7 Best Safety Razors: Close Shave Minus The Irritation

by Garrick Dee | Last Updated:
An honest disclosure: Just an F.Y.I., there are maybe be affiliate links in this post. And if you click any of those affiliate links, I’ll earn a commission (A.K.A. money). However, you won’t be charged any more money for this to happen, so it’s a win-win for both of us!

We will be going in-depth, analyzing the best safety razors in this guide.

A safety razor is, in my opinion, the best razor you can use to shave close without worrying about irritation.

If you’re continually getting irritation from your shaves, a double edge safety razor will help address that issue.

Best Safety Razor

With literally hundreds of options, it can be overwhelming to choose the right now.

But don’t worry, I’m here to help you better understand different terms to help you differentiate different types of razors.

You will also learn the proper technique in using a double edge safety razor so that you can save money in the long term.

Hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll be able to choose the right double edge safety razor that will fit your needs.

Beared or not, there’s no way around it. Every man needs to shave.

The problem is finding the right razor.

A quick overview of the best safety razors

BEST OVERALL

Merkur 34C HD
  • Reasonably priced
  • Excellent balance and easy to load
  • An outstanding option for beginners and experienced shavers

VALUE FOR MONEY

Edwin Jagger DE89
  • Premium finish and build quality
  • Not overly aggressive makes it a great daily razor
  • Less expensive than a Merkur 34C

FOR TOUGH BEARDS

Merkur 37C Slant
  • Very aggressive safety razor
  • Slant design will mow down multi-day growth
  • A good option for sensitive skin

MOST AGGRESSIVE

Muhle R41
  • Extremely aggressive shaver
  • Will cut thick beards in fewer passes
  • Provides a really close shave

BEST ADJUSTABLE

Merkur Progress
  • Has 5 adjustable settings for maximum versatility
  • Ability to shave aggressive or mild
  • German quality

Gillette Throwback

Parker 99R
  • Extremely mild shave
  • An exceptional option for beginners
  • Very easy to load the blade thanks to the twist to open design

ALL STAINLESS

Feather AS-D2
  • Stainless steel finish will last a lifetime
  • Japanese precision craftsmanship
  • Shave close minus the irritation

BUDGET OPTIONS

Feather Popular
  • A budget alternative with excellent quality
  • Smooth and nick-free shaving
QShave Double Edged Razor
  • Deep knurling provides outstanding grip
  • Exquisite all-black chrome finish
Bevel Safety Razor
  • The unique design is sleek and gorgeous
  • Three-piece design makes it easy to clean
  • Makes an excellent gift for men
Weishi Safety Razor
    • One of the least expensive options available
    • This mild razor is great for beginners

A multi-blade razor may cut close, but these can be expensive over the long haul.

These multi-blade shavers are also a source of irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hair.

A good safety razor like the Merkur 34C may be the solution to that constant irritation, and I’ll show you 7 of the best options available right now.

Double edge razors are an in-between option of a cartridge and straight razor. It provides a close shave almost comparable to a straight razor but without the steep learning curve.

Related: If you’re looking for a razor, you can check this article I wrote about the best razor deals right now for products like the safety razor, cartridge razor and much more. Get the best deals for yourself or buy it as a gift.

If you’re planning on buying a double-edged razor for the first time and don’t want to spend a lot, I have a separate section for budget safety razors.

The biggest stumbling block for anyone would be the steeper learning curve versus a cartridge razor.

But fear not, I’ve created a few guides here and here to help guide you in your journey.

Over the past few decades, cartridge razors have dominated the shaving market because frankly, these products are straightforward to use.

It started with the 2-blade, then it slowly progressed to a 3-blade, 4-blade, 5-blade, and now even a 6-blade razor (from Dorco).

A little history

William S. Henson invented the safety razor in 1847. But it isn’t anything remotely close to modern DE razors we have today.

King Camp Gillette conceived a disposable razor blade on a spring morning in 1895. In 1899 he filed the first patent calling it “new in the art of razor manufacture and use.” This was a precursor to the modern safety razors we have today.

Fast forward to the 20th century, Gillette no longer manufactures safety razors and instead have focused their efforts on the more lucrative disposable and cartridge market.

