We Help You Find the Best Double-Edged Razors!
A fine shave is one of the best ways to mentally prepare yourself for anything the day might throw at you. And in our opinion, wet shaving with a double-edged razor offers the best possible shaving experience in most cases. You just can’t beat the classics!
To get the most out of your shave, you need to have access to the best tools, and one of the most important tools is your double-edged, or DE, razor blade. In this guide, we will share with you how to determine what DE razor will work best for you and share our assessments of prominent DE razor brands.
Need to master using a DE razor?
DE Shaving is a Personal Experience
The Blade That Works For Us, or Someone Else, May Not Work for You
Raphael shaving with a DE razor.
Preston shaving with a DE razor.
Shaving, especially DE shaving, is a deeply personal experience. While this guide discusses what makes a great blade generally so that you can find the best blades for you, you need to recall that what makes the “best blade” will vary based on many factors, including your shaving routine, hair type, and skin sensitivity.
Learn why we think that DE shaving is better than cartridge!
Factors That Make a Great DE Razor Blade
Find the Characteristics and Features That You Need
Find the right DE razor blade for you by considering these factors.
Before sharing our experiences reviewing DE razor blades, we will explain the general features and qualities that make a superior DE razor blade. These realities will often impact how much benefit you will derive from using a particular DE razor blade.
We have divided these factors into two sections: objective characteristics of the blades themselves and subjective components relating to the shaving experience as predicated, mostly, upon facial hair factors.
Blade Characteristics
Double-edged shaving has exceptional
Value
Individual DE razor blades often cost pennies, meaning that you can buy and test out many varieties without expending a huge amount of money. For instance, a $10 pack with 100 blades costs $0.10 per blade. Use each blade twice, and that price drops to $0.05 and tells you what the “price per shave” is. This represents considerable savings over cartridge shaving.
Durability
Even the sharpest blades will grow dull with regular use.
The ability to reuse blades is usually referred to as their durability. Blades with good durability will see a minimal drop in functionality with additional uses.
Of course, even quality, durable blades will naturally dull with use, and how often you need to change blades is also dependent on your shaving routine, skin, and hair type.
Our writer Eb only needs to shave every two or three days.
Preston likes to shave every day.
To be totally clean-shaven, Raphael sometimes has to shave twice a day.
If you have fine and thin hair, you may only need to shave every couple of days, while others might even be shaving twice a day.
Most quality DE blades should still work well after two to three uses, and some shavers can use the same blade 7 or 8 times. But for the best shave every time, a brand-new blade can’t be beat!
Find the right tool for the job with our favorite grooming products!
Materials and Coating
DE razor blades are usually made from carbon steel or stainless steel and then coated with additional substances or metals to improve their functionality, usually by improving overall durability. In addition to nitride, which is used as a fixative, platinum, tungsten, and chromium are the most common coatings, although Teflon and ceramics are also used.
Platinum
Helps to maintain a sharp edge on the blade.
Tungsten
Reduces corrosion, which keeps the blade sharper.
Chromium
Improves the overall sharpness of the blade.
The coating that is right for you will usually depend on what you value most in a shaving experience.
Country of Origin
Feather blades are made in Japan.
Lord blades are made in Eygpt.
Derby blades are made in Turkey and Sweden.
Merkur blades were made in Germany but are now made in the Czech Republic.
Considerable emphasis is sometimes placed on where a razor blade is manufactured, the assumption being that some countries are just better at this trade than others and more likely to produce consistent, quality blades.
In our experience, brand reputation is more important than where a razor blade is made, or, put a different way, quality razor blades can come from anywhere.
That being said, country of origin can indicate standardized labor practices, quality assurance, and environmental safeguards, so it doesn’t hurt to at least be aware of this information.
Does “Made In” really matter in menswear?
Production Consistency
Razor blades being made on an assembly line. [Image Credit: How It’s Made]
When it comes to all aspects of blade quality, reputable companies ought to have good consistency. When a box contains dozens or hundreds of mass-produced items, statistically, you’re sure to get a couple of duds.
But overall, a good razor blade company will offer products of consistent overall quality so that you can expect a comparable shaving experience every time that you load in a new blade.
