Two piece or three piece? Adjustable or non-adjustable? Chrome, ivory, red, black or blue? Aggressive or mild? These are just some of the options you face when trying to find the best safety razor for your needs.
Yes, it can get quite confusing, especially once you go online and read up on all the new, shiny and high-tech options available by a plethora of brands. So just how do you choose the best safety razor for you? In this guide, we will walk you through a variety of options while highlighting everything you need to consider if you are to come to the right conclusion. We will also recommend a few wonderful options for you to try.
Parker 99R
If you are looking for one of the most trustworthy safety razor brands out there, you should strongly consider Parker Safety Razors. Over the last four decades or so, they have built a stellar reputation for producing the most reliable, yet affordable wet shaving gear. A good example would be their outstanding Parker 99R.
This particular razor is perfectly suitable for the thick -bearded man who demands more control when shaving. It features a 4 -inch, nickel -plated handle that is finely textured for more traction when gripped. When you handle this blade, you will be sure to have more control when passing it over those long and stubborn whiskers. But apart from the kind of control you get when using this razor, you also get convenience and ease of use. The butterfly head makes it easy when it comes to blade replacement.
Feature List
- Heavyweight design (3.4 ounces)
- Chrome plated brass frame
- Long textured handle
- Twist -to -Open
- Genuine Parker Safety Razor
This is a razor for any man who is just getting into wet -shaving. If you are looking for something that is both highly effective, beautifully -made as well as quite affordable, then the Parker 99R is that razor. It is very long lasting, easy to handle and quite attractive. The fact that it is a heavyweight razor, means that you no longer have to strain while making those stubborn passes over your chin. The weight makes those passes quite easy. Coupled with well -designed blades and a long handle that increases manoeuvrability, you end up with a smooth effortless shave every time you use this razor.
Edwin Jagger DE89Lbl
The very first thing that will stand out about the Edwin Jagger DE89Lbl razor is the superb chrome finish. This is one razor that uses the same chroming method as one of the worlds most luxurious vehicles – Rolls-Royce. It is very simply done but with absolute elegance in mind. There is, however, much more to this razor than just looks. It offers amazing performance and incredible value for money.
Features list
- Lightweight design (2.4 ounces)
- Chrome plated solid brass handle
- Precision manufactured DE razor blade head (Edwin Jagger’s signature)
Because this razor does not have a particularly long handle you will need to hold it a little higher up towards the blades. It is top heavy, which gives it excellent balance when shaving and offers you a bit more of a closer shave than you would expect. Even though it has vertical grooves on the handle, this razor offers you amazing grip when in use. This gives you excellent control even when you have soapy hands.
If you are a beginner or are new to wet shaving, you might be wondering which razor offers you the least chances of cutting yourself. The Edwin Jagger DE89Lbl is perfect for that front. It is not so aggressive, in fact, it can be rated as medium -aggressive. Which means that you will have an easy time discovering your way around wet -shaving using this razor without running the risk of often cutting yourself. That, however, means that this is not a razor for people with very thick or coarse facial hair. Blade replacement is also quite straightforward as all it entails is unscrewing the head and replacing the razor with a new one. This is the perfect razor for those looking for elegance, ease of use and those how do not have coarse or thick facial hair.
Merkur -Razor Progress Long Handle Adjustable Safety Razor
Quite identical to the legendary Progress, the Merkur -Razor Progress Long Handle Adjustable Safety Razor is slightly different in that it comes with a much longer handle that is 4 inches (10cm) long. This is perfect for those of us who have slightly larger hands. But just like the Progress, this razor is designed with absolute convenience in mind. It allows you to adjust the blade angle while shaving so that it can suit your beard type and personal preference.
Features list
- Longer handle 10cm (4 inches)
- Adjustable blade angle
- Six different settings
- Twistable handle
- Built in guard for your skin protection
- Double edged design
The handle comes fully loaded with six different settings that allow you to adjust the blade to whichever angle you deem fit. Because it has a long handle that is beautifully contoured and weighted, you now have more and better control of your shaving experience. This razor is guaranteed to leave you with an ultra -close shave that gives you a blemish -free skin.
By simply turning a dial, you can adjust this razor to be super aggressive or ultra -tame. Which makes it perfect for shavers of all levels. Whether you are a beginner and just getting started on shaving, you do not have to worry about cutting yourself with the Merkur -Razor Progress Long Handle Adjustable Safety Razor.
