Top 7 Best Merkur Safety Razors 2026

If you want to move from cartridge razors to traditional wet shaving, Merkur is one of the brands worth considering. The German manufacturer offers classic closed-comb razors, long-handle models, slant razors, and adjustable safety razors.

For 2026, Merkur’s current range includes the classic 34C and 33C, long-handle models such as the 23C and 38C, the 37C slant, and adjustable models such as the Progress and FUTUR. Merkur says its razors are made in Solingen, Germany.

Below, we look at seven popular Merkur models and explain what makes each one different.

Quick Comparison

Merkur Razor	Best For	Handle	Adjustable	Type
Merkur 34C	Beginners	Short	No	Closed comb
Merkur 33C	Simple daily shaving	Short	No	Closed comb
Merkur 23C	Longer-handle users	Long	No	Closed comb
Merkur 38C	Heavy razor fans	Long	No	Closed comb
Merkur 37C	Experienced shavers	Short	No	Slant
Merkur Progress 500C	Adjustable shaving	Short	Yes	Closed comb
Merkur FUTUR 701	Modern adjustable shaving	Long	Yes	Adjustable

1. Merkur 34C Heavy Duty

Best for: Beginners

The Merkur 34C Heavy Duty is one of the most recognizable razors in the Merkur lineup. It uses a traditional closed-comb safety bar and a relatively short handle.

Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver around areas such as the chin, jawline and upper lip. Merkur’s current catalog still lists the 34C HD with a 43 mm head and bright chrome finish.

The 34C is also available as a starter kit with a shaving brush, mug, soap and blades, which makes it convenient for someone building a traditional shaving setup.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Compact and easy to control	Short handle isn’t for everyone
Classic closed-comb design	No adjustment
Well-established Merkur model	Requires proper technique
Good choice for traditional shaving	Chrome needs regular care

Best for: Someone buying their first Merkur safety razor.

2. Merkur 33C Classic

Best for: Simple everyday shaving

The Merkur 33C is another classic fixed-head double-edge razor. It has a closed-comb design and a short, textured handle.

The current Merkur collection lists the 33C as a straight-guard German-made safety razor, and Merkur also sells it as a complete starter set.

There are no adjustment dials or complicated mechanisms. You install a compatible DE blade, set your shaving angle, and use the razor.

That simplicity can be appealing if you don’t want to experiment with blade-gap settings.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Simple design	Not adjustable
Compact handle	Short handle
Closed-comb head	Learning curve for new DE users
Available as a starter kit	Blade choice affects results

Best for: Men who want a straightforward traditional razor.

3. Merkur 23C Long Handle

Best for: Men who prefer a long handle

The Merkur 23C gives you the familiar Merkur closed-comb design with a longer handle.

The current Merkur catalog lists the 23C as a straight-guard long-handle razor, with a bright chrome finish.

The longer handle can feel more natural if you’re used to cartridge razors or simply prefer having more room for your fingers.

It can also be useful for men with larger hands, although handle preference is highly personal.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Long handle	Less compact
Easy to hold for larger hands	Not adjustable
Classic closed-comb head	Requires correct shaving angle
Traditional Merkur design	Longer isn’t automatically better

Best for: Men who find short safety-razor handles uncomfortable.

4. Merkur 38C Barber Pole

Best for: Men who like a heavier, long-handle razor

The Merkur 38C Barber Pole is one of the most distinctive models in the range.

It combines a long handle with a heavier construction and a ribbed pattern inspired by the traditional barber-pole design. Merkur’s current product listing describes it as a two-piece, straight-cut, closed-comb razor with a bright chrome finish. It weighs about 113 g and measures around 100 mm long.

The additional weight means you generally don’t need to push hard against the skin. The idea is to let the razor’s weight help it glide.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Heavy and substantial feel	Can feel too heavy for some
Long handle	Larger than compact models
Ribbed grip	Not adjustable
Closed-comb design	Takes some time to master
Excellent traditional appearance	Chrome needs maintenance

Best for: Men who prefer a long, weighty safety razor.

5. Merkur 37C Slant Bar

Best for: Experienced wet shavers

The Merkur 37C is different from the previous models because it uses a slant-bar head.

Instead of holding the blade in the same straight orientation as a conventional safety razor, the head places the blade at an angle. This changes the way the blade meets the hair.

Merkur’s current catalog lists the 37C HD as a slant-guard German safety razor.