The Shaving Experience
We want to keep you smiling through your shaving experience!
When it comes to having a pleasant shaving experience, you will need to select a razor blade that satisfies four aspects of the shaving experience, three of which are related to your anatomy and one to your experience with shaving.
What makes a quality shaving brush?
Important Double-Edged Shaving
Terms
Forgiving: A razor blade that is not likely to irritate or cut the skin.
Aggressive: A razor blade that is very sharp and not very forgiving.
Mild: A razor blade that is not very sharp.
Hair Type
Hair Types refers to whether your facial hair is coarse and tough or fine and thin. In general, coarser hair is more difficult to cut and generally requires a sharper blade: otherwise the blade might catch and pull on thick hair. If you have fine, thin hair, however, you might not need an extremely sharp blade, and the extra sharpness could cause irritation.
Hair Length
Hair Length refers to relatively how long or short your facial hair. Because longer hair is usually thicker and more difficult to access the roots, it is more difficult to cut than shorter hair and usually requires a sharper blade. Dull blades are especially prone to snagging on and tugging or pulling, rather than cutting through, long hairs.
Skin Type
When you shave, your skin is put under stress from the friction of the blade that can lead to irritaiton. A certain amount of irritation can occur on all skin types, but skin type is primarily an issue if you have rough or sensitive skin, or skin that is prone to blemishes or acne. This can mean that your skin is either more prone to irritation or that the irritation from shaving could greatly exacerbate issues that you are already having.
Skill Level
Skill Level simply refers to how familiar you are with DE shaving in general. If you’re new to DE shaving, an aggressive blade could more easily leave nicks and cuts than a mild, forgiving one. So, even if you have coarse hair and average skin, it may behoove you when first starting out to avoid the sharpest blades until you build up some experience. Conversely, someone with sensitive skin, even if he is a very accomplished shaver, may prefer to stick with a milder blade For the sake of his skin.
| Is a sharper blade always better? No! | Can people with sensitive skin use sharper blades? Yes! |
|---|
| It is something of a truism in the DE shaving community that the sharper the blade, the better the shave. While it is true that a sharp blade is essential for a closer shave, it is possible for a blade to be excessively sharp for you. If you do not need the sharpest blade due to hair type or shaving routine, do not feel like you need to use one just because “it is the sharpest:” that does not necessarily make it the best for you. | You may sometimes hear it said that people with sensitive skin should not use extremely sharp razor blades. While very sharp blades can irritate sensitive skin because they are more likely to cut or nick you, especially if wielded improperly, sensitive skin can also be aggravated by excess pressure from a duller blade rubbing against the skin and causing razor burn or skin irritation. In those cases, a sharper blade could help to resolve the problem. |
Protect your skin with a suitable shaving soap!
Preston’s Personal Experience
Preston was not always a master shaver!
“I have sensitive skin and relatively coarse facial hair: the coverage isn’t dense, but each individual hair is thick. When I was new to DE shaving, I was apprehensive about using the sharpest blades since I thought they would cut or irritate my skin, so I stuck with a medium-sharp blade.
However, I still suffered irritation on my neck. As I got more comfortable DE shaving and switched to a razor head with a thin blade gap, I decided to try a sharper blade, and this has definitely resulted in less irritation.
Why? A sharper blade, when wielded well, means fewer passes and less pressure, which means less skin irritation. It all just goes to show that what matters most is the shaving experience that works for you.”
Become a pro shaver like Preston!
The Gentleman's Gazette Shaving Guide
FAQ
Is it difficult to learn how to use a double-edged razor?
Doubled-edged razor blades can be intimidating, but by moving slowly, fully following a complete shaving routine, and relying on trusted advice like what you will find at The Gentleman’s Gazette, it is a skill that you can definitely master safely and promptly.
Are double-edged razors the best way to shave?
The best way to shave is a matter of personal preference. In our experience, however, the low costs, close shave, and convenience of double-edged razor shaving make it one of our favorite ways to shave, and we strongly recommend that you at least try it once to see if it could be a good fit for your shaving routine and lifestyle.
What are the advantages of double-edged razor blades?