But still, there is a demand for this tool that our ancestors used.

Types of safety razors

To help you get a better understanding of what the best safety razor is for you, let’s first look at the different kinds of DE razors. I’ll discuss each in detail plus the pros and cons of each type.

There are various different types of safety razors – the twist to open, two-piece, three-piece, open comb, slant, and adjustable safety razor.

TTO Razor

Twist to open

This razor is basically a one-piece razor with two doors with a knob at the bottom to open it.

A twist to open razor is a one-piece razor with two doors that open like a butterfly when you twist a knob at the bottom.

Mechanically this razor is the most complicated of all the double-edged razors because it has a lot of moving parts.

But it is the easiest to load because you don’t have to disassemble anything. Just twist the knob at the bottom to open the butterfly doors, drop the blade in, and you’re ready to rock and roll.

However, cleaning it will be difficult because of all the tight spots.

One of the most significant weak points of any butterfly (another term for the twist to open) would be the hinges.

Depending on how thick or thin the metal is, this part could easily rust.

Two Piece Razor

Two-piece

Like the name implies, a two-piece razor has two main pieces – a top can and base cap that’s attached to a handle.

Mechanically, this razor has a more straightforward design than a twist to open shaver. And this simplicity makes it one of the most durable because there are fewer moving parts.

Next to the butterfly razor, this is easiest to load. All you need to do is line up the DE blade with the posts, attach the handle, then twist a knob at the bottom to tighten.

The two-piece design makes loading the blade simpler after a “Twist To Open” (TTO) or butterfly razor.

Three Piece Razor

Three-piece

The three-piece razor is similar to the two-piece razor except for one small detail – instead of the base plate and handle being one piece, these parts are separate, which makes it a tad more difficult to load a blade with.

The good news is since you can take everything apart, it is easier to clean than a two-piece razor.

Relatively speaking, these razors are the cheapest in the market because it is easy to manufacture and mass produce compared to other types.

Slant Razor

Slant

These razors get the name slant because of the angle of which the blade is twisted.

Instead of having a flat angle, the blade comes down at an angle that will give it more slicing power than conventional razors.

To give you an idea of how it works, think of a guillotine – an ancient tool for executing convicted felons.

The sharp end of a guillotine isn’t straight but has a slight angle. This is by design because if it were straight, it wouldn’t be as efficient.

The same principle works of this razor; the angled blade slices facial hair instead of chopping, making it more efficient, giving you a close shave with fewer passes.

The downside to a slant bar razor is that blades get dull faster, and you will need to replace it more often.

Another downside is the learning curve involved since this razor is more aggressive (others like to use the term efficient) you have to focus more, use the wrong technique, and you’ll end up a bloody mess.

Open Comb Razor

Open Comb

The standard safety razor has a closed comb that protects the skin from direct blade contact.

An open comb razor has a slightly different design. Instead of a full safety bar, it uses an open comb design that looks like, well, a comb; hence the term “open comb.”

The tweak exposes more of the blade to give a more aggressive shave.

This type of razor is suited for men with tougher beards because of the additional blade exposure, but this additional exposure also dulls the blade faster than a closed comb razor.

Experts would not recommend this as an everyday razor, but you can add it to your shaving tool kit for those days where you need to shave a week’s growth of facial hair in less than 3 passes.

Adjustable Razor

Adjustable Razors

An adjustable safety razor gives you the ability to adjust the aggressiveness by increasing or decreasing blade exposure.

This gives you a lot of flexibility.

On days that you’re in a hurry, you can turn up the dial to a higher number and get a close shave with just one or two passes.

Or, if you’re just a newbie, you can use the lowest setting and master the technique first before going to higher settings without having to buy a new razor.

Let’s say your neck is more sensitive than your face, you could dial it down to a lower setting when you shave your neck and use a higher setting for the other parts of your face.

The downside is only one brand manufactures adjustable safety razors as we speak – the Merkur. And there aren’t a lot of options though you could go old school a bid for a Gillette Fat Boy on eBay.

