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Top 5 Best Safety Razor Reviews

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Lyndon Seitz
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top 5 best safety razor

Best Safety Razor Review – Top 5 Sharpest List for October, 2024 – Explored and Discussed

You don’t see many people driving around in a horse and buggy anymore, because technological advances usually render old-fashioned contraptions obsolete.

Once Henry Ford and his compatriots led the way into the world of 20th-century transportation, people wanted cars, not horse-drawn carriages.

The Safety Razor – A Short History & Introduction

The safety razor was first patented in 1880 and quickly became the tool that all men (at least, those who weren’t brave enough to stick with a straight razor) shaved with. Some 50 years later, the electric razor was introduced to great fanfare and remains extremely popular.

Yet safety razors are still very much with us, as the shaving implement of choice for hundreds of millions of men.

Some choose safety razors for their convenience (with no cords or batteries, they can be taken and used anywhere) or their price (many lesser models are inexpensive and use replaceable blades which cost well under a dollar). But the number-one attraction for most men is the superior, close, safe shave that the best safety razors can deliver.

Factors to Consider When Buying The Best Safety Razor For You

It’s important to note that in our reviews of the top 5 best safety razors Groom+Style won’t be looking at the multi-blade cartridge models which are cheap, quick and easy to use – but in most cases, don’t come close to delivering the same quality of shave and are more likely to cause razor burn and irritation, nicks, cuts, and ingrown hairs.

We’re also not focusing on very inexpensive safety razors which may be very good, but usually aren’t great. Our top 5 are the best of the best.

When judging safety razors, several criteria were most important to us; the ones the Groom+Style review team looked at first were the razors’ weight, balance, and handle.

The weight of a safety razor can be a double-edged (pardon the pun) sword; too light, and the natural tendency is to shave too quickly or press down too hard. Too heavy, and the razor itself may bear down too strongly. Either way, you end up with nicks and cuts.

The razor’s natural balance plays into the equation as well because a lightweight head and heavy handle, or vice versa, can lead to unnatural pressure on your face.

The length of the handle is also important to balance and pressure, but that’s more of a personal preference since the “right” length will depend on the size of your hand.

Adjustable Safety Razor or Not?

There are two schools of thought about whether the head of a safety razor should be adjustable. Some users feel that it’s crucial to find the perfect gap between the blade and the safety bar, while others find it a distraction and unnecessary and prefer to purchase a razor that is built “properly” to begin with.

Groom+Style happen to like adjustable razors because they let you decide how aggressive a shave you want, but most models aren’t adjustable and we didn’t consider that a vital factor in our rankings. Similarly, you can find comb-shaped (either open or closed), slanted or straight safety bars; each provides a different level of sharpness to a shave (mild, medium or aggressive) and that’s again a matter of personal preference.

For those reasons, we’ll detail the type of shave you get from each model in our top 5 best safety razor reviews without passing judgment. Groom+Style will focus more on their quality and comfort in determining which razor ranks where.

If you are looking for safety razors on a budget, then head straight to the budget section at the bottom.

1. Seki Edge Feather AS-D2 Double Edge Safety Razor – All Stainless Steel

best safety razor - Seki Edge Feather All Stainless Steel Double Edge Safety Razor
Seki Edge Feather AS-D2 Double Edge Safety Razor. Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.

Our first three selections are what many people would consider very expensive for a manual razor, and the Japanese-made Seki Edge Feather is unquestionably pricey. But it’s a wonderful double-edge safety razor, particularly suited to those taking the plunge for the first time because of its narrow cutting angle and the small gap between blade and safety bar. That leads to a mild shave – and very little chance of nicks and cuts.

Those more experienced with safety razors might find that the Seki AS-D2 isn’t aggressive enough for them, and that’s a fair criticism. But as we said at the start, aggressiveness is mostly a matter of personal preference which can largely be overcome by changing the angle at which you shave – and doesn’t detract from the wonderful build of this model.

The Edge Feather is designed to be used at a 45° degree angle rather than the more common 30° angle for most safety razors, so shifting your hand position isn’t just an academic point.

The key to this three-piece razor is the smaller Feather blades that Seki is well-known for. They are perhaps the sharpest blades you can purchase, built to be extremely efficient and effective. There’s no reason to worry about using blades that are so sharp, though, because the precision construction of the AS-D2, including the narrow gap, is meant to ensure that the end product is an extremely gentle shave.

The Edge Feather’s head and handle are made completely of stainless steel which we believe is perfectly balanced and feels just right in the hand; it’s not heavy, but it’s not so light that you can get careless with it, either. The blades fit in perfectly without any movement once they’re seated, and removing them is a piece of cake. The handle length is just under four inches, which most people will find comfortable.

