Best Safety Razor

A safety razor will give you a close, smooth shave that causes less irritation to sensitive skin and is a much more sustainable option than disposable plastic razors. When you’re shopping for a safety razor, it is important to consider the features that you want in your new razor. The most common features that set apart a safety razor are the handle, the weight, the razor head, and the space between the blade and the safety bar.

We've done the research and rounded up all of our favorite safety razors based on these four things:

• Handle Length and Material
• Razor Head Type and Material
• Total Weight
• Price

Our Overall Favorite: Merkur 38C Double Edge Safety Razor

Other Products to Consider:

• Best Long Handle Razor: Henson Shaving AL13 Medium
• Best Short Handle Razor: Merkur 42C Double Edge Safety Razor
• Best Adjustable Razor: Yaqi The Final Cut Adjustable Safety Razor
• Best Budget-Friendly Razor: Yaqi Classic Double Edge Safety Razor

Merkur 38C Double Edge Safety Razor

Overall Favorite

The Merkur 38C Double Edge Safety Razor is also nicknamed the barber pole because its handle design is similar to that of a barber pole. It features a non-slip and heavy-weight handle, making it easy to get a close and accurate shave. It also has a generous blade gap, which allows high soap flow to prevent clogging.

• Handle Length and Material: 4 in. long made of bright, chrome-plated brass.
• Razor Head Type and Material: Die-casted zinc razor head with a straight razor and closed comb.
• Total Weight: 3.9 oz.

"This is 50x better than shaving with cartridges once you know what to do. I would HIGHLY recommend this to anyone with a thick beard and who needs to shave often. Buy good blades like Japanese feathers."

Pros

• Chrome finish protects the razor from corrosion
• Non-slip grip on the handle

Things to Consider

• Higher price point

Best Feature

The non-slip and heavy-weight handle allows you to guide the sharp blade easily and accurately.

Price & Rating

• Price: $76.95
• Rating: 4.5 ⭐️ (6 reviews)

Henson Shaving AL13 Medium DE Safety Razor

Best Long Handle Razor

The Henson Shaving AL13 Medium DE Safety Razor is designed to provide the smoothest shave, without cuts and razor burns. The blade sits straight every time, with the most accurate blade exposure that allows the razor to shave precisely, right through the skin level rather than cutting the skin underneath.

• Handle Material: Aerospace Grade Aluminum.
• Handle Length: 4.01 in.
• Total Weight: 1.03 oz.

"I'm not a pro in shaving, but i have tried many razors and all verry good razors according to many reviews and this Henson (medium) really impress me and at the first shave . i never achieved this level of smoothness ... wow i'm really Love this razor !"

Pros

• Compatible with all standard double-edge replacement blades
• Durable aerospace grade aluminum body

Things to Consider

• The long handle isn't for everyone

Best Feature

Great for beginners and experienced shavers alike.

Price & Rating

• Price: $104.95
• Rating: 4.5 ⭐️ (5 reviews)

Merkur 42C Double Edge Safety Razor

Best Short Handle Razor

The Merkur 42C Double Edge Safety Razor is a closed comb, double-edge safety razor that features a short handle. It is a great introductory razor for those just getting started with wet shaving. It also features a generous blade gap to allow for high soap flow, making it suitable for shaving facial and body hair.

• Handle Length and Material: 3.3 in. long made of bright, chrome-plated brass.
• Razor Head Type and Material: Die-casted zinc razor head with a straight razor and closed comb.
• Total Weight: 2.39 oz.

"This was my first DE (double edge) razor purchase. It provided a fantastic shave on both my face and my head. My skin feels so much better compared to shaving with cartridge razors. I highly recommend getting this DE razor if you're thinking about trying out the DE experience."

Pros

• Chrome finish protects the razor from corrosion
• Good price point

Things to Consider

• Some people find the handle slippery

Best Feature

The blade gap allows the razor to be suitable for shaving both facial hair and body hair.

