Shaving is more than just a routine; it’s an essential part of men’s grooming that affects confidence, skin health, and overall appearance. Merkur, a trusted name in safety razors, has long been known for precision, durability, and high-quality engineering. Among its popular models, the Merkur 37C and 39C stand out as favorites for both beginners and experienced shavers. While they share similarities in build and quality, subtle differences in handle design, weight, and balance significantly influence the shaving experience. I personally tested both razors extensively over several weeks, evaluating performance, comfort, and ease of use. This comprehensive guide shares real-life experience, detailed comparison, pros and cons, and expert tips to help you choose the perfect Merkur razor for your grooming needs.

Understanding the Merkur 37C and 39C

Merkur is renowned for producing premium double-edge safety razors with a focus on precision, reliability, and comfort. Both the 37C and 39C are part of their classic line but cater to slightly different preferences:

Merkur 37C (Slant Bar)

Designed with a slant-bar head for more efficient cutting, especially suited for dense or coarse beard hair. Ideal for shavers seeking a close shave with fewer passes.

Merkur 39C (Straight Bar / Classic)

A traditional closed comb razor with a solid, balanced handle. Perfect for beginners and those who prefer controlled, gentle shaving strokes.

Both razors are made from durable chrome-plated brass, ensuring longevity, and have high-quality engineering for consistent performance.

Merkur 37C – Overview and Personal Experience

The Merkur 37C, often called the “slant bar” razor, delivers a unique shaving experience. The slanted blade angle gently slices hair, reducing tugging and providing an exceptionally close shave.

Personal Insights:

Handles thick or coarse stubble efficiently.
Fewer passes needed to achieve smooth skin.
Slightly aggressive, requiring care during the first few shaves.
Ergonomic handle ensures firm grip even with wet hands.

Key Highlights:

Slant bar head for efficient cutting
Heavy, solid handle (good balance)
Ideal for medium-to-thick beard hair
Chrome-plated, long-lasting design

Personal Verdict:

The 37C is a powerhouse for experienced shavers or those with tough facial hair. It offers precision and a near barbershop shave but needs careful handling to avoid minor nicks if you are new to safety razors.

Merkur 39C – Overview and Personal Experience

The Merkur 39C is a classic straight-bar razor. It is versatile, beginner-friendly, and provides a smooth, controlled shaving experience.

Personal Insights:

Works well on light-to-medium stubble.
Requires slightly more passes for coarse hair compared to 37C.
Very forgiving on sensitive skin.
Balanced handle and easy blade changes enhance usability.

Key Highlights:

Straight-bar head for gentle shaving
Solid, mid-length handle for control
Suitable for beginners and sensitive skin
Chrome-plated, durable finish

Personal Verdict:

The 39C is a reliable, everyday razor. It provides smooth and safe shaving for those new to double-edge razors or with sensitive skin, though it’s slightly less aggressive than the 37C.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Merkur 37C vs 39C

Feature	Merkur 37C	Merkur 39C
Head Type	Slant Bar	Straight / Closed Comb
Weight	Heavy	Medium
Shave Aggressiveness	Medium-High	Moderate
Ease of Use	Requires Experience	Beginner-Friendly
Best For	Coarse Hair / Experienced	Sensitive / Light Stubble
Number of Passes	Fewer	Slightly More
Blade Exposure	Higher	Standard
Price Range	Mid to High	Mid

Key Differences:

37C slant head cuts more efficiently, ideal for thick hair.
39C straight head is gentler, safer for beginners.
Weight and balance of 37C provide a closer shave but need technique.
Both razors use the same DE blades but perform differently due to head design.

Common Mistakes When Using Merkur Razors

Even high-quality razors like 37C or 39C require proper technique. Avoid:

• Skipping Pre-Shave Prep – Always wash or steam the face.
  
• Shaving Against the Grain Immediately – Start with the grain for smooth results.
  
• Using Old Blades – Replace after 5–7 shaves to prevent tugging.
  
• Excessive Pressure – Let the razor glide naturally.
  
• Neglecting Post-Shave Care – Rinse, moisturize, or apply aftershave to calm skin.
  

Tips for Extending Blade Life

Rinse thoroughly after each shave to remove debris.
Pat blades dry or air dry; avoid rusting.
Store razors upright in a dry location.
Avoid tapping on sink edges; it misaligns blades.
Proper storage extends blade life by 30–40%, saving money.

Personal Grooming Routine Recommendations

Cleanse face – Use mild face wash or exfoliator.
Shaving cream/gel – For smooth glide and skin protection.
Controlled strokes – Short, light strokes reduce irritation.
Rinse frequently – Prevents clogging and improves comfort.
Post-shave care – Cold water rinse, aftershave, or moisturizer.

Personal Insight:

During testing, the 37C reduced tugging for coarse beard hair, while the 39C provided comfort and safety on sensitive areas like neck and jawline. For daily shaving, alternating depending on beard density worked best.

Best Razor for Different Beard Types

Beard Type	Recommended Razor	Reason
Light Stubble	39C	Gentle, beginner-friendly
Medium Stubble	37C	Efficient, fewer passes
Thick/Coarse Hair	37C	Slant head cuts effectively
Sensitive Skin	39C	Reduced irritation, controlled shave
Daily Shaving	39C or 37C	Depends on hair density and technique

Pros & Cons

Merkur 37C

Pros:
Closer shave with fewer passes
Slant head efficient for coarse hair
Durable, solid build

Cons:
Requires more experience
Slightly aggressive for beginners
Mid-range price

Merkur 39C

Pros:
Gentle, forgiving shave
Beginner-friendly
Balanced, comfortable handle

Cons:
May require more passes on thick hair
Less aggressive shave for experienced users

FAQs

Q1: Can I use the same blades for both 37C and 39C?
A: Yes, both use standard DE blades.

Q2: Which razor is better for sensitive skin?
A: Merkur 39C due to gentle shaving and reduced irritation.

Q3: How often should I replace blades?
A: Every 5–7 shaves depending on beard thickness.

Q4: Is the 37C suitable for beginners?
A: Only if used carefully; 39C is safer for new users.

Q5: Can both razors be used daily?
A: Yes, but technique and blade replacement are crucial for optimal results.

Personal Recommendation:

After testing both, my choice is Merkur 37C for coarse beard hair and precise shaving. However, for daily gentle grooming and sensitive skin, 39C is unbeatable. Both razors are top-notch, but your choice should align with beard type, shaving frequency, and comfort preference.

Final Verdict

Merkur 37C: Ideal for experienced shavers seeking efficiency and fewer passes, especially on coarse hair.
Merkur 39C: Perfect for beginners, daily shavers, or those with sensitive skin.