You’ll pay “a lot” for this Seki work of shaving art – but you’ll get a lot for your money. It’s a fabulous safety razor for most men’s needs.

Facts and figures on the Seki Edge Feather AS-D2 Double Edge Safety Razor:

  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Pieces: 3
  • Aggressiveness: Mild
  • Length/Handle: 3.75 inches/3.5 inches
  • Weight: 3.25 ounces

Check Seki Edge Feather Price on Amazon

2. Merkur Progress Adjustable Safety Razor

Merkur Progress Adjustable Safety Razor, MK-500001

Merkur is a reliable and reputable name in the world of shaving equipment, which is why you’ll see several of the company’s safety razors in our Groom+Style rankings and in our previous years’ listings.

All Merkur razors are precision-engineered in Germany from Solingen steel, to exacting specifications. What the review team for art of shaving really likes about the Progress, though, is its innovative adjustable head (similar to the head on the Merkur Futur, reviewed later). This design lets you decide how much of the blade will extend from the head’s guard, giving you ultimate control over your shave. The most aggressive #5 setting delivers an extremely close shave for a morning beard or tough skin; the least-aggressive of the five settings is just right for sensitive skin, shaving areas like the neck or doing slight touch-ups before a night out. And the wide variety of choices allows users to fully customize the aggressiveness of the shave to their face, even in the middle of the process. Settings are controlled with a knob at the bottom of the handle.

The Progress is available in two models. The Model 500 has a standard handle while the Model 510 is heavier and has a handle that’s about an inch longer, suitable for users with larger hands. (It’s also slightly more expensive). We prefer this razor over the Merkur Futur because it’s easier to use; the head is smaller and more manoeuvrable, it feels lighter in the hand, and the chrome-finished handle on the Progress is ribbed rather than smooth. However, each performs extremely well and they’re similarly priced.

Of the top three safety razors on our G+S list, the Progress is the most reasonably-priced – and you get a lot for your money, including fantastic versatility.

More detail on the Merkur Progress Adjustable Safety Razor:

  • Material: Steel, chrome finish
  • Pieces: 2
  • Aggressiveness: Five levels, mild to strong
  • Length/Handle: 3.5 inches/3 inches for Model 500, 4.1 inches/3.7 inches for Model 510
  • Weight: 3.3 ounces for Model 500, 3.6 ounces for Model 510

Check Merkur Progress Price on Amazon

3. Above The Tie Atlas S2 Open Comb Slant Bar Safety Razor

best safety razor - Above The Tie Atlas S2 Open Comb Slant Bar Safety Razor
Above The Tie Atlas S2 Open Comb Slant Bar Safety Razor. Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.

This is the most expensive option on our list of the top 5 best safety razors, and those who are experienced manual shavers who want the ultimate control over their razor will love it. The S2, as its name suggests, is an open comb model; that means the safety bar is in the shape of a comb, exposing more of the blade to the skin for a moderately aggressive shave.

The bar is slanted, and that also adds to the sharpness and closeness – but for those used to shaving with open comb models, using the Atlas S2 will be an extremely comfortable experience thanks to the .61mm blade gap.

Above the Tie handcrafts each of these razors in America from solid 303 stainless steel, machined to tight tolerances for what Groom+Style think is pretty close to the ultimate shave. The one negative we found was the handle is a little short for our liking at three inches; it’s balanced perfectly with the head and the barber pole design provides a terrific grip, but those with larger hands who are accustomed to larger handles may find themselves struggling a bit to adjust.

If you’re a “pro shaver” with smaller hands, this is your pro shaver.

Looking closer at the Above The Tie Atlas S2 Open Comb Slant Bar Safety Razor:

  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Pieces: 3
  • Aggressiveness: Moderate to strong
  • Length/Handle: 3.25 inches/3 inches
  • Weight: 3.3 ounces

Check Above The Tie Atlas S2 Open Comb Slant Bar Safety Razor Price on Amazon

4. Muhle R41 Open Comb Double Edge Safety Razor

best safety razor - Muhle R41 Open Comb Double Edge Safety Razor
Muhle R41 Open Comb Double Edge Safety Razor. Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.

We’ve already mentioned Muhle, and the German company is one of the most highly-regarded manufacturers of shaving equipment in the world. They’ve used that expertise to create the reasonably-priced three-piece R41, often called the most aggressive safety razor on the market and often referred to as “the beast.” (Interestingly enough, the R41 was redesigned with a wider top cap a few years ago to tone the shave down a bit, since it used to be even more aggressive.)

This is the least expensive razor on our list so far, but it is still precision-crafted, ergonomically-designed and features a beautiful engraved chrome-plated finish.

