Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor Review
Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor Review
Currently there seems to be a trend afoot regarding shaving razors. People are going back to shaving the way their Grandfathers used to shave fifty or more years ago and, in most cases, are pleasantly surprised by the results. Not only are they getting a better, closer shave but they’re also saving money at the same time. Merkur safety razors, quality engineered and manufactured in Germany, are major players in this shift in shaving.
Any time you can go to Amazon and find a product with 138 reviews and 123 of them award either a four or five star rating you can be pretty sure you’ve got a winner. That’s the case with the Merkur 180. People who have bought and used this razor are happy with the results and aren’t shy about spreading the news. This old technology made with modern day materials and engineering provides the best of both worlds to someone longing to have that once illusive ‘perfect shave’. The Merkur 180 actually makes it possible, that is, if you can handle it. We’ll have more on that later.
Back in 1971 when Gillette introduced the first two-bladed razor (called the Trac II) the buying public was led to believe that two blades were better than one. Then, again, in 1998 when the first 3-blade razor was made available (Mach 3), we were told that 3 blades were better than 2. Then it was 4 blades. Now, the latest and the greatest is five blades.
But guess what? Shaving razors containing five blades aren’t five times better than those with a single blade at all. And, in case you haven’t noticed, they’re a whole lot more expensive to keep going with replacement blades. And, on top of this, they can be big, cumbersome and end up leaving the user with irritation, razor burn, bumps and a shave that still leaves something to be desired. Here’s where the Merkur 180 comes in.
Overall rating: 
Safety razors using disposable blades were originally made available more than 100 years ago and the design has remained basically the same, although construction materials have improved considerably. The Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor is old-style technology made current. It’s chrome plated finish is beautiful and durable. It will provide an extremely close shave, providing you learn how to hold it properly, get the correct angle and refrain from pressing it too hard into your skin.
It’s solidly made and feels heavy in your hand, which is a trait you want in a safety razor. But it also doesn’t have any plastic protective guards to prevent you from cutting yourself so you need to be careful.
The Good:
- Long handle is good for people with large hands
- Extra close shave not possible with disposables or electric shavers
- Inexpensive to buy and to maintain
- You can buy the Merkur 180 for 19% off at Amazon (The cheapest online)
The Bad:
- Proper use involves a learning curve
- All metal construction will conduct heat so don’t use very hot water to shave
- Beginners can easily cut themselves if not careful
This is one of the closest shaving razors available. There’s a reason this style of razor is still around. It works and it works well and is so much cheaper to keep in blades than the new multi-blade cartridge models.
Tagged: Best Shaving Razor, Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor, Merkur Shaving Razors, Shaving Razor Reviews, Shaving Razors
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