Safety Razor vs Cartridge Razors: The Great Debate

Safety Razor or Cartridge Razors?

One question that is sure to cause an argument is to ask someone who enjoys wet shaving whether a safety razor is better than a cartridge razor and why. As cartridge shavers improve, the gap between the two types is beginning to close and the choice is becoming easier. Regardless, there are still some significant differences that can make each better under certain circumstances and for each individual using them.

To begin with I should tell you that it’s my belief that safety razors offer a far superior shave, with less irritation and at a lower cost. However, I will also occasionally use a cartridge razor and I don’t have a hatred for them that many safety razor users seem to have. In this article, we’ll be reviewing and comparing the two types of razors, without bias, to try and explain the pros and cons of each type.

Safety Razors vs Cartridge Razors: What are they?

Let’s start this analysis by first explaining what we mean by each type of razor. Firstly, a safety razor, sometimes called a double-edged razor, consists of a metal handle that clasps onto a double-sided razor blade in a T-shape. These razor blades can be used on both sides and are replaced when they dull. Under the blade there is a safety bar which prevents the blade from pointing directly onto the skin, instead, it must be used at a certain angle for there to be contact between the blade and the skin.

On the other hand, a cartridge razor consists of a, generally, plastic handle that has a set of blades at the top. This entire blade head is then replaced when they dull. The blades are bare, but they are set at a certain angle such that it would be difficult to cause too much damage to yourself. The majority of cartridge razors have multiple blades that are layered on top of each other, this contrasts to the single blade of a safety razor .

Shaving initially began with men using knives, these then became straight razors that were more specialized for shaving. A company you might have heard of called Gillette decided that they would be able to make far more money if instead of using the same straight razor over and over, they could sell men replacement blades. Slowly, this became the invention of the safety razor. Eventually, Gillette brought us disposable and cartridge razors too. While it’s true that if un-washed, using the same razor multiple times is dangerous, we recognize that in the 21st century and therefore replacing blades rather than sharpening them is unnecessary.

Have you ever seen a Gillette commercial ? Notice, one of the biggest points they make is about the number of blades they have. I remember when cartridge razors just had 2-blades, now some have 5-blades. Are they any better? Debatable. In fact, a lot of people argue that the safety razor is proof the more blades make no difference. The safety razor has only one blade and it provides an undeniably closer shave. In fact, using more blades just leads to further irritation.

Think about what actually causes the irritation. If you’re passing 5-blades over your skin instead of just 1, you’re going to cause far more irritation. Then, consider that safety razors have much sharper blades, meaning that you don’t have to go over the same patch of hair multiple times. It’s clear that a cartridge razor will cause far more irritation. The blades in cartridge razors are of much lower quality steel in many cases, they aren’t as fine or sharp and therefore can’t cut to the same level.

Which is Cheaper: Cartridge vs Safety Razor

Both safety razors and cartridge razors have handles that aren’t replaced, that’s the whole point. The cost of each is almost arbitrary because it’s a one-off cost that over even just a decade becomes miniscule. Either way, a good quality safety razor can be found for $30 and an equal cartridge razor can be had for around $15.

So, when we look at the price difference we will be mainly looking at the price of each replacement and how long the replacements last.

One of the most confusing things I read about cartridge razors is that they only last for 3 or 4 shaves each. I’m not sure what these people are doing, but I’ve had cartridges last for 10 or more shaves without hassle. Of course, it will depend on how often you shave, the density of your beard and how you care for the blades.

I would assume that from each cartridge you can get at least 6 shaves. Each cartridge can usually be purchased for around $3 and so a single shave will cost $0.50 at most. Not exactly cheap, but you’re not going broke either.

Safety razors on the other hand only need a small double-edged blade replacement. These blades can be picked up for cents and will last far longer than your cartridge razor. It’s hard to put a dollar figure on the savings because of the difference in blade prices and longevity.

Do Cartridge Razors Have Any Benefits?

Of course, cartridge razors aren’t horrible. They are great for people who want convenience or if you’re traveling. I often find myself using a cartridge razor when I travel because it’s much quicker to shave. Even with a safety razor you will have to shave much slower to prevent yourself from being cut by the sharp blades.

If you often find yourself rushing out the house in the morning and don’t have any time to spare, you’re probably best off with using a cartridge razor. On the other hand, you could just wake up 5-minutes earlier and enjoy a superior shave with a safety razor.

I’m not going to judge you either way, both methods are completely valid and whilst we have a strong preference for safety razors, using a cartridge razor doesn’t make you a wimp!

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.