Do you want to throw away hundreds of dollars each year to be hairless? Or instead, would you prefer spending just a few dollars each year on shaving?
If you’ve ever wondered whether you should try a safety razor, then keep reading and find out more about some of the best safety razors for women.
We’ll start with some reviews and then I’ll go into a bit more detail.
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Contents
- 10 Best Safety Razors For Women (2024)
- Feather Stainless Steel DE Safety Razor
- Rockwell Razors 6C Adjustable DE Safety Razor
- MERKUR Classic 3-Piece Razor DE Safety Razor
- WEISHI Nostalgic Butterfly Open DE Safety Razor
- West Coast DE Safety Razor
- Edwin Jagger Double Edge Safety Razor
- Elkaline DE Safety Razor with Stand
- Parker 29L Women’s DE Safety Razor
- Vikings Blade The Chieftain DE Safety Razor
- Gentleman Jon Deluxe Wet Shave Kit
- Your Full Guide to Safety Razors
- FAQs
- Can Women Use Safety Razors?
- Can Disposable Razors Be Recycled?
- How to Recycle Safety Razor Blades?
- How Often Should You Change the Double Edge Razor Blade?
- Can You Shave Against the Grain with a Safety Razor?
- Is Shaving Bikini Area with Safety Razor a Good Idea?
- Can You Bring a Safety Razor on an Airplane?
- Do You Get a Closer Shave With a Safety Razor?
- How Long Does a Safety Razor Last?
- Can You Shave Every Day With a Safety Razor?
- What Angle Do You Hold a Safety Razor?
- Do Safety Razors Prevent Ingrown Hairs?
- Are Safety Razors Good For Shaving Legs?
- What Is The Best Safety Razor For a Beginner?
- How Do I Choose a Safety Razor For Women?
- To Sum It All Up
10 Best Safety Razors For Women (2024)
Feather Stainless Steel DE Safety Razor
This safety razor isn’t cheap, but it’s among the best of the best. It will literally be the only razor you ever need to buy and it will continue to perform until the bitter end.
Made in Japan of entirely stainless steel, there’ll be no issues with corrosion.
This razor is described as ‘mild’ which basically means that you have to get the angle right that you hold it at or it won’t shave well.
But, once you get the angle right, it gives a perfect shave, and you’re a lot less likely to cut yourself than more ‘aggressive’ razors.
Pros
- High quality Japanese stainless steel.
- Feather makes some of the best blades in the world.
- An excellent option for sensitive skin.
- Good choice for beginners.
Cons
- Pricey (but arguably worth it if you want the best).
Takeaway
This is one of the best safety razors on the market for design and quality. It’s pretty hard to beat.
Rockwell Razors 6C Adjustable DE Safety Razor
This is another really popular safety razor, but it falls in the middle of the road price-wise. It’s not cheap, but it’s not as pricey as the Feather either.
This razor is designed to be fully adjustable so that you can position the blade in the head exactly as you like it for your shaving style or body part, but be rest assured that it will stay securely in place.
Rockwell also has a slightly more expensive stainless steel option that will be more durable in the long run. But this chrome model will still get in some very good innings.
Pros
- Comes with 5 Rockwell stainless steel blades.
- The innovative adjustable shaving system lets you customize the angle of the blade.
Cons
- There aren’t really any cons to this razor, other than maybe the handle being on the shorter side.
Takeaway
This is definitely one of the best safety razors of 2024and a reliable choice for anyone looking to make the switch.
MERKUR Classic 3-Piece Razor DE Safety Razor
This Merkur Solingen razor is one of the best safety razors for women.
Made in Germany with top quality Solingen steel, it’s built with precision and control in mind. It’s well balanced and easy to use, with extremely sharp and effective blades for close, smooth shaves.
Pros
- Perfect amount of weight, giving perfect pressure while shaving.
- Not an aggressive razor, good for beginners.
- An extra-long handle is available.
Cons
- Keep in mind, this is a 3 piece butterfly razor.
Takeaway
The Merkur 3 piece safety razor is widely considered to be one of the best safety razors for women and is definitely among the best safety razors of 2024.
It’s high quality and easy to control.
