Best Safety Razors: Buyers Guide

The best safety razors are a huge upgrade from a commercial cartridge razor or a disposable razor . They use just a single double-edged blade that is extremely sharp and can outperform commercial razors with six-times the blades. To save you some time, we've include our top pick right at the start of this article.

The 7 Best Safety Razors for Men

Our Top Pick

Merkur Classic

The Merkur Classic offers excellent performance at a price point that allows anyone entry into the world of safety razors. A true stand-out in the marketplace, with no major flaws.​

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1. Merkur Classic Straight Safety Razor


Our overall number one pick is the Merkur 33, also known as the Merkur Classic. This is the best safety razor that we found and is also one of the more affordable options on this list, one of the many reasons why this is our top pick. Affordability doesn’t have to mean low quality, and is certainly not the case with this safety razor. The Merkur Classic offers a mild to medium aggressiveness , which is perfect for those who are just starting to use safety razors.

Aggressiveness is an indication of the angle of the blade, the blade gap and how much of the blade is being exposed. Aggressiveness isn't a solid metric, instead, it's used to compare blades and how they shave. One razor might need practically no pressure, while disposable razors are very mild and need more pressure because of the odd blade angle, little exposure and blade gap.


Not only is it a great razor for beginners, but it is also a solid choice for more experienced users. This razor features chrome plating, which surely gives it a stylish and appealing look. This also gives it a nice weight in your hand when shaving unlike cheaper plastic models, it has a luxury feel to it at a reasonable price point. Even though this model does carry some weight, if you do prefer a heftier razor, the Merkur 34C will probably be a more attractive option for you.


The Merkur Classic has an open comb design , which provides you with a close shave and protects you against cuts. It is recommended for you to always keep the top of the razor, also known as the “dome” clean as this will provide you with a closer shave. This product is easy to use in comparison to others due to its much less aggressiveness, which will mean less cuts to your face.


The handle itself is only 3 inches, providing you with a perfect length. In addition, the Merkur Classic offers a textured handle, giving you a solid and comfortable grip when shaving. This is much preferred for many users, as a solid grip will allow you to stay in control of the razor to ensure a clean and painless shave.


With its excellent build quality, you can expect this razor to last you years before needing to make another purchase. This product is forgiving to the new user, but still provides solid performance to the experienced user, hence is another reason as to why this is our number one pick.


Also, due to this great performance, all you need is one pass to get a clean shave, especially if you are using quality blades. This allows for quicker shaving, so you are not spending tons of time trying to get the perfect shave.


The Merkur Classic is a double edged razor, but it will not cause any nicks or cuts as it is pretty forgiving as mentioned previously. With its solid build quality, you can expect the Merkur Classic to last a long time before needing to make another purchase. Even then, with its low price point of under $30, this is not an issue.



This product has a solid rating of of 4.6 stars on Amazon, with a large amount of satisfied customers who are both beginners and experienced users, this is likely to be the best addition you make to your grooming kit this year.


This razor is not too long nor is it too short, giving it a striking balance. Overall, the Merkur Classic is a great option for those buying their first safety razor but also for the more experienced user. Especially given its price, this razor is hard to beat and will be a solid addition to any mans grooming kit.


2. Seki Edge Feather Safety Razor




Double-Edge Stainless Steel

Seki Edge Feather Safety Razor

The Seki Edge All Stainless Steel is a premium product with a premium feel. If you can afford the purchase price then this is without doubt one of the absolute best on the market.​

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The next safety razor to be mentioned is the Seki Edge Feather All Stainless Steel Double Edge Safety Razor. This razor is definitely a premium purchase, costing up to $200. Even though it is quite expensive, it does provide you with a full stainless steel structure, meaning it’ll never rust or tarnish on you. This is a huge plus and if it’s going to last for a long time then it could be a wise investment if you have the money.


The handle length is approximately 3.5 inches, which provides you with a perfect balance. The handle itself is textured, giving you an excellent grip when shaving. This handle design allows for a comfortable yet firm grip when shaving.


The Seki Edge Feather is made in Japan, and is focused upon giving you the best shaving experience possible. You can certainly tell this is true due to its minimalistic design. In addition, we prefer performance over looks for any safety razor. So, if overall performance is what you’re after, then the Seki Edge Feather has got you covered.


This razor gives you an extremely mild shave because very little of the blade itself is exposed and there is only a small blade gap. This does mean you will have to apply a bit more pressure with this blade in comparison to some others. However, this makes it great for beginners or people who prefer this type of razor which offers greater safety and reduced chance of cutting yourself.


