Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor Review - Waste of Money

 had high hopes for the Merkur after more than 20 years using the Atra Plus. The Atra was/is a fantastic razor but the hassle of trying to find replacement blades got to be too much. So I figured a safety razor like the Merkur with readily available replacement blades from a host of suppliers would be just dandy. Not so. It may be that I should have opted for the Merkur without the safety blade protector rake but the fact is I just can't get a satisfactory shave from this thing. 

I've used it now for about 2 months and I'm really, really unhappy with it. I just cannot get an overall smooth shave. I followed all the recommendations including watching various videos about the correct ways to use it but no joy. First of all it takes me at least three times as long to finish a shave compared to the Atra and even after multiple passes with fresh shaving cream I end up with rough spots and even untouched spots. Trying to shave my upper lip or chin just doesn't work and trying to get a close shave along the jawbone- fergit it. Last night in frustration I used an Old Spice disposable razor that had been sitting on the shelf unused since I got my Merkur and, lo, I was done in a minute and my face felt great and was smooth as a baby's bottom!

Like I said earlier, perhaps the problem is the blade rake and maybe one of the Merkur's without a rake would work better for me. All I know is I'm out $34.95 for the razor and I still have over 50 Personna blades unused. For now I will use the Old Spice disposables and look for a source online to get more Atra Super replacements.

The Vikings Blade Review: The Double Edge Safety Razor of the Future

The Vikings Blade has not only enjoyed an incredible sales success, it is now one of the customer’s top rated double edge razors. It stands undisputedly as the Most Wished For product on Amazon and has garnered lots of sales from customers all over the world.

The Vikings Blade is made by Julian Vue and can be safely regarded as one of the new products to hit the markets in recent times. At first look, the Vikings Blade looks like any other double edge razors available in the market today. It has got an excellent design which makes it appearance quite appealing to users. Julian Vue, owner and visionary of the company, has gone the extra length to ensure the Vikings Blade is second to none in the industry. The product is built with materials sourced from Germany and Sweden while also having features that makes it unique. With the inclusion of a micro-comb to its butterfly head, there are absolutely no cuts during shaving.

Since its release in both local and international markets, the Vikings Blade has enjoyed relative success. One of such feats conquered is becoming the Most Wished For product in Amazon. This goes beyond saying that the Vikings Blade is probably going to be the double edge safety blade of the future. The Vikings Blade reviews have all point to one thing and one thing alone: it is the product of the future.

You can check out the product on Amazon and Julian Vue Website

Braun Series 7 790cc-4 Electric Foil Shaver - Good for Some - A Step Back for Most

As a longtime user of Braun shavers (20 years), each model was a significant and welcome improvement over the last. Until now.

Previous models shaved so well that my wife thought I used a blade. For the 3 months I tried this model, I used my 4-year old 6000 series to clean up everything this expensive shaver missed. People commented on my 'one day' stubble the same day I shaved with this razor. For shaving quality, this model was a visible step down from earlier Brauns.

Although quieter than other models, there's no audible confirmation of clipped beard hairs as they're cut, so it's harder to brush over an area and hear whether you got additional hairs you'd missed before.

There are improvements such as the trimmer that folds nicely away into a stylish and rubber-accented grip. It also has a clean silver look with a nice blue LED accent. Although the base is too busy-looking for my tastes, it's shaped well and looks sturdy for being made of plastic. You honestly couldn't buy a better-looking shaver.

But for a close shave, this is a huge step back for Braun. Although their new shave head does a great job of retaining clippings and catching those pesky hairs that lay flat against your skin, the overall shave is far inferior to previous models. Worse, the entire line of Braun shavers including the 3 and 5 series all use a variation of this inferior shave head as well. As a result, I've turned to discontinued Braun shavers (6000 and 8000 series) and grudgingly turned in my longtime Braun fan-boy status for a move to Panasonic.

PROS:
For those with soft beards, this may work well
Gets hairs pressed flat against your skin very well
Attractive and accurate charging level display
Retains shavings better than earlier models (fewer flecks fall out)
Quieter shaver (not as noisy) than others

CONS:
Pop out trimmer isn't as wide as previous models
Trimmer has odd angle (hard to see where you're trimming)
Shaver looks ergonomic, but is hard to hold firmly in hand
Shave head becomes unbearably hot after 10 minutes of use
Unnecessary cleaning solution
Travel case holds shaver only, not charging cord
Charging cord is bulky (huge head on outlet side)
With cleaning base, takes up a lot of space on countertop

Braun provides a 90-day guarantee if you don't like the shaver. So, if you're on the fence, give it a try. NOV 2010 UPDATE - This has now been reduced to a 60-day guarantee by Braun.

