Photo: Marcus McDonald
Every barber I’ve spoken to over the past four years agrees on one thing: Safety razors are one of the best ways to shave at home. Not only are safety razors less irritating than cartridge razors (unlike cartridge razors, which often have three to five blades loaded in each razor, safety razors have a single blade), they’re also more cost effective. A pack of standard blades from Merkur, for example, costs $10 — a dollar a blade. Each blade should be good for a rough average of at least five shaves — that’s 20 cents per shave. A safety razor is also infinitely customizable, as most are compatible with all double-edged blades. This means you can mix and match blades from different brands (and of different sharpness) to find a shave that’s just right for the thickness of your hair and the sensitivity of your skin.
So, with so much freedom, the important thing is picking the right tool up front. Your average safety razor costs around $60, and you’ll want to consider handle-length, blade positioning, and blade mechanism (how you’ll change blunt blades to new ones) before you commit. Each guy is different, but most will prefer a shorter-handle, closed-comb razor (and complete beginners who can’t change blades just yet will prefer a butterfly mechanism). If you’re an experienced safety-razor shaver, jump ahead to the section you’re most interested in — tall guys, there’s a couple long-handled picks just for you. Otherwise, and especially if you’re a newbie, read on to understand how selecting a safety razor works, how to find the right one for you, and what the 12 experts I interviewed had to say.
Updated on May 27, 2025
Interviewed four new experts, and added their recommendations of the Rockwell 6C and Parker 26C safety razors. Also spotted that the Bevel razor is 20 percent off.
Comb type describes the space that exists between the blade and the safety bar of the razor — and it largely determines the “aggressiveness” of your shave (razor choice does have a part to play, too). “A closed-comb razor is recommended for beginners. It’s basically a safety guard that goes over the blade,” explains Cody Renegar, also known as master barber and colorist Hair By Cody.
If you’re a more experienced shaver, or have thicker, coarser hair, you might want to consider an open-comb style. Vinicio Larios, CEO of Fade Masters Of Miami, uses them in his shop as they allow “lather and hair to pass through more easily, which means I don’t have to keep rinsing mid-shave.” But, as Renegar explains, “the chances of nicking yourself are much greater, and you may walk out of the bathroom with pieces of tissue on your face if you do not first perfect the technique with a closed-comb razor.”
I’ve mainly focussed on closed-comb razors — they’re a good option for day-to-day maintenance and the majority of hair types. But if you’re an experienced safety-razor user looking for a closer shave, or have a particularly coarse hair type, I’ve also included a couple of open-comb options.
Generally, a shorter handle is preferable for control and precision. Barber Mike Sposito compares it to using a baseball bat: “The shorter the handle, the tighter the grip and the greater your control.” If you’re a larger or taller guy, though, you’ll probably want a longer handle as it’ll fit in your hand better. Three inches is the average length of a safety-razor handle, with 3.7 to 4 inches being the size of what we’d call a “longer” handle.
You’ll find safety razors have one of two blade-loading mechanisms: a screw-off top, or a butterfly mechanism. Screw-offs require you to hold the handle, and screw the top and bottom of the razor apart to replace the blade. The butterfly razor’s head pops open and closed with a simple twist instead of a more lengthy and fiddly unscrewing and rescrewing. If you’re a complete beginner, you’ll probably find the no-fuss pop-open mechanism of the butterfly razor easier to get your head around, and if you’re in a rush, it’s slightly quicker. But for the most part, don’t worry too much about replacing your blades, even the screw-off mechanisms are straightforward and easy to get to grips with quickly.
Some razors come with a pack of blades included — to me, this essentially knocks $10 off the price. Not all razors do, though, and I’ve made a note of where you’ll have to order them yourself below. If you’re wondering how many you’ll need, some general blade advice: How long your blade will last will depend on how thick your hair is — thicker coarser hair will dull blades quicker. You should replace your blades as soon as you feel even the hint of a tug on your facial hair. For blade maintenance, Renegar advises drying your blade after every shave. “Tap your razor a few times on a dry hand towel, and be sure it is dry.” This will not only prolong the life of your blades, but the life of your razor itself.
Closed comb | 3-inch handle | Screw off | 10 blades included
With shaving, the best in class is often the best for most. Merkur’s razors — particularly their 34C — sits in that sweet spot. It has a three-inch handle, the average “short” length for a safety razor and one that will fit snugly in a guy’s hand unless he’s particularly tall. (The handle has a slight texture, too, which my experts told me is great for grip.) It’s closed comb, so less-likely to cause irritation to daily users or give beginners a painful knick. It’s compatible with all double-edged blades, so if you don’t like the Merkur ones (or need something sharper), you can mix and match until you find the right fix. It does have the fiddlier mechanism (screw-off, rather than butterfly), but changing the razor blade is very easy — even if, like me, you have never tried before.
Basically, it has everything a safety razor needs. It gets the expert approval, too: Brian Porteous, owner of Heritage Barbershop, has been shaving with it for years. It remains in the top spot, as I’m yet to find a better recommendation. An especially great for beginners, but just a very solid, reliable, inexpensive safety razor that most guys will get along great with. It’s $60 for the tool and ten blades, setting you up for your first 50 or so shaves.
