The Best Safety Razor Blades

The Best Safety Razor Blades
Photo Credit razor image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com

What To Look For

Safety razors have plastic casing around the blade to prevent them from causing more than surface cuts. They usually come with one, two, three, four or even five blades for a close shave. Some safety razors are disposable, while others have disposable heads but reusable bodies. Bestcovery.com recommends the Edwin Jagger Chatsworth Double Edge Safety Razor, which provides a close shave and has a large handle that makes it easy to use. The Gentlemen's Shop website recommends the Merkur brand of razor blades for their sharp and long-lasting edges.

Common Pitfalls

The problem with some safety razor blades is that they dull quickly. The Gentlemen's Shop mentions that the Merkur brand of razors may be too sharp to begin with for some users. A safety razor can still cut the skin, creating a grazed cut that is painful and can take a long time to heal. The plastic handles that come with many safety razors can become slippery, making it difficult to use the razor.

Where To Buy

Most safety razors are available from grocery stores, home supply stores and drugstores. A few specialty razors are available through online sources. Some barbershops may also sell a specific brand of razor that they use in the store. For the most part, stores like Walmart, Target and grocery stores offer a wide selection of safety razor brands that will suit the needs of most people.

Cost

Many safety razors come in packs of two or more for under $10. It is unusual to pay more than $20, even for a reusable safety razor. Some quality brands, however, do cost more. The Edwin Jagger Chatsworth Double Edge Safety Razor costs about $80. The Merkur brand of safety razor blades cost around $30.

Comparison Shopping

Single-blade razors work well for precision shaving. Multiple-blade razors offer a closer shave, but can also cause razor burn. The best way to find the ideal razor for your shaving needs is to test out several brands, several razor-head shapes and various numbers of blades to determine which razor works the best for you. In general, a three- or four-bladed razor is enough to produce a close shave without damaging the skin.

References

Article reviewed by Michael Carroll Last updated on: Dec 8, 2010

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