MERKUR 41C Double Edge Safety Razor, Open Tooth Comb, Three-Piece Design, Standard Handle, Bright Chrome Finish, Made in Germany

I purchased this razor for it's lower price, and although I had planned using the head on my Merkur 23C handle, I'm finding this handle to be surprisingly nice to use. I'm beginning to appreciate the extra heft of the solid brass handle which balances the razor very nicely. It is fast becoming my favorite razor. I was surprised at how well it grips with wet fingers, too, and it's more comfortable on the fingers than gnurled handles which can give you the feeling that you're holding a rat tail file. Definitely more aggressive than the closed comb 23C, but it's a lot better at removing longer hairs if you haven't shaved for awhile. It takes down armpit and pubic hair with a closeness, comfort and ease that I've never experienced, making it a good all around razor for face and body. I have yet to nick myself in the least with this razor, unlike some of the carnage I've done with closed comb and multi-blade razors. On most days, one pass with this delightful little razor, and I'm done. No nicks and none of the razor burn that comes from multi-blade cartridge razors. An economical and worthwhile razor to keep in your shaving arsenal. The razor was well constructed, flawless, with even chrome plating all around. No problem with the threading, and very easy to clean during blade changes with microfiber cloth. A great razor for anyone switching over from expensive multi-blade disposables. Believe me, you will notice the difference after your first few shaves once you get used to using it.

To be perfectly honest, it was the steadily increasing cost of disposable blades that made me take a look at other options. I am SO glad that I did. It is true that I save a bundle using double edge blades over the higher cost disposable cartridges ( I wish I knew then what I know now). However, the big benefit to my surprise was the quality shave that can be obtained from one of these old school all metal beauties. The shaves I receive now are closer, smoother, and much less irritating. I do have to caution potential converts that there is a small learning curve making the switch. Therefore, it is likely that new users will suffer a few nicks or cuts in the beginning. However, if you take it slow, you won't have any major problems. It won't be long until the nicks and cuts are a thing of the past. So, I recommend to not get discouraged too soon by a few mishaps. I have purchased several different double edge razors of different models since giving up on disposables (over 30). Before you judge me, go onto the razor forums. You will find that I am one of many who have the same disease known as RAD (Razor Acquisition Syndrome). Of all the razors I have purchased and used, I have come to like the Merkur 1904 best of all. I find that I have the best overall control with this razor. I also like the open comb as it doesn't wipe away all the shaving soap from my face prior to making contact with the blade. The low profile head also allows me to easily shave my upper lip just under the nose. In short, I really prefer the shave of a double edge razor and the Merkur 1904 in my opinion is one of the best overall. I also really like the Edwin Jagger DE89 and use it often. I you can afford it, I would recommend both. But if I had to have just one, it would be the Merkur 1904. I would also recommend the switch from the canned shaving cream to a badger brush and some quality soap. The soaps not only smell better, but they lubricate the face better IMHO. Lastly, the choice of blade also makes a big difference. I personally like the Astra blades. I would recommend buying a sampler pack in the beginning to see what works for you. The secret is getting out. Give it a try! I doubt you will regret it.

I took away a star not for the razors performance while shaving, but rather for the fact that I had to do some work to make it screw apart and screwed back together smoothly. After a couple of shaves with the included blade, I tried taking the razor apart to put in a feather hi stainless blade. I was surprised that I couldn't unscrew it by hand. I put a tiny bit of WD-40 on the threads and let it sit for five minutes. I still couldn't take it apart and I ended up wrapping the handle in a couple layers with the bath towel and using a channel locks to gently unscrew it. After I got it apart I liberally applied WD40 to the threaded part on the head, and to the threads in the handle. After using some toilet paper and Q-tips, a lot of machining metal shards came out, and both the bath tissue and the Q-tips were black. I continued this routine until the bath tissue and Q-tips were white. After approximately five Q-tips I was convinced all the metal was out. The razor works flawlessly now, but I expected a product imported from Germany to already be cleaned up for the consumer. As for shaving goes, considering this is an open come design, it is almost but not quite as smooth as my Edwin Jagger DE89. It is not an aggressive razor as you may think. It's only slightly less smooth than the DE89. This is a good daily shave razor.

Beau rasoir. Doux malgré le design à peigne ouvert. Produit un excellent rasage mis de paire avec une lame bien aiguisée.

Amazed from this razor became my favourite, its very beautiful, small with short handle (maybe not so good for people with big hands). Effective and smooth shaving without the fear of open comb it's mild somehow, definitely an intro to open combs. The negative point so -0.5 are the known spots of quality like at the handle edge of the screw side plus some spots on the inside of the head but ok.

Rasoio esteticamente piacevole e delicato come un closed comb con gap ridotto. In grado di assicurare, con la lametta adatta alla propria pelle, un BBS in maniera confortevole. Adatto soprattutto a chi si rade a giorni alterni.

Lo primero decir que Amazon debería corregir el anuncio de esta maquinilla pues esta es clarísimamente la Merkur 41C puesto que la 42C es idéntica pero de peine cerrado. Dicho esto decir que es una maquinilla preciosa y muy bien acabada, al menos la mía. Es de peine abierto pero muy suave, en absoluto agresiva. Esto es así porque la exposición de la cuchilla no sabría precisar si es neutra o incluso negativa, por lo que lo perdona todo y permite incluso apretar durante el afeitado. Para mí de hecho se queda a falta de un poquito de agresividad. Tengo barba dura y de bastante rápido crecimiento y con esta maquinilla tal cual viene consigo un apurado bastante aceptable sin ejercer presión pero para conseguir un gran apurado me veía obligado a tener que apretar un poco en determinadas zonas lo cual no es lo más indicado. Probé a ponerle una cuña para aumentar un poquito el gap de la cuchilla y con ello los 4 últimos afeitados han sido increíbles!!! Sigue siendo muy suave en el afeitado, con unos apurados de escándalo y sin irritación y estoy hablando de afeitado diario. En cuanto al tema de la longitud del mango, que tanto se comenta, pues eso es algo muy subjetivo y no se puede generalizar. Yo tengo las manos bastante grandes y aun así prefiero maquinillas con mango corto pues consigo un mayor control sobre el ángulo y me resulta más cómodo maniobrar con mango corto. Así que creo que es algo muy personal de cada uno. En resumen, gran maquinilla de afeitar. Precioso diseño. Inmejorable relación calidad precio y para mí, una maquinilla perfecta para el uso diario. El único pero que le puedo sacar es, como he comentado, que me gustaría un poquito más de exposición en la cuchilla pero bueno, nada que no se pueda solucionar con una cuña...

I have used a closed comb razor for many years, Muhle R89, and decided to try an open comb razor, which are allegedly much more aggressive. When I dropped my Muhle and snapped off the screw thread I took the plunge and purchased this Merkur 41. Not quite as heavy as the Muhle, but a nice fit in the hand and very comfortable to use. I've just completed my first shave and didn't find it aggressive at all, and the result is beautifully smooth. Not a nick or scratch, and on a scale of 1 to 10 probably only 1/2 or 1 point down on a straight razor (10/10). Fully recommended for those who want to try the best in wet shaves.