Perfecto Double Edge Review: Budget Alternative to the Merkur

by Garrick Dee | Last Updated: June 30th, 2020

I’m here to bust a myth.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to get a world-class shave.

If you know what products to buy and of course know the proper technique in shaving, you can get it done in the comfort of your own bathroom.

One such product that will get it done is the Perfecto de long-handled safety razor.

This three-piece de razor like the Merkur 180 is chrome plated and has a 3.5-inch handle (a bit shorter than the Merkur) great for an average-sized hand.

But unlike Merkur, this product is made in the Far East (China to be more specific).

Consumers don’t seem to mind, saying that it performed well, shaving facial hair and hair on the head.

A quick look at the features

• 3 piece razor
• Chrome Plated
• Has deep crisscross knurling for a secure grip
• Length: 3.5″
• Aggressiveness: 4/10
• Blades included: 0

Pros

• Pretty good quality for a “budget” priced safety razor
• All metal construction means this will last for years (if not a lifetime)
• Knurled handled ensures a solid grip
• Three-piece design makes it easy to clean

Cons

• Chrome plate can be prone to chipping
• Some complaints regarding the quality

What to expect from the Perfecto Safety Razor?

This product offers an affordable option that allows men to transition from a cartridge razor to a safety razor without having to spend more than $50.

Cheap option

This razor isn’t expensive at just under $15. It’s one of the best choices if you’re new to wet shaving.

The three-piece design is cheap to produce; hence sellers can sell this at a lower price, but quality does not suffer.

Chrome finish

It is made from metal and is chrome plated to give it that beautiful shiny finish.

But while the chrome is resistant to rust, it can chip in the long run due to the high moisture environment you shave inside the bathroom. Or if you accidentally bump it hard on the countertop.

Another potential weak spot is the single bolt that holds the parts together.

Underneath the chrome plating is a metal frame that can rust. But it should not be a significant issue if you properly dry it thoroughly after every use.

Is it easy to load the blade?

The Perfecto utilizes a three-piece design where the top place, base plate and handle are three separate parts.

This design usually makes it easier to thoroughly clean the razor, but it takes a little bit longer to load the blade because you’ll have more parts to work with.

A tip I’d like to give newbie wet shavers is to hold both sides of the head when tightening the handle so the blades will line up correctly, and you’ll get a smooth shave on both sides.

Aggressiveness

Despite comments about this being aggressive, it isn’t more aggressive than razors like the Merkur Slant and 1904 open comb. In terms of aggressiveness, I say this is a 5 out of 10.

In terms of aggressiveness, I’d rate this the same as an Edwin Jagger DE89, which means it’s suitable for a beginner.

Grip

The Perfecto looks very similar to the Merkur 34C except for the bottom part that protrudes at an angle.

I like the crisscross knurling that’s a bit deeper than the Merkur. It’ll provide more grip, and there’s less risk of slipping off your fingers even if it’s full of shaving cream.

Length

This razor measures around 4 inches long from tip to end – handle length is around 3.5 inches, so it has pretty good length, good enough for men with larger hands.

Razor Specifications

Handle Length	3.5"
Weight	1.6 ounces
Material	Metal
Finish	Chrome
Type	3 piece design
Adjustable
Knurled handle
Blade included	None (you should buy it separately)
Manufactured in	China

What consumers say

Consumers, for the most part, are happy with how this product performed.

Cheaper in the long run than a cartridge

A lot of them said that they were able to save at least $200 a year just by switching to a DE razor because of the price difference between the replacement cartridges and disposable razors.

This product is an excellent option for beginners looking for a quality safety razor.

More aggressive than an Edwin Jagger?

Some consumers, however, mentioned that the angle of the blade is much more aggressive than an Edwin Jagger razor.

Here’s the photo comparing the Perfecto and Edwin Jagger that one of the consumers shared.

Some potential issues

It’s the same person who complained about it rusting.

This could potentially damage the threads on both the handle and the screw if you force things.

But take note that this a minor complaint. I would suggest that you check out the threads if you buy this just to make sure then check and see if it screws on smoothly.

There are also some quality control issues that consumers complained about. The photo below is a good sample of what they mean…

Yikes. Again, if you decide to buy this product, make sure to check every part, and if something breaks, contact Amazon immediately for a refund or replacement.

Going back to the aggressive shave, one way of preventing nicks and cuts is to use a lot of lather and use the weight of the razor to your advantage.

Don’t press too much or you will cut yourself.

Where can I buy this?

You can buy this safety razor in Amazon, which is one of the cheaper safety razor options out there. This will be eligible for the 2-day free shipping if you join Prime.

One reason I recommend safety razors would be the price difference between DE blades and cartridge refills. Throughout let’s say 10 years, you’ll literally save thousands of dollars because DE blades are much, much cheaper.

You’ll also help reduce waste in landfills because cartridge razors and disposables are almost impossible to recycle.

The verdict

This razor is another good budget alternative for men (and women) looking to go into wet shaving. The three-piece design allows the manufacturer to sell this at a low price.

The angle of the blade is a bit aggressive, so you will have to be very careful when shaving with this.

As with any new skill, there are some techniques that you need to learn.

A workaround would be using a less aggressive blade like a Derby Professional or a Dorco ST300 Platinum.

As with all China-made products, there will be a small percentage that will have QA issues, but for this one, it seems to be minimal based on reviews.