--- source_url: "https://www.gq.com/story/best-razors-for-men?utm_source=openai" title: "11 Best Razors for Men in 2026, According to GQ Editors | GQ" mirrored_at: 2026-08-06T01:10:02.136Z host: www.gq.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.gq.com/story/best-razors-for-men__q__utm_source_openai" --- > **Original source:** https://www.gq.com/story/best-razors-for-men?utm_source=openai Every guy has his own preference when it comes to shaving, and the best razors for men can be a pretty divisive issue. Chalk it up to nostalgia or sheer stubbornness, but plenty of dudes refuse to stray from the good ol' cartridge razor. Then, there’s the large group of shave enthusiasts and everyday gents alike who believe “once you go [safety blades](https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-safety-razor), you never go back," while other fellas remain loyal to the [electric razor](https://www.gq.com/story/best-electric-shavers) and its promise of fewer risks like ingrown hairs, shave bumps, and [razor burn](https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-treat-razor-burn). Which begs the question: What type of razor is _actually_ best? We’re not here to pick sides, per se—but we can help steer you in the right direction if you’re curious to try something new. Already decided on your preferred type of razor and just want a new go-to brand to get it from? Our insights into the best mens razors covers all that, along with how to shop for the best razor if you need a little more intel on which types of blades suit different skin and stubble needs. But know this: If you’re experiencing consistent irritation, you might need to switch up your general approach to the process—either by overhauling your [shaving regimen](https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-shave) entirely or revisiting the canonized [rules of razor hygiene](https://www.gq.com/story/stop-ruining-your-razor). “Shaving is more of a ritual than a single act of taking blade to skin,” says _GQ_’s resident grooming expert, barber [Matty Conrad](https://www.instagram.com/mattyconrad/?hl=en). “The process is often more important than the individual tools. A man whose skin is sensitive or prone to ingrown hairs will not completely correct these issues by buying a more expensive razor or changing up his can of foam. It requires a process, and often multiple products working in tandem to create a better shaving experience.” That said, it's still imperative to audit the tool you’re using to shave, and to find the best one for your needs. Read on for a roster of the best razors for men, from our own comprehensive experience along with insights from Conrad, and board-certified cosmetic surgeon and dermatologist [Ariel Ostad](https://www.instagram.com/drarielostad/?hl=en). The Best Razor for Guys Overall Leaf Shave Leaf Twig Razor [Read More](#69d3d5b36a716bf452c1357d) The Best Cartridge Razor for Men Harry's Original Shaving Kit for Men [Read More](#69d3d67536303c9947c12f14) The Best Safety Razor for Men Merkur 38C Long Handle Double Edge Safety Razor [Read More](#65c29a2fc56e99580ae69433) The Best Straight Razor for Men Feather Artist Club DX Maintenance-Free Straight Razor [Read More](#65c29a2f1ccf36c77d9e380b) The Best Electric Razor Alternative Philips Norelco OneBlade Electric Trimmer and Shaver [Read More](#65c29a2fb5f57b96d6bdfb4a) The Best Razor for Sensitive Skin Supply Single-Edge SE Safety Razor [Read More](#65c29a2fb5f57b96d6bdfb43) The Best Disposable Razor for Guys BIC EasyRinse Disposable Razor [Read More](#65c29a30c56e99580ae6943d) The Best Heated Razor Gillette Gillette Heated Razor for Men [Read More](#680902ccb92ba6f5e4166526) In This Guide - [More Razors We Love](#more-razors-we-love) - [The Different Types of Razors for Men, Explained](#types) - [Skin Sensitivities and Stubble Conditions to Consider When Buying a Razor](#skin) - [How We Tested the Best Razor for Men](#tested) - [Razors for Men FAQ](#razors-for-men-faq) - [About the Experts](#experts) ## Best Razor for Guys Overall: Leaf Shave Twig Single Edge Safety Razor Leaf Shave ### Leaf Twig Razor I've been a huge fan of Leaf since they came on the scene (via Kickstarter, in 2016, believe it or not). And while their initial launch—the Hybrid—gave you all the best