Best Razors for Men: The Ultimate Guide You Need in 2021

When it comes to a closer shave, these days many men are taking notes from the older generation when it comes to using the best razor for their shaving routine. While electric razors have their benefits, traditional wet shaving can provide a closer, smoother shave and offers a number of benefits over electric razors. Basically, it’s significantly easier to get a closer shave without razor burn, and it’s also a more affordable option compared to high-priced electric models.

Finding a good safety razor or cartridge razor that won’t let you down can be a challenge since the rise in popularity has also resulted in a boost in production. If you’ve decided to make the switch to wet shaving and you’re looking for a razor that can handle all your shaving and grooming needs, then you’ve come to the right place. I’ve tested out several of the best selling razors that have earned high user ratings. I’ve narrowed it down to eight must-have models that are sharp, built tough, and easy to use. I’ve also created a buyer’s guide that will go over the different features these razors have to offer and the many benefits that come with using both safety and cartridge razors.

Below, you’ll find a comparison chart that lists the important features for each of the eight models that landed on my must-have list.

Razors for Men Comparison Chart

Product	Blades	Design	Handle Style	Rating
Vikings Blade Razor Shop On Amazon!	20	Safety Razor	Weighted
Weishi Nostalgic Razor Shop On Amazon!	5	Safety Razor	Long/Weighted
BIC Comfort 3 Razor Shop On Amazon!	12	Disposable	Ergonimic
Gillette ProGlide Razor Shop On Amazon!	4	Disposable	Lightweight
Dorco Pace 6 Pro Shop On Amazon!	9	Disposable	Ergonomic
Schick Quattro Titanium Shop On Amazon!	16	Disposable	Ergonomic
Gillette Mach3 Turbo Razor Shop On Amazon!	3	Disposable	Standard
Shaving Revolution Razor Shop On Amazon!	10	Safety Razor	Weighted

Vikings Blade the Chieftain Double Edge Safety Razor

Our Rating: (5/5)

According to the manufacturer, this model is the perfect all-rounder razor, providing a handle that’s twenty percent heavier, and a design that’s made out of eco-friendly materials. The razor also comes with some nice extras, including a pack of steel mild blades and a case complete with a small shaving mirror.

This double-edged razor provides excellent weight distribution and effortless even strokes. Changing out the blade takes seconds, making this model a great choice for those who are new to this type of razor. The simple three-piece design of the razor also makes this model low maintenance and easier to clean. However, there have been reports that adjusting the blade can be difficult. If the blade is not aligned correctly it can damage the razor and can even result in nicks and cuts.

Conclusion

Considered the Cadillac of safety razors, this is one tough model that is perfect for beginners or those who have mastered the safety razor shaving technique. The blade is adjustable, which can be a plus or drawback, depending on the user. There have been many complaints regarding blade alignment, which can be tricky to do and can lead to a poor-quality shave if not done correctly. Overall, this is a well-built razor and one that you can rely on for a daily shave.

Weishi Nostalgic Safety Razor

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This is an elegant razor that features the butterfly design. The weighted handle gives you more control over the shaving process and allows for a cleaner, smoother shave, without the need of the user to apply any force. The blade is angled at forty-five degrees, for a closer shave. This model comes with a box of blades and a carrying case, so the razor can be safely stored and protected from dust and moisture. To change out the blade, all you have to do is grasp the blade by the sides and place it inside the blade chamber. Next, you’ll shake the razor gently in order to seat the blade. The blade must be centered from end to end.

At the bottom of the handle, you’ll find a knob, which you will twist to secure the blade. Butterfly style razors are not a good choice for the beginner since centering the blade correctly will take some practice and can be difficult to do. The seasoned safety razor user will quickly learn how to center the blade correctly, for a smoother, cleaner shave. While this isn’t a beginner-friendly razor, it’s definitely a must-have for the experienced user in search of a durable razor that’s designed to last.

Conclusion

This butterfly style razor is perfect for experienced safety razor users, but not the best choice for the beginner considering if the blade is not perfectly aligned it can do plenty of serious damage to the skin. While this model is not recommended for beginners, it’s a great choice for anyone with prior safety razor experience who knows how to identify a blade that is not aligned properly. The heavy weighted handle, and unique razor head will give you more control over a shave for closer, smoother results.

BIC Comfort 3 Disposable Razor

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This disposable razor offers a more beginner-friendly approach compared to safety razors, featuring a three-blade design that can provide a more comfortable, smoother shave, allowing you to shave coarse hair using a single stroke. The pivoting head and ergonomic handle provide better control when you’re shaving. The lubricated strip is a nice touch since it helps to enhance the glide of the razor, while also providing the skin with nourishing aloe and vitamin E.

