Even those with full beards need a razor to maintain a clean outline because there are some shaving jobs an electric just doesn’t do well no matter how fancy their attachments are. Every complete grooming kit needs a best safety razors, do you have one in yours? Notice I said a “good razor?” If you’ve never used products like these before you don’t want to learn with an inferior model.
Regardless of how many electric gadgets you may have in your shaving kit, everyone should learn how to use a razor in case you’re ever caught without power to run all those gadgets.
What is a Safety Razor?
When shaving was first thought of as a grooming essential for men, the only option was to take a sharp blade really close to your face and hope that all it cuts is hair. While some men have eventually learned how to shave their faces without so much as a nick, the skill was acquired through suffering many cuts in the beginning.
The arrival of the safety razor changed all of that. A safety razor is simply a device that lets people shave without the risk of cutting themselves. The blade is enclosed in a protective case that is positioned between the blade edge and the skin. This greatly lessened the chances of injury while shaving compared to a straight razor.
You could spend hours searching google and find hundreds of different types crowding the market or skip a research headache and look at the ones listed below. These safety razor reviews will help you decide which one would fit your needs and give you the close shave you want and deserve.
Below are the top 10 best safety razors, and chances are the one you need is somewhere on this list.
Table of Contents
10. Baxter of California Safety Razor
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This chrome plated beauty is manufactured in Germany, built tough and made to last. It even comes with an instructional card for anyone not experienced with safety razor technique.
Use of a quality safety razor like the Baxter helps avoid the unpleasant side effects of using an inferior blade such as painful ingrown hairs, and razor burn. This is the kind of equipment your grandpa probably used, and more modern men are finding out why every day.
Pros
- Designed for the perfect wet shave.
- Clean up is a breeze.
- The comforting weight of chrome doesn’t need as much pressure as lighter razors which lessen the risk of stinging cuts and scrapes.
Cons
- A fall from sink height to the floor (especially the hard tiles found in many bathrooms) may cause damage.
- Customer service has a slow response time.
9. Perfecto Double Edge Safety Razor
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The biggest reason so many people give up their blades in favor of electric shavers isn’t how unsightly nicks, cuts or scrapes can look; it’s the pain that comes with them. The long-handled design of the Perfecto is well balanced which enables the user to apply just the right amount of pressure for a safer shave.
If you’re going to invest in a safety razor, it may as well be risk-free like this one which is supported by a money back guarantee, if you’re not happy with it.
Pros
- Easy to control and move across your face with ease.
- Double edge head offers an even closer shave.
- You absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain because of a risk-free guarantee.
Cons
- This extremely aggressive razor may not be a good idea for delicate skin or those new to using safety razors.
- There’s a lot of play when inserting the blade and keeping it straight while you tighten the head can be difficult.
8. Weishsi Nostalgic Butterfly Double Edge Safety Razor
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Handcrafted from solid brass this perfectly balanced double-edged safety razor will easily replace any other blade in your shaving kit. Capable of very close shaves you will only have to use it once to see that your money was well spent.
For some, the hardest part of using a safety razor is changing out the blade, but that wouldn’t apply to this Nostalgic because they make it so easy to do. Designed to be user-friendly, Weishsi has a winner with this one.
Pros
- Built by a skilled master craftsman.
- Quality brass construction.
- Cleaning is no trouble because it comes apart so easily.
Cons
- Screw loosens easily and the user risks injury if they don’t check it frequently.
- Its appearance may be stylish and classy but caution is recommended to avoid severe skin irritation.
7. Vikings Blade The Chieftain Safety Razor
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As the original Chieftain, this safety razor doesn’t have much (if any) competition. Its heavier weight makes it easier to control and move around your skin with less painful friction. This is not a cheaply made, mass-produced razor.
The design hasn’t changed in decades and although others have tried to copy it only Chieftain has the original. Don’t settle for a clone, especially when this razor comes with an International Lifetime Protection against manufacturer defects.
Pros
- You only need 5-seconds to load a new blade.
- Perfectly weighted to make those short and angled strokes much easier.
