Safety razors are a classic, tried-and-true choice for men and women of all ages. No matter how you choose to use it, whether it be on your face, body hair, or head, a safety razor offers benefits you won’t find in typical drugstore brands or electric shavers. Choosing the best one for your needs can be confusing, especially if you’re new to safety razors. Each safety razor offers a unique set of benefits. That's why we've scoured the market to find the best of the best and reviewed them for you below. Best Choice Best Overall Safety RazorThe Merkur Futur Adjustable Double-Edge Safety Razor offers unrivaled versatility for any user. No matter how close of a shave you need, this razor adjusts to a variety of options. Best ChoiceFind on Amazon Pros: You’ll find a longer handle on the Merkur Futur razor than on a typical safety razor. This safety razor makes for a comfortable and secure grip for those with large hands or those who prefer an extended razor handle. The magnetic components make assembly safe and straightforward – snap the two pieces together without fuss, and lower the risk of cuts. Six easy-to-adjust levels put you in control of the closeness of your shave. Cons: There is a learning curve to using this razor, which might not make it the best starter for someone who has no experience with safety razors. Nicks are more likely to occur around bony areas of the face and body, and a practiced hand is needed to avoid cuts on tricky spots. Most Durable Safety Razor Best Long-Lasting Safety RazorAffordability and durability meet in the Edwin Jagger Double-Edge Safety Razor. The family-owned and operated company has been supplying razors for three decades, a testament to their sturdy products.Most Durable Safety RazorFind on Amazon Pros: The user-friendly design makes this an excellent choice for beginners and veterans of safety razors alike. The handle options include a slip-resistant design, so using it in wet environments like the shower can be done safely.If you’re in the mood for something different, Edwin Jagger offers this razor in over twenty colors. A pack of five replacement blades is included with every razor. Cons: Beware over-tightening when replacing the head of this razor as that can lead to malfunctions and breakage. The balance of the handle and razor head can be tricky to hold, but you will soon find a comfortable grip. Best Design Best Stylish Safety RazorA Feather All Stainless Steel Double-Edge Safety Razor will do much more than just look pretty sitting on your sink. The attractive design brings together aesthetics and function.Best DesignFind on Amazon Pros: This razor does an amazing job of getting a close shave while still being gentle. Risks of cuts are minimal with proper usage. This safety razor is particularly good for sensitive skin. The balanced design provides the ideal amount of control, but with no extra bulk. Replacement blades for the Feather razor are affordable and easy to attach. The handle design makes it non-slippery and easy to grip. Cons: For some users, it can be a little too gentle. If you’re using this razor on thick or extra-coarse hair, it might take more than one pass to get a smooth shave. Best On A Budget Best Affordable Safety RazorMaybe you’re just starting with safety razors, or perhaps you’re experienced and want to try something new. Either way, the Weishi Nostalgic Butterfly Open Double-Edge Safety Razor is worth a look.Best On A BudgetFind on Amazon Pros: This incredible safety razor definitely won’t break the bank – not with the initial purchase, and not with replacement blades down the road. The affordability doesn’t make it cheap in quality, however. The design and balance make it safe to use and easy to hold. A simple mechanism is used for changing blades, providing extra protection from cuts. It is suitable for other parts of the body aside from the face. Cons: For those with extra-sensitive skin, or anyone wanting to use this on sensitive areas of the body, this razor might not be for you. Best for Sensitive Skin Best Sensitive Skin Safety Razor If you have delicate skin and find it hard to shave without the dreaded razor burn, Vikings Blade The Chieftain Safety razor might just be your salvation. Best for Sensitive SkinFind on Amazon Pros: The Chieftain Safety Razor is among the gentlest razors you can use, which will still provide a smooth and close shave. No additional swipes over the same spot, which is the main culprit of irritation and razor burns. It works great on more than just the face and beard areas. Use it on legs, underarms, or the bikini region without fear of redness or pulling at the skin. The extra weight on this razor is preferred by many users and offers precise balance. Cons: The blades can be a little challenging to replace and require some practice to use correctly. The razor