Conclusion

If you want a razor that’s simple to use, low maintenance, and provides a clean, close shave, then you’ll love this latest model from BIC, a manufacturer that’s known for producing innovative razors that are designed with safety in mind. This model features a triple blade head design, so you can achieve a closer shave with a single pass, which is a big deal for men with sensitive skin. If you’re looking for a lightweight, disposable razor that you can use on fine and coarse hair, then this model by BIC delivers.

Gillette ProGlide Men’s Razor

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

The ProGlide is the latest model by Gillette. It features a five-blade design with anti-friction blades that will give you the closest shave possible. The lubrication strip will help prevent skin irritation while softening the skin. Each cartridge provides up to one month of shaves, depending on how often you use it. The razor uses flexball technology that allows the blades to easily glide over the contours of your face, for fewer missed hairs and a closer shave. The razor’s streamlined comfort guard is made out of flexible, soft material that wraps around the microfins. This creates a thick edge along the exterior that wraps around every side of the blades for optimal skin contact.

Conclusion

This disposable razor will provide the closest shave possible, thanks to the flexball technology that allows the blades to cleanly and easily roll over the contours of your face. This will also reduce the chance of skin irritation or ingrown hairs. This model comes with a total of four cartridges and is a steal for the price.

Dorco Pace 6 Pro Razor

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This model features an impressive six-blade design, which results in fewer passes and a cleaner shave in just a single stroke. This razor has been dermatologically tested in order to provide a smoother shave, with no irritation. Its sleek flow guard is designed to ensure the blade makes optimal contact with the skin, for a comfortable shave. The ergonomic handle grip fits good in the hand and helps to prevent the razor head from slipping. The lubrication shield is infused with aloe and vitamin E, both of which will nourish the skin while promoting a smoother shave.

Conclusion

This razor is designed for men with sensitive skin and it does an excellent job of ensuring both skin health and the closest shave possible. The unique razor head design comes equipped with a six-blade cartridge that allows you to achieve a closer shave with a single pass. As you know, the fewer passes you make, the less the risk of skin irritation.

Schick Quattro Titanium for Men

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

This set is a steal for the price. This razor comes with sixteen cartridges and features a four-blade design that promotes an effortless, clean, and smoother shave. The ergonomic handle improves control over the shave, while the edging blade and pivoting head allow you to access those hard to reach spots, easily, and cleanly, without causing skin irritation. The lubricating strip is infused with vitamin B, vitamin E, and aloe. The strip helps by lubricating the skin as it goes, while also providing it with important nutrients that will leave your skin feeling softer.

Conclusion

The razor’s pivoting head lubricating strip, and titanium-coated blades provide an effortless, clean, and smooth shave, consistently. The included sixteen cartridges, combined with this high-quality disposable razor will give you more bang for your buck, making this set a great buy for the buyer on a budget.

Gillette Mach3 Turbo Men’s Razor

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

These razors are designed to stay sharp significantly longer than competing razors, lasting for a total of fifteen shaves per cartridge, while competing models offer a total of ten shaves per cartridge. The long-lasting lubrication strip contains aloe and vitamin E, providing a smoother shave while nourishing the skin. The three-blade head design will help minimize the number of times you need to make a pass, even if you have coarser hair. This set includes one razor and three cartridges.

Conclusion

This set includes three cartridges that offer fifteen shaves each, which is pretty impressive. The unique head design will smoothly follow the contours of your face, giving you the closest shave possible. This set is available at a reasonable price and is perfect for men with coarser facial hair for those with sensitive skin.

Shaving Revolution Disposable Razor

Our Rating: (4/5)

This stainless-steel safety razor features a double-edged design that provides a closer, smoother shave. The longer handle design improves user control, without requiring too much force. The longer grip improves the razor’s maneuverability, making it easier to reach those hard to access areas. This reusable razor is a great buy if you’re tired of paying the high cost of disposable razor cartridges.

Conclusion

This model is durable, comes with several replaceable blades, so you’ll only have to use one blade per shave, which guarantees a smooth, clean shave each time. For some, changing out the blade and adjusting it correctly can take some practice, so I wouldn’t recommend this model for the first-time safety razor user. But those with safety razor experience will appreciate this model’s durable design and the longer handle that makes the razor easier to grip and control.

Razors for Men Buyer’s Guide

If you’re tired of using an electric razor that can die on you in the middle of a shave, then the safety razor or cartridge razor can be the perfect solution. They’re easy to use, once you get the hang of this different way to shave, and the blades are so cheap, you won’t have to reuse them, which means you’ll enjoy a clean, smooth shave every time.

