Hello to everyone, I've made the switch to wet shaving a couple a months ago to save some cash. I am in the military so I have to shave every day. I've been reading a lot around here and already have 3 safety razors (micro touch one, Merkur 38C and last a 37C which doesn't agree with me so far). I didn't have any problems with technique, I have been cutting hair for a few years and one of my favorite thing to offer my customers was a hot towel straight edge shave. Anyway my question is what is a good upgrade razor to the Merkur 38C/37C ? Thank you in advance.
I should also clarify. I love my 38C the one that I am having problems is with th 37C. A lot of irritation and razor burn. I use little to no pressure when I shave with it.
Thank you for your service. I served 3 years in the army. Did a year in the Nam. You may like a vintage Gillette red tip superspeed.
Welcome @mlbarber26 Thank you for your service! I went from the Merkur 34C to a Weber PH (sadly unavailable now except for costing alot now) and Gillette New Short Comb razor. I lasted about 4 shaves with the 37C and passed it on. I tried a variety of other vintage and new razors until I settled on the Weber and Gillette New Short and Long comb versions. I'm sure others with more experience will chime in.
Thank you for the quick response. I have to admit that this hobby is quiet addictive. I have a trip coming up next year to Europe and I will be hunting for some razors across the pond . I will give the slant a few more shaves before I give up on her.
Air Force. I started cutting hair when I was 15 years old. I've been a Master barber for over 15 years. The funny thing is that I sold my barber shop to join the military. I still cut hair here and there around the base.
Wow...I can only repsect that. I was Air Force myself. This hobby has got me hooked and has me seriously considering about barber college. I got out last year. I would love to give back to the military community like that.
Welcome Board. There are lots of great choices for the wet shaver. Maybe try a vintage safety razor (mine was a Gillette Aristocrat) they're easy to come by and shouldnt break the bank.
Welcome, nice to have a professional barber here! I would consider a vintage Gillette an upgrade to a Merkur, the Red Tip Superspeed and the Fatboy Adjustable are great razors. If wanting modern, any of the new stainless steel offerings are surely an upgrade. Above the tie, Weber, Pils, Blackland... Pricey and some hard to get but definitely an upgrade from a Merkur in build quality.
hello and welcome, and thanks for your service. sorry your having issues with the slant.(try keeping the handle a bit closer in). an upgrade? I really like the progress, if you wanted to stay in the Merkur family. futur also. while in eu, look for a pils, their a high end item. vintage leresche( if you find a bunch, send some home), always bring premium prices.
to TSD "mlbarber26" Thank you for your service, I hope you enjoy it here. The only real difference between the Merkur 38C and the 37 is the 37C is a slant shave head and the 37 has a shorter handle. If you'd like to try a 38C in a slant configuration the 39C is a slant with the same length/type handle as the 38C. That said understand that some people just can't use a slant head razor, I know I can't . Slants also give me a lot of irritation . As to an upgrade if the 38C shave head works for you then really the only upgrade is in materials(brass/SS over Zamak) and I would completely agree with @Troy M, if you can find one at a reasonable price, a Weber PH or DLC would be a really good choice. An iKon might also be considered an upgrade since it is also made of stainless steel. iKon also offers several choices of shave head. Both are budget busters however. If you want to stay in a more reasonable budget a vintage Gillette "FAT" handle or Ball End handle tech offer a close, mild shave, are made of all brass and if you find the handle's not to your liking, you can always change them with another 3 piece handle. Good luck on your search.
Welcome to the Shave Den! I use the 39c occasionally and find a little more downward angle seems to work but I mostly just go by feel. Anyway glad you are here!
