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The 10 Best Safety Razors for a Close Shave
Tracing its roots back to the early 1900s and to a man known as King Gillette (whose last name might sound familiar), the safety razor has long been the solution to a barber’s shave without the trip to the barber. Competing against the traditional disposable razors of today and the supposed ease of the electric shaver, the safety razor is equally safe, sleek, and stylish for a dangerously good-looking clean shave.
Don’t let the word “safety” put you off if you like to live on the edge. With a safety razor’s sharp blades, you’ll be able to achieve a closer shave with less drag and irritation, making it great for coarse hair that a standard razor can’t seem to get. And while switching to a safety razor means you can’t as quickly buzz away your beard as you could with an electric shaver, think of it as a regimen that gives you more control and precision with every stroke. Slow and steady wins the race after all.
If you’re interested in trying a safety razor out, read up on our list below of the 10 best safety razors so you can finally get that close shave you’ve been missing.
Best Buy
1. Vikings Blade The Chieftain Jr.
Coming in at our number one pick is The Chieftain Jr. safety razor by Vikings Blade. Made of premium heavy-duty metal materials from the finest crafters in Sweden, this razor will take your shaving game to a whole new level of bad and boujee.
In emulation of the class and sophistication of their safety-shaving forefathers, Vikings Blade razors give you that touch of luxury in an affordable, modern-day experience. The Chieftain Jr. is a medium aggression razor making it perfect for nearly all men, regardless of your experience level.
The razor comes with a leatherette travel case with an attached mirror and five platinum-coated blades for that perfect shave every time. With hundreds of five-star reviews on their website alone, you can trust the men who know a thing or two and worship Vikings Blade. If you know what’s best for you, you’ll become a dedicated Viking yourself.
2. Feather All Stainless Steel Razor
Feather, the first Japanese company to make replaceable razor blades (which are apparently some of the sharpest on the market), has caught our eye with its continual strive for excellence. If you’re looking for something on the higher end of the spectrum, look no further. The Feather All Stainless Steel Double Edge Razor is our premium pick, mainly because it is the epitome of a quality, luxury safety razor.
Feather’s craftsmanship transports you back to the days of wet shaving, when the meditative ritual was an act of self-care and self-love – not just a quick “get this hair off my face.” Using the best in modern razor technology and innovation, this double-edge razor – double edge referring to the blade and razor being able to shave on both sides of the blade – gives you the control you need for a close, fine shave without any irritation or sensitivity.
3. GBS Adjustable Butterfly Open Double Edge Safety Razor
This matte black beauty is our best value pick of the bunch, coming in at less than $30 for the safety razor and 20 blades (yes, you read correctly). It features a long ridged handle that’s ideal for those with larger hands or who prefer the feel of a longer razor. And if you thought the value couldn’t get any better, this safety razor is also adjustable, featuring eight different levels so you can always get your closest shave.
The butterfly open style simply means the safety razor opens up with butterfly doors. Butterfly doors can make almost anything look cooler, but in this case, they serve a purpose too. The butterfly safety mechanism makes replacing the blades a bit easier as all you have to do is a twist to open the head. Changing your blades no longer has to be a chore.
4. King C. Gillette Double Edge Razor
Remember that guy we mentioned earlier? You know, the one that invented safety razors? Well, his company is still very much alive and producing some of the finest safety razors on the market. This double-edged pick features a chrome-plated handle that will last you for years to come and a five-pack of platinum-coated stainless steel refill blades that give some of the sharpest, most accurate shaves possible (in part to the fine metals used).
The razor’s closed comb head means that the safety bar guards the blade, while a comb directs the hair into the razor, offering you an insane amount of control. This level of precision is perfect for men with relatively coarse hair. The razor’s double-edge design is also fantastic for edging your sideburns and sculpting strong beard lines.
5. The Art Of Shaving Safety Razor
Shaving is most definitely an art form, so why not get a razor that supports your creative vision? The Art of Shaving’s Safety Razor features a finely engraved handle that helps you secure your grip and deliver a smooth shave every time.
The handle is shorter than most, so keep that in mind while you’re shopping. Though most safety razors have short handles in emulation of the traditional style. The length of your razor’s handle will not affect how the razor performs or the quality of your shave – it’s all about what feels best to you.
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6. Merkur Futur Safety Razor
Beginning with humble roots over 100 years ago, Merkur (German for the Roman god Mercury) has swept the world, showcasing some of the best razors on the market. Their Futur Safety Razor is an adjustable razor that allows you to narrow in the formula for your favorite shave. Plus, their easy twist function allows you to expand or close the gap between the bar and the blade, choosing a more or less aggressive shave.