WEISHI Nostalgic Butterfly Open DE Safety Razor
Looking for Weishi razor models? You’re in luck. This is a butterfly model with a long handle which helps to make it one of the best safety razors for women.
Once you find the right blades for you, this is a solid choice as the best double edge razor for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Comes with 5 razor blades.
- Long handle.
- Great balance and pressure with the net weight of 72 grams (2.5 oz).
- The butterfly mechanism really stays closed while shaving.
- Good value for money.
Cons
- May need to buy other razor blades as the ones that come with the razor are not top-rated razor blades.
Takeaway
If you’re after a long handle in a solid butterfly style, this is a great choice provided you don’t mind hunting around for some good blades.
West Coast DE Safety Razor
If you’ve been searching for West Coast razors, you’ve found a great one.
With the balance it provides, this is one of the best safety razors for ingrown hairs for women with coarse hair.
The thing I love about this safety razor is that if you wear out the handle of the razor, you can buy it separately on West Coast’s website.
But, that time may never come as their razors are designed to last a lifetime.
Pros
- Nice black design.
- Large handle.
- If you’re looking for a heavier handle, this is the best affordable safety razor.
- Non-slip grip.
Cons
- If your shaving technique doesn’t need a more weighted razor, this will not be for you.
Takeaway
This is an excellent quality 3 piece razor, designed with a little extra weight to give a well-balanced shave.
Edwin Jagger Double Edge Safety Razor
Edwin Jagger is pretty well known when it comes to razors, and for good reason. They make top quality products that you’ll be happy to keep using for many years to come.
This 2-part razor is produced in England and especially for women. It even comes in a few different colors so you can feel like you’re using a razor that was designed for you and you haven’t just hijacked the men’s department.
It has a long handle which makes it easy to use on all areas of the body and it comes with a free pack of 5 blades.
Pros
- Long handle coated with pearlescent.
- It comes with 5 razor blades.
- Perfect for both experienced shavers as well as newbies to safety razors.
- Well-balanced.
- It comes with instructions and wet shaving advice.
Cons
- As it is a two-piece the overturning may wear off the screw faster than you’d want it to.
Takeaway
This is the best safety razor for legs if you’re a beginner.
Elkaline DE Safety Razor with Stand
This unisex safety razor is highly popular with women, especially those looking for the convenience of a travel case and stand as well.
It as a Butterfly opening that allows for quick blade changes, and it weighs just enough to provide a bit of weight without being heavy.
For this price, it’s an excellent razor provided you’re happy to shop around for some better blades.
Pros
- Comes with a travel case, stand and 5 blades.
- Elkaline scores points for advertising their razor to both men and women.
- Easy to use.
- Very easy to rinse out hairs, no clogging.
Cons
- You probably want to replace the blades themselves for some better ones.
- Handle length may be too short for some women.
Takeaway
This is an excellent value option if you’re new to safety razors and aren’t quite ready to spend the big bucks. The blades aren’t as good as they could be but the handle is excellent.
Parker 29L Women’s DE Safety Razor
This safety razor is designed specifically for women and comes in a range of tasteful colors so you can still feel feminine.
It also has a long handle with a textured grip so that it won’t get slippery in the shower or bath – these guys have really thought of everything!
It’s a butterfly razor, so changing the blade will be easy, but make sure you don’t accidentally unscrew it while you’re shaving.
Pros
- Comes with 5 blades.
- Long, textured handle available in pretty colors.
- Easy to change the blades.
Cons
- It doesn’t come with any user instructions so make sure you brush up on your technique first.
Takeaway
This is an affordable and easy-to-use safety razor for women.
Vikings Blade The Chieftain DE Safety Razor
At this price, this safety razor is very hard to beat.
It doesn’t come with blades, but that means you’re less likely to be wasting money on blades that you might end up replacing with your preferred brand anyway.
This is another mild razor, meaning it’s a little safer but you also have to be careful to get the angle exactly right to get a good shave which means it’s a little more time-consuming.
It has a good amount of weight and balance and is really well made.
Pros
- Excellent quality for the price.
- Safe to use and a good choice for beginners.
- Butterfly opening makes blade changing easy.
- Good for sensitive skin.
