Safety razors are becoming more and more popular and for good reason. They are inexpensive, environmentally friendly, and provide a close, comfortable shave. But with so many different safety razors on the market, how do you choose the perfect one for you?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of safety razors, what features to look for when buying a new one, and how to properly care for your blade so it lasts longer.
Table of Contents
What is a Safety Razor?
A safety razor is a shaving tool with a single, replaceable blade. It’s called a “safety razor” because it has protective guards that prevent the sharp edge from directly touching your skin and causing cuts or nicks.
The blades are inexpensive to buy and easy to change out when they get dull, which makes for a better shave than disposable razors.
Benefits of a Safety Razor
The benefits of using a safety razor instead of disposable razors are many.
For starters, they’re cheaper than buying new disposable razors all the time. The blades cost only a few cents each and last for weeks before needing replacement (depending on how often you shave).
It’s also more environmentally friendly because there’s no plastic waste from disposable razors that can end up in landfills or oceans. And the blades are recyclable when they do finally dull out, so there’s less waste overall.
A safety razor provides a closer shave than disposables because it has one blade instead of two or three like most disposables.
This is because the blade follows the contours of your face more closely, giving you a clean shave without any missed spots.
Finally, a safety razor is just plain better for your skin than disposable razors. The blades are less harsh on your skin and don’t cause as many nicks or cuts.
They also help prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs because there’s only one blade instead of multiple, which is especially helpful for people with sensitive skin.
Types of Safety Razors
There are two main types of safety razors: single edge or double edge.
- A single-edge razor has a protective guard on one side that allows you to shave in the direction of the hair growth.
- Double-edge razors have a protective guard on both sides, which allows you to shave in either direction.
Most safety razors are double edge because they provide a closer shave and last longer than single edge razors. If you’re just starting out, we recommend buying a double edge safety razor.
How to Choose the Perfect Safety Razor
If you’re looking for the perfect safety razor, here are some things to consider when choosing one.
Aggressiveness – The aggressiveness of a razor is how much blade exposure you have. More aggressive razors will give you a closer shave, but they can also be more difficult to use and cause more nicks and cuts. If you’re new to safety razors, we recommend starting with a less aggressive razor until you get used to the technique.
Handle Material – Most handles are made from metal or plastic and come in a variety of colors and finishes. Some people prefer metal because it’s more durable and easier to grip when wet. Others prefer plastic for its comfort in the hand or for lighter weight.
Handle Texture – Some people prefer a textured handle for better grip, while others like a smooth finish.
Handle Shape – Some handles are straight, while others have a slight curve at the end. The shape of your hand will determine what type is best for you.
Weight – A heavier razor will cut through your beard with less effort than a lighter one, but some people find them harder to control. Heavy razors are best if you have thicker hair on your face or like using pressure during shaving (this is called “pressing down”).
Length – Longer handles give you better leverage while shaving, which makes them great for men with large hands or who like to shave at an angle instead of straight across their face. Short handles are better suited to smaller hands and those who want more control over where they shave (like along the jawline or around the mouth).
Adjustability – Adjustable safety razors allow you to adjust the angle of the blade, which helps with cutting through thick facial hair or getting into hard-to-reach spots.
Quality – Not all safety razors are created equal. Higher-quality razors will have better construction, longer-lasting blades, and a more comfortable grip. They may also be easier to clean and require less maintenance over time.
Now that you know how to choose the perfect safety razor, let’s take a look at the different types of blades available. In general, there are two types of blades: stainless steel and carbon steel. Stainless steel blades are more durable and less likely
Blade Type – There are two types of blades: standard and safety. Standard blades are sharper than safety blades and can be more difficult to control, so they’re not recommended for beginners. Safety blades have a protective guard that prevents them from coming into direct contact with your skin, which makes them safer and less likely to cause cuts or nicks.
Cleaning – Some razors come with a cleaning system that helps keep the blade clean and free of debris while you shave. If this is important to you, make sure to choose a razor that has this feature.
