Why no love for the Merkur 23C aka 180?

**pipskicks** · 04-26-2012, 03:56 PM

Thought for a second mine was the short handled 23C (they really do get confusing!) but I read this:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...ur-34c-VS-23c)

**pipskicks** · 04-26-2012, 04:04 PM

I do see comments about the EJ not being too mild to "out grow" fast....

**gus1942** · 04-26-2012, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by adios_mach_3s

Just curious about something. The Merkur 180/23C seems to have the most reviews of any DE razor on Amazon. However, it doesn't seem to get much love in the forums here at B & B. I purchased the razor (because of the amazon.com reviews mainly) and am enjoying my shaves. But it's my first DE razor and I want to make sure I'm not missing out on something by not getting a better / more popular razor.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

I love the 180. Always in my top 4. I use a Feather or Astra SP with it. I like 3 piece tech razors and prefer the long slim handle.

Gus

**DEW** · 10-02-2012, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by Old Prohaska

I started with the 23C also--nothing wrong with it, a nice, mild razor. Not much special about it either, it's kind of "plain vanilla" razor. I much prefer my vintage Super Speeds.

Old P.

wrong place

**DEW** · 10-02-2012, 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by adios_mach_3s

Just curious about something. The Merkur 180/23C seems to have the most reviews of any DE razor on Amazon. However, it doesn't seem to get much love in the forums here at B & B. I purchased the razor (because of the amazon.com reviews mainly) and am enjoying my shaves. But it's my first DE razor and I want to make sure I'm not missing out on something by not getting a better / more popular razor.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

It's a razor, as such it does it's job, I got mine today and it gives a great shave. I have couple techs, two super-speeds, and one slim and black-beauty. They all are what they are, razors that dad and grandad used and not one of them bought a new razor every other week because a friend or someone said theirs were the best, men is those days weren't as unsatisfied and materialistic as we are today. If you let folk on here persuade you, you'll be buying new razors every week looking for one better, there isn't one they all shave. Now if your a collector that's a different story, collect and have fun with the hobby.

**KodiakAttack** · 10-02-2012, 10:55 AM

Many of the Merkur razors are very similar. Most of them have the same head. The 23c is identical to the 33c, but the 23c has a long handle.
The 34c has the same head shape as both the 23c and 33c, but a fatter heavy duty handle.
I too think that the longer, thin handle of the 23c is easier for beginners. Theres absolutely nothing wrong with that razor, but I personally like something a bit heavier and substantial in my hands.

**Brewshooter** · 10-02-2012, 01:52 PM

For whatever reason, I'm finding myself not to be a big gear junky with this hobby, which is not usual for me. I have the 23c(180) and it works fine for me, no plans to upgrade. I also have tried several blades, there are a couple I definitely don't like, but in general, a lot of them seem pretty equal to me. I bought four different brushes and kind of discovered some have better backbones and some work better at cerain applications, but haven't found an application yet where at least one of them isn't effective. Probably won't be buying any more brushes.

Now soaps, creams, aftershaves...that is a different story. I'm running out of room in my medicine cabinet!

**Teddyboy** · 10-02-2012, 02:00 PM

Part of RAD mentality is thinking that something else is "better" because it is more popular. That's why I bought an R41, which I eventually traded. If you want to try something more unique or versatile, I would recommend either the short (37c) or long-handled slants (39C) or a short or long-handled Progress. Both offer great performance and an interesting little tool.

Cheers.

**DEW** · 10-12-2012, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by adios_mach_3s

Just curious about something. The Merkur 180/23C seems to have the most reviews of any DE razor on Amazon. However, it doesn't seem to get much love in the forums here at B & B. I purchased the razor (because of the amazon.com reviews mainly) and am enjoying my shaves. But it's my first DE razor and I want to make sure I'm not missing out on something by not getting a better / more popular razor.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

I think the 180 is a great razor and the one I use among the others I have. I get BBS shaves every time and I'm hardly a Newbie, I've been shaving more than 50 years. Don't let code words cause you to be discontent with your razor, If you like it that's all that matters. The code words like "a perfect starter razor, or a newbie razor, or a good entry level razor, are things that keep you buying razors looking for that perfect razor that someone thinks is the best. A razor that cuts, and you like it's performance is all that matters. Can you imagine our dads or grandfathers that would buy a razor and use it till it wore out saying your razor is a good starter razor as if his was somehow better. Happy shaving with a GREAT RAZOR the Merkur 180/23c is a great razor, and yes I LOVE the long handle, the reason I bought it.

**k4dm0nky** · 03-08-2013, 04:55 PM

I love my 180, I agree with the code word thing, dont make people say its a newbie shaver. Been using DE wetshaving for 3 years now... and still the 23c is what I always fall back on.

**RondeB** · 03-08-2013, 05:02 PM

It was also my first razor. It is not a bad razor and I use it occasionally. I am more partial to some of my others at the moment. There is nothing wrong with it IMHO, except that if I understand correctly, if the chrome chips you will soon be looking for a new razor as it is a pot metal construction.

**CharlieFoxtrot** · 03-08-2013, 05:16 PM

It was my first DE razor and the gateway drug that lead me here. I've actually stopped using all other DE razors because it is my go to razor. It shaves great, not to mild nor aggressive, and I like the long handle. I focus on straights these days but when I need a DE, I reach for it.

**Philuk** · 03-09-2013, 12:19 PM

Started with 23C...bought the HD once I felt I had a good enough technique to start playing with others. My motive for the long handle was concern at using a short handle, I still have the 23C but my go to razor now is the fatboy. After reading this thread, I decided I would bring the 23C back in action tomorrow. I liked it a year ago and it's a cheaper one than the HD if I remember well, so I'd recommend it to any starter