For those entering the world of traditional wet shaving or those seeking to transition from disposable razors to a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative, the safety razor emerges as a classic choice.
Safety razors, also known as double-edge razors, offer a timeless charm. They deliver a close and smooth shave without nicks or razor burns while reducing plastic waste.
For beginners new to wet shaving, choosing the best safety razor can seem daunting. In this ultimate buying guide for the best safety razor for beginners, you’ll learn the basics of safety razors and receive valuable tips to make an informed decision.
Safety Razor Basics: Parts, Design, & Purpose
Before discussing tips for finding the best safety razors for beginners, let's review the key components of a safety razor.
Parts of a Safety Razor
The perfect safety razor or double-edge safety razor comprises several fundamental parts:
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Handle: The safety razor's handle provides a grip for control during shaving. It varies in design, length, and materials, such as metal.
- Head: A safety razor's head secures the blade. It can be closed or open comb, affecting aggressiveness for a personalized shaving experience.
- Blade: Disposable blades, traditionally with one edge or most commonly with two edges, are made of materials like stainless steel or coated with substances like Teflon for shaving purposes.
Design and Purpose
A safety razor is a shaving tool designed for removing unwanted hair. It has a distinct safety bar over the blade's edge to protect the skin during shaving. Safety razors come in various styles, including closed-comb, open-comb, and adjustable safety razors.
A mild safety razor provides a gentle and comfortable shave, while an aggressive razor offers a closer shave, albeit potentially with a more intense experience. Safety razors typically use single disposable blades or replacement blades, with some featuring a butterfly mechanism for easy blade replacement. They are renowned for delivering exceptional shaving results, ensuring a smooth shave with precision and care.
Difference Between a Cartridge Razor and a Disposable Razor
Notably, a double-edge safety razor is also an eco-conscious choice, significantly reducing plastic waste compared to disposable counterparts, such as cartridge razors. Unlike cartridge razors with multiple blades, safety razors typically feature a single, sharp blade that requires less pressure to achieve a close shave. This reduces the risk of irritation and ingrown hairs, making it easier to maintain and clean the razor for long-lasting use.
So, whether after impeccable grooming or a greener shave, a safety razor is the quintessential choice, offering both style and substance. Here is a quick video to review these highlights:
Top 10 Tips You Need to Know to Find the Best Safety Razors
Now, let's explore ten essential tips to help classic safety razor beginners choose their first safety razor.
Tip 1: Understanding Razor Types
The development of safety razor design led to the emergence of various types, which are the following:
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Two-Piece Safety Razors: A two-piece safety razor consists of a handle and a head, featuring a removable top plate for easy blade loading and replacement. It is known for its simplicity, making it a favorite among those embarking on their shaving journey.
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Three-Piece Safety Razors: With a separate handle, top cap, and base plate, a three-piece safety razor offers the convenience of easy disassembly for blade replacement and cleaning.
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Butterfly Safety Razors: Also known as twist-to-open or TTO razors, butterfly razors feature a hinged handle that opens like the wings of a butterfly, making them easy to access and replace. They are popular among beginners and experienced shavers as they offer convenience and ease of use.
- Adjustable Safety Razors: These razors allow for fine-tuning the blade's exposure between a closed-comb and open-comb safety razor, providing an aggressive shave or a mild shave. This is a boon for those wishing complete control over the shave's intensity.
The best choice for beginners is a two-piece safety razor, such as the Merkur 34C HD. Merkur razors have a simple design, allowing easy blade replacement and hassle-free maintenance.
Here is a review from customer Tim that does a great job of breaking down this razor:
"This would be an excellent razor for someone with light to moderate beard coarseness. A grown man shaved had this at the best price I had seen for this razor."
Tip 2: Razor Blades: Compatibility Of Safety Razors
Safety razor blades offer an unmatched shaving experience, blending precision and comfort to achieve a remarkably smooth finish. Typically made from high-quality stainless steel or platinum-coated steel, these blades offer sharpness and durability, enabling close shaves with fewer passes, which reduces irritation and razor burn.
Each blade is double-edged, allowing the users to flip it for extended use, making it both economical and eco-friendly compared to disposable razors. Ideal for beginners and shaving enthusiasts alike, safety razor blades fit universally across most safety razors, making it easy to experiment and find your perfect shave. Whether you seek a luxurious grooming ritual or want to enhance your daily routine, the right razor blade makes all the difference.
