He owns a beard but requires a wet razor to tidy up the edges around the cheeks and neck, and has been known to experiment with body shaving to remove hair from the chest and pubic region. He shaves twice a week roughly, with a range of shaving creams to test out performance, alongside general shaving with some of the best electric trimmers around. Where possible, he measured the cost against any included extras (or if the subscription package for replacement heads was worth it) to give you the most accurate list of the best razors of 2024.
How do razors differ from electric shavers?
You may be wondering why you shouldn't simply invest in a top-drawer electric shaver. Sure, it's significantly more expensive and requires a bit more technical know-how to get running and maintaining, but wouldn't it be quicker? The truth is that, yes, an electric, motorised razor will be faster and arguably do a better job of shaving your jawline, but there are some drawbacks aside from the obvious financial implications.
First off, not all electric shavers are waterproof, meaning you can't just quickly touch up edges or have a full-on shave in the shower. Second, manual razors will typically cut closer to the skin. You'll find either a rotary or foil shaver that will be motorised but neither will quite be able to get as close to the follicle end of your stubble or give you that ultra-smooth silky skin that a precision trimmer blade. They also may not be able to contend with different hair types, as many foil shavers simply cut to a particular length without any sort of adjustment. A straight-up razor blade doesn't have that same issue, resulting in the best shave.
What's the difference between a straight razor and a safety razor?
Almost every razor you can buy in your local pharmacy, or get delivered to your front door, is known as a safety razor. Why? Its blades will be fitted with a protective shield or lubricating strips to stop you from cutting your skin so easily.
Straight razors don't offer the same protection, as they are typically only a single blade (like a cutthroat manual razor) and, as such, are usually best left to the barbershop pros. Otherwise, you risk Sweeney Todd-ing yourself. You can also get double-edge safety razors, which leave only a tiny bit of the razor head bevel protruding for an added element of safety and accuracy, letting you really hone in on those sideburns. Regardless of which you opt for, just ensure you go for one with a weighted handle for supreme flexibility and control of your wrist movements as you trim and tidy.
Are straight razors dangerous?
Absolutely. But so are cars, kitchen knives and the internet, if used incorrectly. If, however, you take the time to swot up on the correct skills, you'll minimise the risk of injury and feel pretty satisfied with yourself once you've nailed it. Another bonus is the fact that, if maintained, a straight razor can be sharpened to keep a wicked edge for the duration of its life (though you'll soon find yourself down an endless rabbit hole of whetstones and leather strops). To make things a bit easier, we’d recommend investing in a proper shaving foam that will prep the skin, lift the hairs and hydrate your face post-shave. You have been warned.
How much should you spend on your razor?
As one of the most rudimentary bits of men's grooming kit, a good razor shouldn't cost the earth. What you're paying for is a quality handle and number of blades with a well-judged grip and balance and a set of blades that'll easily scythe through your stubble. All of the blades featured here pass these tests without leaving a sizeable hole in your pocket. Especially if you're smart and buy your replacement cartridges in relative bulk.
For a general ballpark figure, you should expect to pay around a tenner at the absolute minimum for a cheap, plastic razor, but fully decked-out bundles with travel cases, multiple head replacements and higher-quality blades can cost upwards of £50.
If you're looking to invest in the full barbershop experience, opt for a set that includes a quality shaving brush and shaving cream, too.
Should I use a razor subscription service?
The good thing about a razor subscription service is that you'll never end up shaving with a dull set of blades. The idea is that you get sent a new set of cartridges roughly once per month, with popular brands like Harrys or Manscaped owning the space. If you only use a razor for extra-suave effect on special occasions or like to keep your scruff just on the right side of "manageable", then subscribing to a razor service may be a bit excessive. For those who hit the near-daily sweet spot, however, it's smart to sign up for the razors, shaving creams, and other grooming add-ons you'll put to good use.
How do I clean and maintain a razor?
We don't mean to sound like a nagging parent, but taking care of your razor, or any of your grooming tools, is an essential practice for all men. Not least because it stops you from grinding a device full of detritus from your previous shave all over your clean skin, but it also keeps the blades at optimum sharpness and removes any risk of rust or dents in the metal, which can easily result in painful nicks or the dreaded razor burn.
