---
source_url: "https://sharpologist.com/best-safety-razor-beginners/"
title: "Best Safety Razors for Beginners (Easy, Forgiving Options)"
mirrored_at: 2026-08-08T03:34:27.555Z
host: sharpologist.com
cited_in_42a: true
mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/sharpologist.com/best-safety-razor-beginners/index"
---

> **Original source:** https://sharpologist.com/best-safety-razor-beginners/

Listen to this article

## Quick Answer

For beginners, the best safety razors are mild, forgiving, and easy to control. They reduce the risk of cuts and irritation while allowing new users to learn proper angle and pressure. A beginner-friendly safety razor prioritizes comfort and consistency over extreme closeness.

This guide focuses specifically on beginner-friendly razors, not the full range of options available.

For a complete comparison of the best safety razors across all experience levels, including adjustable, open-comb, coarse-beard, and specialty designs, see our full guide to the [best safety razors](https://sharpologist.com/best-de-safety-razor/).

![](https://sharpologist.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/050992604-man-holding-razor-720x480.jpeg)

You’ve decided to give a [single blade safety razor](https://sharpologist.com/single-blade-razor/) a try.  Congratulations!  But what is the best safety razor for beginners?  There several different types of “old school” safety razors.  Some are based on designs that have been around for over 100 years.  Others offer a new take on an old stand-by.    Let’s take a look at some recommendations for safety razors under different circumstances. This is an update of this article!

## TL;DR So What _Is_ The Best Safety Razor For Beginners

First, why trust this article about the best safety razor for beginners? Because _Sharpologist_ specializes in getting the best, most enjoyable shave possible.

**This list is based on the personal experience of _Sharpologist_‘s editor (me!), contributors, and readers _who have actually purchased and used the products_**–plus over ten years of research from review sites and specialty discussion forums. Generally-speaking, shaving facial hair is the primary objective.

_Amazon, OneBlade, and Supply links are [affiliate](https://sharpologist.com/disclosures/). Geni.us links may be affiliate._

Here is a “shopping list” of what I consider the best safety razor for the beginner, under different circumstances. Remember to check our [best safety razor overall](https://sharpologist.com/best-de-safety-razor/) post for a broader discussion. “Your mileage may vary!”

### **Some single-blade razors are designed to use a hold-angle similar to that of a cartridge razor, making the transition to single-blade razors easier:**

![oneblade razor](https://sharpologist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/ob-oneblade-hybrid-300x300.jpg)

[**OneBlade**](https://sharpologist.com/go/oneblade) – may not be a classic double edge razor–it uses a less well-known blade with a single edge–but if you want to make the transition between cartridge razors and shaving with a single blade as easy as possible, a OneBlade razor may be the way to go.  It combines the best of both worlds: a pivoting head like a cartridge razor but uses a single blade.  There are a number of models at different price points but they all use the same technology.

* * *

![supply se razor](https://sharpologist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/supply-se-head-300x300.jpg)

The [**Supply SE razor**](https://sharpologist.com/go/supply-se/) uses “Injector” style razor blades, a non-proprietary blade originally meant for use with razors that were popular up to about 1970 or so, fading with the introduction of multi-blade razor cartridges. However these blades are still available from several sources. The Supply SE razor does not have a pivoting head like the OneBlade but does have a very wide range of angles that it may be held with successfully.

* * *

![parker adjustable injector razor](https://sharpologist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/parker-adjustable-injector-1-300x300.jpg)

The **[Parker Adjustable Injector](https://geni.us/parker_injector)** razor also uses “Injector” blades and does not have a pivoting head. But this razor can be adjusted to provide a milder or more aggressive shave with a twist of the dial.

