Contents
- Safety Razors vs. Disposable Razors
- Safety Razors 101
- Cleaning and Safety Razor Maintenance
- Best Safety Razor for Beginners 2018
- Best Butterfly Safety Razor for Beginners
- Best Vintage Safety Razor for Beginners
- Best Safety Razor for Beginners with Sensitive Skin
- Best Open Comb Razor for Beginners
- Best DE Safety Razor for Beginners
- Best Parker Safety Razor for Beginners
- Best Beginner Safety Razor Set
- Putting It All Together
Do you spend thousands of dollars buying disposable and cartridge razors? Are you tired of redness and irritation just because your ordinary razor can’t achieve a closer shave?
Girl, I feel you!
If you’re like me, you resort to shaving when you’re on the go. But more than just the technique, the right tool helps us achieve the best results.
What tool am I talking about? Safety razors folks – yes, the same one your dads and beaus use!
Safety razors are not just for men, they’re perfect for women too!
But before you go and get one for yourself, let me tell you why safety razors are the bomb and what to look for when hunting for the best safety razors for beginners.
Safety Razors vs. Disposable Razors
I used to be a fan of disposable razors because hey, they’re cheap! But then I realized that what I thought of as “affordable” can rake up to hundreds of dollars annually (around $250+).
Personally, I think that’s too much money for something that offers mediocre results! I regretted not getting a safety razor earlier just because of its hefty price tag.
After careful evaluation and extensive research, I decided to purchase my first ever safety razor.
And let me tell you this, switching to one of the best beginner safety razors is the best decision I ever made, it allowed me to:
- Save money (think long term!)
- Get a closer shave that lasts longer than the traditional razor (hello 5 o’clock shadow, I see you!)
- Minimize redness and irritation
- Clean and sanitize the razor effectively and easily
Bonus: Using safety razors have minimal environmental impact compared to disposable razors that are made out of plastic and end up in landfills.
Safety Razors 101
There are different types and brands of safety razors in the market. Knowing the difference helps you make an informed decision when buying the best safety razors for beginners.
After all, safety razors are considered as an investment and can end up being an expensive mistake should you choose the wrong one!
So, what is the best safety razor for a beginner? It’s important to note that there are three different types of razors in the market, these are:
Also known as an adjustable razor or silo razor. It’s considered to be the easiest razor to load with a blade. One-piece safety razors are usually top loading with a twist to open mechanism at the base of the handle.
Butterfly and Parker razors fall under this type. The only downside of using this type of razor is that the insides of the head can be a bit hard to clean which can lead to soap scum build up.
Comes with a detachable cutting head that unscrews from the razor while the base plate remains affixed to the handle. Clean up is easy as the head is removable.
An important tip when using two-piece razors: Do not screw the cutting head too tightly as it may eventually lead to wear and tear.
The head of a three-piece razor has two separate pieces, the safety cover, and the base plate. The blade is carefully placed in between these two pieces and is held in place on top of the handle with a screw threading.
This is the most durable type of safety razor but may be a bit overwhelming for a beginner because of its removable parts.
Safety razor choice is merely based on user preference. I prefer a razor that I can thoroughly clean from the inside out (yep, I’m a self-confessed neat freak), so the three-piece safety razor works well for me.
Want a razor that’s easier to load? Go with the one-piece. Want something that you can clean thoroughly without having a lot of different parts to deal with? Go with a two-piece.
Aside from the razor structure type, the following should also be considered when searching for the best beginner safety razor:
This determines the longevity of your razor (you’d want them to last a lifetime and get the most bang for your buck).
Should be ergonomically designed and have a good grip.
The blade is the heart and soul of a razor. A dull blade means a worthless razor.
But, is sharpness the only thing that you need to consider when searching for the best safety razor blades for beginners? The answer is no.
As newbies, you should consider your skill level and the type of hair to shave (coarse or smooth). It is best to have an assortment of blades to fit your varying needs.
There are a variety of safety razor heads available depending on your hair type and skill:
- Closed Combed Head – Has a solid safety bar that offers tight pressure on the skin and can protect against nicks. This type of head is perfect for beginners!
- Open Combed Head (Toothed) – Has a safety bar similar to that of a wide-toothed comb. The space in between each groove of the comb is perfect to use on areas where you have thick, coarse hair (like your, ahem…your bikini line?)
- Double Edged (DE) – Compared to its single edge counterpart (cartridges/disposables), DE offers varying levels of aggression towards unwanted hair. The blades are more exposed therefore, you can easily manipulate the angle at which you shave.
