Best Straight Razors: Buyers Guide

With so many different straight razors to choose from it can be tough to knuckle down and make a decision. For this reason we wrote this guide, to explain what you should be looking for and to give you recommendations. Some razors are undeniably better than others, but some personal preference does play a role, particularly with razor aggressiveness and aesthetic.

The Best Straight Razor

Parker SR1 Stainless Steel

The Parker SR1 offers excellent performance at a solid price point. With its stunning design cues, and overall value, the Parker SR1 is our top choice.

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The overall number one pick is the Parker SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor. This is the best straight razor we have found, and there are quite a few Amazon reviews that would say the same. This product has an overall rating of 4.1 stars, with over 1,000 reviews, ensuring this is a solid straight razor.


Being on of the most affordable options on this list, it does not mean it cuts on quality by any means. The Parker SR1 features a genuine stainless steel blade arm, which provides you with professional quality. In addition, since the blade arm is crafted of stainless steel, it will provide you with a product that will last a great amount of time before needing to repurchase a straight razor.


This product has a rounded exposure at the end of the blade compartment which will help prevent any cuts, and provide you with a great shaving experience. This is great, especially for beginners.The Parker SR1 features a snap and lock blade holder alongside inserts to ensure that the blade is secure once inserted. This is another key feature to this straight razor, as it makes sure there is minimal errors when utilizing this product . In addition, this feature just makes using this product that much easier, which is again great for the beginner and the experienced user.


Even though this product is a performer, it looks great. This product features eye appealing engravings, and the look of it screams quality.


This product accepts barbershop single edge blades or half of a double edge blade, giving you options when choosing what type of blade to use when shaving. In addition, this product includes five Shark Super Stainless Half Blades, which are an excellent pairing to this product!


Overall, the Parker SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor is an excellent straight razor choice, and surely deserves a spot on the top of this list. With its excellent craft, and convenient features, this product is great for the beginner who is starting out with straight razors or the experienced user looking for a solid shaving experience.

Not to mention, the pricing of this product is just right, coming in at under $25, making it an easy investment for all users. So whether you are a beginner looking to get into straight razors or an experienced user looking for a great straight razor , this is a choice we highly recommend at Knownman.

Parker SRX Heavy Duty

Heavy Duty/Professional

Parker SRX Stainless Steel

The Parker SRX offers a heavy duty handle with minimal investment. If you prefer a heftier product with a rounded exposure, then this is a straight razor for you.

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The next product to make it to this list is the Parker SRX Heavy Duty/Professional Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor. This product does share some similarities to the previously mentioned Parker SR1, but differs in some crucial areas.


Firstly, the Parker SRX is crafted of 100% stainless steel, ensuring excellent build quality. Excellent build quality means you’ll have a product that will last you much longer, and provide a better shaving experience in comparison to less quality products.


What makes this product so different than the Parker SR1 is the heavyweight steel blade arm and scales. This weighs in at 2.3 ounces. Even though that may not seem like a lot, it will affect your shaving experience. This is something of preference, and thankfully this product is priced well, making it a small investment to determine if the heavyweight steel blade arm suits your style.


With over 100 solid reviews on Amazon, you will find many satisfied buyers of the Parker SRX. In addition, this product has an overall rating of 4.4 stars, making it one of the highest rated straight razors on this list.


Just like the Parker SR1, this product features a clip and lock blade holder with inserts which will ensure secure blade insertion. Also, the Parker SRX has a rounded exposure at the end of the blade compartment which will help minimize any cuts. Once again, this is crucial for beginners and a convenience for experienced users.


This straight razor utilizes barbershop single edge blades as well as half double edge blades. This purchase does include five Shark Super Stainless Blades, just like the Parker SR1, giving you a full packaged deal.


Overall, the Parker SRX Heavy Duty/Professional Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor is another solid choice, and is great for both the beginner and experienced user. Coming in at under $25, it’s a minimal investment to decide if a heavyweight steel blade arm is something of preference to you. In addition, just like the Parker SR1 this product is easy to use, which is great for beginners who are starting their journey into straight razors. Either way, you cannot go wrong with this purchase. It definitely holds the second spot on our Best Straight Razors guide firmly.



Feather DX Folding Wood Razor

Folding Wood Handle

Feather DX

The Feather DX Folding Wood Handle Razor is a premium product offering you a precise shaving experience. If you are an experienced user, and can afford its premium price tag, this is without a doubt one of the best straight razors on the market.

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The Feather DX Folding Wood Handle Razor is the next product on this list. This product is on the expensive side, so it is suited more for the experienced user wanting to invest heavily upon a solid straight razor.

