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title: Why DE Shaving Beats Modern Cartridge (Safety Razor Guide)
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> **Original source:** https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/why-de-is-better/

We’re firm believers that if you’re looking for a close shave with minimal irritation and an experience you can actually enjoy, then a traditional double-edged safety razor is your best choice.

Table of Contents

1.  [Why Cartridge Shaving Dominates](#why-cartridge-shaving-dominates)
2.  [Benefits of DE Shaving](#benefits-of-de-shaving)
3.  [Considerations for DE Shaving](#considerations-for-de-shaving)
4.  [Essential Tools for Double-Edge Shaving:](#essential-tools-for-double-edge-shaving)
5.  [Conclusion](#conclusion)
6.  [Outfit Rundown](#outfit-rundown)
7.  [Our Original “DE vs. Cartridge” Video](#our-original-de-vs-cartridge-video)

![Youtube video](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kg0ABBiZ8-w/hqdefault.jpg)

When you do something [every day](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/lies-men-are-sold/ "7 Lies Men Are Sold Every Day"), you want to make sure you’re doing it right. That’s why, when it comes to [shaving](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/biggest-shaving-mistakes/ "9 Biggest Shaving Mistakes & How to Avoid Them"), we stand behind the double-edged safety razor and have for years. In fact, today’s guide is an update to one that we produced back in 2020 (see below), and we figured the DE razor deserves to have its praises sung again.

## Why Cartridge Shaving Dominates

Of course, you might be asking yourself: If DE razors are so great, then why do multi-blade cartridge models dominate the market?

![Cartridge Razor Ad](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Catridge-Razor-Ad-588x588.jpg "Catridge Razor Ad")

It’s all about

Clever Marketing

Cartridge razors are advertised as being the latest and greatest technology, easy and convenient to use, and effective. Just think of those pleasing animations of multiple blades gliding over and removing hair.

However, if we compare cartridge shaving and traditional double-edged shaving head-to-head (or blade-to-blade), then those marketing tricks fall away quickly.

## Benefits of DE Shaving

### 1\. Proper Engineering (vs. Overengineering)

#### Razor Handles

There are two major categories in which we can compare these two types of shaving and why double-edged shaving is superior; and the first of these is proper engineering versus over-engineering. What matters most when shaving is the quality of the shave and that hinges directly on the quality of the razor.

Cartridge razors create the illusion of a superior experience by piling on a lot of gimmicks. Think about the multiple arrangements of different blades, pivoting heads, or lubricating strips. These all sound neat, but when you stop to think about it, the benefits of all of these things are already represented in a [traditional shave](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/double-edge-safety-razor-techniques/). The multiple blades, for instance, are really no different than simply taking multiple passes with a single blade.

![Butterfly opening of one-piece safety razor](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Butterfly-opening-of-Van-der-Hagen-Razor-1030x688.jpg "Butterfly Opening Of Van Der Hagen Razor")

A DE safety razor uses a single blade.

![Cartridge and disposable razors](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Cartridge-and-disposable-razors-3-1030x688.jpg "Cartridge And Disposable Razors 3")

Cartridge and disposable razors stack multiple blades.

No matter how many blades you’re using, you’re likely to take at least a few passes at a time; and, in fact, by just using a single blade, you’ll be less likely to snag a hair in between blades or cut a hair below the surface of the skin, which can lead to irritation or ingrown hairs.

A pivoting razor head is really no different than simply controlling the angle of your shave, which is easier to do with a smaller razor head, and you’ll be able to do it well with a practice technique.

And that lubrication strip will be vastly outperformed by high-quality shaving cream and aftershave balm. 

So, if you strip away all of the gimmicks of modern cartridge razors, you’re essentially left with a double-edged razor, which really is the superior shaving method.

#### Razor Blades

![Disposable razor blades weren’t in the market until the early 1900s](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/disposable-blades-588x588.jpg "Disposable Blades")

a De safety razor

Lets you choose the right blade

Rather than piling on generic one-size-fits-all blades as cartridge razors do, shaving with a double-edged safety razor allows you to pick the ideal blade for your skin and hair types.

