To me, the Merkur 33C is for those who want the shave of Merkur’s 34C HD razor but don’t want the heftiness.   Like the 34C, the 33C is a safety bar or closed comb razor with polished chrome finish and etched handle.

The Merkur 33C

However, unlike the 34C, the Merkur 33C is a three piece razor as opposed to a two piece.   The 33C’s and the handle is slightly longer measuring 3.625 inches from end to end while the Merkur 34C HD measures 3.25 inches.

The 33C (left) measures a little longer than the 34C HD

It looks like Merkur uses the same razor head for both razors.  So, I find both to be mildly aggressive shavers and the shave quality to be similar.  Admittedly, this is one that I don’t bring out much as I prefer the girth of the handle as well as the weight of the Merkur 34C HD --  The 34C weighed in at 2.8 oz (on our scale) whereas the 33C weighed in at 2 oz.

The 34C (left) is a little heavier than the 33C.

Between the two I’d have to say that I would opt for the Merkur 34C HD.  I like the heft and I like the two piece construction.  The screw rod on the cap is a little longer than the screw rod on three piece razors.  I’ve written about this feature in a previous post.  While, I didn’t give it much thought first, I do like the longer rods as because I don’t get as much buildup around the threads as I do with the shorter screw rods. 

Unlike the 34C, The Merkur 33C is a 3 piece, safety bar, razor

This isn’t to say the 33C is a bad razor.  I actually find it to be a pretty nice razor. The lighter weight and thinner handle could make it a good option for travel if space in the dopp kit is at a scarcity.

Have you tried the Merkur 33C?  Please leave a comment below. Let us know what you think and how it compares to other Slant Bar Razors.

Edwin Jagger Razors with Pearl Effect Handles

The Edwin Jagger DELBE14bl was roughly the length of the Merkur 38C but weighed as much as the Edwin Jagger DE89

Weight of one of the Edwin Jagger Pearl Effect Handled Razors

Pearl Effect handled DELBE14bl compared to the faux ivory DEL8714bl

The Dreadnought shaving line launched in the United States in mid-2012.  That same year, the Dreadnought Spartan Double Edge Razor was the named winner of the 2012 About.com Readers’ Choice Award for “best wet shaving razor.”   I got mine around the spring of 2013 and it's been in the rotation ever since.  Admittedly, since I've picked up some more razors over the years, my Spartan double edge hasn't been coming up to the top of the order as regularly as it once did.  

Dreadnought's Spartan Double Edge Razor

The Dreadnought Spartan is a three piece razor with a polished chrome plating finish and features the Dreadnought logo on the cap.   It measures roughly 3.75 inches from end to end and weighs approximately 2.6 oz (according to our scale).

The Edwin Jagger DE89 (left) and Dreadnought Spartan both measure about 3.75"

There are some wet shaving forum threads and even some YouTube videos noting that this the Spartan DE razor is the same razor as the Edwin Jagger DE89, except that it has the Dreadnought logo printed on it.  While they are the same style, size, and weight I have not personally seen Edwin Jagger or Dreadnought state who manufacture’s the Spartan.  So, this is something that wet shavers will have to draw their own conclusions on. 

Edwin Jagger DE 89 weighs 2.6 oz, which was the same weight as the Dreadnought Spartan

Regardless of who makes it, I do like this Razor.  I personally find that it is not an aggressive razor.  As with most mild razors in my den, I find that I can use it with just about any razor blade.   So if I’m going to be trying out a new DE Blade, I won’t reach for my iKon Tech or Muhle R41.  Rather, I’d reach out for something like the Dreadnought Spartan.   



Have you tried the Dreadnought Spartan Double Edge Razor?  Please leave us a comment  below and let us know.

Three Blades That Work Best for Me: Personna, Shark, and Crystal

Because of the way the head positions blade, it attacks the stubble at an angle. So, slant bar razors are considered to be a pretty effective shaver.  I’ve used a number of different blades with this razor:  Personna Blue,  Perma-Sharp, Feather, Shark Super Chrome, Crown, Rapira, Bolzano, and (my go to) Crystal.   Of this bunch, I felt as if the Crystals, Shark Super Chrome, and Personnas probably worked best for me in this razor.

I tend to get more build up on the shorter rods

The Merkur 37C is a two piece razor.  As with many of the other Merkur Razors, the rod on the cap is a little longer compared to the screw rod on three piece razors.   I didn’t think much of this at first.  But, I tend to get a little more build up around the threads on the rods of the three piece razors.  Since the 37C has a longer rod that extends down into the handle, I tend to not develop residue on the threads.  For me, that means less Scrubbing Bubbles cleanings.


Have you tried the 37C?  Please leave a comment below. Let us know what you think and how it compares to other Slant Bar Razors.

The Muhle R102 is a three piece razor with a polished chrome finish and it weighed in at 2.1 oz on our scale.  This razor has a white resin handle with chrome highlights. The R102 measures about 3.75 Inches from end to end with a handle that measuring approximately 3.4 inches.   Apart from the Muhle name etched on the bottom of the handle, the handle has a smooth texture.

Personally, I don’t mind razors with smooth handles, but I do have to be mindful to rinse any traces of soap or oil from my hands to prevent it from slipping.  Some have even suggested rubbing a little alum on the fingertips to help improve grip. I heard this tip many months ago but I have yet to try it.

Muhle Name Etched on Base of Handle

The Muhle R102 Open Tooth Comb Razor is one that I’ve had in the collection for a while.  Compared to other razors, the tooth comb design exposes more of the blade.  While some have stated that they find it to shave “normally,” I personally find the Muhle Open Tooth Comb design to be pretty aggressive.  I’ll typically use a Crystal DE blade (my go to blade) with this razor.  While I like Feather razor blades, which are known for their sharpness, I will usually shy away from using one in this razor. The combination of the Feather sharpness and the R102 aggressiveness is usually a combination that results in quite a few nicks and cuts.

The R102 used in one of my SOTDs

If I haven’t shaved my head for a day or two, the R102 is probably one of my favorites to use as I find it effective for my WTG pass. (I’ll typically do a polishing pass with my HeadBlade Sport or ATX … depending on mood).  I’ve even taken and posted a few shave of the day pics on Instagram where I’ve used this razor.  

We look at the R102 a little closer in this short video.




Have you tried the Muhle R102 or any Muhle Open Comb? Please leave a comment and let us know what you think.