parts of a cartridge and safety razor combined, I think their second razor deserves some major spotlighting. It also launched via Kickstarter (in 2020), and is more of a straightforward single-edged straight razor, _but_ it's the kind that can easily convert cartridge-stubborn shavers (like me, previously). The blade loading is extremely easy, with a twist at the base to insert, fasten, and remove any of the blades, and I've never had an easier time drawing clean, no-crumbs strokes on full shaves. I attribute the "ease of transition" to the tinny barrier bar that precedes the blade; it almost coaches you as to how to angle the blade, and prevents any mishaps even if you're a newbie. And aside from being terrific for full shaves, it's also proven effective at keeping my facial hair lines tidied, too—my cheeks and neckline, that is, whenever I grow things out. Ditto for the hairs just under my nose, which I like to keep tidied so that my mustache has better curvature all throughout; this one is precise enough to mind those tiny details. There's a lot to love about Leaf as a brand too, from full-metal recyclable parts to beautifully designed products. Color me a big fan. ## Best Safety Razor for Men: Merkur 38C Long Handle Double Edge Safety Razor Merkur ### 38C Long Handle Double Edge Safety Razor I gave this pick to the barber, since my “overall” winner was a safety razor, too. So, consider this a runner up in that field, as well as the barber's favorite for customers. “Merkur's 38C Long Handle is as classic as they come,” he says. “Honestly, most three-piece safety razors are going to be more or less the same functionally with varying degrees of quality when it comes to the blades ([Feather blades](https://cna.st/affiliate-link/35a2Pj22cNjnRLTD1g8Mdo4eTNSrrh1pDFdoWtqBCgP4mv2NYH3dJ78KGEULEcL8iGHurvH8Qpk7xxsi2U5C53SACocg5WszqVpbSdvT7pvvgSSdiT4DbepVWqSzZLPiUphQSCneFLR4Ywe4spqwuxPQpDFf56qWKjFQwEkDnW4VHLB3C1adJjc7hqrpi1JfvChyhtV1dFUL11L3h9gbgqGY3WjVUHu6J8fH2X6oryJfo1WoF9gEBgLZJEiUdpja8gBZk4n1yeW7BBgqaksNAFSiD5WiwSA65W7WQphA1HgQ7yyFk3NpSx63Y1o7QEbEwAQevRbENRiASUY) are my favorite)…” but Merkur has a reputation for quality in the barbering and safety-razoring communities. If you are a true novice in safety razor shaving, consider the [short-handle 34C option from Merkur](https://cna.st/affiliate-link/UKMhwqGKSKJYLpAyLjuFgSJ6XEZbNJQPG6cuzWVbNA5UrApvkxspNnA85Qs8AN6ps8ukwDGGpXAHJeKPPgVizNAsQjZV67v5LZn6NrT9eAD2p5z3DQGckMFhnqX4tYiP1g7YhsDmbfvznc74juvzumKnDHwSJuxSuCSvZgZEg1NwGwcCxUY29o9wKJM9KHFPCVkVPxw7NQHU7kSgesbQZfCCPjDGcCF3MPGgyNeKD3DJdM6Eaj2ygC1TLPrYG1Bunu6uVEMyw9y3yngc6V6YMU6AbrQXyFnSzK6XwyoxJbUNox57jNwvV1Y8tEg4eJAFBynDD3SxG8F4k) too; it might offer you more control as you get ahold of things, though if you've got big hands, then Conrad's pick here is a more reliable option. ## Best Straight Razor for Men: Feather Artist Club DX Maintenance-Free Straight Razor Feather Artist ### Club DX Maintenance-Free Straight Razor Here's another pick from Conrad, who has a lot more mileage with straight razors than I do. "Stropping and honing a blade to keep a razor sharp edge is not a skill to take lightly. It takes many hours of practice just to become good enough to maintain a straight razor, let alone use one on your own face. So, for everyone who wants to straight shave without the hassle of sharpening, I recommend the Feather Artist Club Series because it uses replaceable disposable blades which are always factory sharp, and is the closest thing to an actual straight razor I have found in a shavette." ## Best Manual Razor Alternative: Philips Norelco OneBlade Electric Trimmer and Shaver Philips Norelco ### OneBlade Electric Trimmer and Shaver I love a multitasking grooming product, and Philips Norelco's OneBlade trimmer-shaver can handle just about every hair-taming task you assign. Be it facial hair or body hair, it can trim, shave, or detail as you need, wet or dry, and has interchangeable double-edged blades for every use. It even comes with a skin guard for those more precious, sensitive spots. I also called it one of my favorite electric shavers, but this thing is unclassifiable since it feels like a hybrid between shaver, trimmer, and cartridge razor. It does everything except leave skin irritated; best of all you can use it to customize