Regardless, the Seki Edge Feather will provide you with a close shave. This razor is forgiving to the user, which is another reason as to why this is one of the best on the market. So even if you are not experienced with using safety razors, you will not encounter many issues. In addition, there is a minimal learning curve with this product, which is again great for the beginner and hassle free for the experienced user. Even with its higher cost, it is an excellent investment due to its craftsmanship and ease of use.


There are plenty of solid reviews on Amazon, and many of which are extremely satisfied customers. Many have even stated that there is no need to make another purchase once you have gotten your hands on the Seki Edge Feather justifying its higher cost.


Also, the Seki Edge Feather utilizes feather blades, which are some of the best blades on the market, ensuring a close and smooth shave. Even though this razor is not much of a looker, it definitely boasts functionality. The Seki Edge Feather offers you exquisite quality and craftsmanship. If you don’t mind investing a larger amount of money into a safety razor, then this is one of the best products on the market.



3. Merkur HD 34C Chrome Plated

Heavy Classic Style

Merkur HD 34C Chrome Plated

The Merkur HD 34C is a heavy and reliable product. It has the same traditional style and build of the Merkur Classic, but the chrome plating provides extra weight that some may prefer.

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The next razor to make it on this list is the Merkur HD 34C Chrome Plated. This is essentially the heavier version of the aforementioned Merkur Classic Straight Safety Razor. As we mentioned before, finding a weight that suits you is crucial when choosing which safety razor to purchase.

Since the overall design is the same, this razor is going to provide you with the same excellent shaving experience that the Merkur Classic offers. This razor is made in Germany and has received stunning reviews on Amazon. It does have an extra thick handle which is perfect for those of us with larger hands and if this is something you prefer then this is likely going to be the right choice for you.


Like the Merkur Class Straight Safety Razor, the price is excellent for the quality of product you receive. It is priced slightly higher than the Merkur Classic, but not by much. With having a relatively low price point, and excellent overall performance, this is yet another hard to beat safety razor. If you prefer the added weight that this offers then this is the razor for you.



4. Parker 99R

Butterfly Open

Parker 99R

The Parker 99R is different to all the previous products on this list because of it's butterfly open design. This enables the user to quickly and painlessly change out the blades without excess effort.

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The Parker 99R differentiates itself from the rest of the razors that have been mentioned thus far with its twist to open design, which is also known as a “Butterfly Open”. This makes it simple and fast to change the blade, which is a huge advantage over the other razors which are a little more time consuming to change.


In addition, the Parker 99R has a heavyweight design coming in at 3.4 ounces. This razor is constructed of chrome plated brass, offering durability and a premium feel. The Parker 99R has a 4 inch long textured handle, which offers a great grip which is crucial when shaving with a sharp blade. This is great for someone who prefers a longer handle length or a sturdy feel when they shave.


Even though butterfly safety razors are known for their short lifespan, the 99R is a great option and offers great durability for a butterfly open design, due to its superior construction. Even then, for the price point, this safety razor is a solid option. If you are interested in a textured handle, and want the convenience of the butterfly open design, then the Parker 99R is definitely solid a contender.


5. Edwin Jagger DE89Lbl

Quality

Edwin Jagger DE89Lbl

Edwin Jagger is a brand known for it's quality. They constantly release strong and trust-worthy products and this is no exception.

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Edwin Jagger is a brand known for their quality and has developed an avid fan base. The Edwin Jagger DE89Lbl offers a range of options, including different handle choices - with a variety of weights, lengths and textures to fit your preferences.


Some of the handle options that you can choose from are the Lined Detail Chrome Plated, Chrome Plated and Faux Ebon. These options really let you choose what exactly you want in your safety razor with regards to the handle, giving you a customized razor.


The Edwin Jagger DE89Lbl offers excellent balance and weight, giving this razor a premium feel that is normally reserved for products at a much higher price point. With the amount of stellar reviews on Amazon, this is definitely one of the top safety razors available, especially given its current price.


6. Merkur Long Handled

Classic Merkur

Merkur Long Handled

The Merkur Long Handled offers the average beginner a cheap product to enter into the world of shaving. With its long handle it's perfect for those of us with larger hands.

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The Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor is yet another Merkur product to make it on this list. Manufactured in Germany and featuring a long handle, this is a clear choice for people with larger hands.


The Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor has a sleek chrome finish, giving it a stylish look with a textured handle which gives you a nice grip when shaving. While this is down to personal preference, most people prefer a textured handle to ensure a safe hold that will prevent any slips or accidents. With well over 5,000 positive reviews on Amazon, it’s clear that this is an all-time classic whose performance holds up over years of heavy use. The average rating is 4.5 stars, and it’s listed as one of Amazon’s best sellers, with thousands of happy buyers and repeat customers.


The price is almost as good as the product itself, coming in at under $25.00 this is an absolute bargain for anyone looking for a classic and trusted brand. With its structure and the quality that it offers, it’s hard to beat for the price. In addition, there are multiple sizes and guard options to choose from, giving you the opportunity to customize the product to your liking.


