The best safety razors make me think of the phrase, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” They’re the sharks of the men’s grooming world, a piece of equipment that hasn’t evolved much in over 100 years. Sure, there have been plenty of advancements in shaving, but the original-style razor is still available because it’s still awesome.
What makes the safety razor special is its ease of use for men that shave regularly. If you’re going after thin to heavy stubble, these work like a dream. Keep in mind that if you take one of these to a big beard, you’re going to be there a while. There is also a learning curve (a pretty sharp one), but with the right safety razor, you’ll be a shaving pro soon enough.
An added bonus is that safety razors are great for the environment, too. No more clogging up the earth with disposable razors and plastic interchangeable heads. With the best safety razor for men, all you need to replace is the easily recyclable stainless-steel blades.
However, there are tons of options, and the last thing you want is a crappy safety razor (trust me). So FashionBeans did the heavy research and created this guide for you. Check it out and rest easy, knowing your new razor will give you a smooth shave (as long you avoid common shaving mistakes).
Our Top 8 Picks
Handle Length: 4 in | Type: Screw-on | Double Edge: Yes
If you want the best safety razor overall, it’s not a bad plan to go with the double-edged beauty that started it all. The formula hasn’t changed much since they released it in 1903, and that’s because it hasn’t had to. There definitely have been some handy innovations in safety razors since their inception, but are they really necessary? No, not really.
This blade is fairly long and has a pretty heavy head, so it does a good amount of the work for you as you shave. It’s also a closed comb, so it will be a nice, close shave but shouldn’t cut you. Gillette has been making some of the best razors and shaving innovations for years, but they still impressed me with this particular option.
Handle Length: 3.5 in | Type: Butterfly | Double Edge: Yes
Don’t be embarrassed; even the most advanced safety razor master began somewhere. If you’re a beginner, this is one of the best safety razors around. Clumsy guys, this is great for you too. There’s no shame in having low finger dexterity.
This is a light double-edged razor, so it’s closer to the weight of pharmacy razors than other safety razors. That way, it should feel a little more familiar for beginners. The angle is also less aggressive than others, so even if your form isn’t great, you’ll be less likely to cut yourself.
Handle Length: 4 in | Type: Butterfly | Double Edge: Yes
Bevel is a black-owned safety razor company founded on the idea that safety razors should be appealing to men of all hair types. Bevel’s blades are positioned as close to the skin as possible, so it does away with any ingrown hair, razor bumps, and razor burn.
These safety razors were designed with coarse- and curly-haired men in mind, so you know they’ll work just as well on any other hair type. If you’re tired of sensitive skin holding you back from a truly clean shave, why not pick up the best safety razor made especially for that?
Even Gilette acknowledged it prevents irritation better than their multi-blades. That probably says more than I ever could.
Handle Length: N/A | Type: N/A | Double Edge: Yes
For beginner to medium-skilled shavers, Derby Extra is top-notch. They come with a chromium ceramic platinum tungsten and polymer coat, which is just as impressive as it sounds. Thanks to those fancy words, it’s meant to provide a smoother shave for longer.
This edge is also sharp enough for sensitive skin. That means it’s pretty damn sharp. Keep in mind, even though they’re beginner friendly, they can still mess you up if you don’t respect this blade. It’s also not quite sharp enough for coarse and curly hair, though. So if that’s you, check out slightly sharper blades, like Wilkinson Sword Classics.
Handle Length: 4 in | Type: Magnetic Slide-in Blade | Double Edge: No
Tracking down the best safety razor with a single edge isn’t easy, but I think this option will live up to the hype. The truth is, there aren’t that many great options out there (after all, most safety razors are double-edged). But the Twig is somewhere between the plastic razors you’re used to and the old-fashioned safety razors.
It works just as well as its double-sided kin (better than most, actually) and comes with all the benefits of a typical safety razor. Beginners will enjoy the light heft and pivoting head too. It’s not quite as good for beginners as the Viking Chieftain Jr., but it will still make a great first razor.
Handle Length: 3 in | Type: Screw-on Blade | Double Edge: Yes
Shaving your dome with a safety razor is absolutely not for the faint of heart. You can very easily end up with a scarred-up head instead of a sexy haircut. If you do use a safety razor to shave your head like an old-school western badass, a short handle is best for the job. They’re easier to maneuver, and you’ll be able to get the curves and difficult areas easier than with a longer handle.
