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SAFETY RAZOR 101

Learn how to choose the right DE Safety Razor for you! We'll teach you about materials, answer questions about closed vs open comb razor heads, and guide you toward the right blade.

MEET YOUR SAFETY RAZOR

Key to wet shaving, the safety razor is a classic tool that’s both functional and sustainable. We believe with knowledge comes power, so we’re here to share what we know. This iconic tool is offered with different heads, handles, blades and a few other jazzy things in between.

Read on to learn which is right for you or shop our collection at the click of a button!  

A diagram of a Safety Razor. Number one points to the Head or Cap. Number two points to the comb, the bar below the cap which covers the blade. Number 3 is for the Adjustment Dial to expose more or less of the blade. Not all razors have this dial. Four points to the Handle of the razor, showing a patterned grip. Five points to an optional twist-to-open knob. If a razor operates this way, turning the knob will open the blade compartment of the razor.

MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION

Considering the materials used in your Safety Razor from head to handle can help you understand which is right for you. Stainless Steel is the benchmark material for quality Safety Razors. This metal is resistant to staining and corrosion when continuously used in a wet environment. It should be mentioned that Stainless Steel razors are generally heavier, resulting in a naturally more aggressive shave.

Chrome Safety Razors are also widely available. The key difference with Chrome is that its plated over a base metal. The plating is thick and most will not experience plating wearing thin, however this largely depends on the care of your razor. Chrome plated razors can vary in weight but generally present a lighter tool, meaning less aggressive.   

HANDLES: WHAT IS "KNURLED"?

Photo shows the close up of a Safety Razor handle. The handle has machined indents fashioned in a diamond pattern. The handle is a chrome plated stainless steel.

Knurling refers to textures and patterns on the razors handle. Some prefer highly knurled razor handles as it can contribute to a better grip in moist conditions. Knurling is most often seen on metal or rubber grip handles.

USE YOUR "HEAD"

The head of a Safety Razor is one of the most important things to consider. The head and comb join to create the space where your razor blade is held. Understanding these styles is key to a comfortable and personalized shave.

Closed Comb razor head shows a solid comb bar with slight indents in the metal.

CLOSED COMB

Closed Comb razors have a straight, soild side bars. The comb will only feature small indents. They are least agressive & beginner friendly, but cater to all shave levels.

Open Comb razor head shows an indented comb bar with gaps between short metal extensions.

OPEN COMB

Open Combs feature teeth like indents. This style is recommended to those with thick growth or desiring more aggression as the indents allow the blade to be closer to skin.

Adjustable razor head shows a close comb style bar with a numbered dial just below the head.

ADJUSTABLE

Adjustable razors feature a numbered dial that controls the space of the blade gap, exposing more or less of the blade depending on the desired aggression.

ONE PIECE, TWO PIECE, THREE PIECE

How many pieces your Safety Razor seperate into largely has to do with your chosen head style. Piece break down has little effect on the quality of the razor but blade alignment and cleaning should be taken into consideration.

Shows a one-piece safety razor with a blue background. No part of this razor is seperated.

ONE PIECE

One piece Safety Razors are exclusively called "Butterfly" razors. Only the razor head opens to allow for changing your blade. Blade alignment is simple and consistent.

Shows a safety razor separated in to two pieces. The handle is unscrewed from the comb and head. Shown on a blue background.

TWO PIECE

The cap unscrews from the joined handle and comb allowing access to the blade. Aligning the blade is easy but requires some care.

Shows a safety razor separated- handle, comb plate, and head. All three pieces screw together from a threaded attachment coming from the head piece.

THREE PIECE

Three-piece razors generally unscrew from the bottom of the handle, separating the head, comb plate, and handle. Aligning the blade properly before fastening requires great care.

HANDLE LENGTH & RAZOR WEIGHT

Shows a standard sized safety razor measuring 3.3

The length of your Straight Razors handle can effect your shave. Most standard handles are between 3-3.5”. They are designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip. The length of these handles create an average weight to help shavers have total control over the pressure applied and aggression level of their shave.

Longer handles typically measure over 3.5” and are favored by those with larger hands or who simply prefer more grip. Safety Razors with longer handles are weightier, meaning more pressure and aggression will result.

If you are unable to physically hold the razor before purchasing, we recommend sticking with a standard length handle.

Drawing of Royal Shave labeled shopping bag with mid-century style script

MAKE YOUR SELECTION

See our picks or shop the entire collection below.

FOR BEGINNERS

FEATHER Popular Double Edge Safety Razor

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INTERMEDIATE

Muhle R101 Open Comb Safety Razor- Black Handle

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INTERMEDIATE +

FEATHER AS-D2 Staonless Steel Safety Razor

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Drawing of Royal Shave labeled shopping bag with mid-century style script

See our picks or shop the entire collection below.

FOR BEGINNERS

Merkur 33C Classic Closed Comb DE Safety Razor- Chrome

Sold out

INTERMEDIATE

Muhle R101 Open Comb Safety Razor- Black Handle

Sold out

INTERMEDIATE +

Merkur Future 700 Adjustable Safety Razor- Satin Finish

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT DOUBLE EDGE BLADE

Choosing the right Safety Razor blade is one of the most subjective things in wet shaving. For most, it comes down to finding the right Safety Razor and blade combintation for their skin and hair type. We've made a few notes to help guide your selection.

Drawing of a double edge safety razor blade in a light grey color

STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless Steel is the base metal for most blades. Its resistance to rust and corrosion makes it a favored metal. These blades are long lasting, however uncoated Stainless Steel blades are considered more aggressive.

Drawing of a double edge safety razor blade in a mid-light color

PLATINUM COATED

Platinum coated blades are highly favored. These blades remain sharper longer and are more flexible, delivering a close comfortable shave for sensitive skin.

Drawing of a double edge safety razor blade in a dark grey color

CHROMIUM COATED

Chromium blades are simple and feature a thin coating to help prevent breakdown with use. Most find these blades moderately aggressive depending on razor of choice.

Drawing of a double edge safety razor blade in a nearly black, grey color

CERAMIC/MULTI COATING

Some blades will feature multiple coatings of different materials. These blades remain sharper longer, and tend to deliver a more aggressive shave.

Drawing of Royal Shave labeled shopping bag with mid-century style script

Our blades & accessories will help you achieve your best shave yet.

STAINLESS STEEL

Derby Extra Super Stainless Steel Blades, 5 Pack

Sold out

PLATINUM COATED

Feather Stainless Platinum Coated Blades, 10 Pack

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TO DISPOSE

Feather Razor Blade Safe Disposal Case, White

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Drawing of Royal Shave labeled shopping bag with mid-century style script

SHOP BLADES & ACCESSORIES

Our blades & accessories will help you achieve your best shave yet.

STAINLESS STEEL

Derby Extra Super Stainless Steel Blades, 5 Pack

Sold out

PLATINUM COATED

Feather Stainless Platinum Coated Blades, 10 Pack

Sold out

TO DISPOSE

Feather Razor Blade Safe Disposal Case, White

Sold out
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