### **For those looking for a lower-cost entry, the razors below are reasonably built _for their price_, have a relatively easy blade exchange design, and provide a “middle-of-the-road” (not too mild, not too aggressive) shave:**

![weishi nostalgic](https://sharpologist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/weishi.nostalgic-edited-300x300.jpg)

The [**Weishi Nostalgic double edge safety razor**](https://amzn.to/4aM4lA0) features a twist-to-open (“butterfly”) mechanism to make changing blades easier. It is also available on Amazon, with a 4.4 out of 5 rating and a 92% positive sentiment among reviewers. A “value” brand from the Far East, quality control has never been Weishi’s strong point but it seems to have gotten better with the introduction of the _Nostalgic._

* * *

![feather popular safety razor](https://sharpologist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/800px-Feather_Popular_Razor_14067356604-300x169.jpg)

The [**Feather “Popular” razor**](https://amzn.to/4jvqjem) is an inexpensive traditional double edge with a twist-to-open (“butterfly”) mechanism to make changing blades easier.

* * *

![razorock quick change baili179 razor](https://sharpologist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/quickchange.baily179-edited-300x300.jpg)

The [Baili BD179](https://amzn.to/3Loz3DC), available on Amazon, is marketed as an inexpensive, newcomer-friendly double edge safety razor. Like the Weishi and Feather razors above it features a “butterfly” twist-to-open head for easy blade exchange.

### **These double edge safety razors may have a slightly fussier blade changing design than those above but they are considered “conventional wisdom” for beginners by the old school shaving community:**

![merkur 34c razor](https://sharpologist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/merkur-34c-edited-300x300.jpg)

The [**Merkur 34C safety razor**](https://geni.us/merku34) is often the first choice for many men who are exploring traditional wet shaving due to its performance and design. It is a two piece, closed-comb safety razor that features a short handle and diamond knurled grip, making it easy to hold and maneuver while providing a close shave. The [Merkur 34C is well known](https://sharpologist.com/a-popular-razor-merkur-34c/) for its good weight and solid build quality, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced wet shavers alike.

* * *

![henson al13 razor](https://sharpologist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/hebnson-al13-300x169.jpg)

The [**Henson AL-13 safety razor**](https://geni.us/al13) has only been around since 2022 but has garnered a significant following. Although made from lightweight aluminum most users find the build fit-and-finish of this three piece razor exceptional.  There are lots of little things here that indicate a quality–albeit lightweight–razor. The original razor is _very_ mild but other versions are now available.

* * *

![edwin jagger de89 razor](https://sharpologist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/edwinjaggerde89-edited-300x300.jpg)

While the Merkur 34c razor has a single handle variant, the [**Edwin Jagger DE89 series**](https://geni.us/ejde89) has many handle options–though **they all use the same razor head.**  The DE89 is popular and reasonably widely available (though Amazon is the most convenient). The three piece design is generally considered “bullet-proof,” though some long-term users have reported that the screw thread that connects the head to the handle appears to be a weak point in the construction, and the chrome coating may dull and tarnish over time if the razor is not dried and maintained properly. However, most agree that the DE89 is generally well-constructed.

* * *

![rockwell 6s razor](https://sharpologist.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/rockwell-6s-with-plates-edited-300x300.jpg)

The [**Rockwell 6S multi-base plate “adjustable” razor**](https://geni.us/rockwell6s) feels like a solid, precision tool. While most safety razors are made with a single base plate that determines the “blade gap” one of the main specifications that determine a razor’s aggressiveness, the 6S comes with three “flippable” base plates that can give the razor six different aggressiveness settings. The razor is on the large side but well-balanced, the hefty handle offsetting the thick base plates so that it handles well and does not feel out of sorts.

## Background – Jump To:

[What Is A “Safety Razor?”](#what)

[“Beginner” Criteria](#criteria)

[A Caution To Beginners: Razor _Blades_ Are Not All Alike!](#blades)

[Are Safety Razors Better?](#procon)

## Just What Is A “Safety Razor” (At Least For This Article)?

There is some disagreement about just what _is_ a “safety razor.” On one side of the spectrum are those who say it is any razor with a blade (or blades, in a cartridge) and some kind of design to protect the blade from exposing too much of its edge to the skin: anything from long-defunct vintage designs from 100+ years ago to the latest multi-blade, pivoted razor.

At the other end of the spectrum others will argue the term refers only to the classic “double edge” razor and designs.