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Handle Length: 4 in | Type: Butterfly | Double Edge: Yes
This matte black beauty of a razor also happens to be adjustable. WEISHI isn’t a well-known company, and they don’t have a cool name, but that didn’t stop them from making an awesome piece of equipment.
This safety razor has a knob on the base of the razor you can twist to adjust the height of the razor head. That way, you can change the length you want your beard to be. It also has a great grip and butterfly blade system, so this safety razor is good for beginners. And it just flat-out looks cool.
Handle Length: 3 in | Type: Butterfly | Double Edge: Yes
Parker has been a trusted safety razor brand since 1973. If they made it this far, you know they have some good stuff. There are tons of Parker razors, but the 22R is my pick for the best safety razor with a butterfly-loading mechanism. That makes it much easier to install new blades without nipping your fingertips bloody.
The handle is versatile enough to work for most guys, but the blade angle is a little aggressive, though. If this is your first time, you might want to look elsewhere. But those spirals make it look damn sexy for a razor, don’t they?
What To Look For When Buying The Best Safety Razors For Men
Size
When choosing the best safety razor for men, the size of the razor is always important. Well, not the razor blade itself. More like the handle. A short handle is easier for maneuvering through tight areas or tough angles like heads or angular jawlines.
Longer handles are better for shaving your cheeks, neck, and body since they’re easier to grip and add a little weight to the blade. The heavier it is, the less pressure you need to use on long strokes. By the way, when I say body, I don’t mean below the belt. I don’t want anybody giving themselves a vasectomy because they read this article. Stick to pube trimmers for that.
Blade
The best safety razor for men is useless without a blade. It makes a huge difference in the shave you’ll get. But remember, the blades have a more aggressive angle and are much easier to cut yourself. Your choices are double-sided or single-sided blades. Double-sided blades have been used since 1903 because they work so well. You can still find single-sided safety razors, but a decent one like LEAF is hard to come by.
Options like Vikings Blade are more suited for beginners, thanks to the cut being less angled. Keep in mind that wet shaving (i.e., shaving with water or shaving cream) is an acquired skill. Seriously, if you’re a beginner, get a razor made for that. They’re there for a reason.
Remember, they were coined “safety razors” back when scary Sweeney Todd straight razors were the norm. Compared to those monsters, these are way safer, but if you head into a first shave like you would a disposable, you’re going to look like one of Sweeney’s victims.
Loading Style
To avoid bloody fingers, it’s a good idea to consider the blade loading style. If this is your first time using a safety razor, you’ll want to be extra careful handling that crazy-sharp blade. You WILL cut yourself if you’re not careful.
Butterfly loading is perfect for newbs or fellas who just want an easier time. There’s nothing wrong with screw-on blades, though, so if you’re not scared or clumsy, give one a shot. The single-blade LEAF option even has a magnetic loading style. Cool.
FAQ
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Safety razors were actually the safest shaving option for men in the 18th century (if the name didn’t give it away). Since they didn’t have the fancy technology we do now, you were way more likely to cut yourself. Enter the safety razor. An old-timey dual-bladed razor with a protective piece between the sharp edge and your skin.
The idea was that even if you sucked at shaving, you could have a clean, yet blood free, shave every time. For the most part, companies haven’t strayed much from the original designs. Some great features have been added, like adjustable necks and dual-sided blades, though.
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There’s a simple, at-home remedy that should keep all the best safety razors spotless. Just mix four parts water with one part vinegar, then soak the separate razor parts for ten minutes each. When ten minutes is up, use your toothbrush or your favorite rag to clean all the parts.
If the vinegar solution doesn’t solve your problem, add a little baking soda and mix it into a paste. When in paste form, use said toothbrush to scrub that nasty razor. Just please, don’t try and reuse the blades. You could seriously regret it, and your face may not forgive you.
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The top reason to invest in a safety razor is the environmental benefits. Usually, the only material used in the construction of safety razors is steel. There’s rarely plastic to throw away, only steel blades. If you’re trying to do away with as much plastic waste as you can, this is the way to go.
They also look really cool and provide a very close shave. That’s undeniable. However, if you’re looking for a quick, easy shave, you might want to try something like a good electric shaver instead.
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If you’re shaving daily (bless your heart), you’ll want to change the blade weekly. Most razors will give you about that much life. Just stay away from cheap razors. Aside from the obvious fact that they’ll suck to shave with, they won’t last nearly as long.
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