Double-edged razor shaving is inexpensive, once you have acquired the essential tools, and very sustainable, with minimal waste, unlike cartridge shaving. Double-edged shaving also offers a close shave that is very difficult to achieve with other methods.
What are the disadvantages of double-edged razor blades?
Compared to cartridge shaving, double-edged razor shaving does involve a relatively high initial financial outlay for essential tools and products. It also requires mastering the art of shaving with a double-edged razor, which takes time and patience and is not as intuitive or as easy as shaving with a cartridge or electric razor.
What tools do you need to shave with a double-edged razor?
You will require access to water, a shaving cream or shaving soap, a razor that takes double-edged razor blades, like a butterfly double-edge razor, and double edge safety razor blades.
Are the sharpest blades always the best?
No, they are not. Depending on your hair type, you may not require the sharpest blade to cleanly cut your facial hair, and that added sharpness could irritate your skin or cause unnecessary cuts and knicks.
How long will a double-edged razor blade last?
How long a double-edged razor blade will last depends largely on its innate durability and your shaving experience, including how often you shave and the texture of your hair. Most blades can be used three or four times, although for the closest possible shave some gentlemen change their blades after every shave, while other men are content to use their blades seven or eight times.
Which double-edged razor blade is best for sensitive skin?
Astra, Shark, and Wilkinson Sword Classic are all brands that we recommend for wet shavers with sensitive skin.
Which is the best double-edged razor blade for a beginner?
We recommend Derby and Shark if you are first learning how to use a double-edged razor blade.
Which is the best double-edged razor blade for people with coarse or thick hair?
We recommend Feather and BlueBird for shavers with coarse hair, although if you are new to double-edged razor shaving, you may want to start out with BiC.
What do the numbers on double-edged razor blades represent?
Some blades are marked with numbers, usually a “1” and “2” on one side and “3” and “4” on the other to designate the quadrants of the blade. This allows the manufacturer to quickly identify which portion of the blade might be affected in the event of defects. They have no other function and do not indicate any difference between the sections of the blades. You can use these numbers to help remember where you are in the rotation of using the different edges on your blade.
Our Assessment of DE Razor Blade Brands
As Always, This Section is Not Sponsored
The following information has been gleaned from our personal experience with the following products, for which we have received no compensation from their affiliated brands. We also reached out to our viewers through social media for suggestions on brands to review and to hear from our viewers about their experiences with various brands.
Astra
5 pack of Astra razor blades
Fast Facts
- Made In: Russia (Predominantly)
- Cost: $8.60 on Amazon
- Cost-Per-Blade: $0.09
Our Experiences
Astra offers several blades with various coatings, but the company is generally known for providing good “all around” blades that are relatively sharp but not overly aggressive.
They are, therefore, suitable for men with sensitive skin: perhaps that’s why so many of you preferred Astra in our poll!
“They provide a close, consistent shave, and can comfortably be used 2 or even 3 times on my coarse hair. However, since they’re not as sharp as some other blades, they required more passes per shave from me, resulting in some irritation. They’re not my first choice at this point, but I’d say they occupy my second-place or backup spot.”
Preston Schlueter
Preston learned how to shave using Astra and they are still used by Jack, a member of the Gentleman’s Gazette team.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|
| Good for average skin types | Not ideal for sensitive skin |
| Can be reused a few times | Not ideal for coarse hair |
| Good value per shave | |
| Approachably sharp | |
BiC
BiC makes both cartridge and DE razor blades.
Fast Facts
- Made In: Greece
- Cost: $10.25 on Amazon
- Cost-Per-Blade: $0.21
Our Experiences
BiC may be best known for pens and disposable razor cartridges, but they make a surprisingly great DE razor blade, too! In particular, their Chrome Platinum series has blades that are sharp but also forgiving. If you have coarse or long hair and are new to DE shaving, they could be a great starter model.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|
| Sharp enough for coarse and long hair | Not available in every market |
| Relatively forgiving | Not as sharp as other brands |
BlueBird
BlueBird razors feature multiple coatings for an extremely sharp edge.