Our Pick for the Best Safety Razor: Merkur 34C HD

The Merkur 34C may not be the most versatile or the most aggressive. But in terms of overall performance, price, and build quality, it is hard to beat.
Experienced and those new to wet shaving will appreciate the Merkur 34C because it isn’t too aggressive.

Pros

  • Not overly aggressive or mild – it has the great balance of both
  • This is an excellent option for a newbie wet shaver
  • Priced just right
  • Two-piece design makes it easier to load

Cons

  • May not work for men with really tough beards
  • The short handle may not be suitable for men with big hands if you’re looking for a similar product with a longer handle try the Merkur 38C with a barber pole style handle

Great for beginners

In the aggressiveness scale, it should provide around 5 or 6. Aggressive enough to give you a close shave in 3 passes or less depending on the blade you use.

Merkur was able to tether that delicate balancing act of aggressiveness and smoothness, and this is a big reason why experienced wet shavers like Nick Shaves highly recommend this product.

I must warn you, though, that this razor is not for everybody. If you have a really tough beard, you may want to opt for a more aggressive razor such as the Merkur 39C or an adjustable safety razor like the Merkur Progress.

Bottom Line

The Merkur 34C is a no brainer option for men looking to transition from cartridge razors to safety razors. It will work on most types of beards except for really tough beards that may require an open comb or a slant bar razor.

Value for Money: Edwin Jagger DE89

This isn’t the cheapest razor per se in the market, but when you talk about the quality, shave, and price, it’s hard to beat the value for money proposition this product brings to the table.

The first thing you’ll notice about the Edwin Jagger DE89 would be the smooth chrome finish. Every millimeter of this beauty is coated with chrome, even non-visible parts.

Pros

  • Excellent value for money
  • Not overly aggressive which make it another exceptional option for beginners
  • Fantastic finish

Cons

  • Not too much knurling – the handle is slippery
  • Some concerns about the fit and finish

Cheaper than a Merkur

Another thing that I like the price – it’s less expensive than the Merkur 34C.

The Edwin Jagger DE89 does not provide a very aggressive shave. On the scale of 1 to 10, I’d put it at 5 when it comes to aggressiveness.

Bottom Line

In my opinion, the Edwin Jagger DE89 is the prettiest double-edged razor in the market thanks to the all chrome finish. In terms of performance, men say that it is very close to a Merkur 34C, but the smooth handle is a concern.

For Tough Beards: Merkur 37C Slant

No two beards are alike.

Some men will have soft facial hair while others have wiry, tough facial hair that will need a scalpel to shave off.

We have that scalpel for you in the Merkur 37C Slant.

For example, if you’re African American, most likely, your beard is hard to cut.

If a standard flat bar razor doesn’t cut it because you get irritation – this is a slant bar comes in.

Pros

  • Very efficient in terms of cutting facial hair
  • A good option for men with tough beards or sensitive skin

Cons

  • Not an excellent choice for beginners because it doesn’t give you a lot of room for error
  • Blades will dull quicker

What is a Slant razor?

Slant bars razors are unique in one aspect. The top and bottom plate twist the blade.

This twisting motion forces the blade to sit an angle similar to a guillotine.

It allows the blade to slice through hair instead of chopping allow for a closer shave.

To see this in action, why not try cutting a cucumber and compare how easy it is to cut it with the knife at an angle versus cutting it straight down.

This same principle applies to a slant bar, and this also gives it a more efficient cut (others call it aggressive).

Another feature that makes this aggressive is the open comb safety bar that exposes more blades.

Got a four or five-day growth?

The 37C can mow it down and give you a close shave it just 2 passes.

But I must warn you to be careful not to put a very sharp blade in there if you’re using this for the first time.

You can try a less aggressive blade (but still sharp I may add) like the Personna or an Astra.

Bottom Line

Men who have thick, wiry beards will benefit most from this slant razor. But you need to learn the right technique first before even trying this! This isn’t something for beginners.

Most Aggressive: Muhle R41

If the Merkur 37C Slant isn’t aggressive enough for your beard, then go the next step up with the Muhle R41.

This razor has an open comb design, and many wet shavers say that it is perhaps the most aggressive safety razor in the market so much so that it got the nickname “The Beast.”

