CHOOSING A DOUBLE EDGE SAFETY RAZOR
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Navigating the world of double edge safety razors can seem daunting. From 1-, 2-, or 3-piece designs to the nuances of open versus closed combs and the choice between straight or slant bars, the options are extensive. This guide is designed to show you how to choose a safety razor that meets your personal shaving needs. Its size, shape, and weight are pivotal in distinguishing one razor from another, influencing the shave's quality and comfort.
UNDERSTANDING RAZOR TYPES
Straight or Slant Bar:
- Straight Bar: Offers a predictable and comfortable shave. Its blade alignment at right angles to the handle suits most users, making it a staple in quality double edge razors.
- Slant Bar: Holds the blade with a twist, adding stiffness and a slicing action that cuts through facial hair more efficiently, often favoured by those with coarse hair or seeking fewer passes.
Razor Construction: 1-, 2-, or 3- Piece
- The construction affects how the blade is secured but has minimal impact on shave quality. Two and three-piece razors are more common, offering easy blade replacement and cleaning. Butterfly (1-piece) razors provide convenience with their twist-to-open mechanism.
Comb Type: Open or Closed
- Closed Comb: Features grooves or a bar that protects the skin, ideal for regular shavers and those with sensitive skin.
- Open Comb: Designed with teeth to guide hair towards the blade, excelling at cutting through longer or denser facial hair.
Adjustable Razors:
- Allow customization of blade exposure and aggressiveness, catering to a wide range of skin types and shaving preferences. Perfect for those seeking a personalized shaving experience.
CHOOSING YOUR RAZOR
For those new to wet shaving, finding the best safety razor for beginners is crucial to a comfortable and safe shaving experience. Your choice should be influenced by several factors, including your skin type, hair density, and shaving frequency. To simplify this process, we've categorized the razors into distinct types, each suited to different preferences and experience levels.
Straight Bar Razors
Ideal for beginners and those with sensitive skin, straight bar razors offer a straightforward and gentle shaving experience. They maintain the blade at a consistent angle, reducing the risk of nicks and irritation.
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Recommended Straight Bar Razors:
- Merkur 34C HD Classic: Well-balanced for ease of use, making it a staple in many shaving kits.
- Edwin Jagger DE89: Known for its elegant design and smooth shaving performance.
- Beard & Blade Classic: A tried and tested design ideal for beginners, ensuring a gentle yet effective shave.
Slant Bar Razors
Slant bar razors introduce a twist to the blade, providing a slicing action that can efficiently cut through coarse beard hair. This type is favoured by those seeking a closer shave with fewer passes, though it may require some experience to use comfortably.
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Recommended Slant Bar Razors:
- Merkur 37C Slant Bar: Offers an aggressive shave ideal for thicker beards.
- Rex Sentry Slant: A modern slant razor that combines comfort with cutting efficiency.
Additional Considerations:
Handle Length and Weight: The size and heft of your razor can significantly impact your shaving experience. Heavier razors glide more easily, reducing the need for added pressure, while the handle length should complement the size of your hands for optimal control.
Aggressiveness: The aggressiveness of a razor is determined by how much of the blade is exposed and the gap between the blade and the safety bar. Those new to safety razors may start with a less aggressive razor to minimize irritation.
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Adjustable Razors for Customized Aggressiveness:
- Merkur Progress: Features adjustable settings to cater to a wide range of skin and beard types.
- Rockwell 6C and Rockwell 6S: Offers six levels of adjustability, making it versatile for different shaving preferences.
Understanding these aspects of double-edge safety razors will help you make an informed choice that suits your shaving style and needs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced wet shaver, there's a razor that's perfect for you.
CONCLUSIONS & KIT SELECTION
Finding the right double edge safety razor involves matching it to your shaving habits and skin type. Understanding the basics can significantly improve your shaving experience. For a simplified selection process, our ready-to-go kits offer a range of options tailored to various needs and preferences.
These kits are perfect for both newcomers and seasoned shavers, providing an easy way to experiment with different razors to find your ideal match. Explore our curated selections designed to enhance your wet shaving journey.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Armed with your ideal safety razor, the next step is mastering the art of shaving. Check out our tutorials and tips to make the most of your new tool, ensuring a smooth, close shave every time.
