Finding a razor that you love is tough. You want the best quality while still giving good results. Here is how to find the best razor for all your shaving needs.
Generally speaking, most men have been growing facial hair since they were about 15 years old. What started out as barely visible peach fuzz in high school, eventually thickened and spread across their faces. Then came the need, or perhaps desire, to shave for the first time.
And from that very first time holding a razor until probably now, many men have not selected the right razor for their personal needs. That’s right, countless men across the country are using razors that either do little to tame their hair, do too much damage on their wallets, or do more harm than good on their skin.
If you find yourself being one of these countless men who are confused about just what to use to fulfill your shaving needs, keep reading and will help you discover the best razor for you.
Types of Razors on the Market
There are four main razors that make up a majority of the razor market. Each style has its own pros and cons.
Cartridge Razors
These razors are commonly used by men when they want to achieve a close shave. When you purchase these razors, you’ll need to buy both the razor and the razor cartridges (which are often sold separately). While they range in price, the higher quality cartridge razors can get on the expensive side.
Recommended Razor: Schick Hydro 5 Shaving Starter Gift Set for Men
Because this is a combo pack with five cartridges, this set should last quite a while before replacement cartridges are needed. And because of the design of the razor with the five blades and skin guards, you can achieve a clean shave with reduced chances of nicking your face.
Safety Razors
Double-edged safety razors are also commonly used. The design of the razor is locked in a safe angle to expose the blade while protecting the user from easily nicking and cutting himself. These blades range in price, and won’t necessarily break the bank.
Ironically, the downside to safety razors can actually be their design. Depending on your face and your typical method of shaving, it may require you using some new and different angles to get a great shave.
Recommended Razor: Seki Edge Feather AS-DZ Double Edge Safety Razor
Although quite pricey, the product lasts for a long time and provides a close clean shave. The Seki Edge Feather is great for the less experienced.
Straight Razors
These are the original male grooming tool. Straight razors have been used for centuries and what you usually see when you watch vintage TV shows and movies.
Most men shy away from straight razors because they are harder to handle and pose the most risk in terms of nicks to your face.
Recommended Razor: Feather SS Japanese Razor
This is perhaps the sharpest on the market, ensuring a close shave. In addition, the blades are super easy to replace.
Disposable Razors
Let’s consider these types of razors as the value razors. They don’t usually cost a ton and you purchase them by the pack. When they get dull, you throw them away.
Keep in mind, if you know you have more sensitive skin or get razor bumps, disposable razors may not be your friend. This is one of those times where you’ll want to remember that “get what you pay for.”
Recommended Razor: Gillette Mach3 Turbo Men’s Razor
For a disposable razor, this razor has been known to get a pretty close shave without irritating the skin and has an easy-to-grip handle. In addition, it’s pretty easy to clean.
If You Struggle with Razor Bumps
Razors bumps, or ingrown hairs, impact millions of guys across the country. And 80% of men that report getting razor bumps happen to be men of color. Given so many men grapple with the condition, we’ve taken a vested interested in seeing what could be done to help prevent the ingrown hairs from forming.
Research will tell you that certain gels, exfoliates, face washes, and lotions can do wonders to prevent men from getting razor bumps. And while those things are definitely beneficial, the best preventative tool is having a great razor.
For those that tend to bump up after shaving, we recommend you switch to the signature double-edge Safety Razor by Bevel. Tristan Walker, the creator behind the razor and the razor’s parent company Walker & Company, designed this particular razor with men of color in mind.
The Bevel Safety Razor has been proven to prevent bumping and skin irritation and has received celebrity endorsements from Nas, John Legend, and Magic Johnson.
For Those that Like Manscaping
As funny and perhaps unrealistic as the term may sound, manscaping is a real thing that many men do as a part of their grooming routine. According to a few polls, it has been estimated that between 50 to 70% of men do some form of manscaping.
At least half of the male population is shaving their chest, legs, armpits, arms, feet, or “nether regions” as a part of their grooming regimen. Whether their shaving to fulfill a partner’s needs, their own, or both, manscaping is a thing, and men should do it with the right tools.
We’ve found the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Razor Styler 3-In-1 Body Groomer and Beard Trimmer to be a pretty good tool when it comes to full-body grooming.
Although the razor gets close enough to give you that freshly shaven look, it doesn’t get close enough to do a ton of damage in terms nicks and cuts. And that’s an important quality in a razor if it’s being used in those “nether regions”.
You Deserve the Best Razor
Whether you’re planning to shave your face or chest, you want to make sure to get the best razor(s) to fulfill your particular needs. Now while we've tackled male grooming from a predominantly manual perspective, there are plenty of great electric shavers that can also get the job done. Just check out these helpful reviews.
And for more grooming tips, be sure to check out our grooming guide and other resources.
Shaving can be time-consuming. Electric razors and trimmers are great options to save yourself time when getting ready in the morning. While they may not give you as close of a shave as a straight razor, today's electric trimmer options are more affordable than ever and come very close to being as effective as a regular razor blade.
When purchasing, you need to consider what is most important to you. If time is your top concern then electric razors and trimmers might be your best bet.