In minimalist fashion, this elegant piece of material is chrome-plated (so it’s made to last) and topped with a matte finish. This high-quality razor also boasts a heavier weight, making it more comfortable in the hand. It comes in at 4.5 inches in length (compared to a traditional cartridge razor that’s around 5.5 inches long).
7. Baxter of California Safety Razor
If you’re looking for a traditional style safety razor that’s sleek and easy to use, Baxter of California has got you covered with this one. Their chrome-plated safety razor uses only a single blade, meaning you can get that close shave without razor burn or those dreaded ingrown hairs. The base of the razor is weighty, so you’ll always feel comfortable and in control.
8. Edwin Jagger Double Edged Safety Razor
Established in 1988, Edwin Jagger is a family-run business that has proven over the past three decades that they know all about a good shave. They’ve become a global leader in the grooming business, and their quality craftsmanship is worth every penny – even though the price is reasonable. Bonus: the razor also comes with a free pack of five blades.
Their traditional double edge safety razor is user-friendly with a weightier handle and several handle length options (regular, short, or long). Even for those with sensitive skin, the Edwin Jagger Double Edged Safety Razor produces a mild, effective shave without the irritation you may be used to.
9. Maapilim Safety Razor
For a smooth, gentle shave that’s dipped in rose gold, the Maapilim Safety Razor is specifically designed to provide a clean shave without any nicks or clogging. In celebration of the Mediterranean mindset in which their products are made, Maapilim is a brand that’s all about slowing down and enjoying your grooming and self-care rituals.
And sometimes, all it takes is a beautifully designed razor to remind you of that. This double edge razor is ideal for guys wanting a lighter weight option (just in case you overdid it on arm day at the gym).
10. Supply The Single Edge 2.0
As the sleekest safety razor on our list, Supply’s The Single Edge 2.0 is the ultimate match for the modern man looking to have his closest, most comfortable shave yet. Available in five different finishes, from 100% stainless steel to matte and glossy alloys, this razor is designed to make you feel good about your shaving routine (and look good on your countertop too).
But it’s not all looks and no function. This safety razor was engineered to avoid irritation, nicks, bumps, and clogged pores so you can get your closest, easiest shave – even if you have sensitive skin. Designed for all skin types and experience levels, this safety razor has three different shave settings and comes with a 90-day supply of blades (given that you get eight to 10 shaves out of each blade).
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Safety Razors FAQs
Since the early 20th century, safety razors have been deemed the “safer” alternative to the traditional straight razor blades often used in salons and barbershops. In general terms, a safety razor protects the skin from the blade, reducing the frequency of cuts, nicks, and gashes while still providing a clean shave.
A standard razor (aka the cartridge razors you’re used to seeing everyone use) differs from a safety razor in a few areas. For one, a cartridge razor uses several cutting blades that have already been fitted and developed by the brand, meaning you don’t have to put the blades in yourself.
It also tends to have a movable head that can pivot on the skin. On the other hand, a safety razor requires that you install the universally fitting blades into the razor before use. It features a fixed head that may take some getting used to.
Because of its material and design, a standard razor typically needs to be replaced after a certain amount of time. In contrast, the sustainable metal design of safety razors means they can last you a lifetime (and cost you a lot less in the long run). Standard razors also tend to be longer and lighter than a safety razor.
Shopping for a safety razor is both economical and environmentally friendly. The razor itself is made from a lifelong metal that can be used for years and decades to come and, if necessary, can easily be recycled. The only thing you need to replace is the extremely affordable blades, often coming in around $0.10 to $0.20 each.
There are many different safety razors on the market, so how do you pick which one is best for you? Keeping in mind these four features will help you choose.
- Weight: How heavy the razor is will affect how it feels in your hand and how comfortable you feel using it. Generally, the heavier the safety razor, the more secure you’ll feel using it – especially if you’re a beginner.
- The Handle: The handle is what you’ll be holding and using to guide the blades across your skin, so choose a handle that’s length, texture, and shape feel comfortable for you and gives you a good degree of grip and security.
- Head Type: There are five types of razor heads: the straight bar, the scalloped, the closed comb, the open comb, and the slant head – all of which provide different shaving experiences. We’ve listed the head types in order from most mild to most aggressive.
- Aggressiveness: A razor’s aggressiveness is determined by the gap between the bottom part of the razor head (the comb) and the top (the head). The bigger the gap, the more blade that is exposed, meaning the more aggressive the shave. The more aggressive a razor is, the more caution you’ll have to use when shaving, so pick wisely. No pressure.