The ultra -tame setting will do the trick. But if you have a particularly bushy and coarse mane, you can set it to super -aggressive and glide right over your chin. With the stylish chrome finish, a 2 -year Australian warranty and one free super platinum double edge blade, you can get started right away. This razor is so user-friendly that it is suitable for every type of skin and every type of shaver. Convenience, elegance and ease of use are what this blade is all about.
WEISHI Long Handle Version
Compared to your everyday household brand names like Edwin Jagger and Merkur, WEISHI safety razors are considerably cheaper. The WEISHI Long Handle Version, for example, costs less than everything we have reviewed here so far. That, however, does not mean that this Chinese made razor is lower on the standards scale.
Features list
- Long handle version (11cm)
- Non -slip handle
- Open butterfly razor
- Dorco blades as well as Ying JiLi Blades
This safety razor is one of the best options available today for beginners. If you are looking to cut your teeth as far as shaving is concerned, you might want to get something that offers almost all of the typical and standardized safety razor features as well as something that is affordable and mild enough to practice on.
This WEISHI safety razor features a twist to open head that makes the loading of replacement blades very easy. This is something that you are going to deal with often when using many of the other available safety razor blades.
Because the handle is long, 11cm, and grooved horizontally, it offers you an amazingly secure grip for better control when shaving. The fact that it is quite light weighted also adds to its appeal – mostly because you will find it easy to use even if you are a beginner. This safety razor is also designed to offer you an incredibly mild shave, which, again, is perfect for beginners. However, that mild shave feature is not exactly great for people who have thick, coarse and stubborn beards. It is, therefore, the perfect product if you are a beginner looking for something affordable, easy to use, offers great control and is mild enough to keep you from cutting yourself.
Merkur Heavy Duty Double Edge Razor
Whether you want to call it the Merkur Hefty Classic or the Merkur HD, there is no denying that this safety razor is up there with the best of them. As far as safety razors for beginners are concerned, the fixed blade and thick handle featured in this edition of Merkur shaving technology make it the ideal razor. Similar to the Merkur Classic, the Hefty Classic is slightly thicker, has a slightly heavier handle and features a 2 -piece construction that is a little bit more sophisticated. Also available in Gold, this installation comes in a stylish chrome finish that gives it a beautifully sleek look.
Features list
Built in guard for your skin protection
Thick grip handle with non -slip knurling
2 -piece design
Double edged design with replicable blades
If you are worried about the aggressiveness of the razor, you shouldn’t be. This instalment from Merkur is average on that scale and as such a particular favorite of new shavers who are just getting acquainted with wet shaving. The best part is that it isn’t too mild either, so if you are an experienced shaver, this razor will also come in great handy as it can meet your particular needs and skill set.
Handcrafted by the skilled designers in Germany, this safety razor is a little shorter than usual. But that is a good thing because it gives you as a beginner more control and comfort during your shaves.
Using standard double edged blades coupled with the 2 -piece design, the Merkur HD is bound to give you a close and very comfortable shave. You can easily replace the blades and as long as you follow the cleaning and storage recommendations from the manufacturer, this could be the safety razor that you hand down to your grandsons.
How to Choose the Best Safety Razor
What we have provided here is a review of some of the best safety razors in the market. These five products cover what every shaver would need regardless of their experience, from beginners to expert users. What we do know is that shaving is a part of the daily routine for most men. Whether you want to be clean shaven, have a sly looking stubble or just want everything else gone but the moustache, shaving is something that you would have to do almost every day. That is why it is important for you to choose the best safety razor for you and your particular needs.
But as we know, everyone has their own priorities and set of preferences. So what we are going to do now, is give you an idea of all the things you should take into consideration when choosing a safety razor. We are talking pertinent issues such as price, quality, durability, shaving style and so on.
Things to consider when choosing the best safety razor for you The price:
Lets start with one of the most important determining factors for almost everyone on the planet except
maybe a few members of the 1%. The price of any item, be it a house, a car or even a meal weighs heavily on whether or not you decide to go for it. Safety razors are not exceptions to that rule. Of course, there are brands such as the Merkur razors that often come in a variety of what you can call’ pricier’ razors while others such as razors from WEISH (like the one featured on this list) are usually a bit more affordable.
So when it comes to price, you have a huge range of options. Some of the best safety razors fall between $5 to even over $200. Some of the best products can be found at a price range that is below $50. So you really do not have to blow your entire months budget in the name of branding or quality. Even the best brands have affordable instalments that deliver performances that are just as excellent as is synonymous with some of their pricier options.
