Which Is the Best Merkur Safety Razor to Buy in 2023?

If you’re looking for a new safety razor to elevate your morning routine, consider Merkur.

Merkur is a household name among wet-shavers. An independent subsidiary of Dovo, (which produces grooming instruments like straight razors, scissors, and manicure tools), Merkur offers a variety of safety razors, with many options for head styles and handle sizes. 

Merkur Model Nomenclature And Availability

Merkur double-edge safety razors enjoy a long history (over 100 years). Unfortunately, that long history can play havoc with how individual razors are identified. 

Depending on the source, there are no fewer than three different identifications for each razor. 

The most common model identification is a two-digit number followed by a letter denoting the plating type (C for chrome, G for gold, M for matte, etc.

Chrome is the most common plating by far so you will most commonly see a model designation like “34C”).

There have been quite a number of Merkur razors in the past, though they have reduced the number of models over the past few years, no doubt due to supply chain challenges.

Quick Take

Here are our top recommendations from the list:

Read on for more info and the complete list…

Best Merkur Safety Razor

I’ve rounded up the most popular razors currently available from Merkur so you can find the perfect one for your needs.

Merkur 34C

The Merkur 34C safety razor may be the closest thing to a “bog standard” safety razor for modern times — it is enormously popular. The Merkur 34C  has a number of aliases.

You may see it listed as “Merkur HD,” “Merkur Heavy Duty,” “Merkur Heavy Classic,” or even “Merkur Model 178.” The “C” in the model number denotes a chrome-plated finish. A gold-tone finish version, the 34G, is also available. 

This two-piece safety razor features a “scalloped” skin guard, a design that is supposed to improve the flow of shave lubricant through the razor to reduce clogging.

The razor’s weight is 77 grams (about 2.7 oz.) and the handle is 3 inches long.

Merkur 23C

The three-piece Merkur 23C is known as a good all-around razor.

The handle is long but lighter and has a smaller diameter compared to other razors. 

Specs

• 4.1 cm x 2.5 cm x 10.6 cm
• Weight: 2.2 oz (62 g)
• Length: 4″ (10 cm)
• 1.5″ wide x 1″ x 4″ long
• Blade Gap: 0.64mm

The Merkur 23C stands out as an economical choice, particularly appealing to those who want to try a safety razor on a budget.

Merkur 37C & 39C

The 37C uses an unusual “slant bar” head design: the blade is intentionally torqued inside the head, giving it an offset “angle of attack” on the shaving area.

If you have seen an angled blade on a snow plow clearing a street you have an idea how the 37C and 39C work.

The Merkur 39C is the long-handle version of the Merkur 37C: some users have nicknamed the 39C “The Sledgehammer.” 

Merkur 1904

The Merkur 1904 razor — or maybe I should say “razors” — give off a definite “vintage” vibe with its retro-looking handle. It looks like something you might find in an antique store.

Looks are deceiving in this case as it’s a thoroughly modern razor in terms of build quality, and it provides a generally “average” shave.

Specs

• 3-piece safety razor
• 3.3 inches long
• Weight 2.3 ounces (65 grams)
• Chrome-plated
• Made in Germany

There is some confusion about the Merkur 1904 razor. There are actually two variants: the Merkur catalog lists the open comb as their “model 41” while the close comb, scalloped bar version is the “model 42.” 

However, they’re both referred to as “the 1904” (and sometimes “the 1906!”) in various vendor listings.

Be sure to read descriptions closely (particularly regarding comb) before purchasing.

Merkur Progress

The Merkur Progress double-edge safety razor is unusual in that it is adjustable: the blade gap between the skin guard and the blade’s edge can be adjusted for a more mild or more aggressive shave.

The Merkur Progress (model 500) was first introduced in 1956, with the long-handle version (model 510) appearing in 2011. Here are the basic specs of the two versions:

500

• Overall Weight: 93 g / 3.28 oz
• Razor Length: 88.2 mm / 3.47 in
• Handle Length: 75.8 mm / 2.99 in
• Handle Diameter: 12.4 mm / 0.49 in

510

• Overall Weight: 103 g / 3.63 oz
• Razor Length: 104.6 mm / 4.12 in
• Handle Length: 93.9 mm / 3.70 in
• Handle Diameter: 12.4 mm / 0.49 in

Merkur Progress Dial Settings

Of course, the primary feature of the Merkur Progress is its “adjustability.” Here are the approximate blade gaps for the corresponding dial setting:

1. 0.38mm
2. 0.56mm
3. 0.71mm
4. 0.84mm
5. 0.94mm

I say these are approximate gaps because of the way the adjustment mechanism is engineered on the Merkur Progress. The razor head’s “calibration” may not be uniform due to several factors, including the thickness of the blade used and the position of the alignment dot on the razor’s handle. 

Plus, the razor’s top cap and base plate must be aligned properly to get a broadly accurate setting. So a setting of “3” on one Progress may not be exactly the same as a setting of “3” on another Progress.

Further, due to the way the blade is dramatically bent in the head, the Merkur Progress’ adjustment dial can be turned a full rotation without the head coming off — providing some extremely wide blade gaps for those who may want to turn their shave “up to 11.”

Speaking of that adjustment dial, many users say it is unattractive and looks out of place from the rest of the razor. Several artisans offer after-market adjustment dials.

Merkur Futur

The Merkur FUTUR is another adjustable safety razor, available in “satin” matte chrome, polished chrome, and gold-tone finishes.

It offers a blend of design choices and technical precision

Specs

• Weight: 128 g / 4.52 oz
• Overall Length: 109 mm / 4.30 in
• Handle Length: 84.4 mm / 3.32 in
• Handle diameter: 14.0 mm / 0.55 in

Merkur Futur Dial Settings

Here are the blade gap settings per adjustment notch from online sources, in millimeters:

1. 1.12
2. 1.19
3. 1.35
4. 1.47
5. 1.60
6. 1.65

This adjustment “window” is biased to the aggressive side of the scale.  For example, a setting of “1” on a Merkur Progress adjustable razor is about one-third of the gap setting of the “1” setting on the Futur.  

However, do not take this as a “carved in rock” description of aggressiveness: razor head design involves a number of other variables besides blade gap. But, practically speaking, the Merkur Futur is a relatively aggressive razor.

The Merkur Futur features an unusual “pop-off” cap design for changing blades.

The Merkur Futur is probably the most popular selling adjustable safety razor and is widely available.

Summing Up

Merkur double-edge safety razors are great products for those looking for an authentic “old school” wet-shaving experience.

Their durable design and quality construction make them a worthy investment for the long term. Merkur’s versatility and affordability make it an excellent choice among safety razor brands.

Questions? Comments? Leave them below!