Fast Facts
- Made In: Turkey
- Cost: $9.25 on Amazon
- Cost-Per-Blade: $0.09
Our Experiences
BlueBird can prove to be a “bluebird of happiness” for skilled shavers who need a very sharp blade, but these scalpel-sharp Turkish blades are very unforgiving, so we don’t recommend them to beginners.
Depending on your hair texture and shaving regimen, that sharpness could translate to higher durability and lower cost-per-shave, plus a more pleasant shaving experience.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|
| Great for long or coarse hair | Extremely sharp |
| Good durability | Not forgiving |
| Impressive value | |
| |
Derby
Derby blades are great for the daily shaver with fine to normal hair thickness and density of beard hair.
Fast Facts
- Made In: Turkey and Sweden
- Cost: $9.99 on Amazon
- Cost-Per-Blade: $0.05
Our Experiences
Derby is a Turkish company, and their main line of razor blades is branded as “Derby Extra.” We’ve found that they are a great option for anyone with sensitive skin, potentially some men with “average” hair texture and density, and beginners with most hair types. While many men may eventually graduate from this brand, those with sensitive skin could benefit from sticking with it.
“I tried Derby blades, but my hair was too coarse for them, so the tugging that resulted meant that I ended up with some irritation.”
Preston Schlueter
If you have thick, coarse, or dense hair, however, this blade is likely not for you. In our testing, Derby was far too mild for facial hair of that texture and gave a frankly unpleasant shaving experience.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|
| Forgiving | Not suitable for coarse or thick hair |
| Good for sensitive skin | Not suitable for dense hair |
| Good for beginners | |
| Potentially good value | |
Feather
Feather is known as one of the most aggressive razor blades on the market.
Fast Facts
- Made In: Japan
- Cost: $79.99 on Amazon
- Cost-Per-Blade $0.40
Our Experiences
Feather is a name known in the wet shaving community as being almost synonymous with sharpness. These blades are renowned for their cutting edge and aggressiveness, making them ideal for men with coarse or dense facial hair and offering fantastic durability.
This comes at a price, however, as Feather razor blades are also relatively expensive and cost considerably more than many other brands that we are discussing today.
“As I became more comfortable with DE shaving in general … I eventually switched to Feather and the fewer passes resulting from the extra sharpness has meant less irritation for me. Just like Raphael, Feather blades are now my go-to choice!”
Preston Schlueter
Conventional wisdom is that they are too aggressive for men with sensitive or irregular skin and bumps and overkill for men with fine hair. But if you have a more difficult-to-cut hair texture and feel experienced with DE shaving, Feather could still be a good option for men with sensitive skin.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|
| Extremely sharp | Not for beginners |
| Great for coarse, thick hair | Unforgiving |
| Good durability | Relatively expensive |
Gilette
In addition to its more popular cartridges, Gillette still makes DE razor blades.
Fast Facts
- Made In: Russia and India (Primarily)
- Cost: $17.44 on Amazon
- Cost-Per-Blade: $0.17
Our Experiences
Gillette is a juggernaut in the shaving world and the flagship of the Procter and Gamble company. It offers a variety of models under slightly different brand names or lines with different coatings: we tested the Platinum line.
“Overall, ‘decent’ is the operative word!”
Preston Schlueter
We found these blades to be good all-around options, especially suitable for average skin and hair types: no doubt Gillettee is eager to appeal to a middle-of-the-road sales demographic.
They are easy to find and relatively cheap, and while they aren’t as durable as other brands, especially relative to price, you can still get both a decent shave and a decent cost-per-shave from them.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|
| Decent functionality | No standout performance |
| Easy to find | Slightly elevated cost |
| Balance of sharp and mild | |
LORD
Lord razor blades are made in Egypt.
Fast Facts
- Made In: Egypt
- Cost: $34.99 on Amazon
- Cost-Per-Blade: $0.03
Our Experiences
LORD is known to be extremely consistent, offering a regularized shaving experience that is a good option for men with average hair texture and skin of typical sensitivity, especially the price-conscious as these blades are very inexpensive, even by DE razor standards!
Comfortable and forgiving, they may not work well for those with coarse hair but should be a good option for everyone else unless you have very sensitive skin: the potential need for multiple passes can cause irritation.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|
| Good for average skin and hair types | Not ideal for corase or thick hair |
| Relatively Forgiving | Potentially irritating |
| Inexpensive | |
Merkur
Merkur razor blades were a favorite of many of our viewers.
