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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Safety Razors

The shave that saves money and the planet. We compared safety razors for closeness, ease of learning, and not slicing your face—finding what converts cartridge shavers for good.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

Merkur

34C HD Double Edge Safety Razor

4.7 (23,456 reviews)

The razor most wet shaving enthusiasts recommend to beginners. The Merkur 34C has perfect heft, forgiving angle tolerance, and German build quality that lasts literally forever. The gold standard starter.

Handle

Weight

2.5 oz

Head

Closed comb

Material

Chrome-plated zinc alloy

Pros

✓ German engineering
✓ Perfect weight balance
✓ Chrome finish lasts decades

Cons

✗ Learning curve
✗ Shorter handle
✗ Premium price

$47

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
34C HD Double Edge Safety Razor Best Merkur	4.7	$47	View
DE89 Double Edge Safety Razor Edwin Jagger	4.7	$35	View
The Chieftain Safety Razor Value Vikings Blade	4.6	$25	View
Nostalgic Butterfly Safety Razor WEISHI	4.3	$15	View
6C Adjustable Safety Razor Rockwell	4.6	$50	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

Merkur

34C HD Double Edge Safety Razor

4.7 (23,456 reviews)

Handle

Weight

2.5 oz

Head

Closed comb

Material

Chrome-plated zinc alloy

Pros

✓ German engineering
✓ Perfect weight balance
✓ Chrome finish lasts decades

Cons

✗ Learning curve
✗ Shorter handle
✗ Premium price

$47

View on Amazon

Premium Pick

Edwin Jagger

DE89 Double Edge Safety Razor

4.7 (18,765 reviews)

The other beginner favorite, with a slightly different feel. Edwin Jagger's head geometry is extremely forgiving—almost hard to cut yourself. Multiple handle options for personalization.

Handle

3.5"

Weight

2.3 oz

Head

DE89 closed comb

Material

Chrome-plated brass

Pros

✓ English craftsmanship
✓ Elegant design options
✓ Very smooth shave

Cons

✗ Lighter than Merkur
✗ Chrome can wear
✗ Head-heavy feel

$35

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Best Value

Vikings Blade

The Chieftain Safety Razor

4.6 (34,567 reviews)

The complete starter kit at a budget price. Includes razor, blade sampler, and a nice travel case. The extra-long handle helps beginners with grip. Great entry point to test if safety shaving suits you.

Handle

Weight

3.5 oz

Kit

Razor + 5 blades + case

Material

Brass with chrome

Pros

✓ Includes blade sampler
✓ Mirror travel case
✓ Heavy handle

Cons

✗ Less refined feel
✗ Blade alignment can shift
✗ Viking branding polarizing

$25

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Budget Pick

WEISHI

Nostalgic Butterfly Safety Razor

4.3 (45,678 reviews)

The most forgiving safety razor available—almost impossible to cut yourself. The twist-to-open butterfly design makes blade changes easy. Perfect for testing if safety razors work for you before investing more.

Handle

Weight

2 oz

Head

Butterfly open

Material

Zinc alloy

Pros

✓ Twist-to-open design
✓ Very mild shave
✓ Budget friendly

Cons

✗ Too mild for thick beards
✗ Lightweight
✗ Less durable long-term

$15

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Rockwell

6C Adjustable Safety Razor

4.6 (12,345 reviews)

The razor that grows with you. Six aggression settings let you start mild and increase as technique improves. One razor handles everything from sensitive face days to heavy growth. Investment that lasts.

Settings

6 levels (R1-R6)

Material

Swedish stainless steel + chrome

Design

Plate-based adjustment

Weight

3.5 oz

Pros

✓ 6 adjustable settings
✓ Find your perfect shave
✓ Grows with skill

Cons

✗ More expensive
✗ Plate swapping required
✗ Overkill for some

$50

View on Amazon

Buying Guide: How to Choose Safety Razors

How to Choose a Safety Razor

Disposable cartridge razors create 2 billion pounds of plastic waste annually. Safety razors use replaceable steel blades—10 cents each, fully recyclable, better shave. The switch saves money and the planet.

Anatomy of a Safety Razor

Head: Holds the blade. Fixed (most) or adjustable. Closed comb (beginner-friendly) or open comb (more aggressive).

Handle: Where you grip. Longer handles offer more control. Heavier handles let the razor do the work.

Blade: Replaceable double-edge blades. Universal fit—any blade works in any razor. Costs about $0.10 each.

### Beginner Recommendations

Start with a mild, closed-comb razor. The Merkur 34C or Edwin Jagger DE89 are the classic starters. Forgiving enough to learn technique without bleeding, effective enough to use forever.

### Aggression Explained

How much blade is exposed affects how aggressively it cuts. Mild razors require more passes but rarely nick. Aggressive razors cut close in one pass but punish bad technique. Start mild, increase with experience.

### Handle Length

Short handles (3"): More traditional, better for face
Long handles (4"+): Better for legs, easier grip for beginners
Weight matters more than length—heavier handles glide with less pressure

### Blade Exploration

Blades vary dramatically—what works for one person irritates another. Start with a sample pack of 5-10 brands. Test each brand for a week before judging. Your perfect blade is out there; you just need to find it.

### Cost Savings

Cartridge razors: $3-5 per cartridge, 1-2 weeks each = $100-200/year
Safety razor blades: $0.10 each, 3-7 shaves each = $5-15/year
After the initial razor purchase, you save $85+ annually. Forever.

Frequently Asked Questions About Safety Razors

Is it hard to learn to shave with a safety razor?

There's a learning curve—about 2 weeks of careful shaving. The technique differs from cartridge razors: lighter pressure, proper angle (30°), short strokes. Watch YouTube tutorials. Your first few shaves may not be perfect, but it clicks quickly.

Will I cut myself more with a safety razor?

Initially, maybe small nicks as you learn. Once technique develops, most people cut themselves less because they're paying attention. A mild razor like WEISHI makes cuts nearly impossible during learning. Styptic pencil helps any nicks.

How often do I change safety razor blades?

Every 3-7 shaves depending on blade, hair type, and shave area. Blades cost ~10 cents, so change before they feel tuggy. Don't push dull blades—that causes irritation. With blades this cheap, changing frequently is smart.

Can women use safety razors?

Absolutely—and many prefer them for legs and underarms. Long-handled razors work better for reaching. The initial learning curve is the same. Cost savings are even greater since women often shave more surface area.

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