but that was a big moment for me. Thanks for getting in touch. Have a good week 👍

+Mark O'Cain Do you know, I will, Mark. You're not the first person to suggest GSB's. I'm ordering now! Cheers. Thanks for getting in touch.

Excellent. It sounds like you had a great shave! 👍 I love that feeling. You can't beat it, when you have a nice blade, a nice razor and great products. Actually that is good advice regarding the 34c, I can see how it would be better with more growth. Take care, have a great week.

Excellent, Michael. It's a great feeling that I remember well. I still get a tremendous amount of enjoyment from my shave. I'm sorry it took a little while to get to you. Happy New Year. All the very best.

Thanks very much indeed. It's strange, that you can get a great shave with two entirely different types of blade. It's such a varied and interesting experience, finding the right razor and the right blade. Brilliant. Cheers 😃

Nice one! It is great when you get a razor that really suits you. I'm still the same Gazza, since I stopped using cartridge razors I look forward to shaving; that never happened before! I love experimenting with the different soaps and razor blades. Happy shaves my friend 👍

That sounds like a good deal to me, Niall and if you're getting better shaves than a Mach etc., then you're onto a winner, mate. I like being able to try all different razor blades, it makes having one razor seem like you've got a few razors because of the different blades. I think that made sense 😃 cheers.

Very nice!

Thank you very much. 😃 It reassures me that I'm on the right track when people let me know. I appreciate it. I hope your having a good weekend.

Thanks for the reply. I have a question. I am pretty new at this DE shaving experience. It makes sense to me to decrease the angle when shaving against the grain. Am I correct in this assumption? Thanks!

That's a very good question. I'm uncertain of the answer but I've never heard of anyone decreasing the angle to go against the grain, however if it works for you then don't change it 🙂 Perhaps you've seen my recent video, where I use the pencil and a box to demonstrate the correct angle on a straight razor. The same applies to a razor blade, so it could be argued that by reducing the angle, say moving it from 30 degrees to 20 degrees, you are moving the blade edge passed it's optimum cutting angle, as it becomes more square to the face, thereby increasing the amount of friction, which could cause more irritation.

Thanks for the response. I found an interesting article related to my question and thought I would share it with you. I don't know if its information is entirely correct, but I do know that decreasing the angle makes shaving against the grain much easier for me. Take a look at the drawing at the bottom of this article. It actually recommends starting on the first pass with the grain at 30 degrees, then across the grain at 15 degrees, and lastly against the grain at 5 degrees. I am going to try this tomorrow as I have already shaved today. I will let you know how it works for me. I think different methods work for some and not others. As you said a person needs to find what works for them. www.shaving-shack.com/blog/shaving-against-the-grain-do-or-dont/

Thank you for sending me that link. It's very interesting and I have realised that I got myself a bit confused in the last comment I made: increasing the friction and making the blade more square to the face would be increasing the angle! I'm sorry about that, I'm tired. Do you know I think I'll give it a try tomorrow. I would say, it will be very difficult to judge a 15 degree angle and part of what I said before is still true; you are changing the optimum cutting angle. Anyway, I'll try tomorrow. Cheers.

I wouldn't want to take my vintage razors on the road. I'm loving my Bakelite Merkur 45; it's a new (ish) one, so it's not vintage and I think it would make a great travel razor. You might get a used one cheap on eBay. I think the shave is phenomenal. Cheers.

I've not used the 99R. In fact I've had very little experience with Parker razors apart from the 90R, which was my first de razor. It was okay but the blade didn't quite sit centrally and it bugged me. The 99R is quite a heavy razor, I bet it feels good in the hand. I can't help you, really. Are you thinking of getting one?

I just got the Merkur 34c off of Amazon and it arrived just in time for Christmas. I have to say I'm quite pleased with the results I got from both the razor and the blade it came with. I now suspect that the almost universally disliked Van der Hagen blades are re-branded Timor as that company also boasts their product is ice-tempered and is made in Germany. I have a sampler package of blades that I got through the blade exchange at Badger and Blade forum, that includes Gillette Silver Blue, Feather Hi-New Stainless, and PolSilver Super Iridium. I can't wait to try my Astra Superior Platinums out in the Merkur! I had no nicking or irritation with the 34c, which is awesome. I chalk this up to the wider gap between the blade edge and comb, the weight of the handle, and the curvature of the blade when fitted into the razor. I had struggled between the Merkur 34c and the Parker 99R, but since Amazon had the former for $27 and no S/H, I couldn't resist the deal.

Your new 34c arrived at the perfect time. Happy shaves 🙂 I now know not to buy either Van Der Hagen or Timor blades! Thanks for the tip.

