The Merkur 23C Long Double-Edge Safety Razor: A Quick Shabazz Review

[@bakkencutter189]

I just found your knife channel a few weeks ago. Just got even better that your a traditional wet shaver like myself. So awsome

[@emilyanne3910]

For all the ladies out there, based on my research I've found that this one is pretty popular for beginners and the long handle makes it easier to shave your legs & other areas. I'll be ordering mine tomorrow!

[@babattaja]

After a year of use, how did you like it?

[@kraze4kaos]

Thank you!!!

[@Madman6505]

About 4 years ago, when Gillette raised the prices of the Mach 3 refills to like 27 bucks for a box of 5 cartridges, I finally said "screw this, I'm out." I've been using electrics ever since, getting crappy but relatively cheap shaves. I recently watched this video (curious as to why my favorite knife channel guy was reviewing razors.) I promptly ordered up a Merkur 23c long from Amazon for 30 bucks, and a box of 100 Astra Superior Platinum blades for like 9 bucks. Picked up some Cremo original at the local Walgreens. I did a pretty damn good job on my first try, without cutting myself. I was being very cautious, so I'm sure it will get even better as my technique improves. I am now happier than a pig at a trough. Thank you Nick!!!

[@G1CAAAAEO]

Same here man. Screw woke Gillette and their wallet choking prices. Let them sell their overpriced cartridges to their transgender and left wing audience, I'll be shaving like a real man using my grandfathers 1937 razor.

[@r.casagrande8689]

That's great buddy. I'm happier than a pig at a trough too.

[@Bobdixon_Moonvarga_Dancer_III]

I love your voice, its very distinctive. Like someone doing a embellished parody of a New York mobster, like for a cartoon. I’m kinda jealous.

[@simonmaguire5250]

Three and a half cent shave club. Were do I sign up.

[@theplasticdesert2408]

Life just gets better as a chap when you start using a double edge.

[@Jkp1321]

I just got the Merkur 23C when you mentioned it in the last video. I put off wet shaving for way too long and will save a lot on shaving now

[@kraze4kaos]

Thanks for the review! I want to add that merkur sells parts so if there are complications it can easily be remedied.

[@obxguy1]

This was my first DE razor... I've purchased many other afterwards, including a 1964 Gillette slim adjustable. but this is the BEST!

[@vct51]

Maby some tutorial with bat shabazz?

[@bigB6flyer]

I switched to the Mer23 recently. Love it. Make sure you let the razor do the work (the razor is either sharp or it’s dull) do not be aggressive w it, & never move it side to side on your face. Great shaves.

[@N3wbMa5t3r]

I recently got the King Gillette on sale for $15 at the store, bought some proraso (Original green I have sensetive skin but the sensitive skin (white) irritate my skin ) and a Sample pack of 20 different 5 packs of razor blades. I don't know why I didn't started doing this when I was in my early 20s... What an amazingly close and smooth shave!!!! Zero irritation and redness....!!!!!

[@clowncarnival6208]

Bought one of these and some other things for wet shaving because of your previous shaving related video. Can’t wait to start.

[@thebudkellyfiles]

Nick, I bought a similar model, the Merkur Model 51, back in 2013, and I have been using it ever since with outstanding results. It's solid, indestructible, and if I change the blades every Thursday it shaves clean and smooth. Way better than any disposable and much cheaper. It will last forever, never needs service or repair, and looks coool...

[@joshlowrance3627]

Thanks Nick, I picked up a Gilette Aristocrat and a Gliette Fat Boy because of you, and I will never go back to the multi-blade junk again.

[@45ACP_9mm]

I've been wet shaving for a little over four years now and I will never go back to plastic cartridge blades.

[@petrub27]

who cares

[@folksurvival]

Using plastic cartridge razors is still wet shaving.