- Straight Bar Head – Most safety razor brands on the market have a straight bar head, meaning the safety bar and the handle (in the middle) form a perfect 90° angle
- Slant Bar Head – Perfect for people with sensitive skin, this type of head allows the blade to cut through a stubble at a slant which is a more effective method (Gory trivia: this inspired the design of the guillotine – slanted blades, remember?)
Cleaning and Safety Razor Maintenance
You can own the most expensive or the cheapest safety razor out there, but if you don’t take care of it, you’ll risk damage and it will affect its shaving quality (goodbye $$$).
While giving it a quick whisk under running water after shaving might do the trick, it takes more than that to take care of your safety razors.
Here are some tips to keep your safety razors in topnotch condition for decades:
- Clean all the parts thoroughly with a toothbrush, warm water and mild soap (soap scum and gunk can accumulate on the insides of the razor —not quite sanitary if you’d ask me!)
- Keep your razors clean and dry after use (moisture = rust)
- Store it in a dry place (you may use a handy-dandy razor stand for this)
- Should some parts get rusty, soak your razor in equal parts water-vinegar mixture and add in 2-3 tbsps. of baking soda. Leave it soaked for 1-2 hours before wiping away the rust. You may use an old toothbrush for hard to reach places.
Now that you know a little bit more about safety razors, let’s jump in and look at the best recommendations based on the type you prefer.
Best Safety Razor for Beginners 2018
MERKUR Futur Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor
Say “Auf Wiedersehen!” to your old traditional razors. This German gem has a long handle for a more stable grip and 6 different levels of adjustments.
Finding the right angle that will give you the closest, and the most comfortable shave is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Made with world-class Solingen steel, this razor is guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Pros
- Adjustable settings (narrow to wider blade gap)
- Can be used on all hair types and sensitive areas
- Has a snap-cap and adjustable closed comb
- Perfect for wet shaving
- Long handle for a stable grip
Cons
- It’s expensive (but well worth it)
- Chrome plating fades off over time
Best Butterfly Safety Razor for Beginners
VIKINGS BLADE the Chieftain Safety Razor
Made with premium heavy duty Swedish materials, the Chieftain takes “safety” to a whole new level. With its misalignment feature, the razor won’t close if the blade is not aligned from a 90° holding angle.
What’s more, it only takes 5 seconds to load with a new blade. It weighs heavier and offers more balance than your old razors, making shaving an effortless chore.
Now, who wants an effortless shave? Aye aye, Chieftain!
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to load
- Misalignment feature (for the safest, smoothest shave)
- Comes with the best safety razor blades for beginners: Swedish Blades
Cons
- The handle is quite short
Best Vintage Safety Razor for Beginners
Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor (23C)
Also known as the Merkur Classic, this double-edge safety razor is simply one of the world’s best.
Crafted in Solingen, German you can be assured that the superb craftsmanship and premium materials used to create this world-class razor will deliver you a lifetime of amazing shaves.
Pros
- Provides a close shave that lasts
- Long razor handle
- Chrome finish looks amazing
- No bumps, irritation and ingrown hair
Cons
- You have to find the right angle to avoid nicking yourself (takes some practice but overall, this is a good product)
Best Safety Razor for Beginners with Sensitive Skin
Feather All Stainless Steel Double-Edge Razor (Model AS-D2)
Considered as the best and mildest safety razor for beginners, each stroke of the Feather safety razor leaves your skin baby soft and smooth sans the irritation.
Its double-edge design allows the closest and gentlest shave compared to traditional disposable razors. It’s tough on hair but gentle on the skin.
Pros
- Made of jewelry-grade, high-quality material
- Minimizes nicks and cuts
- Perfect for sensitive skin
- Offers a smooth shave that lasts longer
- Built to last (you can pass it on to the next generation)
Cons
- Consider it as a splurge due to its high price point
- Has a short handle (3.5 inches)
Edwin Jagger Double Edge Safety Razor
An affordable luxury, this classically closed comb razor offers a perfect shave for people with normal to sensitive skin. Its triple plated and embossed chrome handle gives this product a classy feel while providing a better grip.
Perfect for beginners with sensitive skin who are just practicing their technique!
Pros
- Affordable and efficient
- Looks luxurious
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Rust resistant handle that has a good grip
- The head can fit all standard DE blades
Cons
- Has a short handle (3.3 inches)
- Your boyfriend or husband stealing this from you (seriously, buy your own guys!)
Best Open Comb Razor for Beginners
MuHLE R41 Open Tooth Comb Double Edge Safety Razor
Designed to have broader notches underneath the blade, this razor wipes away foam lather and stubbles in a jiffy!