**For the purposes this article I refer to the term “safety razor” as a razor with a _single, non-proprietary blade_ (where patents have long-since expired) and some kind of design that prevents excessive blade edge exposure to the skin’s surface. Read our article on [single blade razors](https://sharpologist.com/single-blade-razor/) for a detailed look into the different razor types.**

## “Beginner” Criteria

There are a lot of excellent safety razors on the market ([this article](https://sharpologist.com/best-de-safety-razor/) also has a _ton_ of information about the different types and designs specifically of the double edge safety razor).  **But some are best wielded by experienced hands.**  For the “newbie” I think there should be some specific parameters:

-   Reasonably available: the razor should be a brand that is in-stock, preferably from multiple sources;
-   “Reasonably” priced: these razors will not be as inexpensive as mass-market cartridge razors you might find at the supermarket, but they should not be out of reach either;
-   The razor head engineered to be more “forgiving” to someone learning their technique;
-   The shave experience should not overly aggressive but still reasonably efficient;
-   A handle with a good grip and balance;
-   Easy to change blades.

Even given these criteria there may be different recommendations depending on the circumstances the shaver is looking for:

-   Easiest transition?
-   Lower-cost entry?
-   “Conventional wisdom” recommendations?

## A Caution To Beginners: Razor _Blades_ Are Not All Alike!

**No discussion about the best safety razor for beginners would be complete without discussing _blades_.** Many beginners think “a blade is a blade” and while blades may all _look_ the same there can actually be fairly significant differences in the way a blade is made. Metallurgy (the metal or combination of metals used to make the blade), coatings, and grinding specifications (the blade’s “sharpness”) can all play a part in the production process.

**So to find the [best safety razor blades](https://sharpologist.com/what-is-the-best-double-edge-razor-blade/) for beginners** **take the time to try a number of different blade brands to discover the one(s) that work best for the razor you’re using** (your skin, the mineral content of the water you’re using, and the shave lather you’re using play parts too).  Some shaving vendors sell “sample packs” or “[blade samplers](https://geni.us/blade_sample)” to make the process easier: you get a few blades of many different types. After you decide which one(s) work best you can then buy your favorites in bulk, saving a ton of money!

## Are Safety Razors Better?

A lot of people think so. Although some use safety razors for the nostalgia factor, there are some quantifiable advantages:

### Pros

**Reduced chance of irritation (razor burn, ingrown hairs) for those with sensitive skin.**

-   Since single-blade safety razors don’t follow the “lift and cut” model of shaving, there is less of a chance of over-shaving an area.

**Less expensive in the long-term.**

-   While this is a modest additional “up front” cost to shaving with a single blade safety razor, the long term costs are _much_ lower due to the difference in blade cost vs. cartridge price. The return-on-investment generally comes after a year or two of use.

**More environmentally friendly.**

-   Razors and blades are generally entirely metal, with little-or-no plastic content to clog landfills.

**Great shave!**

-   Done properly, shaving with a single blade safety razor is just as close as a mutli-blade cartridge.

While most safety razor users believe the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, there are a few inconveniences:

![shaving](https://sharpologist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/1495989_shaving-720x540.jpg)

### Cons

**Technique reset.**

-   Shaving with a safety razor generally involves “unlearning” some bad habits developed with shaving with a cartridge shave (though there are some razors on the list below that can mitigate that somewhat). There is a learning curve. Read Sharpologist’s [safety razor vs cartridge razor](https://sharpologist.com/safety-razor-vs-cartridge-razor/) post for a full discussion.

**Travel with a safety razor can be problematic.**

-   In the US the [Transport Safety Administration (TSA) may not permit safety razors in carry-on luggage on passenger airlines.](https://sharpologist.com/tsa-changes-its-carry-on-razor-policy/) You can pack a safety razor and blades in checked luggage or you can purchase safety razor blades at your destination.

**It can take a little more time.**

Shaving with a safety razor may require a bit more time to shave properly and get good results. However, [done efficiently](https://sharpologist.com/how-to-shave-efficiently-with-video/), the extra time to shave with a safety razor can be minimal.

_What other razors do you consider great for the beginner? Leave a comment below. Like this article?  Please share it!_