Pros

  • Great for men with really tough beards
  • Gives you a really close shave

Cons

  • Not for beginners because it gives you little room for error
  • Blades get dull faster because of the open comb design

The R41 in the market right now is a less aggressive version of the original R41 that came out in 2011, so if you’re buying this second hand, make sure to ask which version it is.

What makes this razor aggressive is the open comb design that has a lot of blade exposure.

More blade exposure means closer shave but at the cost of irritation.

Despite the terrifying reputation of the R41, this should not deter you from buying this product, especially if your facial hair type is on the coarser side.

But I must warn you that you should have your wet shaving technique ironed out before even trying this as it requires focus and a steady hand.

Bottom Line

Many people call this “The Beast” for a good reason. It is easily the most aggressive safety razor in the market. Even the most experienced wet shavers couldn’t tame this beast much more beginners.

Best Adjustable Razor: Merkur Progress

Most safety razors have fixed blade exposure. It’s either mild or aggressive, you have no way of adjusting the aggressiveness.

This next razor is different in that you can adjust aggressiveness to suit your needs. Let’s have a close look at the Merkur Progress.

This shaver perhaps is the best adjustable razor in the market right now, thanks to the simple design and price.

Why buy an adjustable?

The biggest reason would be versatility.

You could shave aggressive or mild, depending on the need.

Let’s say you have a 4-day growth and want a close shave in two passes, you could dial up the aggressiveness and do a 2 pass shave.

And if your neck is sensitive, dial it down to avoid irritation.

The beauty of this is you don’t need two separate razors for this.

Pros

  • 5 adjustable settings –give you unparalleled flexibility
  • The simple design ensures that it will last for years

Cons

  • Slippery handle
  • Manufacturing inconsistencies in terms of the alignment of the adjustment knob

Functionality

When you compare it side by side to the Futur (another Merkur product), it does not have the fancy looks, but it makes up for it with old school functionality.

In essence, this razor is a two-piece razor with an adjustable head. This means when you load the blade, it stays locked in, unlike the Futur that uses a clip-on lock that may not last as long.

The biggest downside would be the smooth handle that lacks grip. This issue is solved with the right technique…

Grip

Another downside would be the quirks to using this adjustable.

First and perhaps the biggest would be the inconsistencies of the adjustment knob not lining up with the numbers.

This does not affect the shaving quality and performance, but you’re OC; this could be an issue.

The second quirk would be holding the top of the razor as you tighten it – this ensures even blade exposure.

But these are just minor when you compare to the performance you’ll get from this product.

Yes, experienced wet shavers like the Sharpologist use the Progress as their everyday razor and absolutely love it.

Bottom Line

While there may be a slight learning curve, this adjustable is a worthwhile option for men looking to invest in a good quality adjustable that will last for decades.

Gillette Throwback: Parker 99R

Earlier in this article, I talked about a classic Gillette razor called the Fat Boy, and finding one of these in pristine condition is hard and possibly costly.

Here’s an alternative, the Parker 99R from an India based manufacturer Parker.

It looks like the Gillette Fat Boy, and it’s heavier thanks to the solid brass frame.

Pros

  • This is a mild razor suited for noobs
  • Thicker metal on the hinges ensure longevity
  • The long handle makes this suitable for men with big hands
  • Barber pole design looks pretty

Cons

  • Quality control still an issue but less than before

Easy to use

Both Gillette and Parker use a twist to open mechanism to load and secure the blade in place, but unlike the Fat Boy, the 99R isn’t adjustable.

Parker has come a long way and has improved its razors.

In 2010 they re-engineered the twist to open head and used thicker metal – particularly on the hinges, the weakest link of any TTO razor.

This ensures better quality and longevity. In terms of aggressiveness, this razor is considered a mild, so men who are looking for a starter razor can opt for this Indian made product.

Bottom Line

This is one of the best twist-to-open razors, in my opinion, because of the thicker metal used – this makes it last longer, and this design makes it easy to open the blade. Despite some complaints about the difficulty finding the right angle, most wet shavers didn’t seem to have this problem.