[@tamaralaurent]

You talk very fast and I’m into it, came here to decide if this was a good razor for me and I’m definitely convinced. Thanks for the review this was a very informative and interesting video. 👍🏽

[@12stringblues]

Merker 23c is a workhorses.. 4 years so far with no issues and looks almost new with minimal maintenance.. this gives me a good shave while keeping my skin healthy. I use it with Taylor old bond products and witch hazel after shave with great results.

[@TheCrunchyCrouton]

I had this in my Amazon cart, so perfect timing! Thanks for the review Nick.

[@OnPointLeatherworks]

Nick, I really enjoyed this. Can you please do some more reviews on the different safety razors out there, and if you have time, look at a few straight razors? Thank you very much for the time that goes into your content.

[@robertdouglas4293]

Wow, About over 30 or 40 years ago, inherited, but unfortunately misplaced. something similar , dated 1932, I was restoring a Deuce, Same year, 32 Ford, what memories, Thank you so much, Nick!

[@andrewryan1203]

I just bought one of these about 3 weeks ago and yeah it’s pretty awesome. The girly even wanted one after trying mine.

[@elephantricity]

merkur futur and muhle r41 are my favs.. with feathers of course.

[@Heizenberg32]

Dollar Tree sells a butterfly-opening safety razor and pack of 5 blades for $1. I was extremely skeptical considering the rediculously low price, but it works great! I've used the same one for over a year, and gave them out as stocking stuffers last Christmas.

[@David.Buckheister]

Very nice razor. I have been wet shaving for a few years now, I have been using a Merkur 25C Long open comb as my daily razor for about a year now and I love it! Could talk about razors, brushes, and soaps for hours.

[@emoanarchist96]

I got one of the shorter ones (33C?) for my dad last year for fathers day after he was complaiing about a drop in quality of his regular Wilkinsons sword cartridge razor and he loves it

[@edgblades]

So cool you too like safety razors! Been using & encouraging their use for years. New favorite brand: Viking

[@rashadnagi7531]

It's funny, this wasbmy first serious DE razor. My very first one was some random butterfly from a beauty supply place. When I started wet shaving over 10 years ago you couldn't find this stuff. The only soap available was Vanderhagen at Walgreens.

[@jeanpoma5485]

So what is the difference between this and a Merkur 34C they appear the same but this one with a longer handle.

[@ryancrow2773]

34c is a two piece razor

[@cofaul1174]

Big fan of the shaving gear reviews!

[@PaulyP_13]

I have the short version and love it. Do agree that they are great razors, shave well, and promote a manly skill every gentleman should know how to do. My one complaint, and disagreement would be that the knurling is not aggressive enough for me and that it tends to slip when wet. Maybe there is a difference between the short and long handled versions, but I suspect it is the same. Otherwise excellent razor. And as always, a great review of a quality product.

[@seangordonrichards]

Thanks for the inspiration Nick

[@synthgal1090]

Oh my god, I want to watch this video so much but for some reason only this video is lagging, regardless of quality settings. Heck even the OHT video before this played perfectly, but this one doesn't want to play.

[@cafn8ed74]

SynthGal I'm having the *exact* same problem. I started watching it yesterday. Had no problems before or after with any video. I even came back today to try again, and I'm having the same problem. Seems to be a problem with only this video.

[@hellostewartnjessica]

I have the same problem

[@anuncomfortablenewt4006]

Likewise! It's so strange

[@TorlingJarl]

What on Earth. You guys are right.

[@Giovanni_Lippert]

I'm having a 4G internet with all the connection poles on mobile and still lagging like hell

[@jcb6713]

...that pretty much sums it up...have a great week...

[@easymods640]

Hey Nick I’m looking for a new edc knife as my other one is breaking down. I can only spend up to 115$ and it needs to fold. Sorry no liner locks as I have a reputation of pinching the top of my hand in them. I was thinking about a griptilian 550 but I was not sure.