Price – Razors range in price from around $15 – $200, depending on the type of razor, materials used, and features it has.
If you’re just starting out, we recommend buying an affordable safety razor that meets your needs until you get more comfortable with shaving and know what features are most important to you.
What to Avoid When Choosing a Safety Razor
There are a few things to avoid when choosing a safety razor:
- Cheap models – These can be dangerous due to poor manufacturing and construction, so it’s important to do your research before investing in a quality razor.
- Old-fashioned designs – Straight or bar double edge razors are known for causing skin irritation and nicks more easily than newer safety models.
- Non-brand razors – Some brands offer better quality products than others, so it’s important to do your research before investing in a safety razor.
How to Use a Safety Razor
Using a safety razor is easy once you get the hang of it! Here’s how:
- Prepare – Apply some warm water or shave gel (we recommend using shave soap) on your face. This softens up the hair follicles and makes them easier to cut through without pulling at them too much, which can cause ingrown hairs or skin irritation. If this is your first time shaving with a safety razor, take some extra time here so that all the hairs are well-coated.
- Place the Razor – Hold the razor in your dominant hand (usually the right hand if you’re right-handed) and place it against your skin, with the blade facing down.
- Apply Pressure – Apply pressure to the handle while shaving, using short, even strokes. You don’t need to apply a lot of pressure; just enough to keep the blade in contact with your skin.
- The angle of Blade – The angle of the blade is important for getting a close shave without irritating your skin. Shave at a 30-degree angle, starting from where your sideburns meet your hairline and moving downwards towards your neck. If you have a hard time seeing what you’re doing, use a mirror or ask someone else to guide you.
- Rinse – Rinse off any remaining soap and hair with cold water when you’re done shaving. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel before applying moisturizer or aftershave balm (we recommend using an all-natural option like ours).
- Repeat – Repeat the process on the other side of your face until both sides are shaved. You can also use this time to go over any patches that may have been missed during your first pass-throughs so that everything looks even when finished!
Troubleshooting Common Shaving Issues
If you’re new to shaving with a safety razor, it might take some practice before getting used to how much pressure to apply, the right angle to hold the blade, and so on. Here are a few common shaving issues and how to fix them:
Skin Irritation – If you’re experiencing skin irritation after shaving, it may be because you’re applying too much pressure or using a dull blade. Try lightening up on the pressure and replacing the blade more often for a closer, less irritating shave.
Ingrown Hairs – Ingrown hairs can be caused by many things, including improper shaving techniques, using products that are too harsh on your skin, and even genetics. To help prevent ingrown hairs from forming, always shave in the direction of hair growth, use a sharp blade, avoid over-shaving certain areas of your face, and exfoliate regularly.
Nicks and Cuts – Nicks and cuts happen when you don’t use the right shaving technique or if you apply too much pressure while shaving. Try lightening up on the pressure applied to your blade, which should help prevent these from occurring as often (or at all!). If they do occur though, simply rinse them out with cold water before applying an antiseptic cream like ours for healing properties that can reduce inflammation in no time!
How to Clean a Safety Razor After Shaving
Cleaning a safety razor is easy once you get into it – and it’s important to do so in order to keep the blade sharp and free of any bacteria that could cause skin irritation. Here’s how:
Soak – Soak your razor in warm water after you’re done shaving.
Disassemble – Take the razor head off of its base and pour out any remaining water before unscrewing all three parts separate from each other (two handles, one blade).
Clean & Dry – Wash all three pieces with warm soapy water then dry them thoroughly using a clean towel or air-drying for five minutes on a flat surface like your bathroom sink countertop.
You can also use rubbing alcohol to clean between uses if desired, but make sure it’s completely dried off afterward before storing everything away again in their packaging box.
This way it won’t rust over time due to moisture buildup left behind by wet blades being stored without drying first.