Stainless Steel: Feather AS-D2

Most safety razors in the market have some sort of plating for its outer coating.

The majority use chrome to give it a layer of protection from the elements, and if you use proper techniques to take good care of it, it will last for a very long time.

However, there will also be a risk of the chrome plate chipping off. And that could be the beginning of the end if that happens.

Pros

  • The stainless finish will not corrode
  • Superb build quality and craftsmanship
  • Four posts on the top cap ensure blade alignment every time you load it
  • Knurling is deep and runs all the way down to the base

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • May not be suitable for men with wiry facial hair

Precision quality

Let me introduce to you the Feather AS-D2, one of the very few razors the market that has a stainless steel finish.

This Japanese made product is all about precision.

Quality is as you’d expect from a Japanese made product is excellent.

Look under the top cap, and you’ll see why – it has four posts on all four corners that hold the blade in place. This helps align the blade when you tighten it.

Look at the handle, and you’ll see more precision engineering. The knurling at first glances looks like a Merkur, but when you look closely, the grooves are deeper, and it goes all the way down to the base, so grip is excellent.

This is precision engineering at its best.

Not very aggressive

In terms of aggressiveness, you will not mistake this for a slant razor anytime soon because it has minimal blade gap, which makes it a mild razor but combines this with a sharp razor such as a Feather and it still can give you a very close shave.

I wouldn’t recommend this to men with tough beards, but for the rest, this is an excellent investment that will not corrode and something that you can pass on to the next generation.

Bottom Line

If you don’t mind spending $150 on a safety razor with a stainless finish, then go ahead and splurge on the Feather AS-D2. It is a masterpiece from Feather, the same manufacturer of the Feather Hi-Stainless Blades.

Best Budget Safety Razors: Cheap Options

Not everybody can afford a $150 stainless steel razor on even a $50 adjustable razor, so in this section, we’ll talk about budget razors. And no, I’m not talking about cheap knockoffs but quality products that will give you at least decent shave.

I’ll enumerate some of the options you have below the $20 range.

Feather Popular DE Razor

Check the latest price

The Feather Popular DE razor may be the best of the budget options available right now. This Japanese-made razor comes from the same manufacturer as the famous Feather AS-D2 stainless steel razor.

The butterfly doors make loading blades easy. Feather says that aggressiveness in the middle and when you combine this with the sharp Feather blades, you can get a really close shave.

One downside would be the plastic handle, which makes this razor light. But the silver components are made from metal with a chrome finish.

For men looking to transition from a cartridge to a safety razor, this would be a great option because it’s light, not too aggressive, and cheap.

QShave Double Edged Razor

Check the latest price

QShave is a relative newcomer, but this brand caught my eye, thanks to the good reviews it got.

They’re the same guys who made the QShave adjustable, which basically a Merkur Futur knockoff.

Based on what I’ve read, quality is pretty good, but the double-edged blades that come along with it suck.

If you’re considering getting this razor, might as well get a blade sampler pack, so pick something that will suit you best.

The black finish of this razor is a thing of beauty. QShave says that they used a black chrome finish that’ll resist corrosion.

The twist to open mechanism makes loading a blade easy. This razor is lightweight, so if you prefer something with more weight, opt for something else.

One concern for a butterfly razor would be the hinges that can possibly rust if an inferior metal is used. So far, I’ve not read any issues about this.

Lastly, this razor is mild, so it will not do well if you have thick, wiry facial hair.

Bevel Safety Razor

Check the latest price

Bevel is founded by Tristan Walker, a Wall Street Stock trader turned entrepreneur. Like a lot of African-American men, Tristan struggled with ingrown hairs and irritation from using multi-blade razors, so he decided to create his own safety razor.

When it first came out, this razor costs $50, which is more than more popular safety razors like the Merkur 34C and Edwin Jagger DE89. But now prices have gone down to around $19, which is why I added it to this list.

The sleek design of the safety razor is unique, to say the least. This three-piece razor feels substantial with a slightly different balance point than other brands with more traditional design.

That may be due to the long handle, but if you’re transitioning from another safety razor, there will be a slight learning curve.

The packaging is excellent and would make it a great gift idea.

