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I’ve been writing about grooming for three years, so I understand why beginners might find a safety razor intimidating. But I also know that a classic safety razor is — according to the numerous professional barbers I’ve interviewed — the best way to shave. The blades in safety razors don’t dull as easily as those in cartridge razors, so there’s less chance they’ll tug on your hair and irritate the skin. The result is a clean, smooth shave.
It is a little trickier to shave with safety razors at first, but with a little practice, you can easily master the technique. Beginners don’t need to be spooked when it comes to switching the blades: screw-top razors are easy to navigate with a little familiarity, and true beginners can also opt for a butterfly mechanism — which makes the process a lot less fussy (more on that below). And while a safety razor can cost around $30 upfront (though I’ve also found options for half that), replacement blades only cost a few dollars. And unlike a cartridge razor that can only use blades from a certain brand, a safety razor is compatible with any brand of double-sided blade. I was curious to see what subscription options there were for these blades (there are dozens for cartridge razors), but I found that the blades are easy to get your hands on — and so inexpensive — that it’s far more cost effective to just stock up on blades as needed.
The other benefit of a safety razor is how maneuverable it is.This means that the best option will look a little different to everyone. To most, this means a short handle, and a light body with a heavy head. But you may be a taller guy who prefers a larger handle, though, or someone who likes the feel of a weighty razor. Similarly, the best safety razor may be one that you can customize to your shave preference (if that’s what you want, then look for an adjustable option below). That’s why, when I spoke to 15 grooming professionals about their favorites, I quizzed them about all preferences. And if you want to learn more about grooming, you can read my guides to the best beard trimmers, straight razors, and electric razors.
Update on July 10, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
What we’re looking for
Handle length
Though it might sound counterintuitive, the barbers I talked to say shorter handles are generally easier to grip and more maneuverable. Barber Mike Sposito compares it to using a baseball bat: “The shorter the handle, the tighter the grip and the greater your control.” But it also comes down to personal preference and what feels best in your hand.
Weight
All safety razors weigh more than their disposable-cartridge razor counterparts, but the specific weight varies widely. Master barber Angelo Ruscetta of American Haircuts in Kennesaw, Georgia, favors heavier safety razors because, as he puts it, “you don’t have to force it” and you can get a close shave without applying much pressure. It may feel strange at first, especially to those used to drugstore razors, but once you get the hang of using a safety razor, you’ll probably like the weight too. To help you get a sense of the difference between each razor below, I’ve listed their weights in ounces in the details.
Razor head type
Most safety razors have a straightforward screw-off top for replacing the blade, but a few have what’s called a butterfly top. The butterfly razor’s head pops open and closed with a simple twist instead of a more lengthy and fiddly unscrewing and rescrewing. Several of my experts recommend “butterfly” safety razors as a great option due to their unique one-piece head that makes swapping in new blades quick and easy.
Closed comb vs. Open comb
In addition to the way a razor feels in your hand, Solomon says one of the most important qualities to consider is the “aggressiveness” of the shave, “which is largely determined by how much space exists between the blade and the safety bar of the razor.” Closed-comb razors are generally best for beginners because they offer a more protected shave, at least as far as safety razors are concerned. With open-comb razors, the blade is more exposed, which some say provides a closer shave, but will increase the risk of nicks and irritation. Open-comb-design handles longer stubble better than a closed comb, so it might be a good option for people with thicker beards, or for those who shave less frequently. As Solomon explains, “an open comb has ‘teeth’ along the head of the razor where the blades protrude, allowing longer stubble to pass through the teeth and reach the blade.”
Best safety razor overall
Handle length: 3-inches | Weight: 2.72 ounces | Head type: Screw-off blade mechanism | Closed comb
This three-inch, almost three-ounce model is my favorite safety razor. (In fact, I named it my absolute favorite razor of any kind for men.) It comes from German razor company Merkur, the brand that came up the most frequently in my reporting. It has a long history, good price point, and a reputation for quality manufacturing — which is why you’ll see several Merkur options throughout this story.
The body of the 34C felt light, so I could maneuver it with ease, but the handle is short and fit snugly in my hand, so I could keep a tight grip on it. In fact, its handle is the shortest of any razor on this list, which which Brian Porteous, owner of Heritage Barbershop, says makes it such a good option for someone new to safety-razor shaving. (Four of the experts I interviewed agreed). Though this has a fiddlier mechanism (screw-off, rather than butterfly), changing the razor blade is very easy – even if, like me, you had never done that before. You simply unscrew the base of the handle, which causes the head of the razor to pop off. You then slide the new blade onto the top of the razor, and screw it back onto the handle. It took me under a minute. Incidentally, it’s not just barbers who told me they favor this razor: Former Strategist writer David Notis has been using it for over six years.
Best (less expensive) safety razor
Handle length: 3.34-inches | Weight: 2.36 ounces | Head type: Screw-off blade mechanism | Closed comb
British brand Edwin Jagger is another company that I like, which offers excellent value for money. I regularly see its safety razor on sale for about $25 (that price includes five replacement blades from Derby, a brand beloved by barbers). The Edwin Jagger razor has the exact same mechanism as the Merkur with only a marginally larger handle. Mark Miguez, who works at Friend of a Barber, says he switched to using this razor after his skin reacted badly to shaving with Gillette and Bic cartridge razors, and he’s experienced no irritation since he started using it. Cartridge razors are easier to use initially, so the fact Miguez made the switch with minimal fuss is a testament to how user-friendly the razor is.
