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If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best safety razor blade is, then we recommend the Merkur Double Edged Safety Razor Blades as the best.
Whether you’re trying to shave off that pesky mustache or maintain a full beard, there’s a reason why so many men choose to invest in safety razors. Unlike cartridge razors, safety razors can decrease the risk of accidental knicks and irritation—and have continued to use the same basic design since the 1900s.
A safety razor won’t do you much good if it doesn’t also have a great blade to go with it. With so many options out there, it can be a challenge to try and locate the best one. Let me help clear up any confusion you have about the best safety razor blades.
Our top 5 picks for the best safety razor blades:
- MERKUR Double Edge Razor Blades
- Feather Double Edge Blades (50 Count)
- Parker’s Double Edge Safety Razor Blades (100 Count)
- Astra Platinum Double Edge Safety Razor Blades
- Shark Super Stainless Double Edge Razor Blades
The 5 Best Safety Razor Blades in 2023
Whether you’ve got thick hair or thin hair, there’s a blade out there for you. Here are some of my favorite safety razor blades currently on the market:
1. MERKUR Double Edge Razor Blades
First up is our pick for the best safety razor blades on the market. And you do want the best, right? We thought so.
While they’re made to fit a Merkur razor like a glove, these blades will work with most double-edge safety razors on the market. Unlike some products, where a close shave comes at the cost of irritated, red skin, Merkur’s goal is to provide a clean, even cut without all the irritation.
For safety reasons, the brand also includes directions to prevent unsafe handling of the blades: after unwrapping the blade from the wax paper, you should pick it up by its non-sharp sides when you put it in the razor. If you’ve never handled disposable razor blades before or you’re just new to shaving, these detailed instructions could come in handy.
Although these blades are sharp enough to handle coarse hair, you may also find that this product is just as smooth too. Depending on the amount of hair you’re trying to shave, and how thick it is, you may be able to get multiple uses out of these blades.
2. Feather Double Edge Blades (50 Count)
If you have issues getting a closer shave, the Feather Double Edge Blades may be able to help. This brand includes platinum-coated blades so that they last longer. Men that have coarse, troublesome facial hair may appreciate this feature.
It’s also worth noting that these Japanese blades are designed to fit most safety razors. Rather than having to purchase a separate razor to fit the blade, chances are you’ll be able to put them inside the razor you already own.
If you’re worried about disposing of used blades, the package also includes a slot in the back to put worn-out blades in (instead of trying to throw them in the trash or store them around the house).
Keep in mind that, as the manufacturer advertises, these blades are extremely sharp (especially in comparison to similar products out there). They may not be ideal if you’re only looking to manage a tiny area of thin hair.
3. Parker’s Double Edge Safety Razor Blades (100 Count)
Another option that may work just as well is Parker’s Double Edge Safety Razor Blades. Not only do these blades use stainless steel, but they’re also coated with tungsten and platinum for extra smoothness. They may be the best safety razor blades for sensitive skin.
Unlike some brands, which focus on getting their blades as sharp as possible, this product also prioritizes smoothness. The blades may still be sharp, but the tungsten coating ensures they’re less likely to cause an accident while you’re shaving.
When you’re finished with a blade, you don’t have to worry about trying to safely put it in the trash or keep it out of reach from children. Instead, all you need to do is stick the worn-out blades in the back slot of the package.
Before packaging, each blade goes through a special plating process—so it may last longer than some other disposable blades. While this package comes with a hundred different blades (separated into groups of five), chances are, each blade will last through multiple shaves.
4. Astra Platinum Double Edge Safety Razor Blades
Designed to fit all double-edge safety razors, this product is all about consistency. With a hundred different blades in the box, the manufacturer has taken care to ensure that all (or almost all) have the same level of sharpness.
Although it can vary from person to person, these blades do include a smaller edge than some other products—which may be one reason why they feel less aggressive on your skin. For this reason, people with sensitive skin might have an easier time working with the Astra blades. You may even find that they’re some of the best double edge razor blades out there.
One feature that may come in handy is how the blades are numbered. Since some men prefer to flip the blade after each use, Astra has included numbers on each side, so you know which edge you haven’t used yet.
5. Shark Super Stainless Double Edge Razor Blades
You might not be going to the barber, but the Shark Super Stainless Double Edge Razor blades can make you feel like you’re still getting that same professional quality. For added longevity and smoothness, these blades even include a special coating.
Keep in mind, however, that you probably don’t want to wipe the blade dry after you use it. Since it has a coating on the outside, wiping the blade off can also wipe the coating off as well.
Instead, the manufacturer recommends that you shake the water off the blade or let it air-dry before its next use. Another perk is that, while these blades are designed to handle thick and coarse hair, they usually aren’t aggressive enough to cause razor burn or accidental knicks.