Fast Facts
- Made In: Germany, the Czech Republic
- Cost: $20.00 on Amazon
- Cost-Per-Blade: $0.60
Our Experiences
Known primarily for their razor bodies, commenters on our social media channels have found Merkur blades to be sharp, thick, and durable.
But in our testing, we found them to be totally unsuitable for coarse hair, and we suspect that they would offer only a middling shaving experience for most other hair and skin types.
“I experienced quite a bit of tugging and pulling, with the blade catching my hairs and pulling my skin before doing much cutting …. I learned how to DE shave with a Merkur razor, but I don’t feel nearly as positive about their blades!”
Preston Schlueter
Merkur seems to be undergoing a manufacturing transition, shifting its production from Germany to the Czech Republic. The blades we purchased had an odd brown discoloration to them, so it is possible that they suffered from some kind of manufacturing flaw.
Again, we received on social media many positive assessments of this brand, but we are afraid that our experience did not match.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|
| Acceptable for average hair and skin types | Unsuitable for coarse or dense hair |
| Insensitive |
| Relatively expensive |
Mühle
Mühle is another favorite of our social media followers.
Fast Facts
- Made In: Germany
- Cost: $60.00 on Amazon
- Cost-Per-Shave: $0.30
Our Experiences
This brand is another favorite of our social media commenters, who highlighted its versatility, ease of use, and forgiving but sharp blades.
“I didn’t have great personal experience: these weren’t quite as bad as as the Merkur blades, but also did a fair bit of pulling and tugging. They might be a better option for those with finer hair. I have a Mühle razor in my collection, and use its handle in combination with a head from Henson Shaving, but Mühle blades aren’t for me: your mileage may vary!”
Preston Schlueter
We suspect that this blade could offer an excellent shave for those with fine hair or average hair tending towards fine, but we found it largely unsuitable for coarse hair or sensitive skin.
Especially relative to its cost, we consider these blades acceptable under certain circumstances but not exceptional.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|
| Good for finer hair | Unsuitable for coarse hair |
| Forgiving | Potentially iritating |
| Relatively expensive |
Parker
As we learned, Parker razor blades come in full and half blades!
Fast Facts
- Made In: Sweden
- Cost: $13.77 on Amazon
- Cost-Per-Blade: $0.14
Our Experiences
Hailing from Sweden, Parker blades variously feature each of the three standard blade coatings: platinum-plated, tungsten-plated, and chromium-plated, to encourage very smooth, close, and comfortable shaving experience that won’t irritate most skin types while still being able to handle most hair types.
we made a slight error…
When ordering these blades, we accidentally ordered the half blades that are usually employed in some razor and shavette models.
They are, however, the same types of blades, and made to the same standards, as Parker DE razor blades: on their website, Parker refers to these blades as “pre-cut,” as many men simply snap their DE blades in half to use in certain razors.
We feel, therefore, that this minor error did not significantly compromise our assessment.
Despite the somewhat compromised set-up in which we had to review this blade not conventionally inserted into a DE razor handle, we felt that the Parker blade performed admirably. It handled coarse hair well and we anticipate no trouble in cutting average or finer texture without producing irritation.
“I experienced no tugging or pulling, and no irritation. I did find that the shave was less close or precise than with some other blades, but this may have been a consequence of the setup.”
Preston Schlueter
| PROS | CONS |
|---|
| No irritation | Required multiple passes |
| Good for most hair types | |
| Forgiving | |
| Available in half-blades | |
Personna
Personna razor blades are one of the few still made in America.
Fast Facts
- Made In: America
- Cost: $32.88 on Amazon
- Cost-Per-Blade: $0.16
Our Experiences
Personna blades boast Feather-level of sharpness at a reduced cost, but they also have lower overall durability, and we found that they were not sufficiently sharp to tackle coarse or dense hair. If you have fine hair, you can get a lot of bang for your buck with these blades, even if your skin is not sensitive.