As a first time user, you may not necessarily want to spend $200 on a safety razor that you are not quite sure you will like using or will be suitable for your particular mane. That is why our advice to you would be to try a razor that covers all of your particular needs such as:
Easy to use Has a protective safety bar that keeps the blades hidden and protects you against cuts
Gives you more control when shaving Most of all, it should be affordable enough so you do not feel like you have to stick to the razor even if you do not like it. For veteran users, it is all a matter of preference and financial capabilities. At this point, you know what you like and you understand the value of investing in a good, long-lasting, high -performing safety razor like the Edwin Jagger DE89Lbl.
Razor aggressiveness:
In ‘safety razor talk, aggressiveness basically means ‘how easy it is for you as the user to cut yourself with the blades’. Unfortunately, cutting yourself every now and again is a part of shaving. In fact, most people would call it a rite of passage. It is what teaches you what to do and what not to do. Despite the fact that your shaving skills and experience play a big role in this, how easy it is for you to cut yourself with the blades depends on how the safety razor is designed. It depends on:
The blade angle
The gap between the blades
How much of the blade is left exposed by the razor design
These are all things that show up as best safety razor features when you read online reviews. As a beginner, you may want to choose a razor that features mild or medium aggressiveness. In fact, even as an experienced user, mild or medium aggressiveness is still the best option because you never really know when you are going to have an ‘off morning where you simply can’t stop cutting yourself.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. If you have particularly coarse facial hair then you may have no choice but to use an aggressive or a super aggressive razor. It is all about how comfortable and skilful you are with the razor as well as what kind of facial hair you have growing on you.
Adjustable or fixed blade?
The good news is that most of the best safety razors have fixed blades. This means that there is a set
degree at which the blade is exposed and that degree does not vary even during shaves. This makes the razor quite easy to learn how to use and safe as well. However, some of the best brands such as Merkur are now producing some razors that have adjustable blades. This means that you can adjust the degree at which the blades are exposed. These types of safety razors are only recommended for professional users. In fact, it is probably best if you leave these to professional barbers because adjustable safety razors can be quite brutal if you do not know what you are doing.
Changing the blade:
There are different types of razors in the market, as you already know. One of the most popular types is known as a butterfly safety razor. That means that the razor is one solid piece and has a mechanism that allows the blade section to pop up from within the handle. These type of razors have a knob that you twist to reveal the blade section like the Parker 99R reviewed above. The advantages of this are that it is easy to use, it comes in one compact package and the blades are kept sharp within the protective sheath when the razor is not in use or when you travel.
The other types of razors two piece, three piece razors and so on. With two piece safety razors, you can unscrew the top from the rest of the device. Whereas with three piece razors, you can unscrew the top, the mid -section and the bottom. All this is in an effort to allow you to have an easy time when changing the blades. Of these three types, three piece razors tend to last much longer than any of the other types above.
This is mostly because they tend to be much easier to clean and because they have no moving parts, there are no mechanical issues or faults to worry about.
The length of the razor handle:
When it comes to the length of the razor handle, many people tend to prefer different types depending on their particular style of shaving as well as natural physique. Those of us with larger hands prefer safety razors that have longer handles like the Merkur and WEISHI featured above. This is because it gives us more room to handle the blade as well as better control of our shaving sessions. If you have smaller hands, however, you might want to consider a safety razor with shorter handles that are also weighted for better control. It is all a matter of preference at this point. Which safety razor best suits your natural physique as well as the style of shaving and personal preference.
There are also other things to consider as far as the safety razor handle is concerned. Most designs come with grooves for better grip. Safety razors like the WEISHI featured above that have horizontally grooved handle tend to offer the user more grip even when they have soapy hands. Different brands have tackled the issue of grip in different ways. The idea is for you to try out the handles of the razors when your hands are soapy and when they are not to see which one works best. Our advice would be to find a safety razor that offers you enough room on the handle for your hand as well as adequate grip for better shaving control.
Safety bar option Or open comb?
These are the two main design options when it comes to safety razors. The open comb type of razor has exposed blades with tiny little teeth -like ridges that resemble a comb (that is where the name open comb’ comes from). This comb look -alike things guide your hair towards the blade to give you an even shave. This type of razor is often best for experienced users who know what they are doing and are not likely to cut themselves as often.
