Merkur safety razors compared – Which Merkur is right for you?

When you get into traditional wet shaving, you can hardly get around Merkur.

The Solingen brand has been one of the best-known names in traditional safety razors for decades. And yet, the selection can be a bit confusing at first glance.

23C, 24C, 24G, 34C, Futur 700, Futur 701.

They look somewhat similar.

But they feel distinctly different.

That is exactly why at The Gentleman’s Shave we don’t simply stock as many Merkur models as possible, but rather a selection that covers different preferences.

The most important question, therefore, is not:

Which Merkur is the best?

But:

Which Merkur is right for you?

Merkur 23C – the straightforward entry with a long handle

For me, the Merkur 23C is one of the easiest ways to get started with traditional safety razor shaving.

The long handle feels familiar to many people switching over, especially if they have previously used a multi-blade razor.

Plus, it has a rather gentle shaving experience.

That is exactly why the 23C is appealing to many beginners who want to get the technique right from the start without the razor feeling too demanding right away.

For me, the 23C is particularly right for you if you:

• are looking for your first safety razor
• prefer a longer handle
• want a gentle shaving experience
• are looking for an uncomplicated razor for everyday use

My assessment:
If you simply want to get off to a good start, the 23C is one of the safest choices in the Merkur range.

Merkur 24C – long handle, classic handling

The 24C goes in a similar direction to the 23C, but feels a bit different.

Here too, you get a long handle and a classic Merkur shaving feel.

The difference lies mainly in the handling and the design of the handle.

For many, that is exactly what matters.

Because with safety razors, it is not just about how thoroughly a model shaves.

It is also about how secure and natural it feels in your hand.

For me, the 24C is particularly right for you if you:

• prefer a longer handle
• value secure control
• are looking for a classic Merkur
• want a model that is appealing to both beginners and experienced users

My assessment:
For me, the 24C is less of a completely different razor than rather a different interpretation of the long Merkur handle.

Merkur 24G Rose Gold – classic in design, distinctly more special in appearance

The 24G Rose Gold immediately catches the eye.

Not because Merkur has reinvented shaving here.

But because of its appearance.

Rose gold is still significantly rarer on classic safety razors than chrome or matte chrome.

And that is exactly why this model has a clear place in our range.

Technically, it remains classic Merkur DNA.

Visually, however, the 24G leans much more towards being a design piece.

For me, it is particularly right for you if you:

• like a long handle
• want to combine traditional wet shaving with a more striking appearance
• value a high-quality look
• are looking for a razor that also makes a great gift

My assessment:
The 24G Rose Gold is not the razor you buy for maximum technical differences.

You buy it because you want exactly this combination of a classic safety razor and a special appearance.

Merkur 34C – the classic

The 34C is probably one of the best-known Merkur razors of all.

Shorter handle.

More weight in the hand.

More compact handling.

That exact combination is what makes it so appealing to many wet shavers.

Compared directly to the 23C or 24C, it feels significantly more substantial and compact.

Not everyone likes that.

But anyone who prefers shorter handles and a bit more weight will very quickly end up with the 34C.

For me, the 34C is particularly right for you if you:

• want a more compact razor
• like more weight in the hand
• are looking for a classic all-rounder
• want a razor you can use for many years

My assessment:
If someone says:

“I just want a classic Merkur and don’t need to try ten models.”

Then for me, the 34C is one of the most obvious candidates.

Merkur 34C Matte – same character, different appearance

With the 34C Matte, it is less about a completely different shaving experience.

The big difference lies in the finish.

Anyone who likes the compact character of the 34C but prefers a calmer, more matte appearance will find the right version here.

That is why, for me, this is not a completely new class of razor.

It is more a question of:

Shiny classic or matte understated?

Ultimately, that is a matter of taste.

And that is exactly why it makes sense to have both versions in the range.

Merkur Futur 700 – if you want to adjust your shave

Compared to the 23C, 24C, or 34C, the Futur is a different world.

Here you can adjust the blade gap and thus influence how directly the razor shaves.

That makes it significantly more versatile.

And that is exactly why it is particularly appealing to more experienced users.

You can test different settings and adapt the shave more closely to beard length, the blade, and personal preferences.

For a complete beginner, I would not automatically put it at the top of the list.

Not because you cannot use it.

But because you already have enough to learn at the beginning:

Angle.

Pressure.

Blade.

Lather.

If you are also constantly adjusting the blade gap at the same time, it becomes harder to figure out what actually makes the difference.

For me, the Futur is particularly right for you if you:

• already have some experience with safety razors
• like to test different settings
• want maximum flexibility
• shave different beard lengths

My assessment:
The Futur is not a razor you simply use.

It invites you to experiment with your shave.

Futur 700 or 701?

We have both versions available.

The Futur 700 in matte chrome and the Futur 701 in shiny chrome.

Technically, these are not two completely different razors.

The decision is primarily a question of finish.

Matte looks calmer and more modern.

Shiny chrome looks more classic and striking.

If you have already decided on the Futur, then for me, it is mainly a matter of taste.

My quick decision aid

If you want to keep it as simple as possible:

First razor with a long handle:
Merkur 23C

Long handle with different handling characteristics:
Merkur 24C

Special appearance in rose gold:
Merkur 24G

Compact classic:
Merkur 34C

34C, but preferably understated:
Merkur 34C Matte

Adjustable and experimental:
Merkur Futur 700 or 701

That pretty much covers the Merkur range from my point of view.

Why we don’t stock ten more Merkur razors

Of course, we could make the range significantly larger.

But just because Merkur offers many variants, we don’t have to stock every one of them.

It is more important to me that every model has a clear reason for being in our shop.

Long handle.

Compact.

Special appearance.

Adjustable.

Exactly these kinds of differences help with the decision.

Ten razors that differ only minimally from each other in the end do not automatically make the selection better.

My conclusion

That is exactly why Merkur is so appealing to me, because the brand appeals to very different users without having to completely reinvent every model.

The 23C is straightforward.

The 24C is classic and long.

The 24G brings appearance into the mix.

The 34C is compact and proven.

And the Futur is aimed at anyone who wants to adjust their shave more themselves.

The question, therefore, is not:

Which Merkur is the best?

But:

Which one is the best fit for your hand, your experience, and your way of shaving?