{"id":59923,"date":"2023-12-21T11:30:52","date_gmt":"2023-12-21T16:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/?page_id=59923"},"modified":"2023-12-21T11:30:52","modified_gmt":"2023-12-21T16:30:52","slug":"parker-96r-vs-merkur-34c","status":"publish","type":"review","link":"https:\/\/www.toolsofmen.com\/review\/parker-96r-vs-merkur-34c\/","title":{"rendered":"Parker 96R vs Merkur 34C"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A close shave is important to many men, and there are various options on the market to provide one. Two well-known and popular safety razors are the Parker 96R<\/a> and the Merkur 34C<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today we’ll compare both of these safety razors in detail below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short, the Parker 96R lends itself well for those men with slightly larger hands<\/strong>, while the Merkur 34C is an excellent choice<\/strong> for those who want more precision<\/strong> from their razor. In addition, the 96R is slightly less aggressive<\/strong>, while the 34C has higher quality craftsmanship<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Onwards!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Safety Razor<\/strong><\/th>Merkur 34C<\/th>Parker 96R<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Comb<\/th>Closed<\/td>Closed<\/td><\/tr>
Safety Bar<\/th>Scalloped<\/td>Slight ridges<\/td><\/tr>
Head Composition<\/th>Die-Casted Zinc<\/td>Brass<\/td><\/tr>
Handle Composition<\/th>Brass<\/td>Brass<\/td><\/tr>
Handle<\/th>Knurled<\/td>Knurled<\/td><\/tr>
Plating<\/th>Chrome<\/td>Graphite, Chrome<\/td><\/tr>
Country of Origin<\/th>Germany<\/td>India<\/td><\/tr>
Blade Compatibility<\/th>All double-edge safety razor blades<\/td>All double-edge safety razor blades<\/td><\/tr>
Number of Pieces<\/th>2<\/td>1<\/td><\/tr>
Weight (oz)<\/th>2.72<\/td>2.79<\/td><\/tr>
Weight (g)<\/th>77<\/td>79<\/td><\/tr>
Length (in)<\/th>3.19<\/td>4.3<\/td><\/tr>
Length (cm)<\/th>8.1<\/td>10.9<\/td><\/tr>
Price<\/th>$36<\/td>$30<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Weight<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When buying any safety razor, weight is one of the first things to consider<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s why:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heavy razors will feel more substantial in hand<\/strong>, provide greater stability<\/strong>, and require less pressure<\/strong>. Alternatively, lighter razors can be more maneuverable<\/strong> and cause less fatigue; however, they require you to add more pressure when shaving<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Parker 96R is a slightly heavier razor<\/strong>, weighing in at 2.79oz<\/strong>, whereas the Merkur 34C is 2.72oz<\/strong>. With nearly identical weights, they are both considered to be relatively lighter razors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For context, here is a chart that shares the weights of some other popular safety razors on the market:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Length<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"parker<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The length of the Parker 96R is 4.3 inches<\/strong>, and the length of the Merkur 34C is 3.19 inches<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A substantial 1.1″ difference separates these two razors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, if you have larger hands<\/strong>, go with the 96R<\/strong>. The small stature of the 34C lends itself to those with smaller hands<\/strong> or someone who wants more precision from their razor,<\/strong> as it is much easier to control<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is a chart that compares the length of the 34C and 96R to other popular safety razors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As you can see, the Parker 96R is nearly as tall as some of the longest options available, including the Bevel<\/a>, Merkur 38C<\/a>, and OneBlade Core<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Handle<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The handle grip of the Parker 96R and Merkur 34C razors is knurled<\/strong>. Expect a secure grip<\/strong>, even with soapy hands<\/strong>, when using either razor. The only visual difference is the color<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Parker’s handle is black with chrome accents, and the Merkur’s handle is all chrome.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pieces<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Parker 96R and Merkur 34C razors differ in the number of pieces they have. The Parker 96R razor is just one piece<\/strong> (butterfly), while the Merkur 34C razor has two pieces<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the Merkur 34C, the handle and baseplate are welded together<\/strong> while the cap screws into the handle<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to changing blades, the 96R will be much easier<\/strong> as you only need to twist the handle, and the butterfly cap will open<\/strong>, allowing you to replace the blade. With the Merkur 34C, you need to release the cap from the handle by unscrewing the bottom knob to access the blade<\/strong>. While this extra step isn’t a huge deal, it is something to keep in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from blade rotation, the butterfly mechanism of the 96R may wear out over time<\/strong>, as it’s all one piece. The two-piece design of the Merkur 34C lends itself to a longer lifespan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, cleaning or disinfecting a two-piece safety razor will be easier because you can remove the handle and clean\/disinfect all the nooks and crannies<\/strong>. You won’t be able to clean the butterfly mechanism of the 96R as easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Performance<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n
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A post shared by J A M E S (@_james_vintage_)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>