[@ciderandthorazine]

very nice synopsis ~ i agree that cloggatude is the only real issue in use, and also agree it's no big deal, taking about 3 seconds to remedy. multi-blade plastic offerings are even more prone to gunking up and there's no remedy possible at all - not one that i've discovered, at least.

[@bakkencutter189]

Like how you said this might be the last razor you buy. I said that 2 years ago and i got over 100 d.e. and straight razors on the wall now lol

[@petrub27]

lol

[@Saternoc]

Start watching KZbinrs who talk about investing $ now!!!

[@alisuperhornet]

I actually decided to get into wet-shaving after your last video about this and bought an edwin jagger safety razor and some derby blades...so far I've been getting terrible shaves since i'm too scared to put any pressure on and basically suck at the whole process lol

[@NickShabazz]

Time! And experimentation. You don't need pressure, just angle. Also, Derby blades aren't great, IMHO. Try other brands too.

[@alisuperhornet]

Yea I bought some feather blades too but thought I should start "experimenting" with the duller derby blades before switching...no skills and super sharp feather blades might be disaster lol

[@AlexVitoresLorenzo]

I have this razor 🪒 and it’s great and smooth... perfect shave for beginners. I recommend you!

[@analogafterhours]

hey Nick, this might be a stupid question (as I have made a switch to safety razors recently) but how do you go about disposing of the blades? is there something specific you have to do, or can i just throw them in the trash?

[@ohiogarbageman9507]

Chris Post use the blade container, or cut a slit in an altoids tin to slide them in. Be nice to your garbageman. Those blades cut right through gloves.

[@iburley_]

Have you ever used a "shavette"? There's a model from Dovo that seems to be pretty popular and it's essentially a straight razor form factor but that takes half of a standard straight razor blade. They're used in a lot of salons due to legal requirements to use a new blade for each customer and they seem like a good option, I'd like to hear your thoughts on something like that versus this style.

[@josephr2766]

I have the merkur 34C and persona blue blades. Three passes and my face is smooth, thick black and grey beard. I get 3-4 shaves per blade, 1 shave on any cartridge razor.

[@ssiewnad]

Just bought it last week... got about 4 shaves behind me now. Started shaving with a safety razor over 40 years ago and lost my way.... gone full circle now. What do you use for lather? Thanks for the vid.

[@patkeating97]

2 or 3 years with a hundred blades? I couldn’t pull that off but good for you if you can.

[@nebulamask81]

Going to do shaving soap and brush as well?

[@Crushenator500]

I have a Gilette FatBoy from the 50s that I used for a couple years, but unfortunately I kept getting irritated skin and grew kinda tired of the whole shaving process, so I switched to a fancy electric razor and haven't looked back. Quick, easy, good results. The cost was a little high up front, but otherwise I have no complaints.

[@Keen_Edge]

Crushenator500 wanna sell? 😁

[@Mex_the_Fox]

Hey Nick! Pls review something from POHL FORCE, like the Bravo or Mike

[@HammerAndFlame]

Hey Nick! No shaving for me (weirdo with a beardo over here), but I am enjoying more of these "lifestyle" kind of videos. Keep on keepin' on, brother!

[@555Gear]

10 great years for me 👍

[@arcadely]

Agreed. I switched from multi-blade overpriced crap about 5 - 6 years ago to a wet shave with a Merkur safety razor. Would never go back. A vastly more pleasant experience, and honestly just as quick once you get used to it.

[@93tedd]

Maybe this could be a project for the Grimsmos, when the pen is sorted out? :D

[@ashcasson]

Could listen to this guy narrate/review anything.

[@lukaszczegotutaj]

Hi Nick, would you review the vintage Gillette Aristocrat?

[@URestURust]

23c or 34c?

[@paulhelm5384]

The short handled model was traditionaly considered a travel size. My Dad taught me how to shave on one of those bad boys.

[@paulhelm5384]

Thomas Jefferson I stand corrected sir.

