The MERKUR 39C Double Edge Safety Razor stands as a testament to German engineering and a tradition of superior shaving culture, offering a distinct and highly praised experience for wet shavers.
Crafted with a unique slant bar design and a long, weighty handle, this two-piece, plastic-free razor is designed to provide an exceptionally close, smooth, and comfortable shave, particularly favored by those with heavy, thick, or fast-growing facial hair.
Unparalleled Design and Craftsmanship
The MERKUR 39C Double Edge Safety Razor represents a pinnacle of German engineering and a century-long tradition of refined wet shaving.
This distinctive razor, characterized by its unique slant bar design and a long, weighty handle, is meticulously crafted to deliver an exceptionally close, smooth, and comfortable shave, particularly benefiting individuals with heavy, thick, or rapidly growing facial hair.
It is positioned as a precision instrument built to endure for a lifetime, reflecting its high-grade chrome steel construction and well-engineered design.
A Superior Cutting Mechanism
The most distinctive characteristic of the MERKUR 39C is its slant bar design, also referred to as a “Torsion-Hobel” or torsion razor.
This unique head geometry intentionally twists the blade along a helical path when clamped, which is paramount to its superior performance. This design ensures the blade “cuts” beard hair more effectively, “rather than scraping it”.
This “slicing action” is a direct result of the specific angle of the razor head, which “makes a huge difference in the ease in which the razor glides across my skin and efficiently cuts through the hair”.
While some initial reviews or preconceptions might categorize slant razors as “aggressive”, the practical experience with the 39C frequently contradicts this notion.
Many experienced users, after adapting their technique, discover that the 39C is “not an aggressive razor at all”. Instead, it is deemed “extremely efficient”, facilitating a “very close, smooth shave with ZERO nick”.
Smooth and Comfortable Shaving Performance
The MERKUR 39C consistently garners high accolades for its shave quality, with 188 customers explicitly mentioning this aspect positively. Users report achieving a “close, smooth, and clean shave with minimal effort”, frequently describing the outcome as “baby-butt smooth” (BBS).
One seasoned wet shaver emphatically stated it was “the closest shave I’ve ever achieved. … This is better than my straight razor”.
The “smoothness” of the razor is a particularly celebrated feature, receiving positive remarks in all 61 customer mentions. It is characterized as “just smooth and effective”, providing “baby-butt smooth results”.
A significant advantage highlighted by numerous users is the substantial reduction or complete elimination of irritation and nicks.
Many customers attest to “zero irritation” and “no nicks and no blood” when the razor is utilized with proper technique.
Individuals who previously contended with neck irritation or razor burn from multi-blade cartridge systems or even other double edge razors reported “better results and less irritation” with the 39C.
Technique and Blade Pairings
The MERKUR 39C is recommended for “more experienced wet shavers”, as it entails a “learning curve”. However, for novices committed to learning, it is emphasized that “the learning curve isn’t all that much different than any other typical razor”.
The most critical technique guidance includes:
- “Always hold the razor at about a 30-degree angle”.
- “Do not apply pressure; instead, let the weight of the razor do the work while shaving”.
- Users are advised to “shave in the direction your hair grows, also known as ‘with the grain'”, and to employ “small strokes”.
- For optimal results, “the shaving experience will be greatly enhanced if you prepare your beard well for the shave and use a qualitatively good razor blade”. Lightly stretching the skin during shaving is also recommended.
The 39C’s performance is significantly influenced by blade choice, and it demonstrates compatibility with a variety of double edge razor blades.
Customer experiences with different blades include:
- Merkur blade (included): Generally good performance with no nicks or irritation, though some users found it not to be the best option compared to others.
- Personna Blue: Acceptable, but some users felt it was “blunt” when paired with the 39C, requiring more effort for a smooth shave.
- Wilkinson Sword: Praised for “Excellent performance,” ranking highly among tested blades.
- Dorco ST-301: Nearly as effective as Wilkinson, albeit slightly less smooth and with reduced durability.
- Feather: Mixed reviews, with some finding it “a bit aggressive with the 39c” and leading to cuts, while others found it satisfactory.
- Astra SP: Consistently lauded as offering the “Greatest performance” and the “#1 choice” for the 39C. Users report an “absolutely smooth, irritation-free shave with just two passes”. This blade, manufactured in Russia by Gillette, is highlighted as an outstanding pairing.
- SUPER + Stainless Steel Platinum Coated Double Edge Safety Razor Blades A.K.A Israeli: Also mentioned by a satisfied customer.
Durability, Value, and Sustainability
The MERKUR 39C is constructed for longevity, described as a “precision instrument designed to last a lifetime”, reflecting its “outstanding quality” and “well-made” construction. Customers praise its “well-engineered design” and “solid construction”.
From a value perspective, customers regard the 39C as a “fantastic” product for its price and “well worth the money”. Priced at $64.30, it offers significant long-term savings.
MERKUR razors are compatible with “inexpensive recyclable double edge razor blades, saving you money” compared to multi-blade cartridge systems.
This, coupled with its “plastic-free” construction, aligns with principles of sustainability and responsible consumption.
Detailed Specifications
- Brand: MERKUR
- Model Name: MERKUR 39C Double Edge Safety Razor, Slant Bar Design- Long Handle
- Item Model Number: MK-390001 (MK-39C)
- Country of Origin: Germany
- Overall Weight: 113 g / 3.99 oz (Product dimensions also list 3.53 ounces)
- Razor Length: 101.8 mm / 4.01 in
- Handle Length: 96.2 mm / 3.79 in (Also stated as 4 inches)
- Handle Diameter: 11.6 mm / 0.46 in
- Number of Blades: 1
- Unit Count: 1 Count (Pack of 1)
- Special Feature: Angled blade system
- Skin Type: All
- Comb Type: Closed Comb
- Pieces: Two Piece Design
- Blade Gap: Fixed Blade Gap
- Razor Type: Slant Cut
- Handle Grip: Knurled, Barber Pole (spiral barberpole finish)
- Finish: Polished Chromed
- Material: Metal (Handle Material: Metal “gold” brass)
Customer Satisfaction and Reviews
The MERKUR 39C boasts a high degree of customer satisfaction, evidenced by an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 762 global ratings.
A significant 80% of these are 5-star reviews. Customers frequently commend its “shave quality” (188 mentions, 180 positive), “build quality” (101 mentions, 89 positive), and “smoothness” (61 mentions, all positive).
The razor is described as feeling “good in hand” and being “worth the price”. Many users highlight the absence of “irritation” (35 mentions, 29 positive) when the razor is used correctly.
While some initially perceive its “aggression level” (40 mentions, 13 negative) as high, with proper technique, the razor consistently proves to be highly efficient without harshness. The MERKUR 39C is ranked #85 in Men’s Safety Shaving Razors on Amazon.
Why Choose the MERKUR 39C?
For those seeking an upgrade in their wet shaving routine, especially individuals with coarse or dense beard growth, the MERKUR 39C presents a compelling option.
It offers a cultivated start to the day by providing the closest possible shave without the skin irritation sometimes experienced with multi-blade cartridge razor systems.
Its German craftsmanship, durable construction, unique slant bar efficiency, and proven ability to deliver consistently smooth, close, and irritation-free shaves make it a highly regarded tool in the world of traditional wet shaving.
While it may require a slight adjustment in technique for newcomers, the resulting “baby butt smooth” shave and long-term cost savings make the MERKUR 39C an investment in shaving excellence.
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