Price & Rating

• Price: $39.95
• Rating: 4.5 ⭐️ (6 reviews)

Yaqi The Final Cut Adjustable Safety Razor

Best Adjustable Razor

The Yaqi The Final Cut Adjustable Safety Razor is an adjustable safety razor that can be adjusted from 1 to 6 to give you the freedom to pick a more or less aggressive shave. It features a scalloped safety bar and an adjustable double-edge razor head so that you can get a close and efficient shave.

• Handle Length and Material: 3 in. long made of brass.
• Razor Head Type and Material: A zinc alloy double-edged razor that can be adjusted from 1 to 6.
• Total Weight: 2.85 oz.

"Fantastic product. This is my 5th order from Stylenswagger. Don't hesitate to buy from them!"

Pros

• The comb head allows for a close but accurate shave.
• Comes with a free puck razor stand

Things to Consider

• Higher price point

Best Feature

Adjustable from a medium shave profile up to aggressive.

Price & Rating

• Price: $64.95
• Rating: 5 ⭐️ (5 reviews)

Yaqi Classic Double Edge Safety Razor

Best Budget Friendly Razor

The Yaqi Classic Double Edge Safety Razor is a classic closed comb safety razor that gives a medium shave profile and a close but accurate shave. It is great for both beginners and experienced wet shavers.

• Handle Length and Material: 3.6 in. long made of brass with chrome plating.
• Razor Head Type and Material: Made with a zinc alloy and a closed comb head.
• Total Weight: 3.3 oz.

"Thought I'd try wet shaving and, after some research, decided this was going to be my first. I'm totally happy. Yes, it's the best shave I've had, better than Mach3 I was using. I like the weight. The finish is really good, and overall it's a total joy to use. The free blades I received seem to work really well too."

Pros

• The knurled handle provides a great grip.
• Easy to use, even for beginners.

Things to Consider

• The razor can be too aggressive for some users

Best Feature

It is made for balance, performance & affordability.

Price & Rating

• Price: $39.95
• Rating: 5 ⭐️ (9 reviews)

How to Pick the Best Safety Razor

There are a few things you should consider when shopping for a safety razor:

• Skill Level: If you are just starting out using a safety razor, this will affect what type of safety razor you buy. A razor for beginners needs to be more forgiving and not very aggressive so you don’t end up with a face filled with nicks and cuts. You'll also want to look for a razor that features a good, non-slip grip so that it is easy to hold.
• Weight Preference: Most users prefer a heavier razor because you can easily get a clean shave without having to apply much pressure and can avoid razor burn. This is usually a personal preference, but at the end of the day, a safety razor will weigh more than your old cartridge razor.
• Handle Length Preference: For many beginners, a shorter handle is the way to go. Most people find them easier to use and grip. But this is also personal preference and will really come down to how it feels in your hand. If you have larger hands, you'll likely find a longer handle easier to work with.
• Quality Materials: It's always worth investing in a razor that is crafted with high-quality materials like stainless steel that won't rust, erode, or easily break. High-quality materials will also make sure you get a perfect shave and prevent unsightly razor bumps and ingrown hairs. You should look for razors made using materials like brass, stainless steel, and titanium.
• Beard Type: The type of beard you have can also affect what kind of features you look for in a safety razor. Long and curly beards, or those who shave less frequently, should opt for an open comb, single-blade razor. These are more aggressive razors and give you clean lines and a closer shave. Closed comb razors are better for those with shorter beards and stubble, as well as beginners, because they offer a more protected shave.

The Bottom Line

Our Top Pick: Merkur 38C Double Edge Safety Razor

The Merkur 38C Double Edge Safety Razor is a sustainable safety razor and our top pick based on its quality design and materials. Its non-slip grip handle and heavy-weight design make it easy for you to get a close, accurate, and smooth shave. The double-edged blades also allow you to guide the blade easily and accurately across your face for a quality shave. If you want a razor that will make you feel like a pro, the Merkur 38C Double Edge Safety Razor is the way to go!

Other safety razors worth considering:

• Best Long Handle Razor: Henson Shaving AL13 Medium DE Safety Razor
• Best Short Handle Razor: Merkur 42C Double Edge Safety Razor
• Best Adjustable Razor: Yaqi The Final Cut Adjustable Safety Razor
• Most Budget Friendly: Yaqi Classic Double Edge Safety Razor