do you HAVE to do three passes when shaving with this razor?

As many before me have stated, everybody's beard is different so one or two passes may work for you. Personally, I use a modified 3-pass system (5-pass) that works for me for a smooth shave. I wear a beard so I only shave my neck, checks and front of my chin but on my neck I lather once and shave from chin to throat (down, with the grain), without relathering I shave from ear to chin under my beard line (across the grain), and then from ear to throat (down diagonally with the grain). I lather again and shave from throat to chin (up, against the grain), then I shave from my collar bone to my chin (up diagonally against the grain). That's about five passes for my neck that eliminates any stubble feeling and rarely gives me any razor burn. My cheeks and front of my chin are shaved with just the standard three pass method.

Is this the same thing as the mekur 34c razor? if so why are the other ones listed at higher prices on amazon?

No. The 34C is a more aggressive design, which some like, others not. The 34C is also a two-piece razor. They are DIFFERENT despite many who wrongly believe otherwise. The 33C is a three-piece razor, which is a less aggressive instrument than the 34C. My preference is the 33C, which, when paired with a sharp blade, gives me close yet safe shaves. From mildest to a bit more aggressive, the 33C fits into the following list as shown Weishe 9306F, Merkur 33C, Lord LP1822L, Gillette Tech (post war, vintage, not available new), Rimei RM2003, Merkur 34C. Regarding your second question, sorry, it isn't clear to me exactly what you are asking.

will this razor cause ingrown hairs with someone with curly hair

No razor will cause ingrown hairs, per se. How you use the razor will. If you are prone to ingrown hairs, never, never, ever shave against the direction of growth. Start with a mild, skin friendly blade like the Derby, or even the Personna. Use a pre-shave oil, such as Shave Secret, though you can make your own with castor oil and olive oil at a 2:1 ratio and 2 drops/ounce of lavender or other essential oil. Use hot water, good shave cream/soap whipped with a brush and go easy. Don't put much pressure on the blade. Don't worry about the perfect, smooth beard. It grows back. If your face is good with a down grain shave, after a week or so, add a cross grain pass as a finisher. That's all. Don't ever add any against the grain shaving to your routine. Also, stay away from Feather blades as they are not very gentle on the skin and could cause ingrown hairs for you even with with-the-grain shaving. Gook luck.

Have any women tried this blade? I'd heard rumors the safety razors are great for women looking for a close shave for their legs and I'm curious

I could not answer this question for women. I will say you get a close shave using this, in the long run it is much cheeper, the product last probably a lifetime if taken care of (it's well made), if you lather correctly, less irritation than modern, traditional razors which I have no clue how those expensive ($) but cheep (quality) pieces of crap became mainstream but you do need to be more careful and patient using these

MERKUR 33C Double Edge Safety Razor, Three-Piece Design, Closed Comb, Short Handle, Bright Chrome Finish, Made in Germany

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