Hi. I started out shaving with the old Mach 3 razors and have tried many other disposables, but always get a lot of irritation around the neck (leading to ingrown hairs). The expensive electric razors were worse, and I got to the point of just using a beard trimmer and having stubble.
I have pretty coarse beard hair, and was wondering what you would suggest in the way of a good safety razor. Thanks in advance.
Hi Graeme, great question! Head shaving can be quite tricky in terms of finding the right razor as the hair itself is quite sturdy and tough, while the skin surrounding it can be extremely sensitive. For this reason, I’d recommend an adjustable safety razor such as the Rockwell 6C. This will allow you to dial in the exact level of aggressiveness, and helping to strike the perfect balance between effective cutting and a soft touch.
I’d recommend either Feather or Astra blades to complement the razor, and as always, be sure to use a quality shaving cream or soap that will help the blade glide with ease. Hope that helps! :)
I’m also looking to reduce my plastic use. I use a six blade razor to shave my head what blade would you suggest I try in its place
Hi Eryn, thanks for your question!
Generally, double edge razors will work just as well on all areas of the body, however, given the different sensitivities of the areas you listed, I’d recommend a milder razor such as the Merkur 34/23C or Edwin Jagger DE89. As you’ll be using the razor for your legs, my recommendation is the Merkur 23C with its longer handle.
In terms of blades, it’s tough to go wrong with either Feather (sharpest) or Astra (slightly less sharp), but it’s worth picking up one of our blade sample packs so that you can get a feel for the differences between the blades and help find the right one for you. Hope that helps!
Hello, I am looking st purchasing a safety razor as I am on a mission to reduce my plastic consumption. I was wondering if it is possible to get a razor that will both do for legs and under arms as well as my partners face and neck. Is such a thing possible? Same
Handle different blades?
Hi Will, thanks for getting in touch!
I hear you regarding the cartridge-style razors! Making the switch to a well-made safety razor will not only give you a smoother, closer shave, but it will cut down on waste too which is a great bonus.
In terms of a weighty feel and impeccable build quality, I’d suggest the Rockwell 6S. It’s made in the USA with machined stainless steel, and with 3 interchangeable plates you can adjust the aggressiveness of the shave to find what suits you best.
For your son, I’d suggest our Beard & Blade Starter Double Edge Shaving Kit. It comes with a Wilkinson Sword razor which is super safe and easy to use, along with a brush, soap and a pack of blades for him to try out. At only $59, it’s a great way to get started with wet shaving and there’s enough blades and soap there to last him quite a while!
Hope that helps :)
Hi, two questions for you, after years of either daily or 2-3 times a week wet shave Gillete Mach 3 I am sick of the plastic and want something durable and heavy and real to hold, what would you suggest? Also my son is just about ready to start shaving – what would suit him please? thanks, Will
Hi John, thanks for the question! If you’re looking for a safety razor, a Merkur 34C or Edwin Jagger DE89 will work well and are both great value. However, for particularly intricate shaping around the beard, some men prefer to use a shavette razor instead.
You’ll find a range of Dovo Shavettes on our site that work with either special long blades, or any regular double edged (DE) blade snapped in half. These are the types of razors you’d normally see used in a barber shop. Hope that helps!
https://www.beardandblade.com.au/collections/shavette-razors
Hi. I have had a short full beard for years and I am up for a new razor. I trim around my face and neck.
What razor would you recommend.
Thanks
Hi Mark, each type of blade will perform slightly differently depending on things like your razor, your skin type and your style of shaving. While some blades are sharper than others, tiny differences in each of the above factors can mean that the same blade will work great in one razor, but be less than stellar in another.
Generally speaking, Astra Superior Platinum and Feather Hi-Stainless blades are incredibly sharp and favourites of many. We recommend picking up one of our blade kits so that you can try out a few different brands before purchasing a larger quantity of one blade. Hope that helps!
https://www.beardandblade.com.au/collections/double-edge-blade-kits