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Merkur MK-23C Double Edge Safety Razor $39.05 + Delivery ($0 with Prime/ $59 Spend) @ Amazon US via AU

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Merkur MK-23C Double Edge Safety Razor $39.05 + Delivery ($0 with Prime/ $59 Spend) @ Amazon US via AUAffiliate
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Murdrum on 04/04/2024 - 16:22 amazon.com.au (3037 clicks)
Last edited 05/04/2024 - 08:21
This post contains affiliate links. OzBargain might earn commissions when you click through and make purchases. Please see this page for more information.

Limited time deal. New lowest ever price on https://au.camelcamelcamel.com/product/B00374F5CY
I've used this with Astra blades for a couple years now. Still had my old price watch on and just got an alert!

Made in Germany

Our most popular model the 23C also known as the Merkur 180 features an extra long handle with a knurled grip.
A straight bar, closed comb head delivers an amazingly comfortable shave without razor burn. Stellar chromed finish throughout.
-Overall Weight: 60g/2.12oz.
-Razor Length: 105.6mm/4.16in.
-Handle Length: 98.4mm/3.87in.
-Handle Diameter: 9.6mm/0.38in.
-Comb Type: Closed Comb.

Price History at C CamelCamelCamel.
Health & Beauty Razor

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closed Comments

  • Cludo on 04/04/2024 - 16:36
    -4

    This is a nice razer, I was going to buy this but ended up grabbing a clone from the advise from a member here.
    Much cheaper, I've been using it for over a year and it's held up very well and feels premium.

    The site is very… average. But they are legit. Pay with PayPal if you have doubts
    http://www.vshod.com/safety-razors/LORD-Premium-Double-Edge-…

    • hmmz on 04/04/2024 - 16:47
      +25

      Not sure why you would want a clone when it's only $10 more for the original?

    • Axelstrife on 04/04/2024 - 17:23
      +20

      I have never seen a site look more dodgy than that one.

    • nitens on 04/04/2024 - 17:30
      +6

      I think that website is running on someone's old 486 pc.

    • Chazzozz on 04/04/2024 - 17:36
      +6

      +1 for the Vshod web site. I agree it ain’t pretty, but the prices are good. I’ve bought blades from them many times, always paid via PayPal and never had any trouble.

    • EBC on 04/04/2024 - 18:17
      +14

      That website is V shod-dy

    • AngryBlobFish on 04/04/2024 - 19:56
      +3

      Site looks basic but Vshod is legit

    • iguana on 04/04/2024 - 21:51
      +3

      It's the MSY of shaving products.

      • ShoeyAU on 05/04/2024 - 08:49
        +5

        finding out about this vshod site for cheap blades is the true deal of this post.

  • juns on 04/04/2024 - 16:37
    +1

    careful, it's Double Edge, you might get hurt..

  • sauce2k on 04/04/2024 - 17:05
    +2

    Where do u buy extra razors? Are these special razors? Apologies for the noob question

    • Fysh on 04/04/2024 - 17:11

      Amazon Coles. All the usual places , they are like 2 bucks for 10 so with my thick beard I just throw them every second shave but if you have light hair 1 pack probably do you a year.

      It's cheap and I don't find it hard to use just. Jump in the shower first so your skin's good to go.

      • Telios on 04/04/2024 - 17:32
        +5

        Amazon Coles.

        Don't give them any ideas, the price fixing and monopoly situation is already bad enough in Australia

      • Aguynamedlance on 04/04/2024 - 19:18

        I think I bought 200 for $20 about 5 years ago and I'm still using them, admittedly I only shave my neck.

      • garage sale on 05/04/2024 - 04:24
        +3

        cole’s and woolies are very expensive for DE blades, $14 for 10 pack, i usually use ebay or amazon, under $50 for 100 feather blades, and feather are made in japan and the most expensive brand, other brands like astra are cheaper.

    • AndresF on 04/04/2024 - 17:36

      Colesworth is overpriced, get them from here: https://blade.net.au/razor-blades/

      Site looks dogy but is legit.

    • Chazzozz on 04/04/2024 - 17:39
      +2

      The above-mentioned Vshod web site is a good starting point. A wide selection and prices are good. I’d suggest buying a variety of blades so you can see which ones suit you best.

    • Wooluff on 04/04/2024 - 19:23

      I buy mine from Amazon. There aren't any special razor blades; all normal Double Edge razor blades will work. I like the Bic 100 pack for $16, but you can buy sample packs too so you can figure out which brand you like. If you're going to go down the rabbit hole, make sure you use shaving cream or shaving soap and don't rush.