Cons
- The handle is on the short side, but this could make it a great option for travel.
Takeaway
This is an affordable safety razor that is ideal for beginners and among the best safety razors for ladies.
Gentleman Jon Deluxe Wet Shave Kit
Despite having ‘Gentleman’ in the name, this is the ultimate DE shaving starter kit.
It’s the whole deal with a travel bag, safety razor, five Astra razor blades, shaving soap, shaving brush and bowl, alum block, and a stand to put the brush and razor on.
If you can look past the masculine style, this 3 piece butterfly razor is built to last a long time and exude quality and thoughtful design.
It is pricey, but keep in mind this is a one-time purchase.
Pros
- Full kit, no need to buy anything additional.
- Great soap that lathers up nicely.
- Vintage style kit.
- High-quality items in this kit.
Cons
- The bowl is on the smaller side, but great for travelers.
- Pretty masculine looking.
Takeaway
This is a complete kit for the tomboys out there with every part of the kit being top quality.
Now that you’ve seen what’s on offer, let’s go into a bit more detail…
Your Full Guide to Safety Razors
First up, what is a safety razor?
A safety razor (a.k.a. a double-edged razor) contains only one blade that is easily replaced, leaving you with a reusable metal handle.
It actually gives a closer shave compared to a multi-blade women’s razors, and with less risk of ingrown hairs.
If you’re worried about your sensitive skin, don’t fret, I also have sensitive skin and would get folliculitis whenever I shaved with a 3-blade or 4-blade razor.
But with a safety razor, this isn’t an issue.
A safety razor is a perfect match for people with sensitive skin.
Safety Razor Pros and Cons
Once you get the hang of the right way how to shave with a safety razor, I don’t know how anyone could go back to disposable razors, the pros far outweigh the cons.
Pros
- Zero waste, better for the environment (blades are recyclable).
- Cheaper in the long term.
- Smoother shave compared to disposable razors.
- Less irritation from one blade vs multi-blade razors.
- Less ingrown hairs, razor burns, and bumps.
- Lasts a really long time, some of the best ones can last a lifetime.
- Perfect for people with really sensitive skin.
- Easy to clean the blade and the head of the razor, doesn’t clog as a multi-blade razor does.
- Great shaving solution for people with Keratosis Pilaris/strawberry legs.
Speaking of KP or the better known ‘strawberry legs’… I have it too, on my calves, upper thighs and the backs of my arms.
I did some research and if you want to know what I found out, read my article on how to get rid of strawberry legs.
Cons
- The first purchase is more expensive than a pack of disposable razors.
- Takes a bit of time to get the shaving technique on point.
- Takes a bit of time – you can’t shave in a rush or you will cut yourself.
- Double edge blades require extra care not to cut yourself when shaving intimate areas as the side you’re not shaving with is still exposed.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying a Safety Razor
Size Matters (A.K.A. What’s The Length of The Handle?)
Many people (including me) swear by longer handles. They offer better balance and pressure on your skin and are more comfortable to hold, even in sensitive areas like the bikini line.
But, if you have smaller hands or are just used to a smaller handle from your previous razors, by all means – go for it!
How The Safety Razor Opens
Basically, there are two types of safety razors – the butterfly types (one piece) and the multi-piece safety razor.
The main differences are how many pieces the razor separates into and how the blade is held in place.
For the multi-piece razors, you have to unscrew the separate parts to replace the blade. Butterfly razors stay in one piece and you have to screw the tip of the handle for the head to open like a butterfly with 2 flaps.
There have been some concerns regarding the butterfly safety razor.
When you’re shaving you may accidentally turn the tip of the handle, which loosens the head that holds shut the blade. This can be really dangerous, leading to an unwanted cut.
But if you’re really mindful and have a good quality safety razor, butterfly razors can be great.
Remember, This Is a One-Time Investment
This is crucial to remember when you see a higher price tag for a safety razor than you would regularly spend on your disposable razors.
Don’t give up on the idea of owning a safety razor. It will last you for YEARS!
Imagine that the razor you want costs $50 + $10 (for 100 single-blades). Imagine that the razor handle will last for 10 years and the 100 blades for 2 years (if you wanted a new blade each Monday morning).