The Feather DX features a resinated wooden handle, giving it a striking appearance and making it comfortable to hold. Not to mention it adds just the right amount of weight, giving it an excellent balance. The body itself is constructed of sus316 stainless steel, which makes it resilient to rust and chemicals. This is an attractive feature, because it is often that we have different chemicals in our shaving creams that we use. This feature alone gives this razor an advantage over the competition, and ensures you that will is a solid investment.


The metal body is also treated with a finishing material, which improves upon the performance. With this treatment, it allows the blade to glide over your skin smoothly, giving you a close shave, and reduces the chances of cuts. With the overall rating on Amazon being 4.4 stars, you can certainly see there are people satisfied with this investment.

The Feather DX is designed where the razor and blade act together as one piece. This assures you that you will achieve a smoother shave. Of course, this means that you will have to maintain this product, which is why we recommend this more to the experienced user.

Overall, even though this is a more expensive option in comparison to the other products listed here, it offers you a solid build quality and a beautiful design. If you do not mind investing more into a straight razor, then the Feather DX Folding Wood Handle Razor is definitely a solid buy.


Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor


Premium Straight Razor

Feather SS Japanese

The Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor is priced right in the middle, offering outstanding performance and solid build quality. Even though it is priced slightly higher, it offers some key differences making it a great investment.

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The next straight razor to be mentioned is the Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor. This product is priced right in the middle coming in at under $70. Even though it is more pricier than some of the competition, this product offers different features and an overall design that is much different in comparison.

The overall design of this product is absolutely stunning, and gives it a unique look. Even though it looks great, it doesn’t mean the performance is lacking by any means.


Firstly, the Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor features a super-engineered resin handle. This provides you with an excellent grip, ensuring a comfortable shaving experience. In addition, the handle is heat-resistant. With both of these features packed into the handle, you know for sure that this is a durable product, and will provide you with the control needed for close shaving.


This product also features a rounded shaving head with an optimal amount of blade exposure. This means the Feather SS will provide you with a soft and smooth shaving experience. This is excellent for both beginners and experienced users. ​Also, the blade head features a spring-mounted, one-touch mechanism. This allows you to easily dismantle the blade head for cleaning. In addition, putting it back together is just as easy!

​Overall, the Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor provides you with many convenient features, ensuring this is a great blade for both beginners and experienced users. The overall design of this product gives the you the satisfaction of knowing that this is a well constructed razor. Even though the price is a bit higher than some of the competition, it is worth the investment to those wanting a higher build quality and a different design. With its overall rating on Amazon of 4.8 stars, there are tons of satisfied customers. So if you don’t mind spending a bit more on a straight razor, then this is a solid purchase.


Dovo Straight Razor Full Hollow

Quality and Performance

Dovo Straight Razor Full Hollow

Dovo is known for their quality products. This razor features Swedish Steel, ensuring this product is durable. With its slightly higher price tag, it's an investment that will last you years to come.

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The Dovo Straight Razor Full Hollow is yet another solid product to be added to this list. This product is also priced slightly higher than some of the competition, but offers an excellent shaving experience.


For one, the overall design of this product is relatively simplistic, but it does have some design cues making it rather attractive. The Dovo features a ⅝ inch Swedish Steel Blade that ensures durability and is long lasting. In addition, this product has curved edges which is perfect for a detailed shave. With its design, it's especially great for beginners wanting to make a heavy investment. It is also a solid choice for experienced users as well, since it does offer excellent performance.


This product does come shave ready, but if you do want a closer shave then honing it is recommended. However, you can still achieve a great outcome when the razor arrives to your door as is.

The handle of this razor provides an excellent balance of weight and size, giving you more control during shaving. If you are a more experienced user, you will find this product impressive, as it will provide you with a close shave especially if you have a solid technique down.

Overall, this is a solid performing straight razor. Like said previously, it is more pricier than other options, but offers differences making it well worth the investment. This is a product that is both great for beginners and experienced users. Experienced users can utilize their technique and really take advantage of what this product truly has to offer. Regardless, it is a solid purchase for either user, so if you don’t mind the extra cost, then this is another excellent straight razor worth purchasing.


Dovo Silver Shavette Stain Finish Straight Razor

Adaptable and Lightweight

Dovo Silver Stain Finish Razor

Crafted in Germany, the Dovo Silver Shavette adapts to all brands of standard double edge blades, giving you flexibility and control of your shaving experience. With its low price point, this is a great option for both beginners and experienced user.

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The next product on this list is the Dovo Silver Shavette Satin Finish Straight Razor with Holder-Matt Look. This is on the less expensive side in comparison to the recently mentioned products, but this does not mean lack of performance.


Firstly, the overall design of this product is much different than the others mentioned on this guide. This product is crafted in Germany, and features an aluminum blade carrier that holder will fit into. What makes this product great is that the holder adapts to all brands of standard double edge blades. This is a great feature to have, as it allows you to pick and choose the specific blade of your choice once it fits this requirement.


