Merkur 38C
The Merkur 38C safety razor is praised for its barber-pole inspired design, substantial weight, and comfortable handle length suitable for larger hands. Its spiraled handle provides excellent grip, and the 4-inch long brass handle and zinc alloy head with chrome plating offer durability and corrosion resistance.
Weighing 3.9 ounces, it helps in achieving a smooth shave but may be too heavy for some. It has a moderate aggressiveness level (4-5), ideal for beginners and daily shavers to reduce skin irritation. The barber pole style grip might be slightly less effective for right-handed users. The easy blade loading system and compatibility with standard double-edge blades add to its versatility.
Compare Products
| Details | Merkur 38C | Rockwell 6S × | Fine DE5 × | Janus Adjustable × | Parker 66R × | Hanni Weighted Razor × | Feather “Popular” × | Parker 90R × |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Merkur | Rockwell | Fine Accoutrements | Janus | Parker | Hanni | Feather | Parker |
| Country Of Origin | Germany | United States | China | United States | Japan | India | ||
| Length | 4.00 | 3.7 | 3.4" | 4.25 | 3.8 | 5 | 4.5 | 4 |
| Materials | Chrome | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel Core, Electroplated Chrome | Stainless Steel | Brass Frame, Chrome Plated | Metal | Plastic, Metal | Genuine Brass Frame, High Lustre Chrome Plated |
| Pieces | 2 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Razor Adjustable | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Razor Head Type | Closed Comb | Closed Comb | Open Comb | Closed Comb | Butterfly Open | Closed Comb | Butterfly | Closed Comb |
| Weight | 3.9 | 4.2 | 3.4 oz | 4.3 | 4 | 3.7 | 2.5 | 2.75 |
Key Facts
Editorial Reviews
Shaving Advisor
ShavingAdvisor's review of the Merkur 38C, also known as the Merkur Barber Pole, highlights its long handle and mild aggressiveness, making it well-suited for those with larger hands or a preference for longer handles. The reviewer was pleasantly surprised by the closeness and comfort of the shave, despite typically favoring more aggressive razors. The chrome-plated brass construction and attractive design are noted, along with the razor's balance, which aids in letting the weight of the handle contribute to the shaving process. The tool's mildness was specifically appreciated for those who shave daily.
However, the review points out that its bulkiness can make it tricky to maneuver around areas like the chin, and the handle may not offer as much grip as other types. The overall shaving experience was deemed very close and comfortable, potentially making it an ideal choice for someone new to wet shaving. Despite some concerns regarding durability and grip compared to other materials and handle types, the Merkur 38C is considered good value for money. The overall consensus seems to be that it is a solid choice for those who value a long-handled, milder safety razor.
Read Full Review »