The Merkur 23C safety razor has a longstanding reputation for providing a great shave with no nicks, burns, or other problems. The balance and weight of the Merkur 23C are superb. It’s easy to maneuver around your face and make those tight corners which you usually can’t with a disposable/ cartridge razor.
The 23C is very popular even with experienced wet shavers, yet it’s also an excellent safety razor for beginners, possibly the best. Some might even say that it’s one of the best razors in shaving history because of its simplistic design and superb workability.
However, to get the best shave possible while using the Merkur 23C long handle safety razor, it is essential to follow these secrets to ensure that you are getting the most out of your shaving experience.
Preparing the Merkur 23 safety razor
When you first get your Merkur 23C safety razor, it’s crucial first to inspect it to make sure there are no visible defects with the product. Merkur 23C is well known for its fine craftsmanship, so chances are it will be in perfect condition. That being said, you will want to make sure that the razor itself is free from any dust or debris. It might be a good idea to give everything a quick rinse and dry before your first time shaving with it.
You will also want to make sure that the blade is in good condition and well attached because if not, it may pull out hair when you shave or slice into your face.
It’s also a good idea to prime your new Merkur 23C safety razor by rubbing a few drops of shaving oil onto the blades and handle before shaving for the first time. The shaving oil will protect against any rusting and also provide a smoother shave.
Once everything is assessed, you will want to attach a double edge razor into the Merkur 23C by lining up the notches on the handle and razor head and twisting until locked in place. When you twist it into place, ensure that the blade is facing away from the protective “barber-pole” on top of the safety razor.
Preparing your skin for shaving with a Merkur 23C safety razor
Once you have inspected and prepared your Merkur 23 safety razor, the next step is to prepare your skin for shaving. This is done to ensure that your skin doesn’t experience any razor burn, cuts, or nicks in the process of shaving.
The best way to prepare your skin before a shave is to wash the face with a mild facial or castile soap. What you are trying to do is clean out your pores and exfoliate. This will help prevent ingrown hairs and provide an easier path for the razor blade to follow.
Another option some men like to use is a pre-shave oil that is massaged into the face before shaving. Pre-shave oil does many things, such as soften the beard, coat and lubricate the skin and provide a path for your razor to follow without getting clogged with hair and dirt.
If you don’t have access to specialty facial soap or pre-shave oils, then it is recommended to shave after taking a hot shower, not before. This is because the heat from the water will help open your pores, exfoliating the skin and providing a more comfortable shave.
If you don’t have time to shower before shaving, consider putting a hot towel on your face for a few minutes. A hot towel will also open up your pores enough to create a comfortable shaving experience.
Merkur 23C Shaving Techniques
Shaving with a Merkur 23C safety razor is a little different than using a disposable cartridge or straight razor. When shaving with a Merkur 23C, consider the following techniques to get a great shaving experience.
- Grip the entire handle. Don’t just place your fingers on the ends of the handle. This will ensure a more comfortable grip and give you better control of the angle you are shaving at.
- Shave with the grain of hair growth. Do not try going against it for a closer shave because if done wrong, it can slice into your face causing razor burn or, even worse, bleeding and cuts.
- Use light pressure. The Merkur 23C is a sturdy safety razor, but it can still be damaged by too much pressure. Also, try to let the razor’s weight do most of the work because that will ensure a closer shave with less irritation to your skin.
- Use short strokes. Don’t try to get all of your hair in one pass. Instead, use short strokes and rinse thoroughly each time to help avoid tugging and snagging.
- Be aware of the angle. An easy way to achieve this is by making sure that the gap between the razor’s blade and barber pole remains at roughly 30 degrees. If you need to go back over your face with another pass, use lighter pressure this time around so as not to damage or irritate your skin.
Shaving solutions to use with a Merkur 23C safety razor
One final secret to getting a great shave using a Merkur 23C is knowing the right type of shaving products to use with it. While shaving foams and creams from cans can be super convenient, the truth is that they can often wear out your Merkur 23C faster than other types of shaving products.
It is highly recommended to use a hard or soft shaving soap with a decent concentration of fats and glycerin. Shaving soaps are often made from all-natural ingredients that won’t damage the razor and keep your skin moisturized. B
Get the best shave with a Merkur 23C
Following the guidelines above is the best way to ensure that you get a pleasurable shaving experience with your Merkur 23C safety razor. Also, don’t forget to use an all-natural shaving soap to ensure that your Merkur 23C lasts for years to come.