This Muhle is an open-comb model with a scalloped safety bar, so while it may sound a bit threatening from our description, those with experience handling safety razors shouldn’t be put off. You’ll get a very close, satisfying shave but you won’t be cutting your face to ribbons, or even nicking it up – as long as you’re not a novice attacking your shave like you’re wielding an electric razor. For most beards, one or two passes will do the job completely.

This is a lightweight razor with a medium-length handle (3.7 inches), and it feels perfectly as balanced as you’d expect from Muhle; in the right hands, it delivers a shave that, quite frankly, can compete favorably with a straight razor. There are two other versions of the R41 with longer handles that you might want to try if you have large hands, the Grande with a 3.8-inch handle, and the two-piece Twist with a 4.2-inch handle that extends a bit from the bottom for an even better grip.

All Muhle razors are great. The R41 is exceptional, as long as you have a little experience to handle its aggressiveness.

Specifications for the Muhle R41 Open Comb Double Edge Safety Razor:

  • Material: Chrome-plated brass
  • Pieces: 3
  • Aggressiveness: Strong
  • Length/Handle: 4.125 inches/3.7 inches
  • Weight: 3.0 ounces

Check Muhle R41 Open Comb Double Edge Safety Razor Price on Amazon

5. Merkur Futur 70 Adjustable Safety Razor

best safety razor - Merkur Futur 70 Adjustable Safety Razor
Merkur Futur 70 Adjustable Safety Razor. Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.

We’ve already mentioned the Merkur Futur and its similarity to the previously-reviewed Merkur Progress. While the Groom+Style review team prefers the Progress, this two-piece safety razor with an adjustable head is a great choice for those who want a larger, heavier shaver.

Just turn the blade exposure dial, and the gap between the blade and the safety bar is changed so you can choose exactly how aggressive your shave will be. That’s an unusual feature but is particularly useful if you’re a newbie getting used to safety razors, if you have skin which breaks out at times, or if you’re the type of guy who likes to regularly switch between corporate and lumberjack looks.

Merkur is another well-respected razor manufacturer and the company’s typical design and manufacturing skills went into creating the Futur (the “70” simply refers to the razor’s finish). It’s well-balanced and feels good in the hand, with a moderate-length handle (which quite honestly, can get a bit slippery). There is an oversized head so the razor is a little heavier than the others on our list, and the process of changing the blade is tricky because a clip holds the blade, rather than the screw used on most Merkur models.

The shave itself is very satisfying, and the Futur is a beautiful and effective shaver that lets you determine just how aggressive it will be. Just don’t get cocky and set the gap too high until you’re ready.

Digging deeper on the Merkur Futur 70 Adjustable Safety Razor:

  • Material: Metal, chrome-satin finish
  • Pieces: 2
  • Aggressiveness: Adjustable
  • Length/Handle: 4.3 inches/3.75 inches
  • Weight: 4.8 ounces

Check Merkur Futur 70 Adjustable Safety Razor Price on Amazon

That is it for our updated list of the top 5 best straight razors for October, 2024 – if you are curious about our choices from previous years then continue reading.

Muhle Sophist Double Edge Safety Razor

best safety razor - Muhl Sophist Double edge safety razor
Muhle Sophist Double Edge Safety Razor. Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.

High-Grade Resin, Black: Muhle is a leading producer of some of the finest shaving equipment. Since its inception in the year 1945, the Muller family was keen on maintaining innovation without compromising on the traditional craftsmanship. This product is a perfect combination of expert craftsmanship, aesthetically pleasing design and avant-garde technology to assure a smooth and satisfactory shaving experience. The Muhle Sophist double edge safety razor incorporates a unique design that features a conventional form with a beautifully crafted handle to fit perfectly into your hand. This beautifully engineered luxury safety razor from Muhle is equipped with a polished head and an ergonomic handle that features a black superior grade scratch resistant resin. It is also much longer and heavier than most safety razors with a chrome knob at the bottom to balance the razor perfectly. This product will definitely remind you that shaving was once upon a time considered as an art and not just an everyday morning chore.

Check Muhle Sophist Price on Amazon

Ikon B1 Open Comb OSS Safety Razor

best safety razor - Ikon B1 Open Comb Razor with OSS Handle
Ikon B1 Open Comb OSS Safety Razor. Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.

Ikon safety razors are precision-engineered shaving implements. With tremendous attention to detail, the Ikon safety razors are beautifully machined and exquisitely crafted for lifetime use. This safety razor is a unique innovation as it combines an open comb and safety bar in one razor. The dual action feature allows you to have a truly customized shaving experience. No wonder it is touted as one of the best safety shavers which is a must-have for the most discriminating user.  Most of all it provides exceptional value for money. The dual head versatility and innovative design is an added advantage as it promises a comfortable shaving experience.