blades themselves don’t always withstand prolonged use as well as other brands, although proper care can help extend blade life. What Really Matters? Affordability Razors of all types get more expensive with each passing year. Anyone who uses disposables knows how easy it is to go through an entire, pricey package of cartridges in record time. Safety razors offer a more economical alternative to modern disposable razors. While they can seem like a lot of money upfront, it’s good to think of them as an investment. Some easy math will tell you if your disposable razor budget is well over what you would pay for a safety razor. It’s important to remember that the money you spend on a safety razor will not be a monthly, or even yearly, recurring purchase. That being said, some safety razors are more than some shoppers are willing to pay for – which is why budget options are a great alternative. Cheaper does not necessarily mean more inferior quality. Some safety razors are equal or even less to what you would pay for disposable blades, but they will last you much longer. Sustainability You might be looking into safety razors because you’re living a zero-waste lifestyle. Or, you may be just trying to do your part for the planet by not adding unnecessary waste to the equation. Nearly two-billion disposable razors ended up in landfills this year. Safety razors are an effective way to reduce waste and carbon footprints. It goes beyond creating less waste, as well. Many safety razor companies are family-run, and some razors are even handcrafted. Reputable safety razor brands manufacture their products and materials responsibly – never in sweatshops or overseas factories. You’ll find “Made in the USA” stamps on some, while others – like Edwin Jagger – come from the United Kingdom. So not only are you supporting the planet by choosing a safety razor, you’re bolstering small and local businesses. Safety It indeed takes some getting used to if you want to use a safety razor without cuts and nicks. It can be easier to cut yourself, especially if you’re used to wielding a disposable razor. The technique for using a safety razor is quite different, and it can depend a lot on the individual user. So what works for your dad, brother or wife might not necessarily work for you when using a safety razor. While a lot depends on you and how you use the razor, the makers of good safety razors do everything to make your experience safe and cut-free. If you’re concerned about cuts, it’s probably in your favor to start with “gentle” or “mild” blades. FAQs How do I care for a safety razor? Proper handling and maintenance will help prolong the life of your safety razor, and it’s pretty easy to do. In general, it’s best to follow the instructions or guides that came with your particular safety razor. There are, however, a few basic things you can do to maintain your razor that applies to nearly all brands. First, allow it to dry after each use to stave off corrosion and rust. Second, store it somewhere dry and away from moisture – the shower isn’t the best place to leave it. Third, if it needs to be washed, use a gentle castile soap. Can I cut myself with a safety razor? Yes, you can. The phrase “safety razor” might be a little misleading in that regard. We must remember that no matter what type of razor we’re dealing with, it’s a sharp object, and it has the potential to cut or nick skin. Accidents can happen with safety razors, just like with disposable razors. Often, cuts are a result of shaving too quickly or not being gentle enough around delicate areas. It’s also good to experiment – carefully – with the angle of the blade. Everyone is different, and some might have better luck with certain techniques than others. How often will the blade need to be replaced? There is no exact answer to this question since every user is slightly different. You might use your razor in a small spot, once a week or less, or on different types of hair. Each of these things will dictate how soon your blade starts to wear out. Generally, it’s good to replace your blades every fifth shave if you’re using it on the entirety of your facial hair. If you notice you need to make multiple passes over one area of hair, that’s a good indicator that your blade has dulled and needs to be replaced. Can women use safety razors? Definitely. It might seem more common to use a safety razor on facial hair, but more and more women are discovering the benefits of a safety razor. Aside from the expense and waste created by disposable razors, they don’t always give women the close shave they want. A safety razor solves all of those issues. It can take some practice to figure out how to best use your safety razor on your legs, underarms, or bikini line. Yet, many women have found the results to be well worth the learning period.