The stationary head of a double-edged razor allows you to maneuver the blade exactly as you’d like to and be more or less aggressive, leading to the shave that’s right for you; and with a DE razor, you’ll be able to use those high-quality soaps and [shaving creams](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/shaving-cream-guide/ "The Shaving Cream Guide") that will leave your skin feeling better.

Why can’t you use these with cartridge razors? Well, you can certainly try. But, oftentimes, the higher amounts of lipids and emollient in these [high-quality products](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/personal-hygiene-products/ "7 Products to Boost Personal Hygiene (Hair, Nails & More)") will gum up the works of a multi-blade razor.

![shaving](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Screen-Shot-2019-12-21-at-1.48.20-PM-1030x579.jpg "Screen Shot 2019 12 21 At 1.48.20 Pm")

With the right products and techniques, the DE safety razor gives a superior shave.

When used properly, the benefits of a DE razor will not only lead to a closer shave, but a smoother one as well. As mentioned, cartridge razors take a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to hair types and skin sensitivities.

So, while they may provide decent results for most shavers, they’ll provide truly exceptional results to very few shavers; and they’re a particularly poor choice for those with [sensitive skin](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/shaving-with-sensitive-skin/ "10 Tips for Shaving with Sensitive Skin") or especially coarse hair. So, by selecting the ideal blade for your skin and hair and using it with a DE razor, you’re likely to see better results.

### 2\. Cost

Let’s start here by talking about how quickly blades dull. Whether we’re talking about a double-edged razor blade or cartridge blades, they tend to start dulling after around three to five uses, considering average hair texture.

![Stropping a razor](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Stropping-a-razor-588x588.jpg "Stropping A Razor")

Straight Razor blades are

Kept sharp by stropping

It’s actually fairly difficult to keep a razor blade sharp. Hence the need to regularly strop (and hone) a [straight razor](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/why-men-stop-straight-razor-shaving/ "Why Did Men Stop Straight Razor Shaving?"), the most traditional of shaving methods.

DE razors account for this reality by being manufactured to work with extremely simple blades that are easy to manufacture. To replace each individual double-edged blade will cost you just pennies by the pack, so it’s fairly convenient to simply dispose of a blade when you’re done using it or when it’s getting dull.

Compare that to the fairly over-engineered cartridge blade packs, which can cost over $4 for a single multi-blade implement; and while manufacturers claim that these cartridges are good for over fifteen shaves, we’ve noticed a marked decrease in quality after just a few shaves with them in our own testing. So, if you notice your cartridges pulling, that means you’ll have to shell out considerably more cash to get new ones or settle for a sub-par shave.

In other words then, this underscores how DE shaving is superior in terms of lifetime cost. Bilking you out of your money is such a major part of the cartridge shaving system that it’s literally the name of a pricing model in the business world—the “[razor and blades model](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Razor_and_blades_model).”

The shaving company [Gillette](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/the-gillette-ad-and-the-modern-gentleman/ "The Gillette Ad and the Modern Gentleman") made the conscious decision to sell its cartridge system razor handles at cost to get shavers started for a relatively low price, but those razor handles are pretty useless without blades. So, Gillette made the cartridge heads expensive, knowing that everyone who already had a handle would essentially be locked into this system—unless they were wise enough to consider other options, that is.

So, while you might only spend $10 to get the handle for a cartridge razor, be prepared to spend as much as three times that per month in order to keep yourself well-stocked with blades.

![Catridge Razor Handle](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Catridge-Razor-Handle-1030x579.jpg "Catridge Razor Handle")

A cartridge razor handle could cost you less upfront.

![Cartridge Razor Blades](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Catridge-Razor-Blades-1030x579.jpg "Catridge Razor Blades")

Buying cartridge blades are more expensive in the long run.