      • DrScavenger on 04/04/2024 - 19:53

        Is it easy/safe to replace those razors? Knowing myself I'd cut myself trying to replace it

        • hotphil on 04/04/2024 - 20:11

          You will. But only a couple of times till you work out how to handle them. Some plqstic packs are designed so you can slide the uses blades in the back. Or you can buy a special little piggy bank thing to put them in

        • Wooluff on 04/04/2024 - 21:41
          +1

          In 10 years I've never cut myself handling the blades. The long edges are sharp, obviously, but the short edges are fine to hold. Sometimes I'll hold a towel over the top to loosen/tighten the pieces together, but 99% of the time it's not necessary. If you're worried about that, some razors have a butterfly clasp which makes it easier/safer to operate, but I personally don't like them. I had a Parker one which broke after about a year (could be my bad luck though)

          • Castcore on 04/04/2024 - 22:04

            @Wooluff: Always use a towel to hold the cap while tightening/loosening. You'll learn this lesson very quickly with exposed blade tabs.

        • garage sale on 05/04/2024 - 04:29

          i use what is known as a butterfly mechanism, turn the bottom of the handle and top opens Blade disposal is more of an issue, they sell sharps disposal containers, some people use for stanley knife blades, some people use for razor blades, mine sits in the cabinet in the bathroom, would take years to fill it up, was about $7.

    • disappear on 04/04/2024 - 21:08

      i got 100 off ebay for $21 years ago. still have so so many left
      https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/153303813876?

  • AustriaBargain on 04/04/2024 - 17:05

    Been using double edged safety razors for years, probably 10 years now. And I still haven't quite got the knack of it, haven't got a perfectly smooth shave. I have gotten the knack of using it though and have just gotten used to the slightly stubbly look. A lot cheaper than disposable razors. I probably should have bought a good electric shaver really.

    • gdozbargain on 04/04/2024 - 17:09

      Not sure about cheaper? I would need to go through 130 Bics before I got to $39.00 and I use about 1 every 2 months…

      • AustriaBargain on 04/04/2024 - 17:24
        +2

        Well less wasted plastic anyway compared to the Bics. I use Bic blades actually, out of all the budget blades I tried I like the Bic the best so far.

        • Chazzozz on 04/04/2024 - 17:40
          +4

          I agree, BIC blades are great. One of the few that are not made in Russia which are decent. (They’re made in Greece.)

      • kale chips suck on 04/04/2024 - 18:27

        It can be - I had 200 blades delivered for $30 and in my case [everyone'll be different though] they're lasting longer than my disposables used to. I can't remember if I had BIC disposables, it's been several years since I went to a safety razor setup. I did have Mach3's which do the job but cost far too much IMO.

      • yoquierotaco on 04/04/2024 - 18:49

        Yea at that rate and at $3 for a 10 pack of Bic, it might not make much sense if just looking at the money.
        But as others have said, less plastic and I find it is a better experience than Bic disposable (and pretty much every other disposable).
        Also I think a lot of people are using more expensive disposables so for them it does make sense.

        • banana365 on 04/04/2024 - 19:30

          Makes perfect sense. Buy one of these plus a pack of 200 blades and they'll be set for life!

          • Castcore on 04/04/2024 - 21:18
            +2

            @banana365: Yeah I dunno maybe they think you’re supposed to throw the safety razor out after 2 years..if you stick to it, it’s gonna be cheaper at the end of your life no matter how you look at it. Unless you die early, in which case you should treat yourself to a nicer shave.

    • Boioioioi on 04/04/2024 - 18:49
      +3

      You try doing it twice? I can't get a perfectly smooth shave first time, but if I lather up and go again its pretty good

    • Aguynamedlance on 04/04/2024 - 19:19
      +2

      Try a second pass. I find once is good enough, twice if perfect.

    • Eevee on 04/04/2024 - 19:21
      +3

      First pass with the grain. Then second pass perpendicular to the grain.

    • AlanHB on 04/04/2024 - 19:25
      +4

      If it helps at all, I do 4 passes and end result is extremely smooth, much smoother than I got with cartridge razors.

      Pass 1 - straight down
      Pass 2 - right to left
      Pass 3 - left to right
      Pass 4 - straight down

      It is extremely rare to get all the hair on the first pass, just take it for granted it's gonna be picked up on one for the future ones.

      • AustriaBargain on 04/04/2024 - 19:31

        I do two passes, down then up. I used to do down, left, then right, but thought I could get 33% efficiency by doing just two. Maybe I should start doing four.

        • AlanHB on 04/04/2024 - 21:23
          +1

          Yeah it's an option. I think the main thing is that it takes multiple passes, whereas with a cartridge razor it's just one.