Safety razor blades typically have double-edged blades, hence they are called as double-edge safety razors. However, compatibility with various razor blade brands and types is crucial for a smooth shaving experience. The blade you pick is an integral part of preparing your shave.
Double-edge blades are beginner-friendly and versatile, whereas single-edge blades have limited compatibility and a steeper learning curve. The stainless steel double-edge safety razor blades from Henson are highly regarded by many safety razor enthusiasts for their quality. They fit razors like Henson AL13, Ti22 Titanium, and most safety razors. With a 2-3 years lifespan, they are a cost-effective choice for all safety razor users.
However, we have obtained numerous razor blades from top manufacturers in the industry for sale, and we encourage you to purchase a few to determine which one is best suited for your wet shaving experience.
Tip 3: Safety Razor Handle Length and Grip
The length and grip of a safety razor handle significantly influence the comfort, control, and precision of your shaving experience. A shorter handle, typically around 3 inches, offers enhanced maneuverability, making it ideal for precise strokes and navigating tight areas, such as under the nose. Conversely, longer handles—typically around 4 inches or more—offer greater leverage and control, particularly beneficial for individuals with larger hands or those who prefer a more secure hold.
The Grip Defined
The grip design is equally critical, with knurled, textured, or rubberized handles offering superior traction and preventing slippage, particularly when shaving with wet or soapy hands. Ultimately, selecting a safety razor with the right handle length and grip ensures a confident and comfortable shave tailored to your specific preferences and needs.
Handle: Short or Long?
When you're just starting with safety razors, it's crucial to select the one that suits your hand size best. This means getting the handle length and grip just right. Think of the handle length as having a more extended reach and better control for those tricky spots, while shorter handles are like precision tools.
Buy Recommendation: Under $200
It's essential to have something that won't slip, especially when things get wet. Look for textured handles, such as the Edwin Jagger 3ONE6 Grooved Safety Razor, as they offer the best safety razors for beginners by providing a secure grip. It's all about finding what works best for you so you can have a smooth and confident start to your safety razor-shaving journey. Another great razor under $300 is the Rex Envoy 3 Piece Safety Razor Stainless Steel. The Envoy double-edge safety razor is 100% “Made in the USA” and designed for a lifetime of use.
Tip 4: Safety Razor Material and Weight
When it comes to materials, options such as stainless steel, brass, zinc alloy, and gold (bling bling) each offer unique benefits, catering to longevity, aesthetics, and budget considerations.
Stainless steel promises durability (no rust if you leave it on the sink)and unwavering performance. Brass combines durability with an appealing aesthetic, while zinc alloy offers a lightweight and budget-friendly entry point for newcomers. Gold Safety Razors, although they require a larger investment, provide a worthwhile purchase and a luxurious shaving experience.
As for weight, heavier razors, such as the Rockwell Razor Matte Black, provide control with less pressure required, while lighter ones, like the razor I use at home, the Henson Titanium Ti22, may require a firmer grip. Opt for a weight that suits your comfort and style, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable shaving experience as a beginner.
From our CEO Dave:
"I have tried many of our razors at Grown Man Shave, and the Henson Ti22 is my daily driver—it's worth the extra investment (currently $288).
Tip 5: Safety Mechanisms: Open Comb vs Closed Comb
When selecting a safety razor for beginners based on safety features, consider aggressiveness and comb design. Aggressive razors have a safety bar that exposes more blades for a closer shave, hence a more aggressive shave. If you're starting, mild safety razors with less blade exposure, such as closed-comb safety razors, are your best bet for a gentle shave (see any of the Henson razors).
Open Comb Safety Razors
Open-comb safety razors feature a distinctive design characterized by teeth-like grooves or "combs" along the razor's head, enabling a more aggressive and efficient shave. This open-tooth structure guides hairs directly onto the blade, making it particularly suitable for shaving thicker, coarser beards or for those who shave infrequently, as it effectively reduces clogging and easily slices through dense stubble.
Additionally, the open comb design leaves more shaving cream on the skin between passes, enhancing lubrication and reducing irritation. While open-comb razors require slightly more care and technique due to their aggressive nature, many experienced shavers prefer them for the incredibly close and smooth results they consistently deliver. Open-comb razors are ideal for thicker or longer facial hair, as they allow lather and hair to flow through easily.
Closed Comb Safty Razors
Characterized by their solid safety bar, closed-comb razors glide smoothly across the skin, offering increased protection against nicks and cuts compared to open-comb styles. The bar guides the blade to maintain consistent blade exposure, ensuring a close shave while minimizing irritation, even on sensitive skin.