I found these blades to leave more hair behind… and while they didn’t tug or pull, less precision meant more passes, which resulted in a bit of irritation. For a coarse-haired shaver like me, they were unfortunately ‘personna non grata.'”
Preston Schlueter
For coarse or dense hair, however, these blades are not quite sharp enough. They left behind hair, and those additional passes eventually built up irritation.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|
| Sharp enough for fine hair | Reduced durability |
| Not for coarse or dense hair |
| Potentially insensitive |
Shark
Shark Razor blades
Fast Facts
- Made In: Egypt
- Cost: $4.00 on Amazon
- Cost-Per-Blade: $0.05
Our Experiences
Shark blades are known for being extremely forgiving, so while they may not be suitable for men with thick, coarse, or long hair, they can be good options for novices and those with very sensitive skin.
They’re also extremely economical, benefiting from lower labor costs in their manufacturing area, Egypt.
In our initial testing, we had some issues with the blades we received functioning inconsistently, with variable sharpness and overall quality issues, but it wasn’t sufficient to ruin our shave: essentially, a few more duds than expected, but that is somewhat to be expected at this very low price point.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|
| Extremely forgiving | Not suitable for coarse or thick hair |
| Very inexpensive | Not suitable for long or dense hair |
| Suitable for fine hair | Minor quality control issues |
| Safe for sensitive skin | |
Voskhod
While many razor blades are made in Russia, Voskhod is one of the few international brands headquartered there.
Fast Facts
- Made In: Russia
- Cost: $18.95 on Amazon
- Cost-Per-Blade: $0.19
Our Experiences
Voskhod is a Russian company that is trying to position itself to appeal to the majority of razor blade consumers. It offers a good all-around blade, with good durability and sharpness, and neither an especially aggressive nor overly mild blade.
“I was pleasantly surprised by Voskhod blades in our latest testing: they were sharp and precise, with just a hint of irritation.”
Preston Schlueter
Some reviewers have found that the stainless steel blades can be a little irritating on the skin, but we found that a light touch and reduced pressure can ameliorate this issue. Also, try cycling out blades more regularly to reduce irritation to sensitive skin.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|
| Good all-around blade | Minor irritation |
| Good value | |
Wilkinson Sword
Wilkinson Sword razor blades
Fast Facts
- Made In: Germany (Classic Line)
- Cost: $8.99 on Amazon
- Cost-Per-Blade: $0.09
Our Experiences
Wilkinson Sword razor blades offer extremely impressive durability relative to sharpness, allowing for a very close shave with the same blade multiple times. This can result in superlative cost-per-shave returns.
Wilkinson Sword’s durability can partly be attributed to the proprietary triple-coating on every blade, which also makes the blades suitable for most skin types unless your skin is very sensitive or your hair is very coarse.
Wilkinson Swords may not stand out in any category other than durability, but overall, they are a very impressive and economical razor blade in our experience.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|
| Good all-around | No specialization |
| Great durability | Not suitable for very coarse hair |
| Good value | Not suitable for very sensitive skin |
| Accessible | |
The benefits of
Samplers
If you are feeling overwhelmed by your options, samplers allow you to try small selections of multiple brands all at once so you can fully compare them to each other and hone in on what really works for you. Many shaving emporia assemble their own sample packs based on desired shaving experience, like a “Beginners Pack” for ease of use or an “Aggressive Pack” for the sharpest razors.
Honorable Mentions
These are brands that we did not have the opportunity to test but that you mentioned as being some of your favorites on social media. If you are experimenting with new razor blade brands, you should consider giving some of these a try.
Our Rankings
How did these razor blades stack up after our testing?
Informed by our personal assessments, we present the following suggestions for which razor blades are best suited to various hair types, skin types, and experience levels. While we have attempted to be as objective as possible, these rankings are informed primarily by our personal experiences. Therefore, you may have a very different experience when trying these blades out yourself.
For Coarse Hair
#1: Feather
#2: Parker
#3: Voskhod
#4: BlueBird
#5: BiC
When it comes to slicing through thick and coarse hair, it’s hard to go wrong with Feather, a personal favorite of mine, Raphael’s, and many of yours, based on your social media feedback. Parker and Voskhod are also likely contenders. BlueBird is another great option if you don’t want something as sharp, and BiC can be ideal if you are new and need a forgiving blade.