On the other hand, DE shaving does have a considerable upfront cost—as in order to get yourself started with a basic kit, you’ll probably have to spend somewhere in the neighborhood of $50 to $100. Yes, that can sound steep in comparison. But, if you purchase quality tools, then you’ll likely only need to make this investment once; and going forward—potentially for the rest of your life—you’ll only be paying pennies per shave because of how cheap DE razor blades are.

The only real expense from that point onward will be the occasional purchase of shaving cream or if you’d like to treat yourself to a new tool.

As a case study here, Raphael has run some numbers himself and, in his own testing, in order to shave as comfortably with a cartridge razor as he does with a DE razor, he would have to potentially spend as much as ten times more per year.

### 3\. Environmental Concerns

We’ll close this section out with another cost—the cost of unsustainable waste. Both cartridge razors and DE razors will likely have to be disposed of at some point. But, cartridge razors introduce a difficult-to-dispose-of or recycle chunk of hard plastic, which often ends up in landfills.

Meanwhile, the typically all metal bodies of traditional DE razors don’t really have to be thrown away and, in many cases, can be refurbished if they’re antiques to still be usable; and as opposed to the multi-blade implement of a cartridge razor, which again is a hunk of plastic, the blades of a DE razor are made from simple-to-recycle metal.

![Blade and Cartridge Razors](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Waste-588x588.jpg "Waste")

The DE Razor produces

Less Waste

If they’re properly stored, razor blades can be easily dropped off at a local recycling center or, even if you do throw them away, they will still take up considerably less space in a landfill. And while neither metal or plastic is strictly-speaking biodegradable, metal will break down in the environment over decades; whereas, some plastics can take up to hundreds or even thousands of years.

## Considerations for DE Shaving

With all this being said then, we don’t want to overhype double-edged shaving. After all, we certainly don’t want you trying to shave while wearing rose-colored glasses.

### 1\. Cartridge Razors Are Easy To Use But Results In An Inferior Shave

We do recognize that one of the main draws of cartridge razor shaving is how simple and intuitive it is. The cartridge system does make it much harder to nick or cut yourself, though it does this generally by impeding the action of the razor blade with a safety bar. This then contributes to an inferior shave overall.

### 2\. DE Razors Offer Full Use And Control Over The Blade

When double-edged shaving, as mentioned before, you’ll have full control over the blade, which means that, yes, there is a slightly higher chance of nicking or cutting yourself, but that control will also give you a closer shave with less irritation when done well.

![The closeness of a safety razor shave is worth the few extra minutes](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Hold-the-razor-at-an-angle-until-you-get-the-best-result-1030x687.jpg "Hold The Razor At An Angle Until You Get The Best Result")

The closeness of a safety razor shave is worth the time learning to use it.

### 3\. DE Razors Require Practice But Offer A Better Experience

All it will take for you to achieve this is an investment in time in order to learn how to properly use a DE razor. Fortunately, though, we’ve already produced several guides on the subject that will walk you through the process slowly and concisely, so you’ll be able to get a fantastic shave, benefiting from our years of experience.

Shaving Guides Playlist

And if you’ve got sensitive skin as I do, you can find DE razors on the market with a smaller blade gap, leading to a lower chance of cutting yourself. So, then DE shaving does require special tools and a little bit more time and know-how. But, we think the results speak for themselves.

### 4\. DE Razors Are Not Permissible In Carry-On Luggage

Before we move on though, we will pause for a moment to acknowledge one area where cartridge razors potentially do have DE razors beat and that is the area of airline [travel](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/grooming-hacks-for-traveling/ "9 Grooming Hacks for the Traveling Gentleman (+TSA Tips!)").

![A carry-on suitcase is easier to lug around.](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/A-carry-on-suitcase-is-easier-to-lug-around-1030x579.jpg "A Carry On Suitcase Is Easier To Lug Around")

Traditional DE razor blades aren’t allowed in carry-on luggage by most major airlines.

Unfortunately, DE razor blades aren’t allowed in [carry-on luggage](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/how-to-pack-a-carry-on/) by most major airlines. This means that, unless you’re bringing along a checked bag on your journey, where your DE razor and blades can be stowed, you may have to make do with a cartridge razor, which can be safely carried in carry-on luggage. Alternatively though, you could opt for a different method of shaving that can accommodate being put into a carry-on bag like an electric shaver.

