Customer Reviews: Read 29 more reviews...
 Outperforms more expensive models June 2, 2006
John A. Fleming (New York, NY USA)
39 out of 39 found this review helpful
I've tried the Futur and Vision models - gorgeous, ultra-modern-looking razors that should be in MOMA. But they are expensive, big, and heavy, particularly the Vision. I experienced cuts and razor burn using them, despite shaving carefully, using light, short strokes. The HD is much smaller, lighter, and easier to navigate around those difficult areas like the upper lip and chin.
First, this DE (double-edged) classic is the way to go if you want a superior shave to Mach3 or Fusion. Use Merkur blades. After using Merkur blades, the Mach3 feels dull.
Second, your shaving costs will decline significantly. Have you checked out the prices of Mach3 and Fusion blades? Try 10 Merkur DE blades for $5 (or less, if you buy in bulk), and they last as long, if not longer.
A quality shaving brush, shaving creams or soaps, and after-shave balms will enhance your shaving experience, but they are not critical. Avoid aerosol shaving foams - they do not lubricate your skin so that your razor glides effortlessly and painlessly.
At first, shave slowly, using a light touch, short strokes, and be careful. It might take as much as a week or two for you and your face to acclimate to this fine razor and its blades. Have a styptic pen handy as you will surely nick yourself initially. For one, the Merkur head is fixed, unlike the Mach3 and Fusion razors, which are flexible. You'll need to guide your razor over the contours of your face and gently stretch the shaving area to get the closest shave.
Once you get the hang of it, you will be amazed at the quality and smoothness of your shave. I've noticed that whenever I changed shaving devices there was always a period of adjustment. The first time I started using Mach3, I experienced razor burn and nicks. I've used electric razors and there was always burn (no nicks) and the quality of shave was mediocre, at best.
In short, try this razor for a week or two and it will be your preferred shaving device for the rest of your shaving days!
Great intro to double edge safety razors April 19, 2005
MrPuddles (Texas)
25 out of 26 found this review helpful
The Merkur HD is the best intro razor to those who have never used a double edge safety razor. Merkur took the old vintage Gillette and improved upon it by giving a slightly longer handle and a heftier handle. The adjustments are similar to that in a classic Gillette double edge.
After you get used to this razor, you should consider a Merkur Futur for an even closer shave. However, that razor is *not* intended for beginners.
Works Wonders January 29, 2006
Derek A. Schilling (Ann Arbor, MI)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
Wonderful razor. First time with a safety razor for me and no nicks, cuts, or irritation. I like the length and "bulk" of the handle... I wouldn't ask for anything longer, and it feels very solid in my hand. With some Cremo Cream on my face, and this razor in my fingers, it feels like wiping hair off of my face (rather than yanking it off with pliers, as per my old razor did)
List of things for you to do:
1) Buy this razor
2) Buy a pack of 10 blades
3) Buy some Cremo Cream shaving cream
4) Enjoy
One Razor to Rule Them All! April 27, 2007
Nathaniel A. McLaughlin (San Francisco, CA)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
I received this razor as a birthday gift from my brother a couple of weeks ago. I thought, "Hmmm...Handsome looking vintage piece, but there's no way in hell I'm gonna put that meat cleaver to my face!" Well guilt got the best of me, I figured the razor looked expensive so I'll give it a go and hope that if I die from blood loss the police will figure out that my death was from shaving with a new razor and it's not from suicide. I'll tell you after a few times shaving with this razor I am now going to retire My Gillette Fuzion. It's takes a bit longer to shave with this razor than with a conventional multi-blade but the results are undeniably better. My wife can't wait to kiss my cheek with school girl glee right after I shave! I have a beard that is as tough as sandpaper and I've never had a closer shave than with this Merkur. I don't have the same spots to go over and over again and therefore my face is less irritated. I use a brush, a glycerin based shave cream and always shave in the shower and that makes a significant difference as well. Factor in that blades for this razor costs so much less then Mach 3 & Fuzion's (I buy cryogenically tempered blades that last 2x longer than store bought) and the way to opt out from expensive razor marketing ploys becomes clear. Don't sit on the fence on this one ditch whatever Mach, to the nth power, razor you're using and pick this Merkur ASAP.
went from modern to old fashion April 20, 2006
Vance Williams (Irving, Texas, USA)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
I went from the modern type expensive 3 blade razors to this one. it's great, razors last a long time and I use Col Conk shave soap with a brush and mug and get a nice close shave, the shave soap in the mug last forever, doesn't clog the blade and razor. If you never have used this, you need to try it. Who said modern is better.
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