For Sensitive Skin
#1: Astra
#2: Shark
#3: Wilkinson Sword
If you’ve got sensitive skin, Astra is hard to beat when it comes to sharpness for a close shave that won’t irritate your skin. But if you want to be extra careful, Shark is great if you don’t have coarse hair, and with some experience under your belt, Wilkinson Sword is another good option.
Best Value
#1: BlueBird
#2: Astra
When it comes to Best Value, we will say definitively that any DE razor that gives you a shave that you like is a good value! You can’t put a price on a quality shave with minimal nicks, especially not at the low prices typical of all DE blades. That being said, BlueBird and Astra offer great shaves at very reasonable prices, per our testing.
Closest Shave
#1: Feather
#2: Astra
When it comes to the Closest Shave, for us here at The Gentleman’s Gazette, Feather is hard to beat, and Astra is also a strong contender. But ultimately, closeness is such a product of personal preference and interactions of skin and hair types that your results could vary greatly.
For Beginners
#1: Derby
#2: Shark
#3: Astra
If you are just starting out your DE shaving journey, Derby and Shark are very forgiving blades that should reduce the growing pains of nicks and cuts while you are learning. If you feel comfortable with the idea of shaving and prefer something sharper, consider Astra.
For Experts
#1: Feather
#2: Wilkinson Sword
Once you feel like you’ve mastered the art of DE shaving, you might feel naturally inclined to graduate to Feather. While that has certainly been my and Raphael’s experience, Wilkinson Sword might be preferred by gentlemen with more sensitive skin.
Tips for Shaving with a DE Razor
Now that you’re more familiar with DE razor brands, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your DE shaving experience.
1. Don't Be Stingy with Dull Blades
While most people will reuse their blades three to five times, you may want to change the blade out after every shave if you have coarse hair or sensitive skin. Blades can cost as little as 10 cents, so you don’t have to pay much to avoid irritation.
2. Take Advantage of Samplers
If you are just starting out or the needs of your skin and beard change with each shave, consider buying a sampler pack. They will give you enough variety to compare blades directly so that you can find exactly what works for you.
3. Use a Razor Blade Disposal Case
If you have small children or pets, it’s a wise investment to use a razor disposal container for your blades rather than throwing them into the garbage where they could potentially hurt someone. This Shaving Factory Blade Dispenser can hold about six months worth of spent razor blades.
4. The Best Tools Give the Best Shave
Every aspect of your DE shaving routine is affected by every other aspect, so be sure to invest in a quality razor blade handle as well as quality shaving creams, soaps, oils, and other products.
5. Practice the Best Possible DE Shaving Routine
DE shaving is a conscientious process that involves a series of particular steps and a particular mindset. You should not rush into DE shaving, nor should you cut corners to save time. Instead, take your time, relish the experience, and put in the time and effort to achieve a fantastic shave.
Check out our shaving guide
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Conclusion
Preston Pre Shave
Preston Post Shave
We hope our advice today helps you achieve shaving results as great as Preston’s!
Now that we’ve explained what makes a great DE razor blade, we hope that you feel empowered to get shaving to see what works for you. To everyone who contributed your insight and opinions, we thank you for making this video a cut above!
If you didn’t get the chance to state your piece, or if there are other brands you feel we missed and want to see us test in the future, let us know in the comments below!
The Outfit Rundown
Today, Preston is wearing the perfect casual, simple ensemble for testing out razor blades.
The Outfit of the Day
It consists of a plain black polo with horizontal shadow stripes, worn with medium gray trousers that have a texture reminiscent of the knurling on a razor handle. To continue that color feel, Preston is wearing his silver wedding band, and the buckle of his black leather belt is also silver. His shoes are plain black loafers from Allen Edmonds.
Preston is wearing two-tone black and white socks from Fort Belvedere. His fragrance is Derby by Roberto Ugolini, a decadent fragrance that shares a name with one of the razor blade brands we tested today.
Fort Belvedere
Black & White Two-Tone Solid Formal Evening Socks
Fort Belvedere
Derby by Roberto Ugolini
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