My first safety razor is a Muhle R89 and I've got 5 Astra Superior Platinums + 10 Derby Extra blades. (+1 Muhle blade that came with the razor lol). I have two 100 blade packs coming. One is Astra Platinum, and one is Feather Blades. the feathers.... made in Japan. I love the feel of astras with my R89, so far..... very comfortable... even tried it dry, on my cheeks and moustache. No lather and it didnt tug/irritate at all, even without any water/lather

Oh no! And I'm not even sure what a spigot is 😂 Seriously though, for the money you paid, eighteen years ago, that is good value. I hope the super glue worked.

@@FriendshipShaving haha, I suppose the threaded post which attaches the blade cover down through the razor handle would have been a better description! Glue seems to have been successful.

+The Suffolk Shaver I thought about unscrewing it a little but it seems a little counter intuitive. I'm not sure I trust it to work. Have you tried it?

Yes the second time I used my Baili t.t.o razor,it went from a really mild razor to a more aggressive razor (more blade expossure).

+The Suffolk Shaver I'll definitely try that then. Nice one. Thanks, Steve.

Thank you Zac. There are so many to choose from now, that it is quite difficult to make a choice, however Gillette's KCG razor, is very cheap and a lovely shave although it does have a heavy handle. Strangely, on the Gillette website, they have it in the beard trimming part. If they have an offer on, it is definitely worth trying. Other than that I would choose the Edwin Jagger DE89. Stunning.😁

Nice. Aggressive for the week, and a rest at the weekend 😀 I'll have to bring out the 34C again soon. Cheers.

I love your comment - Sometimes I make a mistake but it has never been the razor's fault. Very nicely put 😃👍

The only thing I need to work on is my lather . I was using a boar brush but was not getting the best lather . Now I have a super badger , omg . What a difference. Now I have to much lather . It gets all over the place ! Lol all I need to do is put a little cream on it .

Brilliant. It's all good fun. I must admit I'm not a boar fan either.

+WolfRanger2008 That's good advice, thanks. I don't have a Schick but I know a lot of people swear by them. I have a few SE's that I like to use now and again. I might try one of those for the time being. Do you use a straight razor?

Love it!! I didn't know about no animal testing. Nice one. Yes, those Feathers are a fantastic blade, especially in a mild razor. In fact I'll have to use one soon. It has been a while. Cheers

+Κωνσταντίνος Αναγνώστου Thank you very much. I'm not much help; I have never used a Merkur 933. Let me know if you want to be in the draw. Then if you win, you'll have tried the 34c for free.

Thank you very much. Of course I'll let you know. Love your reviews and the easy relaxed way of yours. Looking forward to more great reviews...

Of course I want to be in the draw

Hi Joel. My apologies for taking so long to reply. I lost your comment, for a while. No, I don't think the 34c would be a step up from the VdH. It is very well made and a very comfortable shave indeed, but I found it to be incredibly mild. Maybe milder than your VdH.

I found that the Mühle R89 which is the same head as the Jagger DE89 to be a little more aggressive (efficient) than the 34c but the Mühle R106, which has a heavier acrylic handle, rather than the hollow metal one that comes with the R89, is a touch more efficient again. In fact it a brilliant razor and one of my favourites! I don't know what handle the Jagger DE89 had, off the top of my head, but I have the R89/R106 in my den, so that's why I've concentrated on them. To answer your question though - I did borrow a DE89 ages ago and it is better than the 34c, in my opinion 😃👍 I hope this helps. Cheers.

@@FriendshipShaving thanks for all this wonderful insight.. aside from my father in-law giving me some pointers I'm a little in the dark....kinda new to the scene tbh just started wet shaving just shy of a month now..thanks for the great vids keep em up and I'll be sure to master this shaving thing one day😁

I'm not sure about that Taylor 🙂👍 Thank you for watching. All the best.

+MrEkg98 Hi, Wiiliam. Thank you for posing an interesting question. I'm intrigued to know a little more about your 1940's gold razor. If you care to, it would be great if you joined the Friendship Shaving Facebook group and posted a picture. I was disappointed by my Merkur 34c. I know it is a terrific razor and it is often in people's top five but, for me, it was just too mild a shave. However, it would probably suit someone who had really sensitive skin and was particularly prone to razor burn etc. Although the head is supposed to be the same, I found my Merkur 33c to be excellent. I have never tried a DE89. They are, like the 34c, reputedly a very good razor and have been around a long time, now. They do seem to get great reviews and come with a variety of handle options. I have just seen one pre-used, in excellent condition on eBay, listed at £5.50. They're only about £24 new. I wouldn't pay more than £10 for a used one in excellent condition. There is so much choice. It's really hard for me to say, but you've obviously done your research. Sorry I can't be more help. Cheers Mark

I found out its a Gillette. Looks exactly like this one but is gold plated. www.razoremporium.com/1947-51-gillette-de-ball-end-tech-safety-razor-factory-nickel/

+MrEkg98 Very nice indeed. 👍

Great razor. I love the Feather blades. Seriously there are so many good razor blades. I love a Voskhod.

