Whether you want a spotless and neat look on those particular parts of your face or want to rock a particular facial hairdo, your grooming kit will need a high-quality safety razor. The best safety razor for men are your best options for replicating the close shave of a straight razor without a real painful chance that you will slice your own throat. In comparison to the 4-blade offerings, safety razors are no-frills option, basically just a double-edge razor and a handle) is old-school, however, it has been praised for reducing ingrown hairs and irritations.
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But, if you are new to this whole safety razor thing, and with the marketing offering a lot of variety, how do you choose the right one?
Important Factors To Consider When Choosing Safety Razor
Number of Pieces
Safety razors come in 3 basic design— butterfly head, 2-piece, and 3-piece.
The butterfly safety razor consists of a single solid piece, where a knob is twisted which opens up the top plates then exposing the cutting head. This makes it easy for you to replace the blade, because of the additional moving parts, however, longevity can be an issue.
A 2-piece safety razor has a top that usually unscrews from the blade and the handle allowing you to change the blade. Blade replacement of a 2-piece razor is much difficult than the butterfly type, however, it is slightly easier than a 3-piece.
Lastly, a 3-piece safety razor allows you to disassemble the handle, the base of the head and the top of the head. They are the most time-consuming type in order to replace the blade, however, they also last longer than the other two since they are easier to clean and maintain and has no moving parts.
Head Type
Safety razors can be categorized into 3 head types:
- Closed Comb
The most common and traditional design, a close comb has a continuous straight bar along the edge of its head. It can have a few waves or divots in the bar, but still one straight edge. Closed comb offers more protection between the blade and the face, so you will have less risk of cuts. It also offers a more controlled a stable shave since the bar has guidance and stability.
- Open Comb
This one contains teeth which provide a distinct “comb” look. Open comb is generally the more aggressive design since it offers less protection between the face and the blade.
- Slant
Obviously, it features a bar that is slanted, allowing for an efficient shaving without the aggressiveness like the open comb. This makes it a great choice for men with sensitive skin.
Fixed VS. Adjustable Blades
Almost all safety razors feature a fixed blade which means that the amount of razor blade exposed is already set. However, there are now companies such as Rockwell and Merkur producing safety razors that allow you to adjust the blade angle by interchanging the base plates or turning a dial.
Handle Length
This is a matter of personal preference since it depends on which handle length fits more comfortably in your hand.
If you got big hands or if you need to have more control, then a longer handle also called as the barber’s pole safety razors are your best bet. However, some people might feel awkward in using longer handles and have better control over shorter handles.
Weight
The weight of a safety razor differs from model to model. Like the handle length, this is also a matter of preference.
Some men think that a heavier razor will give them more control, while some are more comfortable to the lighter ones.
Top 12 Best Safety Razors For Men
Rockwell Razors 6C Safety Razor
A relatively new adjustable safety razor from Rockwell, the 6C safety razor made a splash in the wet shaving community and can compete with most big players such as Edwin, Jagger, and Merkur. A high-quality product made from chromed zinc alloy this safety razor is extremely durable.
It features a closed-head that makes it a great choice for beginners. Its design includes 3 adjustable plates with each one offering 2 settings of aggression— providing you 6 grades of shavings.
The package contains a Rockwell 6C White Chrome Razor and 5 Rockwell Swedish Stainless Steel Blades. Lastly, Rockwell backs their safety razors with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects for a risk-free buying.
MERKUR Futur Adjustable Safety Razor
The Futur is MERKUR’s flagship fully adjustable safety razor. It offers continuously adjustable blade gaps from 1 – 6, allowing you to easily adjust the shaver’s aggressiveness with just a simple twist.
The shaver comes in a smooth brushed chrome with a choice of chrome finish, gold-plated chrome or satin to fit your preference and style. It also features a longer handle than most safety razors in the market, giving the gentlemen with larger hands a better grip.
Made from Solingen, Germany, this razor features world-famous Solingen steel, meaning this razor should definitely offer you a lifetime of close and irritation-free shaves.
Muhle R89 Safety Razor
Another well-respected and reputable name in razors, the Muhle R89 Safety Razor is another favorite amongst men. Why? Well, because it is German, so you are getting that seal of quality. It features a great finish that looks great on display instead of hiding it in your bathroom’s cabinetry.
It features a durable and sleek design that is built to last. The textured handle helps in preventing slips and provide better control. The handle is also thicker than regular safety razors and is averagely heavy, offering great control when shaving.
In addition, the 3-piece design means that it is less prone to general wear and tear and can last for longer, thanks to the fewer moving parts. It has a more aggressive performance, thanks to the bigger blade dap and provides a closer shave even for most beginners.
Edwin Jagger DE89LBL Safety Razor
The family-owned and operated company of Sheffield England, Edwin Jagger has already built a solid reputation in the men’s grooming industry on a foundation of fine design and craftsmanship.
And although the company offers a variety of razors, the DE89LBL safety razor will give you a lot of reason to love. It is the razor of choice if you got sensitive skin and more prone to nicks, cuts as well as irritations. Its handle construction is from tubular brass that is covered with a chrome exterior, offering a nice weight to it but it is not as heavy as other heavyweight razors.
The razor also provides a clean and close shave on any skin types, thanks to its precision DE razor blade. The razor comes in 3 separate pieces that make it easy for you to replace and clean the parts as needed. It features a chrome finish which offers a classy appearance and is also well-built, meaning that it could last the rest of your shaving life.