This is a great option for anyone looking for their first safety razor, as it offers a long handle and a great grip due to its textured finish, which is perfect for those who are less experienced with this method of shaving. If this is something you are looking for in a razor, then the Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor is certainly one to consider.


7. Chieftain Safety

Swedish Engineering

The Chieftain Safety Razor

The Chieftain is a magnificent product, constructed of premium materials by a respected Swedish company,

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The last razor we wanted to mention is the Vikings Blade The Chieftain Safety Razor. This safety razor is constructed of premium high-end heavy duty Swedish materials and with excellent quality control you know that you are getting a solid product. What’s great about this safety razor is that it includes an international lifetime warranty whichgives you a worry-free purchase.


The Vikings Blade The Chieftain Safety Razor has received over 1,500 reviews on Amazon and has an outstanding 5 star rating.


This razor features an advanced butterfly head, which allows for extremely quick blade change. With a handcrafted blend of brass and bronze alloy, finished with a chrome coating, you’re sure to enjoy its appealing design. This safety razor is a heavy weight, so if this is something you prefer, then this is a razor definitely worth considering.

What makes it even better is the price. At under $35.00, it offers a ton of value. Overall, this is another excellent safety razor. If you are looking for a heavyweight handle with an advanced butterfly head for ease of changing blades, then the Vikings Blade The Chieftain Safety Razor is a clear winner.

What to consider when purchasing a safety razor

If you’re looking for the closest shave possible then safety razors are the way to go. Safety razors utilize double edge razor blades, which are typically inexpensive, and are generally crafted with quality materials. This is one of the primary reasons as to why safety razors are sought after.


Choosing which razor blades you’re going to buy is an important decision to make, but what is as equally important is choosing which safety razor to go with. Even though there are plenty of safety razors on the market, there are a few which stand out above the rest of the competition due to their build quality and performance.

Price

The first thing that most of us look at before making a purchase is the price, and how much you are actually willing to invest into the product has a large impact on which razor will fit you best. Safety razors can vary in price from under $10 to over $150. There are great products in any price range, so investing a lot of money is not necessary when purchasing a safety razor. This means there isn’t really a barrier to entry and some safety razors can actually work out cheaper than disposable alternatives over time. If you’re more experienced with safety razors, then investing in a more expensive option could make sense as there is a significant difference in build quality between the cheaper models and the more expensive alternatives.

Handle Length

This is really personal preference, but choosing the type of handle whether long or short will determine the comfort of use. If you have a larger hands, it is generally recommended to consider a longer handle length, but regardless it is still personal preference and you should pick whatever length you’ve preferred with other types of razors you’ve used in the past..

S afety Bar or Open Comb

A safety bar razor has the blade hidden behind a metal piece; therefore reducing the chance you will cut yourself. An open comb razor has the blade exposed and feature little teeth that look similar to a comb which helps guide the hairs onto the blade. If you’ve never used a safety razor before then a safety bar razor is definitely recommended over the open comb razor. However, people who are more experienced with safety razors will find the open comb razor a much more attractive option as it can offer a closer shave.

Aggressiveness

Aggressiveness is essentially how easy it is to cut yourself when utilizing a safety razor. What determines the aggressiveness of a safety razor is how much the blade itself is exposed alongside the blade gap, and the angle of the blade. Those who are not experienced with safety razors are recommended to consider a mild to medium aggressive razor , so as to reduce the chance of cutting yourself. Again, more experienced shavers may consider a more aggressive razor which will ensure a closer shave by exposing more of the blade.

Weight

This is once again a personal preference. Different brands and safety razors will have different weights associated with them . Some find a heavier safety razor more comfortable while others may find a lighter safety razor most comfortable to use. It is really up to you to determine which weight is most comfortable.

Conclusion on Safety Razors

With such a wide variety of products available it can at first seem difficult to make a decision. The key is to decide what kind of experience you’re looking for and to be honest with how experienced you are. The 3 most important decisions are going to be in the handle length, the weight of the razor and how important ease of changing blades is to you.

We would always recommend that you choose a handle with a textured grip to prevent accidents , especially for those who are inexperienced with this type of shaving. You can’t go wrong with any of the products we listed above, so if in doubt you should pick based upon what price you can afford. As with any product, the more you spend the better the quality of product you’re going to receive. Take a good look at each of the products we’ve recommended see which seems to fit your needs and preferences best.







About the author

Jack Prenter

Jack has been fascinated by fashion for decades and spent huge amounts of time researching it and becoming an expert. He's written for many well-known publications and is in the process of opening an online clothing store for men. Jack studied at the University of Nottingham and is now based out of Toronto, Canada.