Check Ikon B1 OSS Price on Amazon

Jack Black Double Edge Safety Razor

best safety razor - Jack Black Double Edge Safety Razor
Jack Black Double Edge. Click photo to check Price on Amazon.

Unfortunately, this product does not seem to be in production anymore.

No, not that Jack Black. This is a German-engineered, handcrafted safety razor that was made in cooperation with the revered manufacturer Muhle (more about them later), and it’s a sleek and modern shaver that provides a relatively non-aggressive shave.

The Jack Black isn’t quite as expensive as the Seki, but you wouldn’t know it when you handle it. This model has the look and feel of luxury, with a chrome-plated head and a heavy, thick cobalt-blue handle that is longer than average and perfect for those with bigger hands. The one drawback is that the smooth handle can get a bit slippery if you get gel or even water on it. Even so, the balance of this safety razor is nearly perfect when you use it.

And when you use it, you’ll get a very close shave. Since it’s manufactured to be mild rather than aggressive with a narrow gap between blade and safety bar, there’s very little worry about cuts or razor burn. But unlike cheaper non-aggressive models that require you to go over and over an area, one or two passes with this razor and you’re done unless you really let your beard grow for a while between shaves. The Jack Black is designed to be used at the traditional 30° shaving angle.

Blades sit well in the head, although it’s a little tricky to insert and remove them so it may take a few tries before you’re comfortable switching them out. That’s the only downside to this great safety razor, though, except for maybe the price tag.

More detail on the Jack Black Double Edge Safety Razor:

  • Material: Stainless steel
  • Pieces: 3
  • Aggressiveness: Mild
  • Length/Handle: 5 inches/4.75 inches
  • Weight: 3 ounces

Check Jack Black Double Edge Safety Razor Price on Amazon

Top 5 Best Budget Safety Razors

When it comes to shaving, you always want to get the best deal for your money. The trouble is that most razors have a price tag that goes far beyond what most of us consider conservative. A man can easily spend over a hundred dollars or more just on purchasing a razor. Unfortunately, razors are necessary for those guys who are interested in continuing to shave their faces. Have you ever tried to craft your own razor? That’s because it’s impossible. Good luck harnessing that technology to save a couple bucks.

What many people don’t know about safety razors is that they are actually a great way to shave and can save you a bundle because they are customarily much more affordable, over the long run than disposable razors. They’re great for travel and actually less wasteful and better for the environment. Not only that, they are more difficult to dull down (meaning you’ll have them for longer and have to deal with replacement hassles a lot less, saving you money), and they’re going to give you a closer shave than you ever imagined. These double-edged razors are the perfect way to shave.

So how to get your hands on one of these monsters? Groom+Style are about to show you. Because the best safety razor for you might be an effective and affordable safety razor.

Here are our top 5 best budget safety Razors.

The Merkur 180 Long Handled Safety Razor

best safety razor - Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor
The Merkur 180 S. Razor. Click the photo to check the Price on Amazon.

Silver colored and seductive, the Merkur 180 Long Handled Safety Razor looks like something pulled from the past and the future at the same time. Merkur makes some great razors, and this 180 long handled model is a huge stand out among many top quality razors produced by the company. It’s not very expensive, so it will not break the bank, but it looks expensive– always a plus, right? This is a great razor for guys who prefer a long-handled razor or have larger hands (which is a larger percentage of the male population than you might think, and a specialty niche that Merkur is catering to perfectly). For all of its heavy metallic appearance, this is a razor that is relatively light, great if you’re used to using those cheap plastic disposables. The Merkur 180 Long Handled Safety Razor has a chrome finish that is shiny but affordable, a great grip, and is well worth the money. Don’t take our word for it– get your hands on a sample pack and truly discover what sets the Merkur 180 apart.

 

Check Merkur Long Handle Safety Razor on Amazon

The Edwin Jagger DE89 Safety Razor

best safety razor - The Edwin Jagger DE89
The Edwin Jagger DE89. Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.