[@anchorite21]

Great video, enjoyed it!

[@kapitanXbomber1989]

I like Merkur 23C but I like Muhle R89 a bit better. Mainly because of the handle. Long handle of the 23C is nice but for me is a bit too thin. The 23C with long and thicker handle would be perfect.

[@Guinea54]

it's cooler, looks nicer, cheaper, and doesn't clog like the disposable razors.. But I am not convinced it gives a closer shave. I find those multiblade razors to give a super close shave. I think the reason is because those razors literally lift the hair up and make cuts that would be beneath the skin surface- whereas these single blade razors cuts more at skin level.

[@jameskuhn4020]

I learned to shave with a DE razor. Then, like a lot of men my age (68) I tried all of the 'new fangled' multy-blade razors available on the Market. About 20 years ago, I began experimenting with various brands of Safety razors. One day, I decided to buy a really good DE razor. My search brought me to an obscenely priced Merkur adjustable razor. It was over $200, at the time. What a mistake that was. The adjustable feature, in a few short months, was inoperative and the pot metal the razor was made from began to corrode and crumble before my eyes. It wouldn't be so bad, but I treated that razor like gold. Needless to say, I was disappointed. I then purchased Butterfly style razor from an outfit in Australia. I used it for about 7 or 8 years. Unfortunately, the Butterfly mechanism has worn and the blade can't be tightened down. So, I decided to replace it. You can imagine, after my last experience with Merkur I was hesitant to purchase another of their products. But, after a lot of research I decided on a Merkur 23C 'Long Handle'. One of the primary reasons I purchased this razor is it's a three piece razor, which, IMHO, is a simpler and more robust design. Honestly, the other main reason I purchased the Merkur 23C was because of the positive reviews it gets on the InterWeb. Now that I have the 23C in hand I can see why people like it. I find the slim, long handle very comfortable. I have a fairly heavy beard, but sensitive skin, so the less aggressive nature of the razor will work perfectly for me.

[@bariswheel]

Had no idea Gilbert Gottfried was such an expert on shaving. Multi talent.

[@kaiz1845]

Hey Nick, have you been seeing those Katsu front flippers that people have been posting onto Reddit lately? Do you think you'll ever get one for yourself or even review one?

[@nathanandrade876]

little detail: wet shaving has nothing to do with the tool used, as long as it has a blade. Therefore, using a gilette is wet shaving too. ;) Thanks to your double edge razor reviews, I'm considering switching method to sth like it. Or order a custom straight razor^^ From Osiris Blades (lemme know what you think on that ;) )

[@joshuatuttle4818]

Can you use just regular shave cream with this type of razor or does it have to be that kind you foam yourself with a brush. Pretty much every review I’ve seen has been some hipster milking a squirrel to get the perfect ingredients for a shave cream you have to put together every morning. I just want to keep using Barbasol.

[@NickShabazz]

It works. There's a better shave with better shave creams, but it'll be fine with leaving the squirrel unmilked. Proraso canned cream is better than most, might try that.

[@joshuatuttle4818]

@@NickShabazz Thanks!

[@Keen_Edge]

What is your preferred adjustable razor?

[@bakkencutter189]

Hayden Nininger rex ambassador is great. Pricey but lifetime warranty and all stainless steel. Mekur adjustable is a nice razor also

[@Keen_Edge]

Bakken Cutter holy crap that thing really is super expensive.

[@bakkencutter189]

Hayden Nininger its worth it in my opinion. U.S.A. made also. Nothing else on the market currently even comes close as far as adjustable. Have you used a rockwell 6S.

[@Keen_Edge]

Bakken Cutter I've only really used a dorco plastic and a maggard starter

[@bakkencutter189]

Hayden Nininger rockwell 6s is an adjustable razor at a fair price. You just change the base plates instead of turning a dial and changing the blade gap.