Yep! I love the Astras (Astra Superior Platinum), I don't like supporting Russia myself, but those are some awesome blades.. and 10€ per 100 blades. Insane value.

What is wrong with supporting Russia? Moreover, it is even made by American company P&G. Politics is dirt, we are all humans

+gabithemagyar I think they are the same head.

I started into DE 3 months ago, with a Wilkinson classic and a merkur futur. And a cheap straight razor. I know that I need time to improve my my technique, but Maybe because all all these razor reviews am considering to purchase the 34 or the 38 or the DE89. I know the right choice is subjective and personal but any thoughts on what the right decision should be? also I see critiques to these mild razors in the sense that is required endless passes for a reasonable shave and that progressive razors like the futur are more recommended for beginner since it offers more aggressiveness options. Any comments on this. Love your videos specially the how to videos, looking forward for new ones Also a video on cleaning and hygiene of the equipment would be helpful. All the best Eduardo

Thanks for writing Eduardo. You have two great razors in the Wilkinson Sword Classic and the Merkur Futur. Very good choices. I've not used the Merkur 38 but I found the Metkur 34c to be much too mild. I couldn't feel where the blade was. I personally like the DE 89 as the better razor. I find with a razor that is too mild I have to make repeated passes to pick up all the stubble, this can cause soreness, obviously you are still running a blade over your skin. The Futur adjustable razor gives you all the options to find the shave that suits you. I'm really pleased you like my videos. Thank you for your suggestion and I will make a video on the cleaning and hygiene of equipment. If you have any other ideas for 'How To' please let me know. Take care, thanks for watching and taking the time to get in touch. Best regards Mark

@@FriendshipShaving Hi Mark, thank you for the kind words DE89 is in already in my list for next month, tks. As for suggestions for next videos, this is what I would like to have views: - I understand (and like) that you have to review different material & products for your youtube channel, but as a shaver do you prefer to own all those different products of do you keep faithful to one single razors, brush and soap.  If you own tons of products and like to vary between them how do you manage to use them all and how do you improve your technique with different products  I am buying tons of material (it’s sad that there aren’t more sample packs) to try everything but the end goal is to own and use the minimum as possible. - More videos about the shaving basics - Tutorial on how to use scuttles + advantages / disadvantages - Tutorial to avoid razor burns, nicks and cuts - Video for beginners comparing different blades and for witch razors or shaves are more recommend to be used. - Review of the razorine (or similar tha exists in Europe) - Tutorial for people like me that work at 5AM and have no more than 10 minutes to shave - also for people with sensitive skins how many passages do you recommend for people who shave daily - Comment other techniques (mistakes or different techniques) - Ask your followers send videos of themselves shaving so you can comment those Sorry about that, but just started 2 months ago in this type of shaving and after I found your videos I have learned a lot. But I still have tons of doubts and questions. All the best Eduardo

I don't have mine anymore but, no - I didn't have that issue with the Merkur 34c, at all. To be honest, I've not heard of it before now.

+Chris James Thanks Chris. How do you find yours? I am always looking for recommendations to try, although I'm on a limited budget, and do my best by looking for sales and looking on eBay. I was very lucky to have the 34c sent to me, so I could try it. Thanks for watching.

Friendship Shaving executive shaving have a razor, though you can buy the head separately. It's between the R89/34c and R41 in aggression. It's about £15 for the head. Together with the stainless steel handle it is £40.00. I have had couple of issues with the head but ES have been good with replacing it.

+Chris James That sounds pretty good, Chris. I'll have a look at that. Thanks very much. Stainless steel handle too 😃

Friendship Shaving it's called the braveheart and no I don't work for ES :D

+Chris James Are you sure? 😜It looks good.

Good day, Naaveen. The Merkur 34c is definitely not a collectors razor, but a very well made, mild razor designed for everyday use. A lot of fellows really like this razor, but it was just a little mild for me. I hope this helps.

Thanks so much.