MERKUR MK-34C Safety Razor
This classic safety razor from Merkur is an all-around razor that provides the most value for every penny you spent. No wonder it is a bestseller on Amazon. The MK-34C is made from famous Solingen Steel and is produced under the highest and strictest German manufacturing standard— the Solingen Ordinance. This ensures that this safety razor offers a well-built design and should last for a lifetime.
This model is a simple, 2-piece, closed comb safety razor which is on the heavier side. The extra weight should allow this razor to effortlessly glide over your face, reducing the amount of pressure that you apply in order to get a close shave.
The handle is also quite heavy, but short and thick, allowing you to hold it practically anywhere in order to maintain great balance and control. It also offers mild aggressiveness, allowing you to avoid nicks and cuts, thanks to its pristine DE Razor.
Feather “Popular” Double Edge Shaving Razor
The Japanese manufacturer Feather is another reputable names in the safety razor category, particularly in their blades. And although the Feather “Popular” Double Edge Shaving Razor does not quite live up to the reputation of the company for excellence, it does make a great razor if you are on a budget and experimenting.
Constructed partially of metal and plastic, it offers a low price, but still enough to call it one of the best butterfly safety razors available. This is because, most twist-to-open safety razors do no function as well as they should, but this one is spot on!
It uses an old-school design with its fatter head which cuts down on the steepness of the blade angle. This makes it perfect for men with sensitive skins. Its handle is also one of the longest on the market, making it suitable for those with bigger hands.
Parker Safety Razor 99R
For over 40 years, Parker Safety Razor has created the world’s finest shaving gears and accessories and has been a leader in the men grooming industry. And their 99R safety razor offering continues the tradition of excellence, featuring a solid brass frame for durability and high quality.
It features a textured handle for a secure and sure grip and prevents slipping even with slippery and wet hands. With a butterfly design, changing blades is effortless and simple with just a twist on the knob.
At 3.4 ounces, this safety razor is on the heavyweight side that makes cutting through the thickest and toughest beards quick and easy, offering you a comfortable and smooth shaving experience.
MERKUR 37C Slant Bar Safety Razor
Another classic MERKUR safety razor, the 37C features a durable design that is easy to use and clean. Recommended for the more experienced wet shavers, it features a more aggressive slant bar which keeps the blade taught while offering a closer shave like straight razors.
It features a 3 inches long handle that is knurled for the best control while its blade offers the closest shave possible without nicks and cuts as well as irritations. In addition, you will like how it is compatible with inexpensive double edge razor blades that saves you money.
Lastly, like any other MERKUR safety shaver, the 3C is also manufactured in Solingen, Germany, ensuring its durability and sturdiness that will last you a lifetime.
Feather AS-D2 Safety Razor
A much better Feather safety razor, the AS-D2 is the epitome of luxury and quality. It features a much higher price tag than most safety razors, however, you will surely get a high-quality product that is definitely going to last you a lifetime.
Made from medical-grade stainless steel, this safety razor is great for the beginners and features Japanese-based blades— which is one of the sharpest, most effective blades you’ll find. And although the super sharp blade might scare you off, the razor’s precise construction allows you to get a gentle shave with every use.
The handle is under 4 inches long, suitable for those with shorter hands and also feature deep grooves for a non-slip grip.
Merkur 33C Safety Razor
In terms of an all-around DE razor, the 33C classic MERKUR safety razor is worth mentioning. When it comes to striking a good balance between price and performance, the 33C is definitely on the top list.
Like any other MERKUR safety razor, this one is also built on high-quality materials and has a chrome plated steel finish that looks stylish and classic. The handle offers a secure grip, providing you with absolute control.
Also, it is one of the lighter razors in the market, but still provide you better shaving control and freedom. It has a 3-piece design that provides you fewer moving parts as well as lasting you a lifetime.
Parker Safety Razor 96R
The Parker 96R offers a solid construction of brass on its entire frame for sturdiness and durability as well as a textured handle that provides excellent grip. It is labeled as “long-handled razor” making it suitable for those with bigger hands for better control.
It features a butterfly head design that allows you to pop in a new blade easily. Its design is also smooth and comes with an average weight that provides excellent shaving every time. The razor also comes with 5 Shark razor blades that provide a decent shave.
Vikings Blade “The Chieftain” Safety Razor
Boasting over 3,000 reviews on Amazon, the Original Chieftain from Viking Blade is a time-tested and proven all-rounder razor that offers medium aggression. It is scientifically designed to give you a close and smooth BBS shave without any irritations.
It is forged from high-end and heavy-duty materials and extra coated with shiny chrome that gives it a classy look of its own. It’s 20 percent heavier but well-balanced than similarly-style safety razors. It also has a unique weight-distribution system that makes shaving completely effortless and controlled.
It features a 3-piece construction for a 5-second blade change. What’s more is that it comes with a leatherette, Alcantara case with mirror and a complimentary pack of Swedish steel mild blades that completes your shaving kit.
Conclusion
Whether you want to save a few bucks going to the barber, looking for a more effective approach to your grooming routine, or just want to have total control over your morning shave, then getting only the best safety razor for men will make a world difference.
These razors make shaving unwanted hair so easy and you will become a part of the community that loves the wet shavings, offering you a spotless, flawless, cut-less skin every time!