- Forged from top quality, heavy duty Swedish metals.
Cons
- Twist screw may loosen and must be checked frequently for safety.
- Blade angle is inconsistent and changes according to how tightly its screwed in so frequent re-adjustment may be necessary to maintain the desired angle.
6. MÜHLE R41 Double Edge Safety Razor
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Designed for “experienced” wet shavers, anyone who’s never used a safety razor before should probably skip this one. Due to the angle of the blade itself, this razor allows for a vigorous, fast, and direct shave that beginners could injure themselves with.
If your beard is denser than most this is the blade to keep in your kit for a smoother, easier shave. Clean up afterward goes fast thanks to the open tooth comb and gap behind the foam edge that keeps “shaving debris” from getting in your way.
Pros
- No constant rinsing to avoid build-up of residue on the blade.
- Get a smooth, close shave regardless of how thick your beard may be.
- Manufactured by craftsmen who take pride in their work.
Cons
- Light handle makes it difficult to navigate in tight corners.
- Handle is aluminum which only contributes to the lightness issue it has.
5. Parker 98R Double Edge Safety Razor
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Cleaning a razor is almost impossible when it’s all in one piece, and that is probably the best reason right there to think seriously about the Parker because it can easily be taken down to three sections for a thorough scrubbing and proper blade alignment.
Manufactured using brass and nickel plate, it has enough heft behind it you don’t need to risk cuts and scrapes by pressing too hard on your skin. If you need quality and are tired of putting up with safety razors that frankly just don’t live up to their hype, you owe it to yourself to give this one a try.
Pros
- The comfortably long handle is textured for a safer grip in slippery hands.
- Knowing you own a razor so many other brands have tried to duplicate over the decades is very satisfying.
- Perfect for those with larger hands that may have difficulty hanging onto something small and controlling it at the same time.
Cons
- Replacing blades may be difficult to manage for anyone with joint issues or unsteady hands, caution is recommended to avoid injury.
- At 4.3 ounces this is a very heavy razor and may not be suitable for those with smaller hands or weak joints.
4. Feather All Stainless Steel Double-Edge Razor
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Pure luxury and quality are what you have in your hand when it’s holding the Feather. Every stroke leaves behind nothing but clean, smooth skin so shaving doesn’t take as long because you don’t have to do it twice.
People talk about how effective multi-blade cartridges are but that’s because they haven’t yet tried this razor. About the only thing that would beat the shave this product offers is a straight razor but considering how dangerous those can be, the Feather is a much safer alternative.
Pros
- Makes shaving almost effortless.
- Much less irritating on tender facial and throat skin.
- Manufactured with strict quality control, the Feather is built to last. You may never need to buy another razor once this one has been added to your shaving kit.
Cons
- Complaints have been noted that the Feather is difficult to use with heavier beards.
- Razor gap is very narrow, and this may affect the quality of your shave.
3. Edwin Jagger Double Edge Safety Razor
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Something to think about when you’re looking at new razors is the cost of blade replacements. Those for the Edwin Jagger are not expensive so basically, this razor saves money every time you use it.
There is a pattern on the handle that not only gives it a classy look;, it also offers a better grip with slippery hands.
Some safety razors come with warnings to those not experienced in their use but this one has no such warning because the blade angle makes it a good fit for either an old pro or someone who’s never used one before.
Pros
- Takes very little pressure for maximum smoothness.
- Its weight does the work for you, all you need to do is guide it to the right areas.
- This is how you get a barbershop quality shave without ever leaving the house.
Cons
- Even though quality and results are outstanding, many consider the price too steep to pay.
- If you forget to keep your touch light, you risk severe shaving injury.
2. Merkur Futur Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor
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If you can’t adjust a razor to suit your needs what good is it? The Merkur Futur is double-edged for an outstanding shave and angles are fully adjustable to suit individual needs.
All you have to do is a simple twist of the handle, and it’s like you have a custom safety razor built just for you. Once you’ve finished using it for the first time, you’ll see what makes it such a great seller.
Quality, high function, and durability are what you end up with when you click “buy” on this razor.