People that have sensitive skin may find these blades to be a happy medium between more aggressive products. It’s also worth noting that you should be able to fit these blades into most standard double-edge safety razors.
Finding the Best Safety Razor Blades for You
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Before you pull out your wallet, there are a few things you should take into consideration about safety razor blades.
Learn How To Change A Blade
Before I bought my first safety razor I was afraid of changing the blades. It takes a little practice, but it’s not as hard as you might think.
Your Hair Type
Every man’s facial hair is a little different: while some guys may have thick hair that’s difficult to manage, others have thin, aging hair that can take weeks to grow out.
Typically, the thicker your hair is, the sharper you’ll want your blade to be. Although thicker hair can be challenging to shave regardless of what blade you have, it will only be harder with a dull blade.
Keep in mind, however, that sharper—or “aggressive” blades—can cause more irritation if you have sensitive skin or tend to develop acne.
Sharpness vs. Smoothness
Nobody likes a dull blade, but purchasing the sharpest razor blade doesn’t always mean you’ll get a perfect shave either. Sharp blades may decrease the number of times you have to pass over your skin, but they also raise the risk of knicks and cuts too.
Smoother blades, on the other hand, tend to use a smaller angle. This makes it more difficult to cut your skin accidentally, but since you have to apply more pressure, it can also cause more irritation.
The best safety razor blades use a combination of both factors: they’re sharp enough to allow you to get a closer shave but still smooth enough that the odds of cutting yourself are low.
The Learning Curve
Unlike straight razors, which use sloping angles to get the perfect shave, safety razors aren’t generally as steep. If you’ve never used one before, you’ll most likely end up cutting yourself a few times while you get the hang of it.
When you’re first starting out, it’s a good idea to begin shaving with less aggressive, smoother blades. While it won’t completely eliminate the risk of accidental knicks, you’re less likely to cut as deep.
Quality Over Quantity
At first glance, it might seem like the best deal to purchase a pack of razor blades with the highest count. However, if the blades aren’t high-quality, you could end up running out sooner than if you’d picked a smaller package of better blades.
It can be challenging to tell how long a blade will last, but one thing you can do is look for special coatings added by the manufacturer. For instance, a synthetic polymer coating may be able to reduce accidental knicks and help the blade last through a few more shaves.
Getting Rid of Used Blades
One factor to take into consideration when you’re searching for the right blade is where to store the old ones. Since disposing of razor blades can be trickier than throwing them in the trash, some brands may include convenient slots in the packaging for you to dispose of used blades in.
How Long Will my Safety Razor Blade Last?
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Although different brands may last longer than others, most blades last anywhere from three to seven shaves. In some cases, that number may be less or more depending on how thick your facial hair. Men who have coarse facial hair may not get as much use out of a blade than those who have thinner beards.
It usually isn’t too difficult to tell when a safety blade has run its course. If it no longer cuts as clean as it used to and you have to keep running over the same spots, the blade is probably done for.
Keep in mind that it’s not uncommon to get a “dud” blade in the pack you buy. Dud blades may not perform as well so you may want to try a few different blades before you jump to conclusions about the brand.
How To Know if You Need a Sharper Blade
If you’ve never used a safety razor before, you might not be sure how sharp of a blade you need—and it may take some trial and error to figure out what sharpness works for you.
If a blade won’t cut evenly or causes uncomfortable tugging, the chances are that you need a blade that’s a little bit sharper. Blades that are too sharp may feel like they’re “too powerful” and end up leaving a trail of knicks and cuts.
Double Edge Blades vs. Single Edge Blades
When you’re shopping for a safety razor or the blades that go with them, you’ll probably hear terms like “double edge” or “single edge.” More often than not, double edge blades are associated with safety razors (and tend to be more common for other types of razors too).
The major difference between these two is that double edge blades include two different sides for you to shave with while single edge blades only have one. Single edge blades also tend to be stiffer and use a steeper angle.
As a result, some men may find that single-edge razors and blades irritate their skin and cause bumps more easily. Double edge razors shave at a gentler angle and typically don’t have to pass over your skin as many times.
Ultimately, there isn’t a “right” or “wrong” choice between the two—it just comes down to personal preference. Some people may prefer the steeper angle and simple effectiveness of a single edge while others find that double edge blades suit their needs.
What Are the Best Safety Razor Blades?
Although each of these choices offers their own advantages and unique perks, my favorite has to be the Merkur Double Edged Safety Razor Blades.
Not only do you get a large number of blades for a more affordable price, but you also have a place to store them too.
Unlike some of the other top choices, Merkur’s blades prioritize smoothness without also losing sharpness. Whether you’re shaving it all off or just doing a little contouring, these razor blades are up for the job.