The 5 Best Straight Razors

Straight razors have made somewhat of a comeback in recent years and it's easy to see why. Mastering the art of the straight razor shave is like unlocking a whole new world of baby-soft smoothness. And although straight razors look intimidating at first, they're actually quite easy to operate once you get the hang of it. Of course, when your money-maker is on the line, you're going to want the best of the best. That's why we've done the research and found the very best in men's straight razors. Here, we list our top five favorites, from the budget buy to the premium pick.

Professional Barber Straight Edge Safety Razor with 100 Derby Blades, Stainless Steel, Salon Quality by Utopia Care

Utopia Care gets straight to the point

With a great price, a balanced design, and a smooth, chrome plating, this stainless steel razor from Utopia Care wins the crown for best overall.

Best Overall

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When it comes to straight razor blades, it’s all about balance. With a fair price, professional weight, and rust-resistant chrome plating, this pick from Utopia Care strikes that perfect balance. The blade swings out expertly and the stainless steel, ergonomic handle has the ideal weightiness to it for a smooth stroke. Plus, the classic blade holder mechanism is a breeze to swap out blades, and features precise craftsmanship for a secure fit. At around sixteen bucks, it’s a steal of a deal, and it doesn’t hurt that it comes with 100 Derby blades. Built to last a lifetime, this might just be the last razor you ever have to buy.

Pros

Great value for the price
High craftsmanship
Ergonomic design

Cons

Included blades aren’t the best

Facon Professional Wooden Straight Edge Barber Razor, Salon Quality, 100 Blades

A premium razor for a premium price

Those that want a professional-grade straight razor should consider this handmade blade from Facon, which sports a slick black powder coating and a fashionable handle.

Best Premium

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Straight razors can get pretty pricey. With a quick web search, you could find options that cost several hundred dollars and crafted out of all sorts of rare woods and Japanese steels. However, do not judge a razor by its price tag. Our premium pick costs more than the other options on our list, but it’s actually a bit of a bargain when compared to other professional-grade razors. And not only does it feature the same craftsmanship as options ten times the price, it’s built to last a lifetime. The black powder coating and stainless steel components will never rust or tarnish, and Facon has a reputation for high quality control. In fact, you can find these wooden-handled straight razors in barbershops across the world, so you know it’s a premium pick.

Pros

Adjustable tension
Swing lock armature
Stylish wooden handle

Cons

Exposed high blade is not for beginners

Equinox Professional Straight Edge Razor with 100 Single Edge Derby Blades

Equinox knocks our socks off

Costing less than the price of a pizza, this option from Equinox has everything you need to get started in the straight razor game.

Best on a Budget

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A straight razor doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. That’s certainly true in the case of this option from Equinox International, which sports a price tag of about eleven bucks. Plus, it includes 100 Derby blades to get you started, so it’s easily the most bang-for-your-buck option on the market. Considering each blade is good for two or three grooming sessions, you’d be hard-pressed to find a cheaper shave. Even better, upgrading to the premium Derby blades only costs an extra fifty cents. This pick may not have a fancy wooden handle or an innovative blade guard, but it does feature a classic design and a balanced weight. With this stainless steel straight razor, Equinox proves that cheap doesn’t always mean low-quality.

Pros

Rust-resistant
Affordable price
Blade replacement is cheap

Cons

Changing the blade takes know-how

Upgraded Blade Straight Razor Natural Wood Scale, Handmade, High Carbon Alloy Steel Cutthroat Blade, Vintage Wood Handle

Those looking to shave like their great-grandfathers should consider this single-blade straight razor from Zertone which can be resharpened indefinitely.

Best Vintage-Style

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Swapping out replacement blades can be a bit of a pain and after a couple years of shaving, the cost adds up. With a vintage-style blade, however, you don’t have to worry about replacement blades or additional costs, since this beauty can be resharpened over and over again. Thus, with a strop and some practice, a vintage blade will save you money in the long run. This pick from Zertone is built to last a lifetime, and you might even pass it onto your own offspring someday (or to a museum). It features a natural wood handle that looks good and feels even better. Best of all, the blade is made out of a high carbon alloy steel, specially treated for an edge-holding sharpness. For men that want complete control over their shaving rituals, this vintage-style razor from Zertone is your best bet.

Pros

Stylish wooden handle
High-quality blade
Saves money in the long run

Cons

Expensive
Requires sharpening with a strop

Parker SRX Heavy Duty Professional 100% Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor and 5 Shark Super Blades

A strong razor for a strong shave

Parker makes an all-steel razor that's designed for professionals, featuring a rounded exposure and a 2.3-ounce heavyweight construction.

Best Heavy-Duty

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Some people need a little extra durability in their razor. Whether you’re a barber with a lot of whiskers to shave, a burly bearded man, or someone that simply wants a tough shaving tool, we recommend the Parker SRX Pro. The all-steel construction is sturdy and the blade holder features precise craftsmanship for a slip-free grip. As an added bonus, this option sports a rounded exposure on the far end of the blade, which reduces nicks and cuts from the blade’s corner. Another popular pick among professional barbers, Parker’s SRX is the go-to in heavy-duty straight razors.

Pros

Easy to clean
All-steel construction
Rounded blade exposure

Cons

Only comes with 5 replacement blades

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of using a straight razor?

If you’ve ever questioned how men in old-timey movies achieved their baby-smooth faces, the answer is the straight razor. Due to the closeness with which the blade passes over the skin, straight razors provide the closest possible shave. And, when compared to safety razors and the plastic disposables, straight razors also offer the most control. Thus, they’re a popular choice among barbers that need precision and select-ability when they practice their art. The only reason straight razors aren’t used more frequently is because it takes quite a bit of practice to master a straight-razor shave.

How do you shave with a straight razor?

Newbies be warned: your first attempts with a straight razor will almost certainly result in nicks and cuts. As they say, no pain, no gain. Since it’s your blood on the line, we recommend searching the web for professional advice on the best techniques. Nonetheless, we can offer some tips and tricks to get you started on your smooth-shaving adventure.

Prep with a shower and a lather, using your favorite shaving cream. Then, master the hold. There are different grips and styles, but the most common approach is to place the pinky on the tang (the little curled part that looks like a tail). Then, rest your middle three fingers on the back of the blade and place your thumb on the side of the blade. The handle should hang between your pinky and ring finger.

Start with even strokes and shave with the grain. The ideal angle is 30-degrees against your skin and the ideal stroke will pass steadily through the hairs and lift off at the finale. Perhaps the most important thing to remember is to let the weight of the razor do the work for you. Never apply force to the razor and take it slow. With a little experience, you’ll be shaving like your grand-pappy in no time.