Weishi Safety Razor

Check the latest price

This Chinese made razor is one of the cheapest in the market at less than $12 but yet it gives a pretty decent shave, though on the very mild side, so don’t expect a BBS shave with this.

Design-wise it looks very similar to the One Touch razor endorsed by Rick Harrison of the Pawn Stars and the Dorco Razor, so I’m guessing all of these comes from the same factory. Between the three, I’d get this.

Don’t use the blades that come along with this because it’s absolute crap. Get a DE blade that’s decent like a Feather or Personna.

In terms of aggressiveness, this razor is very mild, which makes it a great safety razor for beginners looking for something cheap to try out.

How to use a safety razor to get a world-class shave (11 tips)?

I’ll be honest with you guys, using a safety razor will require a level of skill that takes a little practice to master.

It isn’t the same as using a cartridge or a disposable razor.

You may experience some nicks, but trust me, it’ll be well worth it.

Using a double-edged razor will give you some of the best and closest shaves without the razor burn.

Let’s go through the process one by one.

1. Prep is king!

What you do before shaving is perhaps the most crucial step. Shaving on an oily skin full of contaminants won’t be a pleasant experience.

It’s best to shave after a hot shower. This step removes any contaminants on the skin, and hot water hydrates hair follicles, making it easier to cut.

If you cannot take a hot shower, then wash your face with a facial soap then soak the area you’ll be shaving with a hot towel for a minute or so to soften the whiskers.

2. Shaving cream (or shaving soap)is a must

Dragging a blade on the skin without any sort of lubrication is a blood recipe for disaster. Shaving cream will add that layer of protection that allows the razor to glide smoothly.

If you use a shaving brush for application, it doubles as an exfoliator that rids your skin of dead skin cells. Women can only dream of the type of exfoliation that a shaving brush brings to the table.

In case using a shaving brush isn’t your thing, there are latherless creams available like the Cremo Cream that does not require such.

For men who want to go old school, shaving soap is a great option. Pound for pound, shaving soaps provide the slickest lubrication but takes longer to create lather. Learn more about shaving creams and shaving soaps by clicking on the link.

3. Use a sharp blade

It’s simple, sharp blade equates to a great shave, period. Dull blades will pull and tug, very uncomfortable.

The beauty of using a safety razor is the ability to pick and choose what type of blade you put in.

4. Don’t put too much pressure

One of the bad habits you develop using a disposable razor is putting too much. With a safety razor, you don’t need to put any weight at all.

The metal base of these shavers makes it heavy, so there’s no reason to put any weight at all. Just glide the razor and let the blade do the work for you. Trust me, it’s that good.

5. Shave with the grain (if you have sensitive skin)

The best way to get a close shave is by shaving with the grain. If you don’t know the term “shaving with the grain” means, it’s merely shaving with the direction of your hair growth.

One the cheeks and lip area, that’s usually going down. One the neck, it can go in different directions.

However, this may not apply to men with sensitive skin. So it’s best just to shave with the grain.

If you want to get a close shave, then shave across the grain, on the cheek area, that would be from side to side.

6. Find the correct angle

Most safety razors have a fixed angle of around 30 degrees. Using anything above or below, this may result in nick and cuts.

7. Stretch the skin

Razors work best on an even surface, so use your free hand to stretch the area you’re shaving.

8. Rinse blades often

Once both sides of the double edge razor are filled with shave cream and gunk, rinse it in the sink or running water. This will help keep the blades clean and free of hair.

9. Don’t over-shave

The principle of “less is more” is very applicable in shaving. Don’t shave more than what’s needed. For most men, a two or three pass shave would suffice plus clean up passes on some spots.

10. The trick for slippery fingers

One method that expert wet shavers use when they feel their hands are slippery is rubbing alum on the fingertips. This hack gives you a better grip for holding the razor or stretching skin. You can use an alum block or stick.

11. Shaving the head

If you’ve decided to go bald, here are some practical tips you can use to shave your head. The process is pretty similar to shaving the face but with some minor tweaks. Tools that you use may also vary, so choose one accordingly.

Why choose a safety razor over a disposable razor?