In this example, you’re spending $10 per year on your razor and blades.
(As for the shaving cream – that’s not really changing, you’d still buy it if you were using a disposable razor)
Sidenote: if you’re looking for the best razor blades, these are great options for sensitive skin:
Check out more details about these razor blades available on Amazon.com
How to Use a Safety Razor to Shave
The first thing you need to know is that your double edge razor technique will differ from the technique you use when shaving with a regular disposable razor.
Firstly, I read some excellent advice recently – to imagine you’re in Sweeny Todd and treat your safety razor accordingly.
If you go in all gung ho and use it the same way as your regular plastic-handled razor, you WILL cut yourself, and probably badly.
Remember that you’re holding an exposed blade, so go SLOW and STEADY.
With a truly good safety razor and blades, you will need NO PRESSURE while dragging the razor across your skin.
The best safety razors are well-balanced and the right weight to do the job for you.
You also need to hold the razor at the right angle. This varies from blade to blade but is always somewhere around 30 degrees.
Put your hand on the table, make an L with your index finger and your thumb – this is a 90-degree angle. Pull the thumb closer by half to the index finger and you have yourself a 45-degree angle.
A bit closer to the index finger and you will have a 30-degree angle.
The thumb symbolizes the handle of the safety razor while the index finger is your skin. That’s how you can really understand the perfect angle for the perfect shave.
The skin also needs to be pulled taught, especially around areas like the knees and ankles.
The last point is more of a tip rather than instruction – rinse, rinse and then some more rinsing.
After every couple of strokes, rinse the blade.
Why? For starters because you will unclog the razor.
But the true reason is that you keep the razor’s head and blade wet which is the true secret behind a good smooth shave.
Your skin needs to be wet and moisturized (with cream) to avoid shaving dry skin.
Shaving cream + little drips of water = the PERFECT shaving experience.
Since we’re on the topic of shaving cream… what’s best shaving cream for safety razor?
In my opinion, it’s one of these two options:
Check out more details about these shaving creams available on Amazon.com
But I have other great shaving cream options in my article on the best organic shaving creams!
To sum it up:
- Don’t add pressure while shaving
- Hold the razor at a 30 to 45 degree angle.
- The skin needs to be taught.
- Rinse the razor frequently.
Here’s a superb video on how to properly shave with a safety razor. This woman specifically explains how to shave your legs with a safety razor, but the information will help in shaving other parts as well.
Some Final Tips
If you’ve read all of the information I’ve provided, here are some final tips to keep in mind to ensure a long life for your safety razor.
- Don’t leave your safety razor in the shower or even your bathroom if it’s damp. Keep it somewhere dry.
- Prepare the skin you’re about to shave – exfoliate and moisturize it so the blade can easily glide.
- Shaving with short strokes and frequent blade rinsing will give the best results.
- If you want to go over one spot more than once, re-lather before each pass. Never shave dry skin.
- Go slow, shaving with a double-edged razor is almost like meditation.
- After shaving rinse your skin with cold water to close up the opened pores and follow with a good aftershave lotion for women if you’re prone to razor bumps.
- After you’ve finished shaving, take the blade out and dry everything with a paper towel – the blade and the razor itself. This is to avoid rust.
FAQs
Can Women Use Safety Razors?
Yes, of course.
Generations of men have used them for a bump-free, rash-free face, so why can’t we use them for smooth legs?
The only place I wouldn’t risk using a safety razor – my face! I’ve been using a safety razor for a couple of years now (and I KNOW that men use safety razors specifically on their faces), but I guess I’m too afraid of cutting myself.
When men have a razor cut on their faces, it’s no big deal since we assume it’s probably from shaving their faces, so it’s normal.
Not the same is thought when a woman would have a razor cut/burn on her face. Even though we also have facial hair.
For that reason, I buy a Tinkle razor just for stray facial hair. Read my Tinkle razor reviews to spot the fakes from the original razor.
Can Disposable Razors Be Recycled?
Yes!
That’s why they’re considered to be zero-waste razors. You’re not buying disposable razors each month with the plastic packaging, plastic handles, and plastic disposable heads.
Find out where it’s possible to recycle razor blades near you.
How to Recycle Safety Razor Blades?