Best long-handle safety razor
Handle length: 3.79-inches | Weight: 3.92 ounces | Head type: Screw-off blade mechanism | Closed comb
I’m featuring Merkur again as those with larger hands, or who aren’t comfortable with a shorter handle, would be far more suited to their 38C razor. Its handle is almost an inch longer than the 34C, and it’s also heavier, which is great for those who like the feel of a weightier razor. Again, it’s all down to personal preference, but Ruscetta told me that in his experience, a lot of taller guys prefer the 38C.
Best (less expensive) long-handle safety razor
Handle length: 3.87-inches | Weight: 2.12 ounces | Head type: Screw-off blade mechanism | Closed comb
The 23C is another classic Merkur model, and it’s not too expensive. Recommended by Paul Langevin, a co-owner of the Lower East Side barbershop Mildred New York, it’s the longest and lightest razor of the bunch (at 3.87 inches and just over two ounces, respectively). That makes it a good choice for someone who wants to smoothly transition from the feel of a lighter cartridge razor to the world of safety razors.
Best butterfly safety razor
Handle length: 3.8-inches | Weight: 4 ounces | Head type: Butterfly blade mechanism | Closed comb
Parker makes plenty of grooming products, but it’s known best for its safety razors. This model is a butterfly razor. As I mentioned above, this type is even less fiddly to change, and therefore even better for beginners. Instead of unscrewing and removing the razor’s head, you unscrew at the base of the handle and the top of the head opens out (like butterfly wings). You then pop the new razor inside and screw it shut again — there are fewer moving parts, which makes it more straightforward. Included in the very reasonable price of the Parker 96R are five replacement blades. Ruscetta told me that he calls it the “Cadillac of safety razors” and that it’s the one he uses at home. At almost four ounces, it’s one of the heavier razors on this list.
Best (less expensive) butterfly safety razor
Handle length: 4.3-inches | Weight: 2.61 ounces | Head type: Butterfly blade mechanism | Closed comb
Weishi’s butterfly razor is truly excellent value for money. At $17, it’s the cheapest razor on this list, and like the Parker, it comes with five replacement blades. Back in 2017, contributor Allison Schmidt called out this razor for being gentle on her sensitive skin when shaving her legs. So if your skin usually becomes angry or bumpy after shaping your beard, this is a good gentle option. It’s also very beginner-friendly, and it’s so light that anyone transitioning from shaving with a cartridge razor should find it one of the easiest options to learn with.
Best adjustable safety razor
Handle length: 2.99-inches | Weight: 3.17 ounces | Head type: Screw-off blade mechanism | Closed comb
Most safety razors are rigid in their design, which means you’re generally stuck with whatever cutting angle is built into the razor and how it closes around a blade. Adjustable razors, however, let you control how much of the blade protrudes beyond the head, so you can control how aggressive the shave is. Out of all of the adjustable razors, the Merkur Progress is the best because it’s so customizable: The dial at the bottom has five settings to choose from, and the razor also comes in two different lengths. This one has a 2.99-inch handle, but you can also purchase it with a longer 3.7-inch handle, depending on personal preference.
Best safety razor for sensitive skin
Handle length: 4-inches | Weight: 3.1 ounces | Head type: Screw-off blade mechanism | Closed comb
Even if you’ve mastered the technique, I know some skin and hair types are just more sensitive than others. Those groomers may want to consider a Bevel razor. Master barber Julien Howard at New York City’s Blind Barber (who also does pop-ups around the country under the moniker the Velo Barber) has seen guys of all races with all beard types, and particularly specializes in coarse and African American hair. He tells me Black-owned brand Bevel makes his favorite razor for dealing with coarse hair types or skin prone to stubborn stubble and ingrown hair. It’s designed with enough weight in the head so that users need not press down at all and potentially cause irritation; the razor will guide how much pressure is necessary. (Bevel also has a range of lathers and shaving gels which, along with the safety razor, help to keep razor bumps at bay.)
Best open-comb safety razor
Handle length: 3.7-inches | Weight: 2.2 ounces | Head type: Screw-off blade mechanism | Open comb
While all of the safety razors I’ve listed thus far are closed comb, if you’re looking for an open-comb style — which sources have told me provides the closest shave possible — the Muhle R41 is one of the best available. “I don’t recommend this razor to beginners, though. It’s known to be a very aggressive shave,” Solomon tells me, so it’s best for experts who know what they’re doing.” Its 3.7-inch handle is consistent with the other long-handle razors on the list, and it’s on the lighter end, weighing in at just over two ounces. If you’re not a safety-razor pro, though, this razor could leave you with some nicks and scrapes.
Some Strategist-approved aftershaves to try, too
Our experts
• Monica Davis, professional hairstylist and the founder of the Hair Scream blog
• Mike Gilman, founder of Grooming Lounge • Julien Howard at New York City’s Blind Barber
• Paul Langevin, co-owner of the barbershop Mildred New York
• Heather Manto, former owner of Austin’s Independence Barber Co
• John McCauley, musician
• Mark Miguez, who works at Friend of a Barber
• David Notis, former Strategist writer
• Brian Porteous, owner of Heritage Barbershop
• Dylan Rasch, senior design director at Nike
• Brittany Raposo, master barber and educator at the Honed Barber
• Karac Ruleau, master barber
• Angelo Ruscetta, master barber at American Haircuts
• Allison Schmidt, Strategist contributor
• Peter Solomon, the owner of Boston’s Tweed Barbers
• Joey Tasca, barber at Brooklyn’s Matter of Instinct
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