My biggest beef with disposable razors is the price, mainly if you use Gillette.

Refill packs of 8 could easily set you back close to $30 (if you buy the 4 blade razor). More so if you buy it retail.

The high cost of cartridges offset the initial low price, and you’ll spend more on refills than DE blades over the long haul.

Consider this…

Gillette Fusion Refills

Now compare this to the prices of the de blades…

Safety Razor Blade Price

If you do the math, let’s say you replace the cartridge once a month – that’s roughly $35 on mostly dull blades.

Contrast that to the price of double-edged blades, even if you load up a fresh blade every day, you will spend the same amount. And you’ll be using a sharp blade.

If you change twice a month, you’ll double what you’re currently spending.

Men with sensitive skin will have to replace cartridges more often, and it will cost a lot.

So the difference is really night and day literally.

Single blade = better shave

single blade = better shave

The main selling point of multi-blade cartridge razors is convenience and speed.

You can buy this at just about any convenient store and use it without having to learn the proper technique.

More blades = more irritation

With the multi-bladed design, companies like Gillette claim that you will get a close shave with just one pass.

But in reality, shaving with a multi-blade razor isn’t really good for your face.

Shaving with more blades will result in more irritation. Having a 2 pass shave on a 4-blade Gillette Fusion equates to an 8 pass have in a safety razor.

Do you see where I’m getting at?

Another disadvantage of a cartridge would be clogging. Any razor with more than 3 blades is prone to clogging up.

Try it on your 4-day beard growth and see how it looks like.

The most likely scenario would be a razor-like, the one in the photo above.

A clogged razor is terrible for your skin. It will pull, tug, and spread bacteria around and a potential source of infection.

If you have sensitive skin, this is a big no-no and a likely source of more irritation.

These blades are hard to clean. Trust me, I’ve tried, and it’s almost impossible after several uses.

Depending on how fast your facial hair grows, you’d have to replace these cartridges at least once every week.

And once the blades dull out, you have no choice but to throw them out.

A single blade double edge razor solves all these issues.

First, when you compare the cost of a DE blade and a cartridge razor, the difference is night and day.

You can replace the blades as often as you want without blowing the budget.

Second, since you’re using only a single blade, there is much irritation in each stroke.

Third, you have to learn proper technique.

Proper technique equates to a better shave.

Fourth, with only one blade and the ability to disassemble the razor, you can easily clean it. This reduces the risk of irritation and infection.

What is the Best Safety Razor?

The Merkur 34C Right Now Is The Best.

A safety razor like the Merkur 34C is an excellent option before beginners or expert wet shavers thanks to its design that isn’t too mild or aggressive. The beauty of this double edge safety razor is you can dictate how aggressive the shave is with the blade you use. Put an aggressive blade like a Personna, and it will mow down even a multi-day growth with ease. Beginners can put in a less aggressive blade to help them master the technique first.

Why the Merkur?

For men looking to wet shave for the first time, the obvious choice would be the Merkur 34C. It is actually one of the cheaper options of the seven DE razors, but the quality is one of the best.

It doesn’t have the stainless steel finish a Feather, but it won’t cost you $160. The 34C provides the right balance of aggressiveness and smoothness that wouldn’t require you to do a 4 shave pass just to get a decent shave.

Load a sharp blade like a Feather, and you’ll get a reasonably aggressive razor that will shave close.

A less aggressive blade would yield a more relaxing shave, so it is quite versatile.

Versatile option

Speaking of versatility – the Merkur Progress is the most versatile safety razor with 5 settings to work with. It is an excellent second safety razor for men looking for some flexibility with their shaving to go from aggressive to mild and vice-versa.

The Merkur Progress would cost almost twice as a 34C and Edwin Jagger DE89, but it is virtually many razors in one.

These are not for newbies.

Other razors here such as the Merkur 37C Slant and Muhle R41 are products that newbies shouldn’t touch because these are ultra-aggressive.

The only reason for men to buy these two is if they have really tough facial hair and want a tool to shave close efficiently.

Now back to you, what safety razors do you use? I’d like to hear from you in the comments section below. If you’ve used any of the brands above, please share your experience.