Safety Razor

Over the centuries, the fundamentals of shaving have not changed. Obviously, the first rule of shaving is to choose a good razor. Many men prefer using a trusted safety razor since they’re easy to use and affordable. The safety razor utilizes a double-sided blade that’s covered by a guard which exposes only a small sliver of the razor-sharp edge. This design will help to prevent major cuts.

To many, the safety razor will look very intimidating.  but when used correctly, you’ll quickly realize that this style of razor will give you one of the closest shapes you’ve ever had. So what are the other benefits of using a safety razor or cartridge razor? Are they a better choice than electric? Just how easy are they to use?

The History of Safety Razors

The safety razor was first created in 1880 and quickly became the go-to razor for men who were sick of getting nicked and cut from straight razors. 50 years later the first electric razor was introduced and replaced the safety razor. However, safety razors these days are still very much in use and many men favor them over the cartridge and electric razor options.

Many men will choose this type of razor for the affordability and the convenience of use since you don’t have to worry about charging batteries, dealing with cords, or running out and buying expensive cartridges. The biggest reason most men choose this type of razor over other options is the fact that it offers a softer cleaner shave.

Disposable Razors

There are many pros and cons when it comes to using a disposable razor over a safety razor. These models come with cartridges that feature a two to six blade design. Many also feature a longer, ergonomic handle. If you’ve never used a safety razor before, then this type of razor can be a better and safer alternative, since aligning the blade on a safety razor can be very difficult for some users. With a disposable model, you won’t have to deal with the same type of upkeep you do with safety and electric razors. In terms of care, all you need to do is rinse off the blade and handle and dry the razor in an upright position.

Cartridges

A disposable razor will use cartridges. Each cartridge will come with two up to six blades, depending on the model. Cartridges can be pretty pricey, which is one reason why many men will make the switch to a safety razor, however, there are users that claim these cartridges can provide a closer shave since they come equipped with multiple blades. These multiple blade designs often result in fewer passes, so this type of razor can be a better option for someone with sensitive skin.

 Benefits of Safety and Disposable Razors for Men

• As I mentioned earlier, safety razors and disposable razors provide a closer shave. The design of the razor allows the sharp blade to sit flush against the skin, so you’ll need to be careful as you shave in order to prevent razor burn and irritation.
• Safety and disposable razors allow you to achieve a closer shave and will give you more control over the shaving process, allowing you to easily reach those hard to access areas that an electric shaver simply can’t reach.
• These razors are also a much better choice if you have coarse hair. If you have thicker hair that requires several passes, then the safety razor is a much better option. Men who have hair that’s too thick tend to clog other razors, causing irritation and a rough shave. Using a safety razor or cartridge will be the best fix. Additionally, since you can replace a blade after each use you won’t have to worry about cuts or nicks.
• Another benefit is the fact that the blades are cheaper to replace. On average you can expect to pay 25 to 30 cents per blade, if you purchase a box in bulk. Because they’re so cheap you won’t be tempted to reuse a blade that you know is dull.
• These razors also put you in control over the shaving process and require more precision and attention. As you shave, you’ll have to carefully think about each stroke you make and the level of pressure that you use. While it’s true that this type of shaving process can take skill and time, once you get the hang of it you’ll have to admit that you’ve never had a closer shave.

Other Important Features

When you’re shopping for a safety razor or a disposable razor, it’s important that you pay attention to a few key features such as the handle, balance, and weight. In terms of a disposable razor, you will also want to pay attention to how many blades each head is equipped with.

Weight

The weight of a razor can be a catch 22 in some cases. If the razor you choose is too light, then you’ll be tempted to press down too hard and the shave will go too quickly. If the razor is too heavy, then it may go down on your skin with too much force. Either option can result in skin that’s cut and nicked.

Balance

The balance of the razor will also play a major role in whether or not a particular model is right for you. A model with a heavy handle and a lightweight head, or a light handle and a heavy head can lead to the user applying an unnatural amount of pressure to the face.

Handle

The handle’s length will also be important concerning pressure and balance. However, the handle can also be more a matter of personal preference since the perfect length can depend on the size of the user’s hand.

A weighted handle can provide the user with better force and balance when shaving. It will also prevent the user from having to apply any additional pressure.

Blades

Replacement blades are very affordable so you will not have to reuse them for your next shave. Many models come equipped with a package of blades included with the razor. Fortunately, you can find these blades pretty much anywhere online and you can buy them for a price that’s surprisingly affordable.

Adjustability

There are both fixed and adjustable models of razors on the market. Whether or not you choose an adjustable model is also a matter of personal preference. Some people who use this style of razor feel that it’s essential that you find the perfect gap between the safety bar and blade. Other users feel that a model that’s adjustable is a distraction and it’s not necessary, preferring to purchase a model that’s built correctly to begin with.