This is a shiny little number that sounds like it was patented by Mick Jagger’s cousin (which it wasn’t). What it is, however, is a razor that will get your face as soft and clean shaven as a baby’s bottom. It’s designed like a professional razor in that it leaves all the others behind in a class all their own while soaring triumphantly above. Okay, we’re getting a little enthusiastic. But that’s just because this razor just gets the job done so well– it’s hard not to get carried away about it while waxing sentimental. So what makes the Edwin Jagger so great? Well, it’s incredibly easy to use successfully – it will shave easily but will not make you pay for any missteps when it comes to strokes. It’s also got a great balance due to the razor being weighted at both ends. This means that you are less likely to have an accident and more likely to get a great shave. The model the Groom+Style team reviewed had a smooth handle so we had to have dry hands to use it.  One of our readers (see comment section below) confirmed the shaver comes with a variety of different handles, so please choose a grippy handle if you are likely to utilize the shaver in the shower. Overall this is one of the best safety razors in its class. If you want to know the difference between Edwin Jagger and Merkur, you can check out the review of Edwin Jagger vs Merkur.

 

Check Edwin Jagger Safety Razor on Amazon

Bluebeards Revenge Scimitar Safety Razor

best safety razor - Bluebeards Revenge Scimitar
Bluebeards Revenge Scimitar. Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.

Ar, matey! One of the best safety razors in the land, what more could a pirate want? This razor comes complete with a skull and crossbones engraved onto it. In terms of design and just overall coolness, this razor actually ranks surprisingly high for a topic that is more often than not favored by five-year-olds. This Bluebeards Revenge Scimitar safety razor basically just looks awesome. The real treasure, however, is in the alignment of this razor that gives the user an extremely close shave. The blades on the Scimitar has a blade that will not slip or cut easily at all. While you need a level of experience in safety razors to use the Scimitar razor to its full effect, this razor is steady and reliable and will give you one of the closest and best quality shaves of your life. Don’t be thrown off by the pirate theme– the Revenge razor will make you look dead handsome.

 

Check Bluebeards Revenge Safety Razor on Amazon

Parker 66R (new version) & Parker 99R Safety Razors

best safety razor - Parker 99R
Parker 66R Safety Razor. The 99R model has a slightly simpler handle design. Click on the photo to check the Price on Amazon.

These razors are approximately 3.4 ounces in weight and feature a four inch long handle. The heaviness and girth of the Parker 99R & 66R must be what gives them such excellent maneuverability and responsiveness. They feature a butterfly opening head, which you can twist in order to access the blade. This is so easy to do that you can do it with one hand! They are both sleek and well put together safety razors which require no extra parts, and that provide excellent control for a great shave every time.

The Parker 66R is the slightly newer version and effectively features a different handle design to the Parker 99R – the model you choose will come done to personal preference.

Like the Scimitar, these razors are high-quality brass that’s covered in chrome with textured handles that allows for shaving in the shower without the threat of imminent throat-opening. Give the razor a wipe down after you use it because while these are some of the best safety razors available, like all quality products, they do require some care. Put it in a carrying case and treat her well.

Check Parker 66R Safety Razor on Amazon

Check Parker 99R Safety Razor on Amazon

Top 5 Best Safety Razor Review Conclusion

Whether you shave daily or just when you feel like, a good razor is a must. If you are looking for a clean, close, consistently smooth nick-free shave, then you will be very satisfied if you invest in any one of the safety razors discussed above. There is no doubt that old-fashioned safety razors are making a significant comeback! There is also another option, like Rockwell 6s and Supply Razor that you can try with advantages that you can benefit from.

Another alternative you might want to consider, as a gift or for yourself, is a straight razor – they are certainly worth investigating!

Author

  • Lyndon Seitz

    Every office has its clown, and for us, that’s Lyndon. As a fun-loving guy who likes to take the pressure out of tense situations, we rely on him for comedic support to get us through our hardest days. You’ll find him working on a lot of our food-related posts, from drinks to recipe tips, right on down to kitchen fixtures and kitchen gadgets. If there’s one thing we can say about him, it’s that he makes a mean chicken milanese, and he can’t sing (don’t ask him to, we beg of you). Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndon-seitz-bbb09471/

45 thoughts on “Top 5 Best Safety Razor Reviews”

  1. Would a toothbrush, liquid hand wash, disinfecting liquid hand wash, liquid dish washing detergent, liquid disinfecting dish washing detergent work for a deep cleaning of a safety razor?

    Reply
    • Hi Alex,

      All would work, I would just ensure you rinse the parts well. The key point is to ensure you leave the safety razor in a state so that it will dry fully after you have washed it.

      Kind Regards,
      Pierce

      Reply
    • Hey Alex,

      Hope all is well.

      After each use, we would recommend that you loosen the head of the safety razor and run it under hot water to remove all the built up shaving cream/hair. Some people then recommend a small stropping action, performed by running the safety razor in the reverse (IMPORTANT!, non-cutting direction on the back of your forearm) – not sure how important it is but some experienced shavers swear by it.

