5 Best Merkur Razors, Models And Products For Men in 2024

If you’re a style-conscious gent who likes to look his best (and we’re sure you are), you might be looking for the best razor to achieve an outstanding finish with minimal fuss. While electric shavers are a convenient way to get a close shave or do a spot of facial manscaping, if you’re looking for that classic wet-shorn look, Merkur razors are the way to go.

The best Merkur razor products on the market boast a high-quality double-edged design (yes, a razor on each side), minimize shaving irritation, and look magnificent. But, with so many Merkur razors out there to choose from, how do you know which one to trust? Well, I’m going to tell you. My essential rundown of the best Merkur razor models will give you all of the insider intel you need to pick your perfect razor.

Intrigued? Good. Read on, my friend.

Key takeaways

Like any good shaving product, when it comes to picking the best Merkur razor money can buy, it’s important to consider your personal needs. To cover all major shaving bases, I did plenty of deep-dive research on this precision German shaving brand and its wide range of creations.

I also talked to a mix of grooming professionals and did some testing myself. If you’re looking for an all-around epic Merkur shaving experience, the Classic MK-33C is the one for you. If you’re in search of something a little different (one backed by droves of top Amazon reviews), the Merkur FUTUR is perfect. Oh, and for fuss-free everyday use, the black-handled MK-30B will deliver the goods.

Why it’s good: The MK-33C is a glistening beauty of a razor with a handle action that is perfect for first-time shavers and seasoned groomers alike. In addition to its thousands of rave reviews, this spritely Merkur razor has an easy-grip brass handle and die-cast zinc razor head. With a quality closed-head double-edged razor and a handle that’s not too long or too short, this bad boy glides across every contour of the face or neck for a precision shave without skin irritation or fuss. Pretty amazing considering its very reasonable price.

How to use it: To get the best from this razor, wet and soften your skin and hair or stubble around five minutes before use. Lather your skin with a quality shaving cream and set your razor angle to 30 or 45 degrees. Go with the grain, gliding the Merkur across the skin, letting the razor do the work for you.

Drawback but not a deal breaker: If you’re a fella with big hands, you might want a Merkur razor model with a slightly longer handle.

Type: Three-setting razor | Length: 105.6 mm | Handle style: Straight | Material: Brass  | Comb type: Closed

Why it’s good: With a sleek design inspired by the iconic Gillette safety razor, this wonderfully priced piece of kit offers an excellent shaving experience for the price. In addition to being safe, easy to use, and generally irritation-free, this is a shiny tooth-combed shaving device that’s simple yet effective. The short handle and solid grip make it easy to achieve a classic clean shave or ‘tache-tastic’ creation, even if you’re a grooming novice. It looks pretty amazing, too

How to use it: For the best results, follow the instructions I detailed for the MK-33C, but make sure you wash the razor head off with water every few strokes to get those smooth lines or that classically clean-shaven finish.

Drawback but not a dealbreaker: As this has only one shaving setting, you might want to choose something else if you’d like a little more scope or choice when it comes to your shaving or manscaping goals.

Type: Single-setting razor | Length: 80 mm | Handle style: Straight | Material: Brass  | Comb type: Closed

Why it’s good: With sexy dark looks, a slimline design, and an extra long handle, this most menacing (and reassuringly lavish) of Merkur razor models is my top luxury pick. Well, apart from the fact that it looks darn cool, the long slimline handle and solid grip pattern make it a dream shaving experience. This bad boy is built to last, making it perfect for everyday use, and the ample blade gap means that no residue, clumps of hair, or blobs of shaving cream will get in your way mid-shave.

How to use it: Once you’ve softened your face and applied your favorite shaving cream, wet your Merkur blades slightly and angle your blade at around 30 degrees, allowing it to glide gently over the contours of your neck and face. Clean the blades with water every few strokes or so, and make sure your razor is dried after use.

Drawback but not a dealbreaker: Some guys might find this razor a little too long and slimline for their hands or shaving requirements.