[@nickkazarian3334]

Nick, thanks for a great review. Quick question, have you ever tried a solid titanium double edged saftey razor? I was thinking about getting one of those for corrosion and longevity. If that makes a difference. Thanks for your time.

[@NickShabazz]

Nick Kaz I haven't. But this works so well that it doesn't need an upgrade.

[@ricktemmen6272]

I've been wet shaving for a month and I love it

[@Magnum_Express]

9 tsa agents didn't find your humor funny. Good video by the way. Your camera work showed these in much better detail than most reviews. These look quality. From pictures alone these look cheap and chinese made. I think hearing it make contact with your table top gives me a good sense of weight as well

[@imranchowdhury4972]

This video was a severe problems in playing smoothly. It will always get stuck and start to buffer. There must be some problems with the settings.

[@gillybuzz]

yeah I've been having the same problems even after refreshing multiple times. The ads before this video play perfect but yeah pretty weird.

[@smievil]

the razor is pretty smooth though

[@mtronaut1694]

Same problem here, really surprised to find this comment, thought is was the wifi...

[@umeng2002]

Mail razor blades to your hotels and other destinations when you travel.

[@Buzzby4020]

This video seems to be unable to buffer and so plays in 2 second segments with a pause in between. No problem with your other videos.

[@ethankim7979]

This video never loads for me. Idk wjy

[@SuperBROKEN81]

Love Astra blades

[@MISTAREDboys]

I really like the DE razor videos, Rockwell razors look really interesting and I’ve heard great things about them. Maybe you could check them out? Keep up the great videos

[@natas0733]

Just unscrew it 1 full turn and swish around in your sink of hot water. Then screw it back down give it a shake and back to business. Its inly necessary when its clogged realy bad and it works great every time. I have the same razor

[@NickShabazz]

natas0733 yep, that's what I tend to do. But still, I do wish there was a bit more room there.

[@natas0733]

Nick Shabazz what about the adjustable ones? Is that what adjusts? That gap? I have never seen one in my hand

[@NickShabazz]

natas0733 Nope, usually what adjusts is the amount of blade exposure. Which corresponds roughly to aggressiveness.

[@sarahjanenicholas4904]

Woman here I use this razor it is great

[@ricktemmen6272]

Nick it's Zamak a form of pot metal ... A magnesium product ...

[@egotisticalgiraffe6130]

Yes Sir 👍 it is a keeper.

[@jskrawz4611]

If ya get a chance try Trig blades... They are $1.99 for 10 or $14.99 for a 100... I think they are every bit as good as the Feathers... I think I mentioned this before but in case I didn't... Try Mikes Natural Soaps out of Ann Arbor, Mi... Really good stuff!

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Ok. Im gunna try it.. !!

[@natas0733]

keifer225948 check out geofatboy on KZbin

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

natas0733 ok

[@ohiogarbageman9507]

keifer225948 you won't regret it.

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

liber tarian i hope so..

[@troywheatley744]

liber tarian .....eye

[@w.s.soapcompany94]

I chipped mine bad after only 2 shaves threw it away the first time i caught my skin on the chip never went back. The chip was totally my fault and it even happened in a parking lot. Been mach3 ever sence but if Nick says I'm missing out on one of life's pleasure AND getting ripped off. Well then, I'm ready to try again. How much is toooo much to spend on one of these if function is your only real concern?

[@natas0733]

Lindsay Flowers go on shavenation.com get a merkur 34 and a variety pack of blades. The blades are all different. I like gillette 7oclock and dorco platinum. I find feather to be too sharp. Depends on your face. Try them all until you find a good one. A bowl of porasso shabe soap is 10 bucks and will last 6+ months of regular shaving. It will cost a lot to start up but eventually you will be spending like 20 bucks a year and getting barber shop quality shaves that you cant get with a mach 3 for a fraction of what you were paying.

[@ohiogarbageman9507]

You can get good quality for 30 to 40 bucks. Don't forget about a brush, and soap.