      The key next step is to ideally not just leave the “wet” blade and safety razor to air dry, as this could rust. So if you can find some rubbing alcohol (vinegar might also work) and dip the safety razor head in that, shake it of, this will then ensure better evaporation of the liquid on the blade and safety razor, so that it dries more effectively. Then hang it up to dry in your stand, if you have one.

      Then every time you replace the blade, perform a deep clean of the safety razor itself when you take it apart – which might be every 4-6 shaves.

      Hope this helps.

      Kind Regards,
      Pierce

      Reply
  2. “too heavy and the razor will bear down”
    Strange idea – as we’re not lying down with the razor on top, the mass of the razor bears no relevance to the pressure applied.
    Also, I find that the razor (not the blade) pressure on the skin is irrelevant unless going over a prominent (chin or scar) area. The razor stretches the skin and I hardly feel the actual blade until I start digging in to scrape under my nose… (but I can hear it, very loudly, catching hairs on the first one or two swipes before it goes silent).

    I’ve an adjustable, set to middle setting, and it likes a wet/slick skin with a fair bit of pressure to stretch it. I make just one pass against the grain as it gives me the least irritation.

    Reply
    • Hi Ben,

      Thanks for the question/comment.

      From our experience the weight of a safety razor (this is a combination of the weight of the head and/or the weight of the handle and the length of the handle) does factor into the shaving experience. When shaving most people tilt the head slightly (and maybe stretch the skin with the opposite hand) and the razor is applied at an angle to the face, which means there is some vertical downward pressure on the face (irrespective of the pressure applied by the shaver) – so mass is definitely an important consideration.

      Also, the “ideal” shaving experience is one where the shaver does not have to exert “any”/much additional pressure and simply to allow the “weight” of the razor to do the cutting work.

      But you are right, weight is not the only factor and should be considered in conjunction with the balance/feel/control and grip of the razor handle. For example, too heavy a razor and it might exert too much pressure on the skin (and it is this pressure that creates this stretch that is so important in a shave) whereas a lighter safety razor might require the user to apply their own additional pressure. The “correct” pressure is a matter of personal preference, and depends on skin and hair type, and usually requires some trial and error… :-).

      If you did an experiment and kept the shaver head the same, but switch out the handles (say 25g to 65g with the same length and grip), and while attempting to keep the pressure you apply with your handle the same (very difficult we know), we are sure you would have a different shaving experience.

      Let us know what you think?

      Kind Regards,
      Pierce

      Reply
  3. The best razor I own is the RazoRock Game Changer with the 84 plate. It’s stainless steel and with a $55 price tag I don’t think you can find a better razor at this price point. The head holds the blade perfectly because of the exacting tolerances. I get an amazing 2 pass shave with it and after buying then using it I sold all my other razors. The only other razors I have are 2 collectible Gillettes.

    Reply
  4. With DE (Double Edge wet shaving) one just has to know your angle also matters and actually is very cool; because it gives closeness control within the SAFETY range of the holder you put the DE blades in. It’s WAY less friction and is the best.

    I think ladies legs might do best with a DE blade on the sharper model and the handle/holder/razor very mild. This works with relatively softer and less dense hair and a mild(closeness) gap mean you don’t have to be excessively careful. That is approximately what trendy and expensive ladies cartridges have. Just without the friction irritating cartridge surround and stupid idea of lube strips. Note: We’re not shaving LOSE anything here. Lose areas that you need complete shaving (not everywhere) is best with a foil SHAVER; built to not go all the way close. Some call then body shavers and then charge too much. Those are not as close as a face built foil. A face foil can not get as close (even slowly) as DE can with experienced user and select blade, holder and your technique. We’re not just trimming here either. All shaving areas that are not lose (and not just trimmed low but not stubble, longer) is best with DE shaving. It’s best to use different tools for different jobs.

    So for ladies; that’s almost any butterfly/Turn-To-Open/barn_door very inexpensive DE holder. Cheapest probably being a chrome over brass inside it. “Weishi” or clone import for pennies. Which is an old patent expired Gillette design. Plus you can get the long handle version; just for legs if you like.

    If you prefer the simplicity of a top and bottom plate holding the blade then a 3-peice will allow universal fitting of any handle. So you could go pink or whatever floats your boat for style.

    Reply
  5. I bought an Edwin Jagger DE 86 with the black resin handle. After three months, I saw a crack in the handle. I contacted their customer service and sent them a picture of it. They sent me a new razor, this one with the burley handle, upon my request. Great customer service from England!

    Reply
    • Hi Paul,

      Great to hear customer service was “Top Notch”. Hopefully, that type of defect was a one off!