If you don't like it and choose to return it, get ready to walk the gauntlet and wait a long time for your refund. The Braun web site makes it nearly impossible to find the return location (keep the form that comes with your shaver for these details - which may be outdated and refer to the 90-day risk free period which is now only 60 days). Braun requires 8-12 weeks to even notify you (by mail) that they received your shaver and then even longer to cut a refund check. Their refund center has a looping phone tree that suggests you can check the status of your return but endlessly loops to a recording of the location to mail your shaver instead. Obviously keep your receipt. Also send your return with a Delivery Confirmation to preserve your costly investment.

The Vikings Razor is Terrific!

Finally a razor that's a cut above the competition! Previously I owned the Parker 99R that never tightened the blade snug and kept slipping loose while shaving. If that blade isn't held firmly in place, you're gonna get cut. I have a cut on my face from 3 weeks ago using that razor. Tried contacting Parker thinking it was a defect, but could never get in touch. So I bought the Viking Blade. This razor is the perfect size and the blade actually locks into place and stays locked while you're shaving.

 I didn't use the blades that came with my Viking razor, preferring instead to use Derby. Since switching from the Gillette 5/6 blade razors to the double edge razors I haven't had a truly close shave until now. I used my Viking Blade razor last night, leaving my face baby bottom smooth, and this morning just a hint of rough. I usually have to approach certain spots on my neck and face from different angles in order to get a close shave so having a razor and blade that doesn't drag is a plus. 

 My new Viking Blade Razor came boxed in a plastic case that has a recessed area for spare blades, and a small mirror for the more adventurous. The Razor has a shiny metallic exterior which is easily gripped by the ridges carved into the metal. The razor looks expensive and operates most efficiently. Overall this is a pleasant tool to combat the daily stubble, providing a comfortable and satisfying shave. Some have mentioned that the handle is a little short and while it is shorter than my worthless Parker and much lighter, it fits. I have average size hands, wish my fingers were longer especially while playing guitar, making this razor a good fit for me. A Viking Blade Odin would be proud to wield.

Get The Product here: Amazon and Website

Nice ornament for my vanity, but DE razor blades are just dangerous.

I struggled on the review for this since the razor itself seems very nice, but the included blades are not. Luckily I have a good support network around me or else people would think I was starting cutting and in need of some help after using one of these blades.

The razor has a nice weight to it, much heavier than your standard cartridge style razor for those making the transition. Nicely balanced overall and a pretty clean finish to it. The gun metal color and finish are much nicer than the flashy chrome on some razors. I have no idea why someone needs something that looks like a piece of bling to scrape whispers off their face.

The butterfly open/close mechanism is solid. No idea about the folks who had issues, maybe they have trouble opening pickle jars as well.

But those razor blades. Wow are they bad. It appears you have two choices of how to apply the blade to face and shave with them, the first one resembles something along the lines of that 7th blade on the SNL 10 blade razor add, not even sure that it comes close to anything, and then the second approach. Somehow the blade manages to cut my face and leave the other areas stinging while leaving most of the razor stubble in place. Maybe it's the razor opening, maybe it's the blades and this razor, not sure since it's my first try. Suffice it to say I can get a closer shave bullying my three month old 4 blade cartridge across my face with less irritation and less time than with one of these blades fresh out of the package.

Somewhere I read several times that shaving with a DE razor isn't about saving money, etc. Well, I can't find any reason to go back 100 years in innovation based on the quality of these blades. I have some others I plan on trying soon, so maybe that will help, but so far the experiment after a week of shaves is not going well.

But, sorry, anyone who looks forward to shaving have to be a masochist, and using these blades just confirms that. Buy, the razor if you must, but throw the blades away the moment they arrive. And, from what I can tell I might be able to get 5 unsatisfactory shaves from one of these blades before they are simply a weapon against my face. If that's how this works out for other blades, it will be much cheaper sticking with the $4 cartridges, but I'll also have to factor in the extra cost for the leeches so I can keep up my blood letting.

The Vikings Blade vs Other Copycat Design Safety Razors

The truth is that there are just too many copycat brands in the shaving stick manufacturing business these days. Like the short service life is not enough to deal with, one has to hope they don't cut themselves while shaving. The reality of it all is that as long as original products are being produced, there would always be room for substandard products to be manufactured also.