So, if you’re interested in using that method, chances are you’ll already have an electric shaver on hand that you can take with you when traveling. This way, you won’t have to bother with a cartridge razor in either case.

Speaking of electric shavers then, for more information on how DE shaving compares to other shaving methods besides just cartridges, our comprehensive shaving guide e-book is a fantastic place to find this information and much more.

![The Shaving Guide\_logo horizontal1000](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/The-Shaving-Guide_logo-horizontal1000-900x470.png "The Shaving Guide Logo Horizontal1000")

**RECOMMENDED**

Master the Art of Shaving with Our Shaving Guide

Each man has different needs, and even though we love a deep dive into one part of shaving, we know that the Big Picture is just as important. To answer the many shaving questions and concerns that we receive from men every day, we put together the most comprehensive Shaving Guide out there.

In assembling this work, we personally tested over one hundred shaving products to see how they performed. Our expert testers have extensive experience with all shaving methods, including cartridge, double-edged or safety, and straight razors, techniques, and tools. All products were tested comparatively by the same team, so you can be sure that every suggestion, tip, and review is unbiased and the direct result of our genuine opinions and assessments.

[Download the eBook for $25.00](https://shop.gentlemansgazette.com/the-shaving-guide-ebook)

## Essential Tools for Double-Edge Shaving:

Now that we have piqued your interest in double-edged shaving, let’s conclude by running down the list of essential tools you’ll need in order to shave with a double-edged razor.

### 1\. Razor Body (Handle and Head)

Firstly, of course, you’ll need a razor body—that is a handle and head. Unlike with cartridge razors, DE razors can be highly customized to you and your needs with variations in weight, balance, aggressiveness, blade gap, and the like to suit your individual shaving style. And for a truly bespoke experience, you can even mix-and-match the handles and heads of many different razors.

To use myself as a personal example here, I enjoy the narrow blade gap of the head of the Hansen Shaving AL13 with the weight and heft of the handle of the Muhle R89 Grande.

![Preston's choice of handle and head.](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Preston-chose-his-handle-and-head-1030x579.jpg "Preston Chose His Handle And Head")

Preston’s choice of handle and head.

_This guide isn’t sponsored by the way, I’ve just found that these two razor options have worked well for me._

### 2\. Blades

Next, you’ll obviously need to load the body of your razor with a blade that suits your skin sensitivity, hair type, and shaving needs. In simplest terms here, you can consult our guide on the best double-edged razor blades as a great place to start.

### 3\. Quality Shaving Cream

![Good quality shaving creams will give you a superior shave.](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Good-quality-shaving-creams-will-give-you-a-superior-shave-588x588.jpg "Good Quality Shaving Creams Will Give You A Superior Shave")

a superior shave needs

Quality products

You’re also going to want some shaving products that will help to prepare your hair for shaving and soothe your skin afterward.

We suggest acquiring a quality shaving soap or cream featuring fats and emollient for smoothness, protection, and moisturization, paired with a [shaving brush](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/cheap-vs-expensive-shaving-brushes/ "Cheap vs. Expensive Shaving Brushes: Tips for the Best Shave") and mug to create a rich, spreadable lather. Your skin will thank you for not using cheap aerosol creams, which we cover in greater depth in another guide.

Cheap vs. Expensive Shaving Cream

### 4\. Aftershave or Balm

You should also procure a moisturizing aftershave or balm and, if you’d like more product recommendations for this and other related things, you can find our guide featuring some of our favorites.

If you’re first getting used to DE shaving you should also consider a product that will stop bleeding from occasional [nicks and cuts](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/how-deal-nicks-cuts/). Even for experienced shavers, they’re bound to happen, and there’s no shame in it. Styptic pencils and alum blocks are good options here as they stop bleeding by coagulating [blood](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/how-to-remove-blood-stains/) at the surface.

