MK-23C Classic 2-Piece Double Edge Safety Razor

The Merkur MK-23C scores high for repairability thanks to its dead-simple three-piece design that users say beats complex butterfly mechanisms for longevity. Multiple owners report their razors looking like new after 10+ years with just basic cleaning.

• •Easy maintenance: Users praise the all-metal construction that unscrews for cleaning - one reviewer noted after 10 years of use, a quick cleaning makes it look brand new
• •Parts availability: Standard double-edge blades available everywhere for pennies, though the handle itself has no replaceable parts beyond the full head assembly
• •Critical failure point: Some users report the threaded stud breaking after 4 years, rendering the razor unusable - this seems to affect certain models like the 34C more than the 23C

Bottom line: Built like a tank with minimal failure points, but when that thread breaks, you're buying a new razor. The simple design means most users can keep these running for decades with basic care.

This Merkur safety razor is a solid performer that's built to outlast decades of cartridge razors, though some concerning thread failures keep it from BIFL perfection.

• •Rock-solid construction: Users report 10+ years of daily use with razors still looking like new, with simple three-piece design outlasting butterfly mechanisms
• •Critical weak point: Multiple reports of threaded post breaking after 4-10 months on some units, particularly the 34C model, which is a dealbreaker for affected users
• •Materials hold up: All-metal German construction resists wear, though rare rust reports exist - most praise the hefty, substantial feel that signals quality

Bottom line: When it works, it's heirloom-quality that saves thousands over cartridges, but thread failures suggest quality control issues that undermine the BIFL promise for unlucky buyers

Merkur offers a 2-year warranty covering manufacturing and material defects, which is decent for this product category but not exceptional.

• •Coverage: Only covers manufacturing and material defects, excluding normal wear, misuse, or improper maintenance.
• •Claims Process: Claims must be initiated through the original retailer with proof of purchase (receipt required).
• •User Experience: Some reports of threaded posts breaking after several years, but many users report their razors lasting 5-10+ years with proper care.

Bottom line: The 2-year warranty is reasonable but not generous. While the warranty period is somewhat standard, the razor's simple mechanical design and high-quality materials often result in decades of use beyond the warranty period for careful users.

Redditors consistently praise this Merkur razor as a genuine BIFL purchase, with many reporting 10+ years of daily use with zero issues. The community loves escaping the cartridge razor racket and saving hundreds annually on blades.

• •Longevity wins: Multiple users confirm their Merkur still looks and works like new after a decade, with one saying the razor will probably last me my entire life
• •Thread failure controversy: A vocal complaint about the 34C model's threaded post breaking after 10 months calling them shoddy products conflicts with overwhelmingly positive durability reports
• •Learning curve acknowledged: New converts warn of initial nicks and bleeding but say the superior shave quality and cost savings make mastering technique worthwhile

Bottom line: The r/BuyItForLife and r/wicked_edge communities strongly endorse Merkur razors despite isolated durability concerns on specific models.