The best way to recycle used razor blades is to collect them, not throw them one by one in your garbage.
Why not? Well, firstly, you don’t want someone finding a razor blade in the trash. Secondly, you can recycle metal, so help the Earth.
How?
Save up your blades in a safe place (like a mason jar) and take them to a recycling point all at once.
How Often Should You Change the Double Edge Razor Blade?
For me personally, as I have super sensitive skin:
If I’m shaving my lower legs and armpits I can use the blade up to 3 times.
If I’m shaving the above-mentioned parts PLUS upper thighs and bikini part, I will definitely use the blade only once, as I want to avoid irritation and shave bumps with that blade the next shaving time.
But, this depends on how coarse your hair is and how long it is when you shave. It comes down to personal preference and recognizing when your blade is too blunt to safely shave with.
Can You Shave Against the Grain with a Safety Razor?
Of course! I couldn’t have smooth legs otherwise.
With the one blade you minimize the tugging, pulling and irritating of the hair, therefore, there’s no irritation to the skin.
For armpits and the bikini area, I would advise to first go with the grain to cut down the length of the hair, then re-lather the skin and only then shave against the grain.
Is Shaving Bikini Area with Safety Razor a Good Idea?
Why not?
Just be very careful and slow the first time you do it. Keep the skin wet at all times and you should have a smooth shave.
For more on the best way to shave this part of the body read my article on how to shave the bikini without bumps.
Can You Bring a Safety Razor on an Airplane?
Generally speaking, no. But this will depend on which airline you’re flying with.
If you’re just talking about the handle with no blade attached, then you will be ok but you’ll probably have to take it out and show them when you go through security.
Do You Get a Closer Shave With a Safety Razor?
Yes, safety razors are generally considered to give smoother, closer shaves than cartridge razors.
How Long Does a Safety Razor Last?
The handle itself could last your lifetime if you get a good one. But the blades generally only last a shave or two (depending on the body part).
Can You Shave Every Day With a Safety Razor?
Definitely! In fact, you’re better off shaving every day with a safety razor than a regular cartridge razor as safety razors are gentler on your skin.
What Angle Do You Hold a Safety Razor?
This depends on the blade and razor you’re using and it may take a bit of careful experimentation. But, generally between 30 and 45 degrees is considered the norm.
Do Safety Razors Prevent Ingrown Hairs?
Safety razors are much less likely to give you ingrown hairs than multi-blade cartridge razors.
This is because, with multi-blade razors, the first blade actually picks up and tugs the hair a little, resulting in the hair being cut shorter than it should be.
It then retreats back under the skin and unless you exfoliate religiously, it often will get trapped when it tries to regrow.
Check out my article on how to avoid ingrown hairs after shaving if the pesky little sleepers are a problem for you.
A popular, affordable and common solution is tea tree oil. Here’s an article on the many tea tree oil’s benefits and uses.
However, my absolute favorite product is the Tend Skin Solution that kicks ingrown hairs butt.
Are Safety Razors Good For Shaving Legs?
Definitely! Safety razors are excellent for shaving women’s legs. It’s actually the easiest part of the body to shave with a safety razor so better for beginners to start on the legs!
Even though a safety razor gives a cleaner cut, I’d still advise you to exfoliate your legs for even better results. Here’s an article on just that – how to exfoliate legs!
What Is The Best Safety Razor For a Beginner?
There are a number of great razors in the list above for beginners, but as a general rule, look for a razor described as ‘mild’ rather than ‘aggressive’.
Here’s another article on just that – the best safety razors for beginners!
How Do I Choose a Safety Razor For Women?
Follow the guide above and you’ll be good to go!
To Sum It All Up
Shave Towards an Environmentally Friendly Women’s Razor!
I really hope this article has inspired you to at least try one of the best safety razors for women mentioned above.
If you give it a go, please write a comment to encourage others still in doubt!
I truly believe that with this ancient tool – the safety razor – we, women of the 21st century can finally say – HAPPY shaving days have come!
Cynthia Stalde
I’m the girl behind Miss Coty. Here I talk about the struggles of womanhood – from hair removal all the way to deep facial wrinkles in your 20s. More about me.