Butterfly

A butterfly style safety razor features a head that opens up like wings which accept the blade. Many manufacturers that produce this style of razor advertise it as being much easier to use. However, the style of razor can easily trap water inside the handle. Many users have complained that drying it out completely is almost impossible. This can lead to rust, bacterial growth, and corrosion.

Two and Three-Piece Design

If you want a style that you can really rely on then stick with the two or three-piece safety razor design. These razors can take a few extra seconds in terms of getting the blade to fit correctly and ready for use, however, they’re much easier to clean and very simple to use.

Price

Price will always be a factor when you’re shopping around for a new product. These razors are available in a variety of prices ranging from $20 up to $200. If you don’t regularly use this styler of razor, but would like to use one occasionally, then go for a medium-priced model that will work for you. If you plan on making the switch and using one of these razors daily, then go for a high-priced model that features a durable design.

Maintenance

Shaving daily can mean skin that’s less irritated, a face that looks healthy and clean, and a faster shave every time. Since the replacement blades for these razors are so affordable you can use a new blade for every shave. Obviously, a sharp blade is more effective than a dull one, but it’s also much safer as well. This will result in fewer ingrown hairs, cuts, and nicks.  However, taking proper care of your razor will be crucial to ensure it doesn’t rust, and you will prevent bacterial growth and corrosion. To learn more, click here to read my article on how to clean a razor blade.

How to Use a Safety Razor and Cartridge Razor

As I mentioned above, the more often you shave the better the shaving experience will be. To shave with this type of razor, make sure that you wet your facial hair thoroughly using hot water before you begin to shave. You should also give the water time to soak into your facial hair before using the razor. This will allow the hairs to soften which will make them much easier to cut. Additionally, washing your face prior to shaving will open up the pores which will lift up the hair follicles, so they sit closer to the skin’s surface.

Once you’ve applied a shaving lotion, gel, or cream, you’ll need to wait an additional minute or two before you start shaving. Be sure to properly identify the shaving pattern for your face and work in areas with the least thick hair concentration, then you can move forward towards the thicker areas. This usually means shaving the cheeks first, followed by the lips, and finishing with the chin. With each pass, make sure the blade is clean and add more shaving lotion, gel, or cream when needed.

Before storing it away ensure that your blade is clean and dry. Even if the razor is made out of stainless steel it can tarnish and rust if it’s stored wet or caked with soap scum or shaving cream. Thoroughly rinsing the razor after use will be the best way to get the most use out of each blade and the razor itself.

Skin Prep

Learning how to prepare the skin for shaving can help to prevent many issues such as razor burn and cuts and nicks. But preparing your skin for a safety razor shave is that much different than what you would do to prep for an electric razor shave. You’ll need to soften the whiskers using hot water, then use a type of pre-shave treatment such as oil to hydrate and nourish the skin. There are many types of soaps, gels, and creams that can also be very nourishing and can be applied for the same type of pre-shave effect. When applying a shaving agent, it’s important that you do your best to lift the hair, which will be easier to do when using a shaving brush.

• Be sure to pull the skin taut. The skin should be kept as tight as possible as you shave. You want to avoid accidentally applying pressure, losing your grip, or dragging a razor across the skin. This can be avoided by maintaining a steady, smooth surface. Angle your neck and turn your face, then pull the skin taut.
• When using a weighted handle, it should be applying all the force you need for a sturdy and clean shave so you will not have to apply any additional pressure as you move the plate across your face. The handle should be held at a 30-degree angle away from the skin.
• Always shave with the grain, not against it. Take a look at the growth patterns on your face prior to shaving. Remember, hair doesn’t all grow in the same direction, so you’ll need to pay close attention to each section you’re shaving. Doing this correctly can help to prevent ingrown hairs and skin irritation.
• You want to shave using steady, short strokes. Make sure that you rinse the blade in between. Over a small patch you will do a single pass, then rinse the blade thoroughly.
• Once you finish shaving, make sure that you close the pores using cold water. After, you can apply aftershave lotion as usual. This type of lotion is designed to soothe and cool the skin while preventing any type of irritation.

Final Thoughts

The best razors for men will be well-built, durable, easy to clean and maintain, and can provide the type of clean, smooth shave that every man is looking for. The models that I’ve included here in my top 8 list each have what it takes to get the job done if used correctly. Maintenance is crucial, as is following the proper shaving technique in order to get the most out of each blade. This guide is designed to help you on your path to find the perfect razor for your face and one that can provide better results than your average electric shaver.