A Guide To Buying The Best Safety Razor

It seems that safety razors are well on their way to becoming the new “it” product. These unique instruments are regaining the popularity they once had, and if you ask us, rightly so! They’re simple, efficient, and precise, delivering a close and clean shave every time.

However, while safety razors might make shaving easy, buying them might not be. There are a variety of things to keep in consideration when you buy one, including the make, material, price, and more. Of course, it’s crucial that you know about the various types of safety razors, as well as the best brands to purchase from.

Since we love safety razors, and we want more people to rediscover the experience of shaving with one, we’re telling you about the various kinds of safety razors that exist, what to keep in mind when you’re purchasing, and more.

What Are The Types of Safety Razors?

Safety razors tend to be classified into various types, depending on the design of the headpiece, the various parts of the object, and more. As a result, navigating through the numerous models that are available can be complicated. Here’s a quick look into the motley crew of safety razors available.

Based On The Number of Parts

One of the primary ways in which safety razors are sorted into categories is the number of parts. Such razors tend to either come as a whole piece or consist of two or three detachable pieces.

1. One-Piece Razors (Butterfly Razors) – These are safety razors that consist entirely of one piece, hence one-piece razors. However, the head is removable to allow you to place the blade inside, and when you twist the handle to allow the head to open, the shape resembles that of a butterfly. Popular one-piece razors include the Gillette Adjustable as well as the Parker safety razors.
2. Two-Piece Razors – A bit more advanced in terms of design, two-piece razors have two detachable parts – the top of the head that is detachable from the base, as well as the handle. You can insert the blade by removing the headpiece from the handle and the base of the top. This is more commonly available compared to one-piece razors, and some of the popular models including one of the best classic safety razor: Merkur 34C as well as the Merkur 37C.
3. Three-Piece Razors – There are also three-piece razors, which have three detachable parts. One at the top of the head, one at the base of the head, and one at the handle. To insert the blade, you have to detach the head from the handle and carefully align the blade between the two pieces. Once that’s done, you can screw the handle back onto the headpiece.

Based On The Design of the Head-Piece

Safety razors are also classified into types based on the design of the headpiece.

1. Closed Comb Razors – Closed comb razors are those which have a safety bar on the edge of the head. The purpose of this is to make the shaving process gentler and smoother. The corrugated bar reduces the risk of injury, which makes it a great choice for those who are trying out safety razors for the first time. However, the trick is to always be gentle and apply little pressure.
2. Open Comb Razors – There are also open comb razors that, unlike the ones above, do not have a safety bar. However, this isn’t a disadvantage as open comb razors are excellent for thick, heavy beards as they manage to cut through the dense hair with ease and don’t clog up either. But this works best only in the hands of experienced users, who are well-acquainted with using safety razors, and tend to be a little risky for amateurs.
3. Adjustable Razors – Other than these two, there are also adjustable razors, which allow you to adjust the blade gap by turning the handle. So it is up to you to decide what kind of a shave you’d like, and then adjust the settings accordingly. Again, this is probably better for those who have a little more experience with safety razors. If you do get an adjustable razor, check out the Rockwell 6S, which is one of the finest models out there.
4. Slant Bar Razors – There are also slant bar razors where the comb and the plate of the razor are twisted together, which gives the instrument a better edge and sharpness. This one-of-a-kind design makes the razor excellent for shaving the dense beard or rough stubble. So if you have a thicker hair type, this is a great option, but you need to have prior experience with using safety razors for the best results.

What Are The Things You Must Keep In Mind Before Buying A Safety Razor?

Now that you are well-acquainted with the various kinds of safety razors that you can find, it’s important to also know what are some things you should keep in mind when you do buy one.

1. Razor Design – If you’ve read the segment on top, then I’m sure you know that safety razors can be a bit more difficult to handle than the usual cartridge razors, and you need to be careful about the type of design you choose. This will depend on how much experience you have. Otherwise, there will be a risk of injury. Two-piece razors such as the best classic safety razor: Merkur 34C and closed comb razors are great for beginners whereas adjustable and slant bar razors, like the Feather Japan or Rockwell 6S, are better for those who have used safety razors for a while.

2. Handle Length – Handle length is another feature to keep in mind, as they can determine with how much ease you can use the tool. Razors with a longer handle give you a better grip and lower the possible risk of turning the wrong way. Long handles are great for shaving body hair. However, shorter handles give you more agility and make it easier for you to shave the hard-to-reach areas. They also fit better in your hand and allow for easy maneuvering.

3. Weight – The weight of the razor, both body and handle, can also impact how comfortable your shaving experience is, and is hence an important thing to keep in mind. Heavy razors let you take advantage of gravity and help you apply just the right kind of pressure to deliver a clean and smooth shave that glides perfectly over your skin. On the other hand, lighter razors are easier to guide and allow you to shave with more agility. They’re also easier to carry if you’re traveling.

4. Maintenance – Maintenance requirements of your razor are also an important factor to remember. Safety razors are known for being long-lasting but that’s only if you take the right care of them. One and two-piece razors can be harder to clean and maintain, as they tend to get gunk and residue stuck inside them. Similarly, closed comb razors which are corrugated on the edge, require thorough cleaning. However, all safety razors should be kept dry and away from moisture, and after every shave, remember to leave it for a while to allow the blade to align itself again.

5. Price – Last but not least comes the price. Safety razors, like everything else, come in a range of prices that go from affordable and effective to luxe and expensive. Every model has its own set of pros and cons, so there is no way to predict that only razors in a certain price range are efficient. The best way to get value for money is to create a budget for yourself and keep in mind the features that you need. This will help you narrow the list of options down and pick one that suits you best.