In addition, this product has excellent build quality, and it is resistant to rust and will not corrode. This ensures durability, and you know with this small investment, it’ll last you quite some time before needing a new razor. There is no need for honing or sharpening any blades, as all you need to do is change blades once it is necessary. Changing the blades is simple and quick, which is another huge pro for this product.


This is great for both beginners and experienced users, as it just makes the shaving experience seamless. This product is on the lighter side, so if this is something you prefer, then this product is up your alley. In addition, the way this product is designed it will not cause as many cuts or nicks to your face when shaving. This is once again great for beginners and a convenience for experienced users.

Overall, the Dovo is a solid product. There is little investment to this product, so if you wanted to try a lighter product, then this is a no-brainer. Also, this product is a great start for those looking to get into straight razors as it is unique and can accommodate multiple different blades. With its overall rating of 4.1 stars, this is another great investment.


Classic Samurai CS-102

Affordability Meets Performance

Classic Samurai CS-102

The Classic Samurai CS-102 is an incredible product being crafted from surgical grade stainless steel. With its price low, and its solid performance, this is an excellent entry point into straight razors.

Check the price on Amazon

The last product to be mentioned on this list is the Classic Samurai CS-102 Stainless Steel Professional Straight Edge Razor. This is the most affordable option on this list, but still offers great performance.


This product is made of genuine surgical grade stainless steel , ensuring durability and a heavy weight. This product is not on the lighter side due to its construction, but will provide you with an excellent grip while shaving. With its handle design and weight, you’ll experience excellent control during shaving. So if your preference is a heftier product, then this is a product worth considering.


With precise control and its smooth handle, it will minimize any cuts that could be experienced when handling straight razors. This is attractive to both the experienced user and beginner. This product does include a 100 count of Derby Single Edge Razor Blades, so you won’t have to purchase any blades for quite some time. Of course, you may choose to purchase different blades if preferred, but it is still a worth mentioning this addition that you receive.

This product has received an overall rating of 4.4 stars on Amazon, clearly showing many satisfied customers who are both experienced and new to straight razors. The Classic Samurai CS-102 does feature a rounded exposure at the end of the blade compartment, so just like some of the other products mentioned before, it will minimize cuts or nicks.

Overall, this is a great starting point for someone wanting to get into straight razors. However, for an experienced user, they can utilize this product for a close shave, especially if their technique is down. With this product costing under $15, this is an easy razor to recommend, especially as a first purchase. Also, if you are interested in a more heavier option, then the investment is minimal. Regardless, with its solid reviews, overall performance and build quality, the Classic Samurai CS-102 is a product we recommend.

What to consider when purchasing a straight razor

If you are looking for a close shave, then a straight razor is the way to go. The blades that are typically used with many straight razors are relatively cheap; therefore providing you with a cost effective solution. This is only of the many reasons as to why these types of products are highly sought after.


Even though choosing which straight razor is an important decision, what is also as important is the aspects surrounding the product. Each product will vary and offer various differences, so finding your preference is key to making your final decision. Even though there are many straight razors on the market, there are only a few that really catches our attention. Listed below is what we consider when choosing some of the best straight razors.




Price: The first aspect we consider is the price. Price does not necessarily mean poor performance, but it does matter in regards to how much the actual person has to invest into the product. This is very important, especially for beginners as they may not want to make a large investment at first. Although, there are pricier options available providing you with an excellent product, and stunning performance.


Weight: The next thing to consider is the actual weight of the razor, and the handle weight. Some people may prefer a lighter product just as a preference, while others may want a heavier option that gives them a feel of control. Thankfully there are products available at cheaper prices to make the investment minimal when trying out products with different weights.


Type of Razor: There are multiple types of razors including round point blade, square point blade and French or Oblique point blade. Each has its pros and cons, and will deliver a certain shaving experience. For beginners the rounded point blade is a solid choice as it is not as sharp, so you will encounter minimal cuts. For the more experienced user, the square and French or Oblique point blades are solid options as they are more sharper and provides a cleaner shave.


Conclusion on Straight Razors

With so many products to choose from, the decision at first may seem difficult. It is important to understand what you are looking for in a straight razor and knowing how experienced you are before making your purchase. There are 3 crucial factors to consider when making your initial purchase which are price, weight and the type of razor.

We always recommend choosing a product with a round point blade, especially if you are a beginner, because this design will minimize any cuts you may encounter. Either way, you cannot go wrong with any of these products listed, as they are all solid performers and will all provide an excellent shaving experience. However, picking a product that fits your budget and needs is always key, and thankfully there are plenty of affordable options. Take a good look at all of the products that are on this list, and see which fits your needs the most! Happy Shaving!

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.