Unless you have some experience with these double edge razors, it may be hard to tell the difference. Usually these copycat companies make appearance their selling point. They often go and buy cheap and substandard materials from China and make the razors super attractive. Obviously, using cheap materials would automatically mean they get to reduce their price. Be very weary of double edge razor products that are just too priced good to be true. Good examples of such companies include: Smoothere, Bigfoot, JTrim, eBetter, etc. Products like Vikings Blade are naturally low priced and even offer lifetime warranty to that effect.

A good double edge razor should be hefty and firm to grip. All of these copycat brands, especially because they use cheap materials end up producing lightweight products. A hefty weighted product like the Vikings Blade can withstand any grip and wouldn't break when in use.

The blade quality also determines, not just the cleanness of the shave, but also eliminates bumps and cuts. Even at an affordable price, the Viking Blade by comes with a micro-comb attached in its advanced butterfly head to minimize cuts.

Usually these top brands include several accessories to help ease the shaving process. You can always search for top rated brands on Amazon; they are usually the ones with lots of positive reviews like the Vikings Blade. A product like the Viking Blade comes with a travel case with a mirror and 5 unbranded platinum stainless steel blades.

 

The Vikings Blade by Julian Vue - One of the Most Sought Razors

The Vikings Blade by Julian Vue has become one of the top most sought after razor in today's world. The company is based in Melbourne, Australia and is well known for its superior, quality materials. The company sources its materials from far away Sweden and Germany just to keep up with the quality satisfaction of its customers.

Design

The product is made from high-end superior quality materials from Sweden. It is a hefty shaving stick with a weight of 85g. The product has a length of 3.75" and a compact design.

Technology

The Vikings Blade comes with a more advanced butterfly head that allows for easy changing of blades. Its unique butterfly head allows you change blades within 5 seconds and doesn't disturb your shaving experience. To avoid accidental cuts, the manufacturer included a microcomb system imbedded in the butterfly head.

Accessories

In addition to the product, it comes with 5 platinum coated blades to give you a long lasting shaving experience. It also comes with a travel case and mirror that gives you an on-the-go shaving experience.

Warranty

The Vikings Blade comes with a remarkable lifetime warranty, even for international buyers. This not only puts trust to action but also goes a long way to speak about the company's reputation.

Price

The product comes at a very affordable price tag of $32.97 and that includes the infamous lifetime warranty against all defects. Without compromising on its quality standards, the Vikings Blade is for every man seeking a good shave at a very good price.

Conclusion

The Vikings Blade is not just another product from shaving razor manufacturers, it is the very double edge safety razor to have. It has it all and promises to deliver a clean and healthy shave for a very long time. Plus, when you purchase the Vikings Blade

Julian Vue Safety Razor Review

I started shaving when my father purchased a certain name brand cartridge razor that rhymes with "llusion." This tool served me well as I shaved fully a few times a week until my facial foliage blossomed into the full beard I have come to know and love. Eventually the time came where my tastes matured beyond cartridge razors and I decided to follow the path of my father's father in buying a more refined implement to wick away facial hair.
Enter the straight razor, one of the classical implements for shaving. With this path though there is much room for learning and error. I ended up choosing a safety razor to combine classical style and modern blade technology. Since switching to this safety razor and a quality shave soap, I have not experienced any of the typical razor burn and irritation I experienced with many different cartridge razors in the last seven years. While I still hone my knife edge with a nice whetstone, there is a certain reassurance in knowing I will not have to take a strop to this blade as I would with a straight razor, and in a simple elegant motion I can exchange a well-traveled edge for a fresh one.

More importantly than my personal preferences leading to this elegant grooming tool, how is the viking's blade compared to other options on the market? Why would you buy one? Well, the quality is spot on with other razors I have handled. The attack angle of the blade is fairly mild, meaning you can apply more pressure in a stroke without feeling as if you will easily pass through the dermis. The combing grooves just before your blade surface also help, especially with my bushy facial hair. The handle I thought may look cluttered with the pattern shown here but in person it is well thought out and allows you to grip the handle with confidence through shaving cream or soap. The weight is just right, balanced so that the handle falls gently into the hand. Using this blade is the same feeling as a full-tang knife passing through a target, bliss. The design has no integral flaws to speak of, purely mechanical butterfly action is satisfying and internal hardware leaves the profile unmarred as well.

I am pleased with the travel case as well, and I can only hope that the initial quality of this blade leads to a steadfast life as I plan to use it regularly and for a long time coming. Perhaps allowing my kin to learn the proper way to shave? Or am I getting ahead of myself...
I do apologize for the orientation of the picture, while I pride my self at adept use of hand tools, technology escapes me on this one.

Get your favorite blade here: 
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B011L8WJIA

OR

http://www.julianvue.com