Gives a closer shave than a cartridge razor without the razor burn or the recurring fee.
Why Not Just Buy the Cheap One?
Cheap cartridge razors (Gillette, Schick) have plastic heads that clog, over-priced refills, and cause irritation. The Merkur 34C is solid brass with a chrome finish, uses cheap double-edge blades, and gives a precise, gentle shave.
The Buy-Once Math
Gillette Fusion refills cost $4 each — you spend $50 a year on blades. With the Merkur, blades are $0.10 each, saving you $48/year. After a year you've already recouped the razor cost. Stop renting your shave.