These "throwback" razors are back in style and not because they're trendy -- but because they work. Safety razors provide a closer and gentler shave than their multi-blade counterparts and at a literal fraction of the cost.
Choosing the right safety razor or straight razor can be a difficult decision. There are so many men’s shaving razor options with various features, and given that these tools are built to last for years, making the right choice is very important. Enter our quick guide below that outlines the meat and potatoes of double-edge and safety razor shaving with key tips to help you find the right tool for your needs.
Using A Straight Razor
Straight razors are the pinnacle of manliness (or so we hear). There’s nothing more masculine than maneuvering a single blade across your face for a smooth shave. Straight razors take more time to master and come with a greater risk of nicks than their double-edge or safety razor counterparts. However, once mastered, straight razors can provide an incredibly close shave. The key is to keep the blade at a 30 degree angle, pull your skin tight with your free hand and maintain short strokes. Don’t be discouraged by the learning curve, stick with it and you’ll feel like a king, a smooth one at that, in no time.
Types of Straight Razors
Traditional: The typical razor people first think of. Traditional razors have one blade that is set in the razor and cannot be removed. Instead, the blade must be sharpened using a strop, which is a strap (often leather or canvas) that the blade is slid against against to refine. Since the process to create these razors is more tedious and the blades are much higher quality, traditional razors tend to be more expensive. We have a few options available from Dovo and Parker.
Shavette/Disposable Straight Razors: Often known as shavette razors, these razors have the same basic design and appearance of a traditional razor, except they use disposable blades that are swapped out after a few shaves. These razors are easier to maintain since replacing the blade is a quick and simple process and the price is generally much lower. We offer a few shavette razors by Dovo on our site.
Depending on your skill level, skin type and shaving goals, there are a lot of different men’s shaving razors out there to catch your eye. We’ve broken it down to the basics so that you can find a razor that fits your needs without feeling overwhelmed by information.
If you’re new to double-edge shaving, go with a razor that’s easy to use and forgiving of the inevitable slipups that are part of the learning curve. A closed comb head is your best bet for easing into the new shaving method. Then, choose a handle length that is similar to your hand size so that it feels comfortable as you get started. And, of course don’t break the bank till you know this type of shaving is your thing. You can upgrade later.
Parker Vintage Butterfly Safety Razor 99R
A solid weight and beginner-friendly price point makes this a great intro to double-edge shaving. The twist-to-open head makes swapping out blades a breeze.
If you only shave every 2 or 3 days, then you’ll need an open comb razor to mow down that thicket of hair. Be warned though, while an open comb is great for powering through coarse hair, it must be handled with greater care to avoid nicks and cuts.
Muhle R41
Traditional razor is one of the most comfortable to use so that you can step in after a few days off and chop down hair without it putting up too much of a fight.
Go with a razor that will provide more protection. A closed-comb razor will be the best option as it provides the largest buffer and margin for error. Applying the right amount of pressure and proper angle is essential. The razor should do all the work. The razor blade type is critical as well -- as some are a lot sharper than others. We’d recommend starting with a Merkur Blade.
Merkur 34C Heavy Classic Double-Edged Safety Razor
Our top seller. A short handle, but heavy razor with a closed comb makes it perfect for guys with shaky hands. Easy maneuverability and provides perfect balance for a great shave.
You’re an avid double-edge shaver and you want the ultimate double-edge shaving experience. Grab yourself an adjustable safety razor. These razors are capable of changing the blade angle so that you can decide how close you want your shave – ideal for a shaving aficionado who likes to change up their routine.
Merkur 700/701 Adjustable Safety Razor
Six different depths of blade adjustments to suit every skin type, beard and man. TheParker Variant is really good too.
It’s one thing to have the right tool, but that’s like having a nice car without knowing how to drive. Here are the key tips for putting that razor into action and getting a smooth shave.
Here’s why you should make the leap to a Safety Razor.
The type of head is the most important consideration when choosing a safety razor.
Straight, bar to protect your face
Openings across the bar to let more hair through
Blade bends for closer cutting
Blade angle can be adjusted
Still looking for more information on shaving razors for men? Check out our frequently asked questions or reach out to our Grooming Experts. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have and help guide you to better shaving.