          As a side note, I can't really get the hairs just below my nostrils just going down - I can only catch them completely going left or right.

          It should also be noted on the left and right passes that they're generally diagonally down except around the chin and upper lip. It's also easier to cut yourself on the left/right passes so take it easy.

          • Castcore on 04/04/2024 - 22:05
            +1

            @AlanHB: I dunno if it counts as just 1 when your pass includes buffing in all different directions.

            • AlanHB on 05/04/2024 - 05:09

              @Castcore: I'm not sure what you mean, I've already said I do 4 passes.

        • djsweet on 05/04/2024 - 09:32

          I do the same. Down then up. Close to perfect shave for me - no stubble. Very diminishing returns on the perpendicular passes.

      • garetz on 04/04/2024 - 21:56

        You have a 3 dimensional face. You are better off going

        Pass 1 - left to right
        Pass 2 - Straight down
        Pass 3 - diagonally right to left.

        I find this gives the best shave.

        What you are doing 2 of the passes is redundant. Going left to right then right to left is pretty much the same thing. Then straight down twice is a waste of time.

        • AustriaBargain on 04/04/2024 - 21:59

          Diagonally right to left at an up or down angle?

          • garetz on 04/04/2024 - 22:00

            @AustriaBargain: Angle is up to you, its determined by your face and hair direction growth.

            Personally i do it at a down angle.

        • Castcore on 04/04/2024 - 22:08

          You'll get the best shave by looking at your own hair growth and going with the grain then against the grain. This could be a combination of any direction from person to person.

          But for just a general try to get everything I reckon your remedy sounds solid. Personally I don't like doing more than 2 passes because I shave everyday and I have to save those precious minutes.

          • garetz on 04/04/2024 - 22:13

            @Castcore: As long as your blade is fine and not dulled, one pass in any direction is plenty, if someone is doing the exact same pass multiple times, then its time to change your blade.

            Not many people do an angled pass, which i find gives you the closest shave if you do multiple passes in different directions.

            Doing 4 passes takes more time than 3 of course. If you only want to do 2 passes that's fine too.

            • Castcore on 04/04/2024 - 22:29

              @garetz: I usually do with the grain and then across the grain. I've given up on on chasing baby smooth. My shadow is always present regardless and my skin dries out if I do too many days in a row of it.

        • Broomstick on 05/04/2024 - 00:00

          Fatality

    • zarbicore on 05/04/2024 - 12:37

      You should try different things. I have been doing it for 5 years, and the DE Razor I had was from shaver shop, nfi what brand it is.

      I bought the merkur 34c recently and the difference was immediate. I still have some issues on my neck, but the shave is closer using the same technique. Different blades and soaps can make a difference as well.

  • Windows98 on 04/04/2024 - 17:08

    The gillete one is $24 and full CNC metal aluminium and knurled grip as well. Seems like much the same, no?

    • kben on 04/04/2024 - 18:05
      +4

      I have the gillete one and the grip is very slippery which sounds knit picky but it's only got two jobs which are hold a blade and stay in your hand and it can only do one of them.

      Not a terrible buy if you get it during it's frequent sale price of $15 but the extra $25 for op's deal is worth it so you don't have to keep improvising grips for it.

    • maxiboyfm3a on 04/04/2024 - 19:13

      The King C Gillette is chrome plated cast zinc or brass iirc, definitely not CNC’d aluminium but this is how most are made and its fine.

      The KCG is great for $15, especially if you’re starting out. At full price though this Merkur is better. I started with the KCG but use a Merkur 47C now, it has a much better grip and I find the head is almost the same if not slightly more aggressive than the KCG which I now keep in my travel bag.

  • imurgod on 04/04/2024 - 17:12
    +1

    These are awesome.

    I use this one unless I'm in a rush when I use an electric shaver.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/04/2024 - 17:23

    Good buy. Way better shave than anything else you'll get once you master it. I use a Rockwell but this will do the job!

  • Harvey1 on 04/04/2024 - 17:27
    +1

    I've had one of these for over 15 years now and it still looks just as good as when i puchased it.
    Cannot recommend this enough!

  • GunnerMcDagget on 04/04/2024 - 17:29
    +2

    Good razor, but I recommend the merkur 34c over this one for people who haven't used a double edge safety razor before. It has a shorter handle which means you're less encouraged to use pressure.

    With these blades, you only want to use the weight of the razor while providing no pressure. Coming from a non-safety razor, that's hard to do. If you do use pressure, you'll cut yourself.

    34c is good for training, then move on to this on or one of the sledgehammers.