      Kind Regards,
      Pierce

      Reply
    • Hey Tony,

      Welcome to the exciting world of double edge shaving. G+S would suggest you consider the Parker 66R (3.8-inch handle and 4-ounce weight) & Parker 99R (4-inch handle and 3.4-ounce weight) Safety Razors …these are very solid and durable razors from a company that has been designing safety razors for about 40 years.

      Please check out the Parker blade descriptions in the article above for more information.

      They are long-handled razors textured handles for extra grip and very smooth functioning butterfly heads in a nice weight range that is easy to manage.

      Note – the other option in the Parker range is the 96r, which has a 3.8-inch handle and 3-ounce weight. Link to Amazon-> http://geni.us/parker96r

      Kind Regards,
      Pierce

      Reply
  6. Hi
    I am currently using a Edwin Jagger and I am ready for the next step in trying out a bit more aggressive razor which would give me a clean shave in one pass. I shave every 2-3 days or sometimes every 5-6 days.

    Which would you recommend ?

    Reply
    • Hey Jaffafa,

      Thanks for the question.

      The Above The Tie Atlas S2 or the Muhle R41 Open Comb Safety razors would be the logical step up, and provide a more aggressive shave. The safety bar on the Atlas S2, might lend itself to a slightly better shave for longer beards (the scalloped safety bar on the R41 might not “direct” the longer hairs as well).

      Good luck with the choice.

      Cheers Pierce

      Reply
  7. I am looking to buy a safety razor for my boyfriend. He has a full beard and would only be using it for his head (completely bald) and possibly clean up for his neck. He is 6′ 7″ with large hands. Is there a safety razor that it better suited for really large hands?

    Thank you!
    Jennifer

    Reply
    • Hi Jennifer,

      We would suggest the Jack Black Double Edge Safety Razor. The length of the Jack Black is about 12cm (5 inches) long, and is one of the longest handles of all safety razors. See more details in the article above.

      Good luck with your choice.

      Kind Regards,
      Pierce

      Reply
  8. I use a Viking Chieftain and I love it. Reasonably priced and a nice shave. The soap is an important part too. I really like Creamo (spl).

    Reply
  9. Havent had a chance to try one of these because the waiting list is forever and when they come up on ebay they’re bringing $600+. But the Wolfman safety razor from what I read is the premier safety razor on the market. A review must be done on this razor.

    Reply
  10. Try out the Lord L125, cheap and with the so called Merkur head. In my opinion the best safety razor money can buy. I love it with Lord Shark stainles steel blades, it gets me 5 very satisfying shaves.

    Reply
  11. Had a few de razors over the years, but I’m presently using a Merkur 15c open comb with personna blades and it’s the best razor I’ve come across for a while. Shaving every 2 to 3 days with Arko shaving stick and a 2 pass routine and it’s the smoothest my skin has ever been.

    Reply
  12. In your review of the Edwin Jagger DE89 your only complaint is about the slippery handle. Edwin Jagger makes one head and a variety of handles, some with rubber coated handles, some with an octagonal shape, some with engraved lines and a couple with with laser etched knurling…..too bad you got the slippery one to test.

    Reply
  13. I would like to get my daughter her first razor. I’m no longer interested in participating in the destruction of the environment by continuing my use of disposable razors, so I thought this would be a good time to start her off right and make the switch myself. Which one of your top recommendations would best suit our needs? Can they all be used in the shower? Is it hard to change out the blades? Does that have to be done often? Thank you for any info you can give me:)

    Delilah Jones

    Reply
    • Hi Delilah,

      What a brilliant question and motive. GroomNStyle should really write a complete article on safety razor shaving for women. But let me try and give you a quick run-down and answer your questions.

      Firstly, safety razor shaving for women is very possible, and a great alternative to disposable shavers. With practice you should be able to shave all the same spots you shave with a disposable shaver – take it slow and practice on an easier part of your body before trying more sensitive areas. There are many benefits some of which are that over the long term it should be cheaper, it is better for the environment (as you mentioned), you should see less ingrown hairs (as the safety razor/blade makes a cleaner cut of the hair), and you should probably see less skin irritation (rather than 4 blades potentially coming in contact with your skin you have one sharp one cutting the hairs).

