Merkur 34c Matt Chrome Safety Razor has been around long enough to prove itself, made in Solingen, Germany, and it's the razor that tends to turn up on the shelf of anyone who's serious about wet shaving. Whether you're switching from cartridges for the first time or adding to a collection, it earns its place. The matt finish gives this version a quieter, more understated look than the standard chrome, but the construction underneath is identical. The handle is solid brass with a knurled grip that holds firm even with wet, lathered hands. The head is die cast zinc, precision made to keep the blade seated at a consistent angle every time. It's a two piece design, which makes blade changes straightforward and keeps the whole thing feeling solid in the hand. At around 78g, it has real weight to it. That's the point, a heavier razor does the work for you, so there's no need to press down. Letting the weight do the job means the blade glides cleanly through even thick growth. The 34C sits in the middle of the aggression scale, which makes it versatile. It's forgiving enough for a complete beginner to learn good technique without punishing mistakes, yet effective enough that experienced shavers use it as their daily razor. The closed comb head suits most beard types and works well for daily or every other day shaving. The short, thick handle improves manoeuvrability around the jaw and chin where longer handles can feel clumsy, and if you've come from disposables or cartridge razors, the grip will feel immediately familiar. Key Features Matt chrome finish over a solid brass handle and die-cast zinc head Fixed closed comb head with a straight safety bar Sits in the middle of the aggression scale, forgiving for beginners yet capable for daily use by experienced shavers Short, thick handle that stays manoeuvrable around the jaw and chin Comes with one Merkur Super Platinum blade How to Use Twist open the two-piece handle to access the head and set a fresh blade in place An
Parker Semi Slant Safety Razor Graphite is the darker finish of Parker's 55SL, a three piece double edge razor built around a head that tilts the blade rather than setting it square to the skin. Parker Safety Razor has been family owned since 1973 and manufactures its razors in India.
Tilting the blade changes how it meets the hair. The edge draws across each hair instead of driving into it, so less force is needed to cut, and shavers with heavy growth tend to notice the difference on the first pass. Parker pairs that geometry with moderate blade exposure, which puts the Semi Slant in comfortable daily driver territory while keeping the efficiency that draws people to slants in the first place.
Graphite plating is set off against satin chrome on this version, and the frame carries the same textured surface used across the 55SL range so it stays put in wet hands. Every part unscrews for cleaning, and the razor will take whichever double edge blade you get on with.
Key Features
An angled head draws the edge sideways across the hair, which reduces the force needed to cut through heavy stubble.
Moderate blade exposure makes this an easy slant safety razor to get along with from the first shave.
A good match for dense growth and for skin that prefers a gentler razor.
Graphite and satin chrome finish over a textured frame for grip in the shower or at the basin.
Strips down to three parts, so cleaning and blade changes take seconds.
Compatible with all standard double edge blades.
How to Use
Twist the handle off, separate the cap from the base plate, drop in a new double edge blade and tighten everything back up.
Lather the face properly with a brush first, as a slant head rewards a well hydrated beard.
Keep the handle at about thirty degrees and let the weight of the razor carry it down the face. Parker recommends minimal pressure.
Work in short strokes with the grain, rinsing the head frequently, then reapply lather before any further passes.
Dry the razor after use a