The design can be interesting for experienced wet shavers, particularly those who want to explore a different shaving feel. However, it isn’t necessarily the easiest place to start if you’ve never used a DE razor.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Distinctive slant design	More learning required
Interesting option for experienced users	Not adjustable
Compact handle	Technique matters
Traditional Merkur construction	May not suit every beard or skin type

Best for: Experienced DE razor users looking for a slant design.

6. Merkur Progress 500C

Best for: Adjustable shaving

The Merkur Progress 500C is one of the most interesting options if you want to control your shaving settings.

It uses an adjustable blade-gap mechanism. Merkur’s current product information lists it as a two-piece, straight-cut razor with an adjustable blade gap and bright chrome finish. The listed weight is about 92 g, with dimensions of approximately 88 × 41 × 25 mm.

The adjustment allows you to change the shaving characteristics rather than being locked into one fixed configuration. Merkur describes the Progress as a design that has been used since the 1950s.

This makes it interesting for men who shave at different intervals or want to experiment with settings.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Adjustable blade gap	More complicated than fixed razors
Compact design	Adjustment takes practice
Good control over shaving setup	Not the cheapest Merkur
Long-running Merkur design	Wrong setting can increase irritation

Best for: Experienced shavers who want an adjustable razor.

7. Merkur FUTUR 701

Best for: Modern adjustable design

The Merkur FUTUR 701 looks very different from traditional models such as the 34C and 38C.

It has a larger, modern-looking head and a long handle. The FUTUR is adjustable, allowing users to change the blade exposure and shaving feel.

Merkur’s current adjustable collection lists the FUTUR 701 alongside the brushed 700 and gold 702 versions. The current Merkur listing shows the polished 701 at $79.95 MSRP/current listed price on the site at the time checked, although prices can change.

The FUTUR can be a useful choice if you want a modern-looking razor with multiple adjustment levels rather than the traditional appearance of the 34C.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Adjustable design	Larger head
Modern appearance	Learning curve
Long handle	Can feel substantial in the hand
Multiple adjustment settings	Not ideal for every beginner
German-made	Premium compared with basic models

Best for: Men who want a modern adjustable Merkur.

Which Merkur Safety Razor Should You Choose?

Your choice mainly depends on how you shave.

For beginners

The Merkur 34C and 33C are straightforward fixed-head choices.

For a long handle

The Merkur 23C is a simple option, while the 38C adds substantially more weight and a distinctive ribbed handle.

For experienced wet shavers

The 37C gives you the slant-bar format, while the Progress and FUTUR allow adjustment.

For an adjustable razor

The Progress 500C has a more traditional appearance and compact form. The FUTUR takes a more modern approach.

How to Maintain a Merkur Safety Razor

A safety razor can last a long time with proper care, but regular cleaning is important.

Merkur recommends cleaning the razor with warm water and a soft brush when changing blades. The manufacturer also advises against using acids on the razor components.

If you don’t use the razor every day, Merkur recommends regular cleaning before storing it.

Simple Maintenance Routine

• Rinse the razor after shaving.
• Remove soap and hair buildup.
• Clean the parts regularly.
• Use a soft brush for stubborn residue.
• Dry the razor before long-term storage.
• Don’t use acidic cleaners.
• Don’t overtighten screws or adjustment mechanisms.

Safety Razor vs Cartridge Razor

A Merkur safety razor uses a single double-edge blade, while a modern cartridge razor generally uses a cartridge containing multiple blades.

Safety razors require more technique. You need to control the shaving angle and pressure yourself.

Cartridge razors are generally quicker and more familiar for many people, while DE shaving appeals to users who enjoy traditional wet shaving and replaceable blades.

Neither system is automatically right for everyone.

Tips for Getting a Better Merkur Shave

Use light pressure.
Don’t push the razor aggressively against your skin.

Keep the blade angle controlled.
Small changes in angle can noticeably change the shaving feel.

Start conservatively with adjustable models.
If you’re using a Progress or FUTUR, learn the lower settings before experimenting with more aggressive settings.

Don’t chase a perfectly smooth shave with too many passes.
Repeated passes can increase irritation.

Use a good shaving lather.
A quality shaving cream or soap can improve razor glide.

Final Thoughts

Merkur’s 2026 lineup gives traditional wet-shaving fans plenty of options.

The Merkur 34C and 33C offer classic fixed-head designs, while the 23C is aimed at users who prefer a longer handle. The 38C Barber Pole adds extra weight and a distinctive long handle.

For more specialized shaving, the 37C uses a slant-bar design. The Progress 500C and FUTUR 701 give you adjustable shaving options with very different designs.

The important thing is to match the razor to your experience, preferred handle size, beard growth and shaving style rather than simply choosing the most expensive model.