Closed comb | 3-inch handle | Screw off | Buy blades separately, compatible with all
Cheaper still is this pick from Edwin Jagger, that Friend of a Barber’s Mark Miguez recommended to me a couple of years ago. I’m yet to find a more cost-effective option. Blades are not included, but once you add a box for about $7-10, you’re still below a $40 price tag for your first fifty shaves (and again, you can mix and match blades, if you like). And it’s not just cheap, it has the specs to go with an enticing price-point: closed comb, short, snug handle, and handsome chrome plating. Miguez mentioned that he switched to this razor after bad skin experiences with Gillette and Bic cartridge razors — he hasn’t had any irritation with his Edwin Jagger.
Closed comb | 3.3-inch handle | Screw off | 5 blades included
Most safety razors are rigid in their design, which means you’re generally stuck with whatever cutting angle is built into the razor and how it closes around a blade. Adjustable razors, however, let you control how much of the blade protrudes beyond the head, so you can control how aggressive the shave is. Two experts recommended the Rockwell adjustable razor to me, including Darius Davie, men’s grooming expert and creative director of Groom Guy. While some adjustable razors only have four or five closeness settings, Rockwell’s has six, making it a tool for a truly customizable shave. At 3.3 inches, its handle sits at a medium length, meaning it should be a “Goldilocks”-like in-between for guys with smaller and bigger hands. (Daniel Chulpayev of Made Man Barber also likes the T2 model from Rockwell: It costs $250, so is more of a pick for a professional barber. But it’s good to know where the experts are shopping, I feel, so you can emulate it at home.)
Closed comb | 3.7-inch handle | Screw off | Sample blade included
If you’re a taller guy, you’ll need a longer handle — it’ll fit more snugly in your palm than a smaller option, which you might have to readjust your grip on constantly. This razor is the longer-handled pick of Chulpayev. Like our experts above, he trusts the Merkur quality and says that having an “economical” option, as well as a razor with a “nice shine and luster” makes all the difference in a man’s routine. Another benefit of the 510 is that it’s an adjustable razor: It has five different closeness settings, so once again is a great pick for a customizable shave.
Closed comb | 4-inch handle | Screw-off | 10 blades included
Even if you’ve mastered the technique, I know some skin and hair types are just more sensitive than others. Those groomers may want to consider a Bevel razor. Master barber Julien Howard at New York City’s Blind Barber (who also does pop-ups around the country under the moniker the Velo Barber) has seen guys of all races with all beard types, and particularly specializes in coarse and African American hair. He tells me Black-owned brand Bevel makes his favorite razor for dealing with coarse hair types or skin prone to stubborn stubble and ingrown hair. It’s designed with enough weight in the head so that users need not press down at all and potentially cause irritation; the razor will guide how much pressure is necessary. Both he and Davie also highlighted the entire Bevel range, which includes lathers, brushes, and shaving gels.
Photo: retailer
Closed comb | 3.8-inch handle | Butterfly | 5 blades included
As I mentioned above, if you’re a complete safety razor newbie, the less-fussy butterfly mechanism is a good place to start. Instead of unscrewing and removing the razor’s head, you unscrew at the base of the handle and the top of the head opens out (like butterfly wings). You then pop the new razor inside and screw it shut again — there are fewer moving parts, which makes it more straightforward. Included in the very reasonable price of the Parker 96R are five replacement blades. Angelo Ruscetta, master barber at American Haircuts Ruscetta told me that he calls it the “Cadillac of safety razors” and that it’s the one he uses at home.
Open comb | 3-inch handle | Screw off | Sample blade included
If you’re looking for an open-comb style — which sources have told me provides the closest shave possible — the Muhle R41 is one of the best available. “I don’t recommend this razor to beginners, though. It’s known to be a very aggressive shave,” Peter Solomon, the owner of Boston’s Tweed Barbers tells me, so it’s best for experts who know what they’re doing.” Chulpayev also enjoys this averagely priced Muhle model, and says that their more reasonably priced models perform just as well as those at the more expensive end of their range. Remember, though: If you’re not a safety-razor pro, this razor could leave you with some nicks and scrapes.
Open comb | 3-inch handle | Screw off | Buy blades separately, compatible with all
I also found a budget open comb pick, courtesy of Larios. “Open comb safety razors are my go to in the shop. The open design allows lather and hair to pass through more easily, which means I don’t have to keep rinsing mid-shave,” he says. “They also perform better on clients with thicker beards or those who haven’t shaved in a few days.” Larios likes the classic design of this Parker open comb safety razor, and it has all the specs that I like to see in a safety razor: 3-inch handle, durable metal frame, and compatible with all double-edged razors.
• Daniel Chulpayev of Made Man Barber
• Darius Davie, men’s grooming expert and creative director of Groom Guy
• Mike Gilman, founder of Grooming Lounge
• Julien Howard at New York City’s Blind Barber
• Vinicio Larios, CEO of Fade Masters Of Miami
• Mark Miguez, who works at Friend of a Barber
• David Notis, former Strategist writer
• Brian Porteous, owner of Heritage Barbershop
• Cody Renegar, also known as master barber and colorist Hair By Cody
• Angelo Ruscetta, master barber at American Haircuts
• Peter Solomon, the owner of Boston’s Tweed Barbers
• Joey Tasca, barber at Brooklyn’s Matter of Instinct
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