In Praise of the Merkur 34C

Maybe 10 years ago every shave forum recommended the 34c as the best modern starter razor. Although you don't see it mentioned so much anymore it's still as good as it ever was. Everyone seems to want a stainless razor but Merkur still makes great products.

The Merkur 34C is one of our best sellers as well. However, with the influx of new designs and copycat designs on the market these days, I think it takes a back seat in discussions and recommendations. It's the razor I started on and I bet that's the same for many wet shavers here.

There are people out there that are avoiding talking about things like the 34c and Amazon. For some reason they think that these 2 entities are condemning our hobby, or something, as if they are stripping away the rights of vendors and artisans by offering quality at an affordable price. I'm really not sure I understand that...

It would seem to me that anything that can introduce people to this hobby for an inexpensive price, is going to benefit the hobby as a whole.

What I mean is...I made my first wet shaving purchase through Amazon. It was a "Perfecto" razor and a Van der Hagen deluxe starter kit with bowl, brush and soap. Less than $30, including shipping, and I had my introduction. It was a week later that I bought a Merkur 33c, again from Amazon, and then found online forums. These forums led me to search out better and better products. I found artisans and wholesalers and soaps and creams, and groups and forums and enthusiasts of all makes and models.

I don't buy shaving gear from Amazon anymore, but without them, my introduction would not have occurred quite as easily. I PIF'ed the Perfecto razor some time ago, and I just PIF'ed the Van der Hagen brush a few minutes ago. Hopefully those items will lead others to enjoy this hobby as much as I do.

I guess, the point to this rambling post is this: Without "big box stores" and inexpensive gear, most people will not have an interest in this as a hobby. Spending $50 or more on the razor alone is not very enticing when you aren't sure you're going to enjoy it. I, for one, am very glad that places like Amazon.com exist and Merkur still makes inexpensive, yet very high quality razors. These things can only help to expand our hobby and community...

Just my rambling, humble opinion...

I am still seeking my go to razor. I am on a fixed income so cost is a limiting factor. I depend on reviews like these to help guide my purchases. I have a Parker 98R which is an OC razor and I was gifted a RazorRock Mission. I also have a few vintage razors. I must say, I like the weight of the two new razors over the vintage. I like the RazoRock mission and I use it daily. I am debating on my next purchase and I'm not sure what to get. I like the look of the Merkur Futur, but the price has been holding me back. Perhaps I should try the Merkur 34C. I'm still pondering, but I appreciate the insight offered here.

The Merkur 34c is my weapon of choice. There are many other good razors that I have, but I reach for the old HD more than any other.

How does the EJ89L compare to the ASD2 shave..Thanks!