- You can't beat a classic, and the British-made Edwin Jagger DE8 safety razor is our favorite due to its excellent construction, great fit and finish, and timeless design that looks as good on your shelf as it feels in your hand.
In an age of electric razors, multi-blade cartridges, Axe body spray, and canned shaving foam, old-school barber-style shaving is making a big comeback. This is largely due to an information-rich internet that has allowed younger generations to re-discover things that have been left behind in our modern sea of mass-produced consumer products. Or maybe we could simply chalk it up to men being tired of crappy shaves, irritated skin, and expensive disposable razor cartridges. Whatever the reasons may be, traditional wet shaving is here to stay.
It's not difficult to see why more and more men are taking notes from grandpa when it comes to their shaving routine. Traditional wet shaving offers a number of benefits over modern electric and cartridge razors. Namely, it's easier to get a closer shave and it's easier on your skin. It can also save you money in the long run, as safety razor blades and shaving soap are considerably cheaper than cartridges and canned foam. They're also better for your face.
The fundamentals of wet shaving haven't changed much over the centuries. The first rule is, naturally, to select a good razor, and the majority of wet shavers rely on the trusty safety razor due to its low cost and ease of use. This razor type uses a double-sided blade covered by a guard that exposes only a sliver of the edge, preventing major cuts.
To help you get started, we've rounded up five of the best safety razors you can buy. We graded them for durability, fit and finish, hand-feel, and ability to deliver a great shave when used with a quality blade. I personally use and recommend US-made Personna and Japanese-made Feather blades.
Here are the best safety razors you can buy:
- Best safety razor overall: Edwin Jagger DE8
- Best long-handled heavyweight safety razor: Merkur MK38C
- Best open comb safety razor: Mühle R41
- Best adjustable safety razor: Merkur Futur
- Best high-end safety razor: Feather AS-D2
Updated on 10/29/2019 by Amir Ismael: Updated links, prices, and formatting.
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