      You will however need to invest in the safety razor, blades, soap brush and soap. Learning to shave with the safety razor will take a bit of practice as it requires a different technique to a disposable razor. With a disposable razor you are probably used to applying pressure on the razor and therefore the skin, whereas with the safety razor you want a very light touch i.e. you let the weight of the safety razor do the work. Also, try and keep the razor head at an angle of 30 degrees to the skin. There is a great youtube video here. https://youtu.be/a0TibpHQvew

      To start with the GroomNStyle team would recommend something like the Merkur 180 Long handle Safety Razor (if you are 100% sure you are committed then you could go for something like the Merkur Stainless Steel Long Handle Double Edge Safety Razor (43C)). The Merkur 180 is reasonably priced, German made, well balanced, fixed head (gap between the blade and safety bar cannot be adjusted), long handled to help reach extremities, and mid-range in terms of aggressiveness. This chrome finished safety razor is rust resistant – so for about $20 you can use it in the shower (but you do need to lather so this might not work) but don’t expect it to last forever like the top of the range stainless steel models. To care for it clean it after every shave and leave it out to dry.

      It is very simple to change the blades out. The Merkur 180 is a 3 piece safety razor (1 piece for the handle and 2 pieces for the head [1 middle plate and 1 head plate]) – you unscrew the handle take off the headpiece and insert the blade. A blade will last approximately 6 shaves.

      In terms of blades there are different types that can be chosen based on skin sensitivity and hair coarseness. You might need to try a few different varieties to find one that is right for you (it’s a balance between blades that might catch the hair rather than cutting them the first time, and the sharpest blades that have the potential to cut skin). Merkur offer a good starter blade, for normal skin types and light medium hair which are easily available.

      Good luck and enjoy this process with your daughter.

      Kind Regards,
      Lisa

      Reply
  14. Really nice blog .. the best safety razor for me is Seki Edge Feather all .. it’s well made and very high quality razor .. I try several razors but not as quality as Feather All safety razor! … very solid and have the sharpest blades ever!

    Reply
  15. I am African American and got some pretty bad irritation from multi blade cartrige razors. The only safety razor I have tried so far is made by a company called Bevel. Awesome razor. I used to get really bad razor bumps and until recently only shaved my face with electric trimmers like the Andis Outliner. The Bevel razor works great. Haven’t tried any other ones yet, but based on my results, I think that the Bevel safety razor should be added to this list.

    Reply
    • Thanks for the comment Kenny I am sure our readers will welcome this feedback. We will make sure to test the Bevel during our next review of Safety Razors.
      – Lisa

      Reply
  16. The Seki Feather is Nirvana. My Merkurs are now retired. Yes the Feather is THAT good with a Feather blade. The difference with the Seki Feather however and where some people get hung up, is the razor’s shave angle to one’s face. With the Feather razor coupled with a genuine Feather blade, you MUST hold the shave handle angle at a 45-degree versus the traditional 30-35* angle of all other safety razors. Without the 45* angle, the “amateurs” may get a little frustrated.

    Reply
  17. Rita,
    If you haven’t purchased a razor for your husband, I can tell you that several on the list will do the job very well. I personally shave my whole head except for goatee and mustache. I own and use the satin Merkur Futur and 2 different Parkers, a butterfly type and a 3 piece.

    The Merkur is a little more aggressive with extra weight, but will bounce slightly if too many strokes wipe away the lather. It does have a big advantage if your husband goes more than a few days without shaving. There is space below the blade to collect whiskers and soap without clogging the blade so quickly.

    Here is my ritual… Parker 99c loaded with Wilkinson Sword blades is my daily shaver. Its smooth and super easy on my beautiful bald head. For date nights or those times I just wanna take my time, I make a second pass after re-lathering with my Merkur sporting Feather blades and dialed in around 2-3. Truth is, for most of the sub-100 dollar razors I have used or heard about, a change of blades makes more difference than the razor, with some exception. Depending on your water hardness and budget on the brush, better soaps can also make a difference.

    Reply
  18. Merkur 34c is hands down the best safety razor. Great weight, great knurled handle and flawless aggressiveness no matter what type of DE blade used. All for less than $50.

    Reply
  19. The only mention of maintenance is with the Parker 99c. I’m just getting into safety razors and looking to purchase my 1st one. I was almost sold on the said Parker since it has the butterfly option and was highly recommended by other sites as well since I have really sensitive skin. Since this is the first time I read about maintenance, please explain what kind of maintenance it needs and why the other ones don’t? Thanks in advance.

    Reply
  20. Hi,

    I’ve read the reviews and have done some research, but need your advise. I’m looking to buy one for my husband who will be using it to shave his face as well as his head (think Pitbull). Your suggestions/recommendations are greatly appreciated..

    Best,
    Rita

    Reply
    • Rita,

      One shaver that is equally good on both face and head is Braun 9095cc. If the premium price puts you off, I suggest looking at either Panasonic Arc5 or Braun series 7 799cc.

      Let us know how you get on!

      -Lisa

      Reply
    • Pedro- Please look at the reviews above. The luxury ones are the best and durable if you are looking for class and closeness at the same time.

      -Pierce

      Reply

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