MERKUR DOVO 38C Safety Razor

Where to start?Well, it's made in Germany, so you'd be right to have high expectations, and not be disappointed.As you'd expect, it's heavy compared to cartridge razor handles, but equally, it's well balanced.It holds the blade securely, and at the right angle for a close shave. The blade support has space to allow quick rinsing out during your shave. It will come apart easily enough for a thorough clean as and when required.The patterned grip works well, so it's not going to slip, even with very wet fingers.If you are looking to break out of the comparatively expensive cartridge model, this is a very good starting model. I found that either the Feather platinum blades, or the Astra premium platinum work well, and the whole thing works out cheaper over a year than the Wilkinson Sword cartridge razor I was using before. You can use shaving foam / gel, but I'd recommend some shaving soap, and a brush. Taylors of Old Bond Street do some fantastic fragrances, and a small tub will last about 6 months.

It took about two weeks of practice to get the hang of it, but I'm glad I made the switch. The razor includes a sample platinum-coated merkur stainless steel blade, of which I bought a 10-pack of along with the razor. Shaving every day, each blade lasts me a week without any problems.Definitely a closer, smoother shave with far less irritation than with multi-blade razors. Even if I do nick myself, the cut is very clean and you really feel it, so there's less chance of making it worse by passing over it multiple times. It seldom pulls my skin and always shaves cleanly, so I no longer get razor bumps or irritation of that sort.Specific to the razor model itself, it feels very sturdy and it's heavy, with a nice finish. Putting in new blades is easy, just twist the bottom until you can detach the head at the top, slide in a blade along the guides, put the top back in and screw it tight. It is very consistent in how it angles the blade and the pressure it puts on it, so once you get comfortable with it you will rarely cut yourself.Definitely well made, very pleased with it.

I have been using a DE razor for a couple of years now. I asked my wife to buy me this one for Christmas. Quite simply the best. A really smooth shave. And it feels as if it would be difficult to nick myself. I wish I had bought this years ago. Simply the best.

Nice heavy razor that looks the part and delivers a very nice shave. This is my first safety razor (I have been using Gillette cartridge razors since the 1980's) and after five shaves so far I have only had one nick. The best thing is that my neck has significantly less razor burn. I need to concentrate a bit more than with the Gillettes but having bought 100 blades I am sure I will get just as good with practice!I also bought the Muhle safety razor guard which is just a bit of plastic to protect the razor, and your fingers, especially if you put it in a wash bag. A good investment but a bit pricey. For the cost of this razor a guard could have been included.UPDATE: I have been using this razor for five years now and I would give it 6 stars if I could. I did try the Merkur Slant 39c but it was no closer and more nicks. This is simply a great heavy weight razor.

I waited almost 2 weeks for this razor to be delivered. However, the wait was worth it. The razor feels good to handle and is perfectly balanced in the hand. The knurling on the handle provides an excellent grip. Despite saying 'no blades included' there was in fact a platinum coated Merkur blade in the pack. If you are used to shaving with an open razor the same techniques apply and the finish on second pass is superb. If you have never used an open or safety razor you should take care with the lathering and how you execute the stroke but you will master the technique in no time.

My husband has been contributing over the years to the plastic waste dumped on our beautiful planet, as many of us have - just in order to shave. He was fed up with this, and the fact that it cost a fortune to purchase the plastic/metal replacement blades for his Mach razor. I saw an advert for men, on fb re: helping the environment by ditching your old razor, for a safety razor, and saving money in the long run. Showed my husband and he decided to go for it. He purchased this good quality Merkur 38C Barber Pole - Long handle, chrome safety razor. He has big hands and this particular razor is a good size and weight and he loves it. It had good reviews, as did the Feather blades which were purchased separately. At just over £3 for a pack of ten blades, he is absolutely chuffed. Apparently there is no pressure required when shaving as the razor just glides- giving a close, smooth shave. No more plastic waste either, and he says he will never go back to plastic razors/blades ever.

This is the second of this model that I’ve owned. The first lasted 3 years but broke when I accidentally dropped it. The one in the picture is just 5 months old. Again I accidentally dropped it onto a wooden floor and the shaft broke clean off. So disappointed as it is a really nice razor to use. I just want it to be more sturdy.

Feels great and weighs substantially heavier than a cheap disposable razor. When the blade is screwed in it is tight and solid. If you want a first time razor I highly recommend this.