Merkur 37C Review: Is the OG Slant Still Worth It?
Hey everybody, I’m Siraj from Shave in Solitude, and today we’re talking about the Merkur 37C.
I did some background research before shooting this and found out something I hadn’t known. Merkur’s roots in slant design go back to at least 1916 - I’m not certain of the exact date, the history gets a little fuzzy - but the 37C has been in continuous production for decades, the core design essentially unchanged. If the standard handle feels too short for your hands, they make the 39C with the exact same head on a longer handle. Same shave, more reach.
Loading it up
This is a two-piece razor. Open the bottom, the whole top cap comes off, drop your blade in, close it up. Simple.
Here’s something worth knowing upfront: blade choice matters a lot with this razor. With most blades, the 37C shaves mild. I tried a few different options and couldn’t get a BBS finish with anything except a Feather. Pair it with a Feather and the razor performs entirely differently. I’ve had the same experience with the Merkur 34C. Feather just works in these heads.
For this shave I have it loaded with a second-use Feather. For soap, a sample from Barrister and Mann - a French scent name I still can’t say properly, but their base is just outstanding. I loaded it in my Captain’s Choice copper bowl using a 24mm cashmere knot in my Timeless Razor brush handle, whipped up the lather before we started rolling.
We’re working with a couple days of growth.
Pass one: with the grain
North to south, minimal pressure. Yes, this is a slant, but it’s a very mild one. Shave it just like you normally would. No need to change your angle or technique.
After pass one, my cheeks are very smooth. Really, like a damn fine shave already from a single pass. The neck is a different story - my growth there always runs heavier and it needs more work.
Pass two: across the grain
East to west. Something I want to note here: the residual slickness on Barrister and Mann soaps is exceptional. If you haven’t tried them, do it. That slip on the second pass makes a real difference.
After pass two we’re in excellent shape. I always say this to anyone starting their wet-shaving journey: two passes is enough to begin with. Clean, comfortable, you’re done. If you’re chasing baby-butt smooth, yes, go to the third pass. But don’t feel pressure to get there early on. Two passes is a complete shave.
Pass three: against the grain
South to north, minimal pressure. Something I’ve found with this pass specifically: ride the top cap. Rather than steepening the angle, rest the top cap flat on your skin. That position gives a closer shave with less irritation.
Through the cheeks, down the neck. Then the chin, which is always my most difficult area. And that’s where I got myself.
The styptic pencil
I knew there was a pimple on my chin. I knew it was there. I shaved right over it chasing BBS. That’s completely on me, nothing to do with the razor.
The alum helped a bit, but the bleeding wasn’t stopping. Had to bring out the styptic pencil, which I rarely use. If you haven’t needed one yet, here’s how it works: wet it with cold water, dab it directly on the cut. Done. It stopped the bleeding almost immediately after I applied it.
Get one if you don’t have it already. Doesn’t matter how careful you are. You’re using a sharp blade, and nine times out of ten when you cut yourself it’s your own fault - same as this was mine. A styptic pencil is cheap insurance and you will eventually need it.
Apart from that one spot, everything was perfectly smooth. BBS with no touchup needed.
Final thoughts
The 37C is a phenomenal razor. The slant geometry gives you efficiency without a lot of bite. It’s more effective than a standard double-edge but not intimidating about it. Beginners can absolutely learn on this, and the feedback from the blade teaches pressure control faster than a very forgiving razor will.
A couple of things I don’t love. The 37C is a bit small for my hands - that’s an easy fix, just buy the 39C instead. Same head, longer handle, problem solved. On fit and finish: there are two major German razor companies, Merkur and Mühle, and Mühle’s designs and finishing are clearly better. The 37C has exposed end caps on the head. The knurling on the handle is thin, functional but I’d want more grip. On materials: the head is zamak, a zinc alloy, and the handle is brass. Both chrome-plated. Fine for the price point, but it’d be nice if Merkur offered a stainless steel option for anyone who wants to buy one razor and stop thinking about it.
Is it beginner-friendly? I think so. There’s a small amount of bite, and that’s actually useful. It teaches you to go light on pressure.
Can you get BBS from this daily? Yes, absolutely. Load it with a Feather and this razor delivers. The price is fair for what you’re getting. If you’ve never tried a slant, this is the one to start with.
Thanks for watching. Hope this was helpful, and I’ll see you on the next one.