Ideal for men and women with coarse or heavy hair, the R41 comes with an engraved handle for a comfortable grip and a blindingly magnificent chrome finish that is not only aesthetically pleasing but adds up to its durability.
Pros
- Great blade angle for the closest and smoothest shave
- Durable material
- No bumps and irritation
- Long (3.7 inches) and embossed handle for a better, non-slip grip
Cons
- Quite expensive
- Warning: Use with a light hand – This safety razor is a bit unforgiving to mistakes, but with enough practice, you’ll be able to minimize them.
Fatip Piccolo Double Edge Safety Razor
This three-piece gem has got to be the best modern open comb razor for beginners. It has everything that you’re looking for in a safety razor: A beautiful finish, smooth shave, the right weight and a price to beat!
The razor head has been designed to fit various blades to fit your shaving needs. No need to purchase different razors for different body parts, this razor got you covered!
Pros
- Amazing price with superb quality
- Easy to fix or replace the blades
- Adjustable blades that are great for beginners
- Perfect for all skin types (normal to sensitive)
Cons
- The handles are non-interchangeable
- The handle is a bit thinner than other brands
Best DE Safety Razor for Beginners
MERKUR Classic 2-Piece Double Edge Safety Razor
Winning the hearts of safety razor newbies all around the world, Merkur 34C is truly the best!
The closed comb design makes it mild on the skin but tough on the hair. You’ll get the closest shave every single time, no matter how short the length of your hair is (no more prickly cactus legs, ladies!).
Its head can be paired with a less aggressive blade (perfect for newbies) or changed to a higher aggression if needed. A good quality and versatile razor indeed!
Pros
- Great design and functionality
- Has a chrome finish that won’t drag your skin
- Embossed handle for a good grip (even with wet hands!)
- Smooth shave (even with a 3-day regrowth)
Cons
- Lacks aggression for shaving pros
- The material inside the top cap isn’t as polished as the other visible parts (doesn’t affect its performance though)
Best Parker Safety Razor for Beginners
Parker 26C – Three-Piece Double Edge Safety Razor
This moderately aggressive Parker razor provides a smooth shave while minimizing nicks and cuts. It has the right weight for an excellent balance and a solid grip to ensure a slip-free shaving even with wet and soapy hands.
A great value for its price!
Pros
- Great for first-time users
- Works well on coarse or thick hair
- Awesome weight distribution
- Offers a smooth and clean shave
- Easy to clean
Cons
- The handle only comes in black which can be unforgiving when it comes to stains (like soap scum)
Best Beginner Safety Razor Set
Parker 71R Safety Razor Set
Contains the basics that are perfect for beginners, this kit contains the Parker 71R Safety Razor, a pure badger brush and a chrome stand.
The razor has a 3-piece head and a non-slip black and chrome handle for a precisely smooth shave, while the brush bristles are wonderfully soft and dense to create a luxurious lather.
Pros
- Good price for a set
- Non-slip razor handle
- Razor has a good weight and offers the right aggression for beginners
- Soft and dense natural bristles
- Blades are easy to change
Cons
- The razor takes a bit of getting used to
Royal Shave Black & Chrome Shaving Set
Tired of being blinded by chrome? Then this set is perfect for you! Comes with a Merkur 20C Safety Razor with a long black handle, a black PB2 shaving brush, a ceramic black shaving bowl, a matte stand with a weighted brush, and a shave soap.
The Addam’s family will surely be jealous!
Perfect for black razor lovers out there or if you simply prefer a coordinated look for your bathroom without sacrificing quality over design.
Pros
- Perfect for sensitive skin
- A long razor handle for a better grip
- Awesome brush and soap (helps achieve the perfect shave)
- Aesthetically pleasing and the most complete kit
Cons
- Expensive (but hey, it’s a complete kit after all!)
- The razor and brush holder’s paint can wear off over time
Putting It All Together
Safety razors have been a popular choice for women with sensitive skin or are prone to razor bumps, ingrown hair, and irritation. Though it comes at a higher price tag, think of how much savings you’ll get in the long run.
Choosing the best safety razor for beginners is like choosing your lifetime partner. You’ll want one that will last you forever (choose from reputable brands that have been known and tested for ages – Hello Merkur and Parker!) and is easy to use and clean.
It won’t hurt if it comes in a complete set too (Hi Royal Shave Black & Chrome, I’m eyeing you!)!
Tell me which one is your favorite from the list above. Feel free to share your experiences with safety razors or leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!
Happy Shaving!
