Merkur 20c Review (Long Handled DE Razor) – Buying Guide
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Today’s article is a Merkur 20c review and buying guide.
So far, most of the double edge safety razors I’ve reviewed are chrome plated. The chrome plating gives each of these safety razors a clean, beautiful, and presentable look. But unfortunately, it can be too monotonous and I dare say perhaps a bit boring for some shavers.
But don’t crucify me yet.
Merkur 20c (Summary)
Recommended Use: Beginner/ Intermediate
Editor’s Rating:
Value for Money:
Quality:
Rating & Feedback: Check out more reviews and feedback here.
Summary: As this review and buying guide of the Merkur 20C will show – this DE is yet another safety razor designed to present newbies with an easy way to get into and quickly enjoy wet shaving. This baby is beautiful, sleek, and affordable. The anodized aluminum handle adds a beautiful contrast in style and helps provide a great grip for a more comfortable shave. If you have smaller hands, it’ll work like magic allowing you more control and comfort. Check it out today and benefit from these unique features.
The reason I point this out is because of the different look we are about to encounter on this black-handled double edge safety razor. At first glance, you’d think the razor has a black long rubber handle.
Thankfully, this is not the case.
The handle features an anodized aluminum finish elevated with trendy barber pole style knurling. This finish and knurling offer a comfortable and firm grip without sticking to the palms of your hand. Also, I feel this handle will age better than the chrome handles which tend to chip with time.
It’s also worth noting that the handle is thin.
Yes, the handle isn’t as thick as that of Edwin Jagger Kelvin DE razor or MK-39C. This makes it perfect for people with smaller hands. But other than that, the black double edge blade razor is pretty standard. It has a well-proven head design – the kind that comes with 3-piece razors from this company.
But is the handle the only thing that this razor has to offer?
Not quite. To give you an overall view of this safety razor, below is a quick overview of its features.
Merkur 20c Features
- Weighs about 2.2 ounces
- Measures 4.2-inches in length
- Has a 3 piece head design
- Black anodized aluminum finish
- 1 blade included
- Average aggressiveness
Overall Length: 4.25 inches/ 107 mm
Handle Length: 3.7 inches/ 95 mm
Handle Diameter: N/A
Weight: 2.2 ounces/ 60 grams
Material: Metal
Finish: Chrome-plated w/ Anodized Aluminum Metal Handle
Type: 3 Piece Scalloped Bar Closed Comb
Adjustable: No
Knurled handle: Yes – Barber Pole Style
Blade included: 1
Please note that the star ratings below are our ratings – it has nothing to do with how the product is rated on retailer sites.
Weight:
Grip:
Length:
Aggressiveness:
Blade Replacement:
Shave Quality:
Affordability:
- This is a perfect razor for individuals with small hands looking to transition smoothly into wet shaving
- The handle has a nice, grippy feel
- The overall design is perfect for right-handed persons
- In comparison to other beginner safety razors, the razor is rather pricey
- Some consumers have complained that the handle is difficult to clean
A Detailed Look at the Merkur Black Handled Double Edge Safety Razor
First impressions are important.
The razor sports a handle that’s designed to leave a lasting impression on all who gaze upon it.
Instead of the conventional chrome finish that most safety razor brands have embraced (even Merkur on some of its razors), this double edge safety razor features a unique black matte finish that resembles rubber.
But though it looks and feels like rubber, it certainly is not.
They used anodized aluminum to achieve a grippy texture. This is a company that comes up with great solutions, such as their futuristic Futur model or the (no longer in production) Vision.
On the handle, Merkur has also implemented the barber pole style design, as they have on the sibling Merkur 38c.
The grooves spiral down to the base of the razor in a counterclockwise direction.
As such, the handle has a slightly better grip on the right hand than it does when in the left hand.
But aside from the handle, the rest of the safety razor is adorned with a shiny chrome finish.
And just in case you’re wondering, the hidden parts have a chrome finish as well.
It’s just that they are not polished.
Fortunately, the rough finish in these hidden pats doesn’t affect the shaving quality.
3-piece Razor
A 3-piece razor design means that the safety razor has a handle, base, and top plate.
These parts are held together by a single bolt.
Note that 3-piece razors are slightly harder to disassemble and reassemble compared to 2-piece razors.
But on the bright side, they are easier to clean.
In the box, there is a single blade.
But depending on your facial hair and skin, you may have to get a different blade to provide the best shave for you.
If you’re new to wet shaving and haven’t got the slightest clue which blade is perfect for you, I recommend getting a set of sampler double-edge blades.
These sets contain blades from several brands and will help you find the one that is best for you.
Note: every man is different and has specific shaving needs.
But the best thing about safety razors is that they are versatile.
You can use an aggressive or less aggressive blade on the razor and still achieve the same great results.
However, if you thick and tough beard, you should be sure to get a sharp blade.
Is Blade Loading Easy?
As pointed out earlier, it is a 3-piece razor.
This razor includes a few more steps in its disassembly in comparison to the best butterfly razors or 2-piece razors.
But it is not such a big deal, otherwise, why would companies make so many of them?
To make the loading process easier, experts recommend holding the head by its edges.
This will align the blade and make the bolt tightening process a breeze.
Aggressiveness
As for aggressiveness, many expert wet shavers consider this one to be a mild razor.
Specifically, they often rate it a 4/10.
Which such levels of aggressiveness, the razor is perfect for beginners who are yet to master wet shaving techniques.
If you are a wet shaving master and would love to get a close shave with this razor, I recommend using a sharp blade.
This will help in offsetting the design mildness.
Fair Warning – even with a sharp blade, the razor is no match for the open comb or slant razors when it comes to a close shave.
Weight and Balance
The razor weighs about 2.2 ounces.
This makes it lighter than the sibling 33C.
Its lightweight is courtesy of the thinner handle.
But this razor surprisingly doesn’t feel all that light in my hand.
This is probably because the metal is quite dense.
As for its balance, it’s perfect despite its head being slightly heavier than the handle.
What Other Consumers and Reviews Are Saying
Most consumers have left nothing but praise for this razor.
There is a long list of reasons why they sing its praises.
However, at the top of that list is the solid grip designed from anodized aluminum with a barber pole knurling design, some consumers claim it is even better than the popular Merkur MK-34c.
For those who prefer a shorter handle, there is a model called Merkur 30c that will fit your bill.
If you like the long handle, but for some reason don’t like the look of the ’20c there are a couple of Merkur razor models that you should consider, namely the Merkur 23c and the Merkur 47c.
Medium Aggressiveness
Indeed, this safety razor is not the most aggressive in the market.
That being said, its medium aggressive rating will suffice for a beginner and experts searching for a daily beard mower.
The beauty of the level of aggressiveness it sports is that it doesn’t irritate the skin.
No Cuts or Burns
This is a huge win for many consumers.
Most first-time shavers were impressed and happy with the shaving results.
The lack of cuts, razor burns, and nicks is icing on the cake.
Long Handle
This is another reason consumers have fallen in love with this safety razor.
Most safety razors from this company have short handles.
However, the 20C strays from that norm.
Its long handle measures a whopping 4 inches, pretty much the same as the sibling Merkur 23c long-handled safety razor.
This handle length will undoubtedly offer more control when shaving.
Where Can You Buy This Razor?
The black-handled double edge safety razor is available from major online retailers.
Now to beginners, $$ for a razor may sound like a lot, however, when you do the math, you’ll be saving cash in the long run.
The price difference comes in when you buy replacement blades as opposed to new cartridges.
For those transitioning from cartridges as our article has shown – Merkur 20C is a perfect option since it’s about the same size and feel as most cartridge razors.