Merkur HD 34C

**Blondie** · 07-14-2009, 07:12 PM

I just ordered a Merkur HD 34C, my first open comb razor. Any thoughts on this razor? Anything to look out for as far as the shave is concerned? This will be my first dance with an open comb razor. Are they much more aggressive than an adjustable set to 9? Do yuou have to be much more careful with the open combs?

Thanks for any input!

**TimeWeaver** · 07-14-2009, 07:20 PM

I've got the 12C, the barber pole version of the same razor. I'm still getting used to it.
I can't really address the aggressiveness issue, because it's my second DE after a noticeably decent Parker 22R, which is reasonably aggressive itself. So I can't really tell.

But I think I like the 12C. The open comb design, I think, lets me make longer strokes because the shaving cream so it doesn't clog the gap between the blade and the safety bar, because there's not a safety bar.

Naturally you'll want to be somewhat careful for a while as you're getting used to it and the necessary adjustments to your technique.

Which razor were you using previously?

**Left Coast DJ** · 07-14-2009, 07:31 PM

Originally Posted by pcullens

I just ordered a Merkur HD 34C, my first open comb razor. Any thoughts on this razor? Anything to look out for as far as the shave is concerned? This will be my first dance with an open comb razor.
Thanks for any input!

Dude... I don't think the 34C is an open comb.

**Batman** · 07-14-2009, 07:58 PM

+1...not open comb. This the standard length HD to my knowledge.

**KarthVader** · 07-14-2009, 10:02 PM

Great razor so far! Make sure to get a blade sampler pack. I had to get used to the angle of attack on the razor, but a few shaves should get you over that. Good luck!!

**Blondie** · 07-14-2009, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by TimeWeaver

I've got the 12C, the barber pole version of the same razor. I'm still getting used to it.
I can't really address the aggressiveness issue, because it's my second DE after a noticeably decent Parker 22R, which is reasonably aggressive itself. So I can't really tell.

But I think I like the 12C. The open comb design, I think, lets me make longer strokes because the shaving cream so it doesn't clog the gap between the blade and the safety bar, because there's not a safety bar.

Naturally you'll want to be somewhat careful for a while as you're getting used to it and the necessary adjustments to your technique.

Which razor were you using previously?

The razor I started with was a ball end Tech. It got lost in some luggage, thanks American! Then I went to a Gillette Adjustable, the slim one with the black handle, and have been using it for awhile. Last week I bought a SS, black handle silver tip. 1968 model. Not sure I like it all that much.

**Blondie** · 07-14-2009, 10:22 PM

Originally Posted by Left Coast DJ

Dude... I don't think the 34C is an open comb.

Here is a picture:

**Left Coast DJ** · 07-14-2009, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by pcullens

Here is a picture:

I think that's a Merkur 11C.

**Blondie** · 07-14-2009, 10:30 PM

Here is the link to the page on Amazon that I ordered from:

http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-HD-34C-...7635693&sr=1-7

Maybe the seller has the wrong model number. Which begs the question, does anyone know if Merkur maintains a website out there?

**Luc** · 07-14-2009, 10:35 PM

I never tried the Merkur 11C in particular but it should be a good experience. Have a look at Wiki (top of the page in the menu). There's a list of the different Merkur models and another page were it shows the razors by aggressivness (blade gap). I am unsure if Merkur are included in the list or not. However, I would think it's milder than a razor set on 9...

**Blondie** · 07-14-2009, 10:44 PM

Found this description on West Coast Shaving:

The Merkur 11C is the open comb version of the popular 34C Heavy Duty safety razor. The comfortable handle is approximately 3" long and is designed with a thicker non-slip grip. This razor uses double edge blades for a close and comfortable shave. Replacement blades are available.

**Joshua Da Silva** · 07-14-2009, 10:48 PM

Wow way to fail amazon. The shave should be great if it is anything like the 34C. As for aggressiveness, it should be milder than an adjustable set to 9.

**Left Coast DJ** · 07-14-2009, 10:51 PM

This dude has all the Merkur pictures - including the 34C & 11C.

http://www.leesrazors.com/categories...Safety-Razors/

I have a 34C. It's a great razor. However, I prefer the extra length and heft of the 38M.

**dpm802** · 07-14-2009, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by pcullens

Here is the link to the page on Amazon that I ordered from:

http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-HD-34C-...7635693&sr=1-7

Maybe the seller has the wrong model number. Which begs the question, does anyone know if Merkur maintains a website out there?

The written description of the razor makes no mention of it being an open comb. I think they got the picture wrong, and the text is right. The 34C is definitely a straight bar head, aka the HD, aka #178.

In any case, you should contact the vendor immediately to see if you can clarify what you'll be receiving before it gets shipped. Here is their contact info: http://www.sesto-senso.com/aboutus.html#1 If they have misinformation on their site, I'm sure they'd want to know about it.

There is a form for image feedback, but that goes to Amazon. I'm not sure if it will do any good.

It's probably an honest mistake on the part of the vendor.

**rdeakle** · 07-14-2009, 11:18 PM

I have a feeling you wanted the open comb, but you are going to recieve the bar version. You may want to e-mail them explaining what you want quickly, unless of course you are ok with having a 34C.

**Blondie** · 07-14-2009, 11:26 PM

Lot's of good input. Thanks. Can you answer me one more question. If all I have used are the Gillettes with bars, is there a major learning curve with the open comb? Do they give a closer shave? Has anyone out there used both?

**alex2363** · 07-15-2009, 12:57 AM

any blade would do, those things are lawn mowers..lol

**alex2363** · 07-15-2009, 01:05 AM

Originally Posted by pcullens

Here is the link to the page on Amazon that I ordered from:

http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-HD-34C-...7635693&sr=1-7

Maybe the seller has the wrong model number. Which begs the question, does anyone know if Merkur maintains a website out there?

that's good question, i havent found a merkur website yet, just distributors like lees,westcoast shave ect. maybe they are in germany sites?

gone down south · 07-15-2009, 03:56 AM

Also, $38 plus shipping is WAY to much to pay for an HD. WCS has it for $33, and 'gently used' ones on the BST generally come in at/under $30.

**ateace** · 07-15-2009, 07:56 AM

I have a 1904 open comb and have only used it twice. So far, I find it to be milder than the Merkur straight bar/closed-comb models. It has given me two comfortable, close (not quiet BBS) shaves. The angle required is different from it's closed-comb brothers.