## Conclusion

With that, you should know all that you need to in order to try out double-edged shaving for yourself.

**_We’d like to know then, did we thoroughly convince you that double-edged shaving is a cut above or are there still some cartridge fans out there? Let us know in the comments as I go over today’s outfit._**

## Outfit Rundown

![Preston in a laid-back outfit.](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Preston-in-a-laid-back-outfit-1030x579.jpg "Preston In A Laid Back Outfit")

Preston in a laid-back outfit.

Today, I’m wearing a relatively simple and casual outfit—the centerpiece of which is my silver-colored polo shirt. As I have for other shaving-related content in the past, I picked this shirt today as I believe its pattern is somewhat reminiscent of the knurling on a traditional DE razor handle.

Most of the rest of my outfit—including my belt, loafers from J Butler, and trousers—are all plain black, and my socks are from our own brand, Ford Belvedere. These are part of our range of what we’re calling our two-tone, solid designs; and they’re in black and white to harmonize somewhat with the shirt.

Finally, today, for a [fragrance](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/10-more-classic-fragrances/ "10 (More) Classic Fragrances for Gentlemen"), I’ve chosen Individuel from Montblanc as I believe the silver, black, and white tones on the bottle harmonized with my outfit and because the light and fairly neutral scent is pleasing to me. But, for the socks I’m wearing today, as well as a wide array of other classic men’s accessories, corduroy trousers, fragrances from the [Roberto Ugolini collection](https://shop.gentlemansgazette.com/collections/fragrances), and our shaving guide e-book, among others—you can take a look at the [Fort Belvedere shop](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/https-shop-gentlemansgazette-com/).

![Navy Blue & White Two-Tone Solid Formal Evening Socks for Black Tie & White Tie - Fort Belvedere](https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Navy-Blue-White-Two-Tone-Solid-Formal-Evening-Socks-for-Black-Tie-White-Tie-Fort-Belvedere-450x300.jpg "Navy Blue White Two Tone Solid Formal Evening Socks For Black Tie White Tie Fort Belvedere")

Fort Belvedere

Black & White Two-Tone Formal Socks

FAQ

**What is a double edged safety razor?**

A double edged safety razor is a shaving instrument that has a protective barrier between the blade and your skin. It uses a single blade of a double-edged blade and is designed to cut the hair at skin level.

**Why are double edged razors considered better than cartridge razors?**

There are several reasons why double edged razors are seen as superior:

1.  **Closer Shave:** They provide a closer shave by cutting the hair cleanly without pulling or tugging.
2.  **Cost-Effective:** Even though the initial investment may be higher, double edged blades are much cheaper to replace than cartridge blades.
3.  **Less Irritation:** With only one blade passing over the skin, there’s less risk of irritation, ingrown hairs, and razor burn.
4.  **Durability:** Safety razors are made from quality materials like stainless steel and can last a lifetime with proper care.
5.  **Precision:** The design allows for more control and precision in shaping beards and sideburns.
6.  **Environmentally Friendly:** Double-edge razor blades are recyclable, reducing plastic waste compared to disposable cartridges.

**Is a double edged razor suitable for beginners?**

Yes, with a little practice, beginners can easily adapt to using a double edged razor. It’s important to learn the proper technique to avoid nicks and cuts.

**How often do I need to replace the blade in a double edged razor?**

This can vary depending on beard thickness and how often you shave, but generally speaking, you should change the blade every 3-7 shaves for optimal performance.

**Can I use any brand of double edged blades with my safety razor?**

Most double edged blades are universal and will fit any standard safety razor, giving you the flexibility to try different brands and find the one that works best for you.

**Are double edged razors travel-friendly?**

While they are not typically allowed in carry-on luggage due to the blade, they are travel-friendly in checked baggage. You may also find travel cases designed specifically for double edged razors.

## Our Original “DE vs. Cartridge” Video

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, we first published a video on this topic back in 2020. Our analysis remains largely the same, but watch it for yourself to see how far our production has come in the intervening years!

![Youtube video](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gb60XbJh6_U/hqdefault.jpg)