Safety razors that have safety bars, on the other hand, are the best option for you if you are a beginner and are just learning about wet shaving. These types of safety razors have a metal casing covering the blade.
This means that the blades are not as exposed and therefore, you stand a much lesser chance of cutting yourself when using it. This is what we would recommend if you are not too sure or too experienced when it comes to wet shaving. A good example of this type of safety razor is the Merkur HD featured above.
Safety razor weight
Just like the length of the handle, this is a matter of preference. Although most people feel like heavier safety razors give them more shaving control, it is all a matter of preference at this point. Yes, the heavier (heavy duty) safety razor offer more control and cleaner closer shave, but then again so would the lighter razors depending on how you use them. It is just a matter of preference.
Why should you buy a safety razor?
There are very many advantages of shaving with a safety razor. One of the most important advantages is shaving using a safety razor is a much safer option when compared to using other shaving equipment. Here are some other reasons why you should buy yourself the best safety razor for your needs today:
You get a better shave:
The single most important factor that determines whether or not any shaving
equipment delivers an excellent shave is how sharp the associated blades are within that shaving equipment.
The thing about safety razors is that the blades can get replaced. Additionally, with all of the models
mentioned here, the replacement blades are quite affordable, cheap even. That means that there isn’t any huge deterrent when it comes to replacing any dull blades. Therefore, with frequent blade replacement, you will always have sharp blades within your razor and these will always deliver better shaves that dull blades that may be found in other shaving equipment.
Safer shaving experience:
If you are a beginner, you are advised to choose safety razors like the Merkur above that have built-in safety guards to protect your skin when shaving. This means that the blades are not exposed and that you can have a better, less risky shaving experience.
You will have better skin:
Some of the biggest issues with shaving include razor burns, ingrown hairs and different types of skin irritations. These often occur when you exert undue pressure on the surface of your skin when shaving. This mostly happens when you are using inferior products with dull blades and poor shaving mechanism. When you use the best safety razors, however, you will experience less of these irritations. That is because the brands featured in this best safety razor review produce some of the most skillfully designed safety razors on the market. The blades are also easy to replace meaning they will remain sharp throughout.
They are very affordable:
As mentioned earlier, there are many safety razor options that fall well within the affordable range. Some excellent designs like the WEISHI featured in this review go for less than $20. You can find wonderful safety razors that deliver excellent shaving performance for a very reasonable price.
They experience no clogs:
When you use multi -grade cartridge razors, you are bound to experience this terrible occurrence. Your razor will tend to clog up when you shave after a few days and your facial hair is a bit more than just a stubble. You can barely use them to shave overgrown beards, and we are talking two, three day long beards. This can get very inconveniencing. When your blades choke under the pressure of shaving your facial hair, what value are they bringing to your life? That is why safety razors are the best option. They do not clog up.
Easy to master:
If you have ever tried using a straight razor, you will agree that it has quite a steep learning curve. The difference between that and a safety razor is that the latter is easy to master. Although safety razor shaving technique also requires a bit of practice, patience and some tutelage if you are to avoid cutting yourself at every turn, the period it takes to learn these things is considerably shorter than most other shaving equipment. Plus, it is kind of fun.
You have better shaving control:
The thing about safety razors is that they are designed with you in mind. From the moment you hold the right safety razor in your hands and put it to your chin, you will feel the weight take over and do its job. Because of this perfectly balanced weight, your shaves will be easier, more even and smoother. That is the beauty of single blade safety razors, they are perfectly designed to give you better shaving control. The handles are also built to fit right into your hands considering the fact that they have excellent grip.
These are just some of the reasons many of the most experienced and expert shavers choose to use safety razors instead of other types of shaving equipment. They are convenient, affordable, and easy to use.
Conclusion:
So there you have it, a comprehensive review of the best safety razor for your needs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, finding the right safety razor that is not only affordable but well-built and perfectly designed to fit into your hands is a critical part of your life. Shaving is something many of us do on a day to day basis. That is why we need to find a safety razor that we are not only comfortable with but also quite proud of because we are men and this sort of thing matter.The biggest reason why most people have issues shaving and even razor bumps is because they choose the wrong safety razor. With this information, now you can comfortably choose a safety razor that is perfect for your needs and that will not make you uncomfortable in any way.
If you have been on the fence wondering what safety razor to get, the five options given above are all
wonderful choices. Just choose one that suits your needs, buy it, and start enjoying your shaves again.
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