Safety Razor vs. Straight Razor » Battle of the Shaving Methods

The safety razor was the leading razor for wet shaving in Europe and North America for much of the 20th century. In the 1970s, it was then supplanted by cartridge razors.

Since then, it has largely fallen into obscurity in Europe and North America. However, in many Asian countries, it remains the number one daily companion.

The safety razor – a relic from days gone by? The question can now be confidently answered with "No", because due to its numerous advantages, it is enjoying renewed popularity in Germany and our neighboring countries.

Many products and practices that shaped our society for a long period of time and were subsequently replaced are now returning to people's consciousness.

Aside from the nostalgia factor, this is primarily for practical reasons, as the quality of the products and practices remains consistently high even in the 21st century.

In the field of shaving products, the safety razor, the straight razor, and the shaving brush, as well as the practice of classic shaving, are making a comeback.

Especially the safety razor brings some advantages, like

• Thoroughness,
• Sustainability
• and durability, compared to common cartridge razors, which will be discussed later.

Before we clarify what a safety razor is and in which variants it is produced, take part in our quiz and let us recommend products to you.

What is a safety razor actually?

On Wikipedia we find the following definition: "A safety razor is a razor for wet shaving. In the case of shaving with a safety razor, a razor blade is used that protrudes only slightly from the razor, in order to avoid larger cuts." (Wikipedia)

A single razor blade is placed in the head of the razor - here, the higher the quality of the blade used, the more thorough the shave.

To change the blade, a twisting mechanism is operated at the lower end of the handle.

Generally, there are three predominant closure variants for safety razors:

• In safety razors with butterfly closure, the head of the razor folds open and the blade can be replaced. This variant of the razor is ideal for beginners.
  
  
• In the second closure variant, the turning mechanism releases the head plate from the razor.
  
  
• In the third variant, the bottom plate on the head of the safety razor also comes off by turning beside the head plate.

Furthermore, safety razors differ in the type of comb. "The comb is the element of the safety razor that protects the skin from the blades." (Wikipedia) It is distinguished between safety razors with open and closed combs.

In closed comb safety razors, the blade is better protected, because the edge of the razor is continuous. Because the blade is less exposed, a safety razor with a closed comb is safer to use and thus more suitable for beginners.

In razors with open comb, the edge is not continuous, but usually serrated. This makes the blade less concealed than with a closed comb and promises an even higher degree of thoroughness in shaving.

You can read here how open and closed comb safety razors differ.

Safety Razor vs. Straight Razor - The Key Criteria in Overview

Safety razors and straight razors differ from each other in several essential points.

Below we present the advantages and disadvantages of both shaving instruments.

Make your choice based on the key criteria.

Safety Razor: The Pros and Cons

Advantages of Safety Razors:

• Thoroughness and precision: The safety razor reaches almost all areas on the face and neck, thanks to its flat razor head. The result: a smooth and precise shave.
• Sustainability and durability: Compared to common cartridge razors, safety razors have a significantly longer lifespan. In addition, the replacement blades are much cheaper and easy to find online.
• Versatility: With safety razors, you can customize the shaving angle and pressure. As a result, they are very adaptable and can be tailored to different skin and beard types.

Disadvantages of Safety Razors:

• Learning curve: At the beginning, it can be difficult to achieve a satisfactory result with a safety razor. However, with a little practice, you can achieve the desired result.
• Initial investment: The cost of a good safety razor can be higher than that of disposable razors. However, the long-term savings from cheaper replacement blades quickly offset this initial investment.

Straight Razor: The Pros and Cons

Advantages of Straight Razors:

• No ongoing costs: Straight razors do not require replacement blades, which eliminates ongoing costs.
• Easy maintenance: With regular stropping and occasional honing, a straight razor can last a lifetime.
• Precise contours: Due to their straight and sharp blade, straight razors are ideal for creating precise contours.

Disadvantages of Straight Razors:

• High learning curve: Mastering the technique of shaving with a straight razor requires time, patience, and practice.
• Maintenance effort: Unlike safety razors, straight razors require regular stropping and occasional honing to maintain their sharpness.
• Initial investment: A good straight razor and the necessary accessories can be expensive initially.

Despite some similarities, both types of razors differ significantly from each other in terms of use, design, and handling. Whether you decide on a safety razor or a straight razor depends on your personal preferences, your skill level in wet shaving, and the time you are willing to invest in it.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether you choose a safety razor or a straight razor depends on your individual preferences and needs. Both types of razors have their advantages and disadvantages. If you prefer a versatile, durable, and precise shave, a safety razor might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a traditional shaving experience with no ongoing costs and are willing to invest time in mastering the technique, a straight razor could be the better option.

Whatever you choose, both safety razors and straight razors offer a high-quality shaving experience that can turn your daily grooming routine into a ritual of relaxation and enjoyment.

We would be pleased to advise you on the subject of wet shaving and will be happy to help you find the right razor for you.

Take a look at our safety razors and our straight razors, and discover the fascination of traditional wet shaving.

We also provide tips on classic wet shaving on our blog. You can find more interesting articles and guides there.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to hearing from you and wish you a pleasant and smooth shave.