[@w.s.soapcompany94]

liber tarian is there no functional advantage in spending more then $50? I feel like I have seen them over $100 at the mall.

[@ohiogarbageman9507]

Lindsay Flowers there may be. I don't know. Almost all of mine are vintage Gillette razors. Geofatboy is a good channel to get advice on razors, as well as technique.

[@crankysaint]

I can't imagine trying to shave my scalp with one of those.

[@GoldBold563]

Lots of people do it to great success! Try looking up some vides here on KZbin.

[@mbhaus6349]

Damn... I came here for lockstick and a disassembly video and now i watch shavers... what a luck i already own one like this and am comfortable with my watches 🤣

[@kerryrwac]

If it clogs easily it's no good for shaving my head , so i'll stick to my 3 bladed Mach 12. I do wish that i had my Dads vintage razor , it had the butterfly opening , and is what i learned to shave with .

[@xDarkPrototypex]

If you sold that thing signed (and preferably with some beard hair from the nick stuck in it) im sure some crazy fan would pay over 3 thousand dollars to get it.

[@aswtx75]

I need to quit watching your videos, everytime I do I end up spending money

[@Saternoc]

I'm going to do the same! Thanks for the tip.

[@666dynomax]

23c is too long... i find that funny to say because when i bought it i thought i wanted it long because i found the 34c too short (coming from cartridges) but the more i de wet shave, the 84mm 34c is perfect.

[@mikerose51]

Love ur accent lol only cuz ima jersey boy!!! 😎🤙

[@HollowFaith666]

Welcome to the no fly list Nick, for the tea comment

[@mythguard6865]

6:15 Nick you just lost a potential sponsor

[@thecentralavenuegunslinger7861]

So call me an idiot but I lost the comb to a razor down my drain so I now only buy butterfly opening handles

[@alexarmstrong4188]

I feel you man.

[@MobiuSphere]

I sense a conspiracy. This video keeps lagging out on me, no other video on KZbin is having issues just this one.

[@kwong7058]

MobiuSphere same here. Thought it was my WiFi.

[@YesIAmThisCool]

Same here. And I have it set to 144p!

[@MobiuSphere]

Half a week later and it's still lagging out on me

[@scdevon]

Double edge safety razors blow away all off the hyped up multi blade razors. It's as close as a hot towel straight razor shave at a barber.

[@tacticalbanana5198]

strraight razer, no running costs sice 5yrs... just stropping and done. nice video though

[@hachi666roku]

*One day, There will be a Mach 10,12,18 and one stroke will be your last….* … I do like the proglide “shield” cause the pads are silky with proraso pre shave creme and Barbisol can cream for those days those pretty ladies with daddy issues wanna play with your stubble-less face😅 … but just snagged one 23c from Col Ichabod Conk cause my mini gillette traveler been working about 25 years old, and older than that

[@donfeitel4711]

‘obscenely sharp blade’ Proceeds to wave finger near the blade #notasmartman

[@Valheru808]

same razor I picked up 6 years ago, and will not use anything else. much better shave, and soooo much cheaper

[@SwissNoobWatches]

Merkur 3 piece is all you nead this Razor are built for life $30 bucks .this razor will last built like a Tank

[@riaanackerman6372]

Your voice sounds like a cartoon narrator lol

[@ChrisUong.English]

4 pieces

[@XLMetroid]

I own this exact razor. I've said it before on another Nick video and I'll say it again. Safety razors will never deliver shaves as close or as comfortable as a multi-blade razor. Never. I switched to this exact safety razor a few years ago and tried it for approx 3 years and then switched back to the multi-blade razor earlier this year. And my face thanks me for it. I guess you'll have to experiment for yourselves. Multi-blades cost more obviously but worth it in my opinion. I'm leaving 1800s technology back in the 1800s. I'll stick with my Mach 3 thank you.