Merkur 34c Matt Chrome Safety Razor

Merkur 34c Matt Chrome Safety Razor has been around long enough to prove itself, made in Solingen, Germany, and it's the razor that tends to turn up on the shelf of anyone who's serious about wet shaving. Whether you're switching from cartridges for the first time or adding to a collection, it earns its place.

The matt finish gives this version a quieter, more understated look than the standard chrome, but the construction underneath is identical. The handle is solid brass with a knurled grip that holds firm even with wet, lathered hands. The head is die cast zinc, precision made to keep the blade seated at a consistent angle every time. It's a two piece design, which makes blade changes straightforward and keeps the whole thing feeling solid in the hand.

At around 78g, it has real weight to it. That's the point, a heavier razor does the work for you, so there's no need to press down. Letting the weight do the job means the blade glides cleanly through even thick growth.

The 34C sits in the middle of the aggression scale, which makes it versatile. It's forgiving enough for a complete beginner to learn good technique without punishing mistakes, yet effective enough that experienced shavers use it as their daily razor. The closed comb head suits most beard types and works well for daily or every other day shaving. The short, thick handle improves manoeuvrability around the jaw and chin where longer handles can feel clumsy, and if you've come from disposables or cartridge razors, the grip will feel immediately familiar.

Key Features

• Matt chrome finish over a solid brass handle and die-cast zinc head
• Fixed closed comb head with a straight safety bar
• Sits in the middle of the aggression scale, forgiving for beginners yet capable for daily use by experienced shavers
• Short, thick handle that stays manoeuvrable around the jaw and chin
• Comes with one Merkur Super Platinum blade

How to Use

• Twist open the two-piece handle to access the head and set a fresh blade in place
• Angle the head at roughly 30 degrees to the skin before starting each stroke
• Rely on the razor's own weight rather than pressing down as you shave
• Take short strokes and rinse the blade between passes
• Rinse and dry the whole razor after your shave to keep the edge in good condition

Specifications

• Head: Closed comb, fixed (non-adjustable)
• Handle: Brass, matt chrome finish
• Head material: Die-cast zinc, chrome-plated
• Weight: approximately 78g
• Blade type: Double-edge (DE), any standard brand
• Includes: 1 Merkur Super Platinum blade
• Made in Solingen, Germany