Pros
- Quality craftsmanship makes this razor “heirloom quality” because you will be able to pass it on to the next generation.
- Forged in Germany from the best of Solingen steel, you can trust its durability.
- Time saved with easy adjustments make mornings less of a rush.
Cons
- Razor head is too large to fit conveniently in hard to reach places.
- A handle is not slip-proof against wet, soapy skin. Use extreme caution and dry hands frequently to avoid shaving accidents.
1. MERKUR Classic 2-Piece Double Edge Safety Razor
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This stunning razor has been offering users over one hundred years of excellence and experience. The MERKUR Classic 2-Piece Double Edge Safety Razor is also known as the 34C. The construction is unique, simplistic, yet powerful. The handle is extra thick and allows men to have a solid grip when they are shaving. And because the MERKUR Classic 2-Piece Double Edge Safety Razor is double-sided, you will spend less time having to maneuver your razor when you are shaving. This, in turn, means fewer nicks and cuts.
By using a single razor, you can be sure you are getting a clean shave each and every stroke. This will keep you from having to go back and shave the same area. This, in turn, will help eliminate any potential irritation. Users love the clean and soft shave that will have your skin feeling smooth.
Pros
- Double-edged blade allows you to have a clean shave that is precise and effective.
- A sharp single blade will keep you from having to go over that same spot more than once.
- Heavy and durable handle give you built-in power.
- Easy to use and easy to shave with, however, there is a learning curve.
Cons
- The handle is heavy and will require some patience when you are handling it. You will also need to apply a lot less pressure.
Click here to buy from TheGuyBar.com
Why Choose a Safety Razor Over a Disposable Razor?
There have been many iterations and types of razors over the years that it’s hard to choose which one is the best or the most suited for your needs. From the straight razor to today’s disposable ones, men now have a plethora of options when it comes to the removal of their facial hair.
Since learning how to use a straight razor may not be for everyone, the popularity of disposable and cartridge razors have risen in the last few decades. Because these types of razors are relatively safer and are not too punishing to sensitive skin, it’s no wonder many have opted to use them.
There is, however, another type of razor that many are taking notice of again – the stainless steel safety razor. There is nothing that can beat the close shave of a straight razor but the safety razor comes in at a very second close (pun intended), and that is why many have taken to a liking of this “old school” way of removing hair on one’s face.
It is true that a plastic disposable razor or one that uses a cartridge is good at preventing irritation, but the same can be said for safety razor shaving. A very good safety razor kit – one that has an adjustable safety razor with a long handle and chrome finish – will give you the convenience of the disposable type and the aggressiveness of a straight one.
Disposable razors are indeed a game changer in the world of grooming because not only is it so much safer than a traditional straight razor, it is also more convenient to use because once the blade razor loses its edge, you can simply throw it away and replace it; this, however, is also one of its downfalls.
While a disposable razor is so much cheaper than a double edge safety razor from the onset, the truth is disposable ones are only able to hold their edge for 2-3 shaves. If you add those frequent purchase up, it’s fairly quick to realize that safety razor blades would save you a lot more money in just a short time. Since you are going to spend on shaving cream, shaving brush, and other paraphernalia anyway, it’s worth it to think of the overall cost when it comes to your grooming.
Adding to the argument for safety razors is that it’s more environment-friendly because you’re not going to throw it away after just a couple of shaves; or any plastic for that matter. It is just one of the reasons why safety razors are becoming more popular.
Final Review of the Best Safety Razors
While deciding whether you should buy a good safety razor or not, picture this scenario. You’re dealing with a power outage and forgot to charge your electric shaver. What do you do then if skipping the shave entirely isn’t an option?
Choosing from among the ten razors listed above means you would never have to worry about how to answer that question. Personally, I would choose #1, the Guy Bar because I like the idea of being able to adjust it so quickly and easily.
In the end, the best safety razor will be up to you and your preference. You can go for an open comb razor, single edge or double edge blades, or any kind of razor that you think might be a good fit for you. The important thing is you are able to make a decision based on your needs and which will razor will give you the best result.
See also:
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