I have just shaved with the new Gillette - KCG razor. It has a shave very like the 34c and has a heavy handle; it's a very nice razor that is selling for a very good price. I will review it next Friday, but it might be a good razor for you. I just thought to mention it 🙂

@@FriendshipShaving 👍🙏thanks for your help. However I doubt those are available here in Mumbai, India. However I am able to get the 34 C and G models. 👍

+samfisheristhebest Hi Sam. I don't have my 34c anymore but, if I did, showing a handle being screwed and unscrewed won't solve your problem. It would be easier if you were able to post a link, to a video, showing your razor and the threads on the handle. Then someone might be able to see what the issue is. I haven't got my 34c anymore. If you have another razor, you could see if that handle fits the Merkur head. Unless it's a vintage razor they should have the same threads. Good luck.

Do you mean in terms of effectiveness (aggression)? I don't think it would be. The 34c is a well made razor but it is incredibly mild. The Van dear Hagen, I understand is much like a Weishi razor so a step up from that might be the Lupo or Game Changer.84 from RazoRock or the Yaqi Flipside head, perhaps which is very inexpensive.

I don't have either of them now but I much prefered the 33c. Dump the 34c 😃

Andy P Honestly Andy, I don't know. I have never used an EJ DE89 although I am aware they have a very good name. You might try searching Google to see if the 23c has the same head as the 34c. I suspect they might. For myself the 34c, even though it gave a good shave was too mild. Have you thought of something like the Parker Variant or a restored Gillette Slim/Fatboy. Then you can adjust the setting to get the shave you prefer. I hope this helps. Kind regards - Mark.

The EJ will be a bit more aggressive than the 34c. Lots of people say that the 34c is Mild. while the EJ is closer to a Med Aggressive.

It us a vintage Rubberset 400. There are lots of copies of this brush in production but this one is from the 1950's

I don't think I have ever used one, Dmitriy but Merkurs have an excellent name and have been making razors for a very long time, indeed. I'm sure it will be excellent.

Hi, thanks for getting in touch. In my opinion, this razor would be a little mild for trimming and shaping your beard. There are better razors, that are still mild but are more effective. I would recommend an Edwin Jagger DE89; it is inexpensive but good quality or perhaps one of the Yaqi razors from AliExpress- they are very well priced. There is no need to go with a cut throat, but if you fancy going down that route you might try a shavette; they can very inexpensive and take a normal razor blade. You could work up to a cut throat in time. I hope this helps a little bit 👍

Friendship Shaving thanks for your efforts much appreciated.

Yes, I think it would be.

Great. I hope you like it as much as I liked this one. 👍

What's your 2 year review?

@@DanielGrosu86 merita 100% … satisfăcut la maxim pentru cei caror le place sa se rada old school)))

Good day, to you. My brush is a restored vintage Rubberset 400. It is an American made aluminium brush from the 1950's. It is an iconic brush that continues to be copied and sold by various companies. The Alpha shave company and RazoRock are two current sellers. If you search for Rubberset 400, you should find some. Kind regards.

Friendship Shaving thanks Mr. Mark

No, the 34c is milder than the 33c.

Hello Rajan. Thank you, for writing from India! That is amazing. I found the Merkur 33c and 34c to be very mild indeed. Out of the two, I preferred the 33c; it seemed to be slightly more aggressive but not very much. The 34c is heavier but it was too mild for me and I gave mine away. Might I suggest an Edwin Jagger DE89 or a Mühle R106. Edwin Jagger and Mühle worked together to produce the DE89 and the R89 razor. The head is the same design and it is a very nice, mild razor. Edwin Jagger have since made the post, for the handle to screw onto out of chrome plated brass, which makes the head on their razor slightly heavier and, in my opinion, a touch more effective. Similarly, Mühle have taken the R89 head but placed it on a heavier handle, to create the R106. This also serves the razor well. Both give a mild but very effective shave. I hope this helps 🙂 Very best regards Mark

Friendship Shaving Sir, thank you very much, I will go for Edwin Jagger de89, thanks once again for your time.

Thank you. 👍

You can say - they are brilliant 😃👍

Good day, Vladimir. I am surprised by your experience of German made products. We have had German made products in the U.K., for many years and the quality is very good, certainly equal, if not better than other brands. With regards to your question: the Rocca razor, from Muhle, is stainless steel; other brands include Timor and Pils. There are others but this is all I can think of at the moment. I hope this helps. All the best.

@@FriendshipShaving Thank you very much, Sir. Have a great evening, have a great shave.

Thanks for writing. I have a brain injury following meningitis and in those early days it was more difficult for me. I still speak slowly but there are plenty of videos on RU-vid; I'm sure you'll find someone you like better. All the best to you. Cheers.

+Ioakim makis This happens with a lot of double edge razors. I've got used to it and don't find it a problem.