So you’ve decided to pull the trigger and start using a safety razor. Smart move. A safety razor allows you to knock down that beard with fewer passes - resulting in less redness, bumps and irritation. You'll be saving money to boot too, as the replacement blades cost much less than disposable cartridges. Sure, it will take a minute to master the proper blade angle and right amount of pressure to apply when you first get started; just be patient, take it slow and read up on mastering the technique. Every guy is unique with different skin, beard type, hand size and budget, so we broke it down here with the best double-edge razors.
It's important to start with the safety-razor right for you. Try out these double-edge shavers ranging from beginner to aggressive and check out these general tips to help get started.
The 29L is perfect for guys who want to try out double-edge shaving without breaking the bank. This simplistic razor is light with a long handle for improved control and has a butterfly head to make popping blades in and out easy as can be. Open comb design allows for more hair to come in contact with the blade, providing a closer shaver in less time.
Why we like it: It’s priced just right for the guy who wants to give a double-edge shaving a try.
The 99R is excellent for safety razor newbies who want to ease into double-edge shaving. The height and length of the razor are aggressive enough to provide a comfortable shave without being too overwhelming for a first-timer. The grooves within the handle are reminiscent of an old-school barbershop pole, providing great style along with an improved grip.
Why we like it: The butterfly head makes it easier than ever to change out the blade. Simply twist the bottom to open the head of the razor and make the swap.
The bigger your hands are, the longer your razor’s handle should be. The 38C is the long-handled version of our most-popular and award-winning 34C - featuring an extra-long handle with a non-slip grip that fits comfortably in a man's larger mitts. And, the better the razor feels in your hands, the easier and smoother the shave will be.
Why we like it: The Merkur 38C doesn't sacrifice the perfect balance between weight and pressure that its little brother, the 34C, is known for.
The Merkur 34C is short and portly with a closed comb, making it well-suited for quick, simple and (most importantly) smooth shave. It offers complete maneuverability, making it one of the best selling safety razors on the market.
Why we like it: Got shaky hands? The added weight of this razor provides the right balance for a steady shave.
An adjustable razor works for any guy, no matter what their skill level. But it's especially useful for the shaving veterans who are looking for more personalization from their double-edge shaves. This model dials in your shave with five different settings to adjust the blade to any angle, allowing you to select how close you'd like your shave.
Why we like it: Multiple blade angles allow for a close, customizable shave length.
This safety razor is intended for the man who has some double-edge shaving experience already under his belt. The 37C rests the blade at an angle, exposing more blade on one end and allowing for an aggressive, expert shave. Perfect for gents with thicker beards who are tired of constantly rinsing out their blade without removing much hair.
Why we like it: The Merkur 37C no-slip grip handle is one of the easier models to work with.
This little razor is perfect for men who are particular about maintaining sculpted beard and mustache lines. It's lighter and less bulky, making it easier to use when cleaning up those tough-to-reach places, like right under the nose.
Why we like it: The unique wedge-shaped razor allows you to see exactly where your blade is making contact with your face for a more precise shave.