Ideal for regular maintenance and those with lighter or medium beard growth, closed comb razors strike the perfect balance between efficiency and comfort, making them a staple in any shaving routine.
A closed-comb safety razor, such as the Feather AS-D2S, provides a gentle shave, making it ideal for beginners and individuals with sensitive skin. Current retail is $370.
Tip 6: Maintenance Requirements
If you're new to safety razors and want a simple cleaning and maintenance routine, opt for a three-piece razor with an easy-to-disassemble head. Because it has fewer parts, it's easier to disassemble and clean thoroughly when replacing razor blades.
Choosing a razor with a fixed blade exposure, whether a closed-comb or open-comb razor, followed by adjustable razors, makes it easy to use and maintain, making it an excellent choice for beginners. Materials like stainless steel and brass are strong and resistant to rust, so they require minimal care. For those just starting with safety razors, a three-piece razor, such as the Rex Envoy, is a good choice because it is easy to clean and doesn't require adjustment.
Tip 7: Skin Sensitivity Considerations
Misusing a safety razor can irritate skin due to improper angles, excessive pressure, and blade selection. Beginners should opt for mild safety razors designed for ease of use and learn correct shaving techniques to avoid nicks and discomfort.
Here are some of the best safety razors for beginners considering your skin sensitivity:
Sensitive Skin
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Mild Razor: Consider a mild safety razor with a less aggressive blade exposure. These razors are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Some options include the Henson Aluminum AL13 or Feather AS-D2.
Normal Skin
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Medium Razor: If your skin is not overly sensitive, opt for a medium-aggressiveness razor, like the Taylor Of Old Bond Street Victorian Safety Razor.
Tough Beard/Coarse Hair
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Aggressive Razor: A more aggressive razor with higher blade exposure can help cut through tough beards more easily. The Henson Aggressive is known for its aggressiveness.
Beginners
- Mild to Medium Razor: Beginners may benefit from a mild to medium razor that's forgiving and less likely to cause nicks and cuts. The Rockwell 6C is adjustable, allowing you to find the correct blade gap for your skin.
Once you've mastered your shaving techniques and the right pressure for your skin type, you can opt for more expert-level safety razors.
Tip 8: Budget and Value
When selecting a double-edge razor based on budget and value, consider that they are available in a range of price points. While it's tempting to go for the cheapest safety razor, consider the long-term value and performance. If not, you'll be disposing of and replacing your tool as if it were a disposable razor.
Budget-friendly razors, like the Naked Armor Bleoberis Safety Razor, made from zinc alloy, offer a decent shave and a good introduction. On the other hand, investing in a higher-quality safety razor made from stainless steel or brass is akin to acquiring a cherished antique, built to last and often backed by warranties. When budgeting, weigh the long-term value and durability against the initial cost.
Tip 9: Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Options
If you're committed to sustainability and want to eliminate wasteful cartridge razors, selecting the best safety razor is akin to choosing the most environmentally friendly option in the shaving world. First, opt for stainless steel or brass razors, such as the Rockwell Model T2. They last forever, unlike those disposable cartridge razors. Additionally, consider brands that use minimal packaging and incorporate recyclable materials.
And here's a pro tip: find a nearby razor blade recycling program or use a blade bank for eco-friendly disposal. It's all about making your shaving routine an Earth-friendly symphony!
Tip 10: Customer Reviews and Ratings
Trusted sources, such as online retailers and wet shaving forums, provide valuable reviews. Look for individuals with similar shaving habits and skin types, and pay attention to recurring comments to identify commonalities and areas for improvement. This will help you find the best-quality razor.
Many grown man shavers enjoy the selection of safety razors from Henson. These razors are suitable for both beginners and experienced shavers.
Key Takeaways
The journey to selecting a great safety razor for beginners involves a thorough examination of the razor's components, design, and intended purpose. Considerations such as blade compatibility, handle length, grip, material, weight, safety mechanisms, maintenance requirements, and shaving style preferences play their respective parts in choosing the best DE razor for you.
Budget considerations, reviews from the wet shaving community, and ratings from fellow wet shavers provide the accompanying melodies to your decision-making process. Lastly, let the harmonious notes of sustainability and eco-friendliness guide your choice if they resonate with your values.
By following these tips and using safety razors properly, you can have a better shaving experience. This means a closer, smoother, and more protected shave while also doing your part for a greener future.
Article updated: April 26, 2025