Type: Single-setting razor | Length: 105.6 mm | Handle style: Straight | Material: PVC coated metal  | Comb type: Closed

Why it’s good: With literally thousands of ‘rave shave reviews’ on Amazon, the Merkur FUTUR is an adjustable safety razor that sports a strand out design. With a magnetic blade cap that snaps over the razor head with ease and a slightly shorter yet incredibly ergonomic design, this Merkur razor is one of Amazon’s most popular safety razors, hands down. With an adjustable head with multiple settings, you can tailor your shave to your exact needs (which is great if you suffer from sensitive skin). As such, it doubles up as a pretty sweet head shaver.

How to use it: You should approach your shave in the same way as the other Merkur razor models in my hitlist. The additional thing to remember about this razor is that you should start with a slightly higher setting as an initial test, lowering the blade for a closer shave once you’re confident with the length.

Drawback but not a dealbreaker: Some fellas might find this razor a little on the pricey side. But if you can’t treat yourself, how are you gonna treat someone else? Or, you know, put in on your Christmas list.

Type: Adjustable-setting razor | Length: 101.6 mm | Handle style: Straight | Material: Brushed chrome | Comb type: Closed

Why it’s good: As my number one pick for everyday use, this Merkur razor is as reliable as they come. If you’re looking for a manual substitute for a decent electric shaver, this could well be the one for you.

While this may not have quite as much scope as some of the other Merkur razor models on my list, the MK-30B’s comfy black grip handle, compact design, and sheer robustness make it perfect for everyday use. It’s easy to use, it’s easy to clean as well as store, and it boasts a brilliant close shave for when you’re time-strapped. A real winner.

How to use it: To get the most from your everyday shave, hold the handle lightly in your hand, angle it to 30 degrees, and allow the weight of the razor to glide across the contours of your face, neck, or head. As always, soften your skin and get a good creamy lather on your face pre-shave. Oh, and enjoy!

Drawback but not a dealbreaker: If you want a multi-setting Merkur, this isn’t the one for you.

Type: Single-setting razor | Length: 98.2 mm | Handle style: Straight | Material: Metal and rubber | Comb type: Closed

Buying considerations for the best Merkur razors

Handle length

First of all when searching for your best Merkur safety razor, you should consider the handle length. Most Merkur razors have handle lengths of around three to four inches—and that inch can make a real difference. Basically, if you have big hands, you should go for a Merkur razor with a longer handle, and if you have smaller hands, you should choose a slightly shorter handle length. The same goes for dexterity. If you struggle with your hand-eye coordination, going for a slightly short handle will help you gain more control when shaving.

Comb type

Generally, a Merkur razor comes with a straight-closed comb for a cleaner, closer, more traditional shave. You can also grab a Merkur razor in open-tooth form, which is perfect for tackling longer, coarser hair or shaping your facial mane to achieve a certain beard style. So, decide on your specific shaving goals or needs and choose your comb type accordingly.

Settings

Expanding on my last point—depending on your personal shaving needs—you should choose a razor with enough settings to get the job done. If you simply require a Merkur razor for achieving a smooth, safe, and sleek close shave, a choice of three settings will be more than enough. But, if you’d like to get a little more creative with beard shaping or manscaping, choosing something with four to six settings will do the trick.

Why you should trust us

Well, in addition to Fashion Beans being a bonafide go-to destination for tip-top men’s fashion, grooming, and lifestyle tips—I’m somewhat of a grooming aficionado. As a hairy fella who has sported pretty much every type of manscaping combination possible over the years, I’ve used a Merkur razor or two in my time.

In addition to my personal experience, I carried out extensive research and talked to a wealth of men’s grooming experts to create this definitive list of the best Merkur razor models around.

Final verdict

With a design and settings to suit every type of shaver as well as a handle that makes for an epically smooth shaving experience, the mighty MK-3CC is my top pick for the best Merkur razor. Its mass appeal and quality finish really do make this an incredible allrounder.

But, every one of the Merkur razor models on this list offers its very own set of attributes and is featured because it’s one of the very best on the market right now. So, consider your personal needs, look back through the list, and take your pick.