Note: If you’re using an alcohol-based aftershave balm, you may want to avoid doing this as it could potentially dry out your skin.
Store – Once everything is cleaned and dried off, you can either reassemble the razor head or store each piece separately in its packaging box for safekeeping until next time.
You also have the option of buying a safety razor stand that holds both blades upright so they don’t touch anything when left out on display.
This will help keep them clean while allowing easy access whenever needed too since gravity pulls all debris down away from cutting edges which means less dirt buildup over long periods if stored vertically instead horizontally (like how most people usually do).
Now you have a clean and ready-to-use razor for next time! If necessary, make sure to replace blades when they get dull or start rusting so that your shave stays smooth and irritation-free.
How to Change the Blade in a Safety Razor
Changing the blade in a safety razor is easy once you get into it:
- Remove – Remove your old blade from its slot by grasping firmly at each end of it (be careful not to cut yourself) then pull away until fully removed.
- Replace – Place the new blade into the slot with the sharp edge facing down towards the bottom handle piece; make sure both ends are even before turning over onto the backside so everything lines up properly again after replacing.
- Secure – Close the razor head by pushing down on each end until it snaps back into place. You’re now ready to shave
Tip: Use your finger to feel along the edge of each side as well just in case something goes awry here or there during this process so you can avoid any accidental nicks while handling a sharp blade.
Conclusion
Safety razors are becoming more popular each year due to their close, comfortable shave quality without all the skin irritation often associated with cartridge-style blades. If you’re looking for a new way to shave, then try out some of these tips on how to choose the perfect safety razor.
You can also check out our blog post about shaving soap vs cream if you’re interested in learning more information about other options when it comes down to your daily grooming routine as well.
FAQ
Q: How often do I need to change the blade of my safety razor?
A: It depends on how often you shave, but it’s recommended that you replace blades every two to three weeks for the best results. Razors with dull blades can cause skin irritation, so it’s important to stay on top of this task for a clean and close shave each time.
Q: How do I know when it’s time to change the blade?
A: You’ll start to notice a decrease in shave quality and more skin irritation as the blade becomes dull.
Q: What should I do if my safety razor starts to rust?
A: If you catch rust early on, take some steel wool and gently scrub it off. If the rust has spread, then you may need to replace the entire razor head.
Q: Can I use an alcohol-based aftershave balm with my safety razor?
A: It’s generally recommended that you avoid using alcohol-based products with a safety razor since it could potentially dry out your skin. However, some people do still use them without any problems. You’ll just need to test it out and see how your skin reacts.
Q: How do I know if the blade is aligned properly in my safety razor?
A: You can usually tell by looking at it and making sure that both ends are even. You can also feel along the edge of each side with your finger to double-check just in case something goes awry here or there during the process of putting it into place.
Q: Can I use shaving cream with a safety razor?
A: Yes, but you should avoid using foam-based creams since they’re not very effective at providing enough lubrication for this type of shave. You can also try out our blog post about shaving soap vs cream to learn more information.
Q: How can I tell when it’s time to replace the blade?
A: Look out for any rusting or dullness along the cutting edges and replace when necessary. Also, if you start to experience any skin irritation or nicks during your shave, it’s likely time for a new blade.
Q: What’s the best way to store my safety razor?
A: You can either reassemble the razor head or store each piece separately in their packaging box for safekeeping until next time. You also have the option of buying a safety razor stand that holds both blades upright so they don’t touch anything when left out on display. This will help keep them clean while allowing easy access whenever needed too since gravity pulls all debris down away from cutting edges which means less dirt buildup over long periods if stored vertically instead horizontally (like how most people usually do).
Q: Do I need a special brush for applying shaving creams?
A: It’s not required, but it does help to get better coverage on your face because the bristles can reach all of those hard-to-reach areas. You’ll also have less mess in general with a shaving brush. However, if you’re just starting out and don’t have one yet, it’s not a big deal. You can use your hands to apply the cream in a circular motion instead.
