Thread: Safety Razors

So, I'm interested in acquiring a safety razor as an alternative to the straight as well as a more travel-friendly option. Being new to this I am curious about the wide price range available for these tools. In my mind, I can understand the wide range of quality in the craftsmanship of a straight razor, but I have no idea what differentiates a $200 safety razor from a $30 one. What should I look for in a safety razor?

Thank You

As you stated, fit and finish. Place of manufacture... there are tons of reasons a razor can be the price that it is. Some reasons can be viewed as valid, others as branding - just like a straight really.


I think it might help to focus on the following before price:

Long or short handle?

Open vs. closed comb?

Determining what blades to buy for it.

It's not that an expensive DE isn't a great place to start, but it might make scene to get a quality Merkur under $80, and give it a test drive with a bunch of different blades.

It'll give you an insight as to what you want/need relatively quickly.

Good luck!

You can typically buy a Gillette "Slim" like this -- Gillette Safety Razor.Adjustable 1-9.Made in U.S.A.Old.Vintage. | eBay for $30 or $35 on eBay or $15-20 if you hit one at an antique store. It will shave your face and your son's face and your grandson's face...pretty close to indestructible.

The two hundred dollar one would be made out of stainless while the thirty dollar one would be some type of plated metal.

I recommend getting a vintage safety, they can often be found locally for little money and will help you decide what you are looking for in a modern safety razor in terms of aggressivness or styling.

DE's would seem to be all about the same to me as far as the shave you will get since that is determined by the replaceable blade.

You can get a good adjustable Gillette for $25 on ebay with a little luck and a non-adjustable one for less than $10.

If you want a new razor you will pay more but it's not doing any more for your face.

I have a 1956 Gillette, you can get them on Ebay for $30.00 just like Stimpy said.
I wouldn't trade it for the world. Great shaver.

Of course a used vintage will be cheaper vs a new razor. There are new razors that are very inexpensive but most aren't that great. The best value will be with a vintage. New razors can be had for middle prices and are quite good. The really expensive ones are the stainless ones. They keep coming out with more and more stainless models. I suspect the profit motive is the reason and people keep buying them so...

If you are talking strictly about new DE's there are many options available for reasonable prices. I have a cheap Parker, which is okay, but I'd recommend Merkur which can be had for the $35 dollar range. The Edwin Jagger DE89, which is held in high regard, can be found for less than $40, and is another option.