Merlin Straight Razor - Shave Ready 7/8" Round Nose Japanese Stainless Steel Straight Razors for Men with Powdered Steel Scale, Case Included, Close Shave

After shopping around a bit for the perfect razor, I have found it. The blade handles very well, and unlike some of the cheap (novelty) razors out there, you need never concern yourself with unweildiness except by your own errors. It is very tight and smooth in its construction. The steel is excellent. It seems some out there expect the razor to be perfectly sharpened for immediate use. While I was not expected mine to come as such, it did. A note of caution however, this is a tool. A tool which requires skill and knowledge. If you do not have enough respect for this tool to learn how to properly use it, do not get it. If you have no intention of picking up a whet stone (or a variety thereon) do not get a straight razor. If you have no intention of getting a strop, do not get a straighter razor., etc. This is a beautiful and dangerous tool and it deserves better than to be wasted by some fool who will disrespect it. Excellent product. Would definitely buy again.

When I first received this razor, I was apprehensive. It was not shave ready, as advertised, and I have never sharpened a razor. It’s a little different with knives. Anyway, honed it and it shaved pretty well lots of razor burn, but ok. I tried another razor and learned that I hadn’t honed this razor enough. So, after spending more time honing and stropping, I have a very sharp razor that shaves very well. I’m a newbie to straight razor shaving, but this was a great starting point. I love this razor. It’s beefy and well made. The long and short of it is, it’s a great razor if you’re willing to take the time to sharpen it, or have it professionally honed. If you’re not willing, maybe you should reconsider straight razor shaving. I highly recommend it to anyone, newbie or experienced shaver.

Just like other reviewers have mentioned, this straight razor is extremely dull when it's shipped to you. You may not even be able to cut yourself, that's how dull it is.

It looks pretty nice but was dull as dishwater out of the box. No amount of stropping was able to sharpen it and I had to use a ceramic sharpener to set the edge. However, once I did that and ran it across the strop about 20 laps, it cut the hair off of my forearm like a hot knife through butter. Will be testing on my face tonight. We'll see if it holds an edge. It seems to be of high quality; but you may need to invest in a whetstone or other sharpening device. UPDATE: It still wasn't sharp enough and I had to invest in a $12 sharpening stone. I used the stone to get it as sharp as possible and stropped it a few times. Took the hair off of my neck under the chin and then lost it's edge. So I stropped it for about 50 more laps and it held it's edge to give me a fine, complete shave. The key is getting that razor edge and then stropping liberally and correctly before and after use. In conclusion, it's a great product; but you'll need to put the time and effort into getting it functional. It's a great razor for beginners like myself. Don't send it back because it's dull and isn't working. Half the fun is getting it functional and maintaining it. IMPORTANT: throw that leather travel case in the garbage. It will tarnish the metal very quickly.

I really wanted to like this razor as it looks well designed and constructed but it arrived not ready to shave at all. So I stropped dutifully but without any improvement. I then honed with the stones (1K, 3K, 8K, 12K), did 50 stropping runs and shaved. No improvement at all. When I run my fingers over my "shaved" face, it feels like I have removed soap but very little hair at all. I have to resort to my trusty Dovo to finish my shave properly. Even my $18 Gold D does a far better job than this. I will try to hone and strop again, as some contributors say this is the way to go to achieve the desired result. Plus, I have to say I love the look and feel and weight of the razor (hence the two stars). Shame it won't shave. Update: I sent the razor back to Naked Armor and they rehoned it for me for free. What a difference that made! A very smooth and enjoyable shave and this razor will now take pride of place in my straight blade collection. I dealt with customer service agent Laura who is very responsive and helpful. Excellent result.

I rate this low because it is not even close to "shave ready." Stropping will not get it there. I'm working on it with a 4000 stone, and then an 8000. I'm willing to do this because I like the appearance, balance, and feel. This may become a very nice razor. Until actually honed, it's a butterknife. This is significant, because they explicitly sell this as shave ready.

This is my second razor from NA and I love them both. The first is an awesome razor and looks great but it has a Spanish point, which is fantastic, but not my favorite for every day use because of the curvature and sharp point. So I ordered this one with a Dutch point and am very happy using it as an every day razor. The stainless steel matches my every day cup and brush too, which is a huge plus to me!

I shaved with this right out of the box very close shave. What I love about this razor is the beauty of it. Craftsmanship is excellent and it feels great in my hands. I dropped it 3 times accidentally from waist onto ceramic tiles whiteout damage. I chose this razor because of the stainless Steele needed less care and ability not to rust. The wooden scales are beautiful and rugged. The pins are perfect. I think this razor will get even better as it ages. Overall I am extremely satisfied with my razor and the customer service is way above and beyond my expectations !!! I recommend this razor.