    • GenghisGun on 04/04/2024 - 17:36

      What is a sledgehammer in this context? I've had a king Gillette one for the last year and it was my first double edge razor, and honestly I find it tremendously easy to use. I don't know if there are tips and tricks, but if I have the handle fully tightened up then the shave is not very aggressive, however if I back off the handle screw by half to a full turn, it's really aggressive for clearing thicker hair, but more chance of nicks. I always shave after a warm shower where I've kinda washed or agitated the hair on my face, I find that helps. I've also not really found any noticeable difference between fancy face cream and just a generic nivea shaving foam… Ymmv

      • Chazzozz on 04/04/2024 - 17:44
        +1

        Pro Tip: get yourself a small mirror and you can shave IN the shower. You’ll be amazed at how convenient it can be. I find just using regular soap well-lathered is fine for me.

        • GenghisGun on 04/04/2024 - 18:10
          +3

          Good idea, will give it a go. Might even sip a nice chianti as I do it

      • GunnerMcDagget on 04/04/2024 - 18:56

        The Merkur 39C Sledgehammer. It's like the 23C but has a heavier head, that's also slightly curved. Better for angular shaving. But if you're not well practised with double edge safety razors, then you'll probably cut yourself a lot while using it.

        • snvl on 04/04/2024 - 21:36

          Thanks for the info. I’ll wait for a 39C sale

      • maxiboyfm3a on 04/04/2024 - 19:21

        The Muhle R41 is a sledgehammer.
        What blades are you using?

        • GunnerMcDagget on 04/04/2024 - 19:51
          +2

          I use feather blades. Great quality and $50 will get you a decent amount of blades. I shave my face and head every few days and $50 of feather blades lasts about 2 years.

          • Chazzozz on 05/04/2024 - 06:42

            @GunnerMcDagget: I so want to like Feather blades because they’re really sharp, but the problem I have with them is they’re really sharp and don’t suit my skin. Which is a shame, because people ‘round ‘ere rate them quite highly. I find the BIC blades work the best for me.

  • doubleclutching on 04/04/2024 - 18:00

    My 23c head corroded and the threads broke off after a few years. If you want something that lasts for life go with something stainless steel or aluminium.

    • yoquierotaco on 04/04/2024 - 18:40

      agree with stainless, but saying that, I have had my Edwin Jagger 10 years now and no issues. I think it's hit or miss with chrome plated.

  • SoTightEcoLPI on 04/04/2024 - 18:23
    +6

    I already have my OzB starter pack - King C Gillete and 100 Astra blades. How does this compare to a King C?

    • bemybubble on 04/04/2024 - 18:29
      +2

      Also following to find out. I have the king c one. Works great. But seeing if this is an improvement

  • Bazeegar on 04/04/2024 - 18:38
    +3

    Buy an adjustable one. I bought an old Gillette Fatboy from eBay and got it replated. Using it for the last 20 years.

    • yoquierotaco on 04/04/2024 - 18:41
      +1

      nice, I didn't know you could do that

      • Bazeegar on 04/04/2024 - 18:53

        Just a quick google. https://www.razoremporium.com/1960-f3-gillette-fatboy-adjust… This one is from the USA, but I am sure you can score an old one from a garage sale or a pawn shop in Australia. I know a couple of plating places in Brisbane.

        I have 1964 Fatboy! It works flawlessly, and everyone has a different requirement for aggressiveness and; hence, the adjustable one is the best. Most of the guys complaining of nicks while shaving should try the adjustable one to find the best gap. I couldn't use the fixed gap one!

    • banana365 on 04/04/2024 - 19:33

      Where did you get it replated? That sounds like a decent option for a few things I have (not just razors).

      • Bazeegar on 04/04/2024 - 20:31
        +1

        I did a couple of jobs here ( not razor) https://www.cookselectroplating.com.au/electroplating-servic…

        • rollsroy on 05/04/2024 - 01:09

          Any idea how much it might cost?

          • Bazeegar on 05/04/2024 - 07:33

            @rollsroy: No idea, mate. I did it around 20 years ago. I might replate it now with Rhodium :)

      • Castcore on 04/04/2024 - 21:06
        +1

        It’s not super convenient but the best place to have it replated is Back Roads Gold on Etsy. Chris is based in America but it comes with a tune up and after he’s done with it, it’s basically as good as new.

        Everyone into Gillette vintages sends them to him for replating.

    • banana365 on 04/04/2024 - 19:35
      +1

      Adjustable ones can be great. I got a knock off Merkur Futur from AliExpress about 8 years ago and it's still going strong (probably still will be in a decade or two).

