7 Best Safety Razors for Beginners

Okay, so we cheated a bit here. The Schick Hydro 5 isn’t really a safety razor. But we had to include it because this cartridge razor was specifically designed for sensitive skin. While it’s widely acknowledged that more blades cause more irritation, the Hydro’s five blades are moderated by built-in lubricating gel pads. The gel contains vitamin E and aloe vera to moisturize and replenish your skin as you shave and up to an hour after. The gel pads produce 40% less friction and drag for a smoother, closer shave. The Flip Trimmer finishes the job by smoothing out hard to reach places.

Schick’s unique Hydrating Gel Reservoir lasts two times longer than ordinary lubricating strips. The Flip Trimmer mechanism is a very convenient innovation that is simple to activate, even with wet hands. The handle is ergonomically designed for a firm but comfortable grip. The skin guard on top of its Ultra Glide blades regulates skin flow and lessens friction. The large guard bar helps stretch the skin for a closer shave and maximum hydrating gel absorption.

For less than $46, which includes 1 razor handle and 17 refill blade cartridges, you’ll be doing your skin a huge favor.

While it isn’t the most aggressive razor available, it’s still capable of a barbershop quality shave with the standard three passes. Its mid-level aggressiveness gives you the advantage of experimenting with different blades to achieve the shave quality of your choice. For close shaves, go with Feather or Personna blades. If you require a milder shave, use a Wilkinson Sword or Derby blade. This razor is lighter than most models, but its blade placement and weight distribution more than make up for it.  

This razor’s high-quality chrome finish is second to none. Even non-visible parts have the same polished chrome finish. This attention to detail makes it the most stylish and handsome safety razor in the market. It supports all branded and generic standard double edge safety razor blades. Purchase comes with customer support and service warranty when you register your item. It’s packaged in a sleek Edwin Jagger gift box. There are multiple handle options available.  

Premium looks and functionality at under $30.

The Merkur Progress’ adjustable head lets you modify how much of the blade will stick out from the razor head’s top cap. This gives you maximum control over your shaving preference. There are five settings to choose from to fine-tune the smoothness of your shave. The first setting is the least aggressive and provides a very mild shave that’s ideal for sensitive skin. This setting is also ideal for shaving the body, head, or legs. Setting number five is the most aggressive and delivers an extremely close shave for thick beards or coarse hair. The settings can be changed mid-shave to address specific areas that need a milder or more aggressive shave.

The five settings are initiated with the turn of a knob at the base of the handle. The long, thick handle gives you greater control and balance. Its chrome finish prevents rust and corrosion. The straightforward two-piece build makes it more durable and easier to wash. It works with all standard double edge safety razor blades. The Merkur Progress is available in two variants: standard and long-handled. 

For under $59 for the standard version and under $65 for the long-handled model, you’ll get unsurpassed versatility.

The Feather AS-D2 has an ideal weight to balance point ratio. This stability makes for a comfortable grip and allows the razor head’s density to do all the work. The proprietary design for the base plate has four bumps–one on each corner–for a more secure blade placement. Its low blade exposure gives a great  shave with mild to moderate aggressiveness and can glide over sensitive areas without worrying about nicks or cuts.

The handle is finely textured with a cross sectional pattern that’s satisfying to grasp and pleasing to the eye. The grip has three horizontally aligned grooves on the top and bottom parts for added feel and control. Its razor head’s construction prevents screw thread wear. Its classic three-piece design can be taken apart and convenient to take along on your travels. The Feather AS-D2 comes in a stylish burgundy red gift box with a pack of Feather stainless steel double edge blades included.   

Though seemingly steep at $162, the Feather AS-D2 may well be the last safety razor you’ll need to buy.

The Parker 98R’s exceptional heft gives it great leverage. You’ll need fewer passes to get a close shave for less irritation. Its classic design ensures consistent blade placement to prevent nicks and cuts, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. The long handle and superior grip deliver an aggressive shave that’s perfect for thick, heavy beards and coarse hair.  

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a safety razor with more heft or a longer handle. Its 4.3-inch handle alone is heavier and longer than most safety razors. The knurled, textured handle is a pleasure to grasp, even with wet and soapy hands. The handle, base plate, and top cap are easy to assemble and disassemble for thorough cleaning and precise blade alignment. The Parker 98R is compatible with any brand of double edge safety razor blades. Your purchase includes a pack of 5 premium blades.

With all its features, and backed by Parker’s decades-long tradition of crafting excellence, it’s worth every bit of its $29.99 price tag.

Despite its super mild aggressiveness, it actually delivers a pretty decent shave. If you want a smoother, closer shave, you’ll have to make several extra passes here and there. But given that this razor was designed for a mild shave, it can still give a closer shave with fewer passes than a multi-blade razor because of its weight and long handle. Do remember that a razor’s shaving efficiency also depends on the quality of blades you’re using. It’s the best safety razor for those who want a mild shave or for new converts to old school shaving.

The butterfly head mechanism opens and closes smoothly with just a few turns. The vertical and horizontal grooves provide an excellent grip. Slip-proof grooves paired with a handle that’s over 4-inches long produce control and flexibility that’s comparable to most upscale brands. You should have no difficulty guiding the razor along tricky areas such as the chin, jaw, and neck. The 2.5-ounce weight is perfectly distributed across its 4.3-inch body. A carrying case with mirror and brush comes with your purchase.

At under $14, it’s almost ridiculous to ask for more than what this safety razor already offers.