Accessories
How to Use a Safety Razor
How to shave with a double edge safety razor: prepare the skin, hold a 30 degree angle, use light pressure and short strokes, then change the blade.
At a glance
- Wet the skin with warm water and lather before the razor touches it.
- Hold the razor at about 30 degrees and keep that angle steady.
- Use light pressure and short strokes with the grain.
- Change the blade as soon as it starts to tug.
Gunmetal Double Edge Razor with Enclosed Head £24.99 · Free UK delivery Shop To use a safety razor, wet and lather your skin, hold the razor at about 30 degrees and shave with the grain using light pressure and short strokes. Rinse and dry the razor afterwards.
What do you need to start?
You need a safety razor, a double edge blade, shaving soap or cream and warm water. A brush for lathering is optional.
Check whether blades come in the box. The bamboo razor comes on its own and its listing says double edge blades are sold separately. The gunmetal razor names a stainless steel blade but does not confirm how many come in the box. Buy a pack of double edge blades with either razor.
The photo shows the gunmetal razor with its enclosed head and knurled handle.
How do you load the blade?
You load the blade by opening the head, laying the blade on the base plate and closing the head over it. How the head opens depends on the razor.
| Head type | How it opens | How you load it |
|---|---|---|
| Twist to open | Turn the knob at the end of the handle | The two doors on top open. Drop the blade in and turn the knob back |
| Two piece | Unscrew the handle from the head | Lift the top cap off. Lay the blade on the base and screw the handle back |
| Three piece | Unscrew the handle | The cap, base plate and handle come apart. Rebuild them around the blade |
The listings for these two razors do not say which head type they use. Follow the instructions in the box.
Hold the blade by its short ends. Keep spare blades away from children.
How to use a safety razor step by step
Shaving with a safety razor takes six steps. The skill is in keeping the angle steady.
- Wet your face with warm water.
- Work up a lather of soap or cream and spread it over the skin.
- Rest the head flat on the skin. Then tilt the handle down until the blade meets the hair.
- Pull the razor in short strokes with the grain of the hair.
- Rinse the razor under water after every pass or two.
- Rinse your face and pat it dry.
Go slowly on the first few shaves. Short strokes give you more control than long ones. Re-lather any area you go over a second time.
What angle should you hold a safety razor?
Hold a safety razor at about 30 degrees to the skin. Sharpologist calls this the conventional wisdom for safety razors. It says the angle lets the blade cut hair without scraping the skin. It adds that different razors may need slightly different angles.
Find the angle by touch. Start with the head flat and lower the handle until the blade begins to cut. Hold that angle through the stroke. Make small changes with the wrist.
Do not change the angle mid stroke. A sudden change can let the blade bite.
How much pressure do you use?
Use almost no pressure. Let the weight of the razor do the work. Pressing harder scrapes the skin and does not cut closer.
A knurled handle helps you hold the razor with a light grip. The gunmetal razor has one. The supplier gives its weight as about 97g. The bamboo razor has no stated weight.
What is the difference between a safety razor and a cartridge razor?
A safety razor holds one replaceable double edge blade. A cartridge razor holds a fixed set of blades in a plastic head. The table compares the two.
| Safety razor | Cartridge razor | |
|---|---|---|
| Blade | One double edge blade you replace | Several blades in a cartridge you replace whole |
| Head | Fixed metal head with a guard | Plastic head, often on a pivot |
| Angle | You set it | A pivoting head follows the face |
The main difference is control. A safety razor makes you set the angle yourself.
What mistakes do beginners make?
Two common beginner mistakes are pressing too hard and holding the wrong angle. Both come from shaving as if the razor had a pivoting head.
Other slips are easy to avoid:
- Shaving on dry or barely wet skin.
- Using long strokes before you have the feel of the razor.
- Shaving over the same patch with no lather left.
- Leaving the razor wet after use.
Stop and re-lather if the skin feels dry or the razor drags.
How do you look after the razor and change the blade?
Rinse the razor head under running water after each shave and dry the whole razor before storing it. Store it somewhere dry.
Change the blade as soon as it starts to tug or drag. A dull blade makes you press harder. Wrap used blades in paper or put them in a closed container before you throw them away. Never put a loose blade in the bin.
Which razor should you choose?
Choose by the handle and the head. Both take standard double edge blades.
| Bamboo razor | Gunmetal razor | |
|---|---|---|
| Handle | Bamboo | Metal, knurled |
| Head | Chrome-finish metal | Enclosed, gunmetal finish |
| Length | 13.2cm | 11.6cm |
| Head width | 4.3cm | 4.7cm |
- For a bamboo handle and a longer razor, choose the bamboo safety razor.
- For a metal handle with grip and a wider head, choose the gunmetal razor.
All razors and grooming items are in Accessories.
Safety razors in this guide
| Product | Price | Why it is here |
|---|---|---|
 Double Edge Safety Razor with Bamboo Handle | £19.99 | A double edge safety razor with a bamboo handle and a chrome-finish metal head and base, for standard double edge blades sold separately. |
| Gunmetal Double Edge Razor with Enclosed Head | £24.99 | A metal double edge razor in a dark gunmetal finish with an enclosed head and a knurled handle. |
Questions answered
Do safety razors come with blades? +
No, the bamboo razor is sold without blades and the gunmetal listing does not confirm any. Buy a pack of double edge blades with either one.
Can I cut myself with a safety razor? +
Yes, if you press hard or change the angle mid stroke.
How many passes should I do? +
Start with one pass with the grain. Add a second pass across the grain only once your skin copes with the first.
Is a safety razor the same as a double edge razor? +
No, a double edge razor is one type of safety razor. Single edge safety razors also exist.