      • garage sale on 05/04/2024 - 04:41

        several companies make butterfly action adjustable once you look at aliexpress and ebay. Disposable razors and multi blades like mach3 etc seem to be more in some wealthier countries but a lot of the world still use DE blades as much cheaper. cartridge blades were developed by gillette as patents on DE expired and they didn’t want to compete on price with other brands, hence proprietary handles and blades same with schick.

  • amzinguserman on 04/04/2024 - 18:42
    +2

    I got the gillette king version from colesworth when it was half price on sale.

    Could be happier with it.

    I got a lather brush and cream and i have zero ingrown hairs on the next. so amazing.

  • Fergy1987 on 04/04/2024 - 19:07

    I have the beard and blade branded razor, would this deal be an improvement?

    https://www.beardandblade.com.au/collections/safety-razors/p…

  • Funky777 on 04/04/2024 - 19:33

    Thoughts on Henson vs something like this? For the price is the Henson way better?

    • djsweet on 05/04/2024 - 12:17

      No idea, but I am super keen to get the Henson Ti. Looks amazing, and reviews are really good. Kind of thinking if I should get a Rockwell T2 Stainless Steel first though… I'm not really sure if I should get the mild or medium in the henson, so an adjustable could be a good first step.

  • GunnerMcDagget on 04/04/2024 - 19:59
    +3

    For those that haven't used a double edge safety razor before, the recommendation is that you get one with a heavier head. It's not like a normal 3, 4 or 5 blade razor. If you treat it like that, you'll cut yourself.

    It's easier to use one with a heavy head and allow gravity to carry out the shave while you guide it. The difference with the Merkur razors over some of the cheaper Supermarket/Shaver Shop brands is the quality and weight. Mainly weight.

    After you get used to shaving that way, you can pretty much use any cheap double edge. If you're already shaving with a cheap double edge and have no issues, then you don't need the more expensive brand 'cause you've already mastered it.

    • Morien on 04/04/2024 - 22:57

      Is the head of this one considered heavy? Or are you saying get heavier?

      • GunnerMcDagget on 05/04/2024 - 02:02

        It is heavy, but the handle is too long which encourages you to use more pressure than you normally would. That increases the chance you'll cut yourself.

  • kongkee on 04/04/2024 - 20:14
    +3

    How does it compare to King Gillette one? Should I upgrade to this? Also how much are we saving, what's the og price?

    • Castcore on 04/04/2024 - 22:27
      +1

      Upgrading is a very subjective thing when it comes to wet shaving. You could be upgrading the shaving experience because the new razor performs in a manner that is more to your liking, or you could be upgrading the quality (material, machining, finish) of the razor. There is no right or wrong when it comes to wet shaving, if you like something then that's perfect. Unfortunately there's no way to know unless you try different things though.

      I wouldn't classify this as a more premium razor than the King C in my opinion, so I wouldn't grab it on that account if that's what you're looking for. They're both mild razors too so I'd you're wanting a significantly different experience, you might want to look elsewhere.

      Can't go wrong getting it either though, and then pass one on to someone else to get them into the hobby too 😄. But if you're in it to save money DONT BUY IT! You'll be on the fast track to spending way more money on shaving than you otherwise would have. I purchased a $200 razor a few months ago from overseas and it'll arrive soon… that is hardly at the steep end of the hobby but it definitely won't be 10x better than a King C.

  • lightfoot on 04/04/2024 - 20:58
    +1

    Could someone explain how this is different from the $6 ones you get from Aliexpress? Looks the same

    • Chazzozz on 05/04/2024 - 06:53
      +1

      Build quality and weight, mostly. I have a Muhle Vivo which was given to me as a gift years ago. I was like you and curious what makes it better than an el-cheapo version from elsewhere so I bought one off eBay that looked very similar but was 1/10th the price. The difference was amazing: it was far lighter and didn’t feel right in the hand, the blade never sat quite right (I suspect the posts were out of alignment), but the most telling was when I dropped it in the floor (which was vinyl) the head snapped off. I’ve done that with the Muhle a couple of times and it simply bounced.

  • iguana on 04/04/2024 - 21:50

    How aggressive is the Merkur MK-23C?

    • taeyeontrash on 04/04/2024 - 23:33
      +2

      Not very - same head as the 34c, which is a not very aggressive razor. Thinner handle though so you may be inclined to use more pressure so may rate it slightly more than 34c depending on technique

  • Cappa87 on 05/04/2024 - 08:13

    Used to only shave my face using these. Then I started shaving my head and it was a blood bath. Went back to cartridge razors as a result.

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