facial hair styles; the trimmer manages length while the shaver tends to the edgework. ## Best Razor for Guys With Sensitive Skin: Supply Single-Edge SE Safety Razor Supply ### Single-Edge SE Safety Razor The _Shark Tank_\-backed Supply uses a nifty sliding installer to load single bare-metal blades straight into its sleek metal frame. Many new safety-blade shavers don't love handling a bare blade, and Supply’s razor takes care of that. Consider it driving automatic compared to the manual-transmission double-sided shave from more traditional safety razors. You still get a close, smooth shave from a simple single-blade design, but without the fuss—and because it's a single blade, it minimizes any agony on the skin. That's perfect for whenever I'm going long stretches without shaving. Typically, in times of frequent shaving, I'm alternating between this and Leaf, and I find them most comparable on this list. But Conrad echoes my sentiments for this one being great for sensitive skin, too: “This one is designed for maximum protection of the skin with minimal irritation or nicks,” he says. ## Best Disposable Razor for Guys: BIC EasyRinse Disposable Razor BIC ### EasyRinse Disposable Razor Our Experience Somewhere in the “more is better” marketing blitz, we lost track of the fact that fewer blades yields better spacing when it comes to rinsing the razor, and preventing razor drag between strokes. I love that BICs' disposables here deliver on their promise of less drag and more efficient results (which is usually why I'd suggest skipping disposables in the first place). They have 30% more space between the blades than their closest competitors. So if you need a razor in a jiffy, or you just don't shave enough but need a sensitivity-minded one stocked up, then look for EasyRinse ## Best Heated Razor: GilletteLabs Heated Razor - Cyrus Ferguson - Cyrus Ferguson - Cyrus Ferguson Gillette ### Gillette Heated Razor for Men Is there anything more blissful than the moment your face is wrapped up in a barber’s hot towel? With the noble goal of taking your everyday shave and turning it into something more luxurious, the GilletteLabs Heated Razor brings that barbershop bliss into your bathroom. The stainless steel warming bar heats up instantly and maintains a strong and satisfying heat that I found made the whole shaving experience more enjoyable. Plus, given that heat is known to help your skin’s pores stay open, applying it directly to the skin while simultaneously [cutting hair](https://www.gq.com/story/the-best-hair-clippers-for-men) helps reduce ingrown hairs and irritation. On top of the headline heating feature, this razor just feels _good_–with a weighty aluminum-zinc handle, GilletteLab’s agile FlexDisk head, and a sleek magnetic charging dock. While the price point puts it firmly in the luxe category, if traditional shaving leaves you cold—literally and figuratively—this could be the upgrade that makes you look forward to your next shave. ## More Razors We Love Henson ### AL13 Double Edge Safety Razor Style commerce writer Gerald Ortiz says this double-edged joint from Henson is his go-to pick. Bonus points for the cool blue colorway. Bevel ### Safety Razor Senior commerce editor Ian Burke loves his Bevel safety razor. “It's got a great weight to it,” he says. “Even though I keep a beard, I like to use this to clean up my neck and edges.” Harry's ### Original Shaving Kit for Men One of the OG's in the DTC razors game, Harry's continues to make some great whisker erasers in equally attractive packages. Dovo ### Straight Razor If you're going to be running a straight razor across your face, we suggest splurging on a nice one. Your cheeks will thank you! ## The Different Types of Razors for Men, Explained Here’s a quick guide to the different types of razors, and what to expect or look for in each. **Cartridge Razors:** These are the razors we all learn to shave with these days. They've got anywhere from 2-6 blades, though more isn’t always better. From your skin’s point of view, (and the dermatologist’s POV), four might be the sweet spot—at least that’s what Dr. Ostad recommends to his patients. You’ll see a variety of options on our picks below, but for good reason in each case. Just make sure any cartridge you use has a lubricating strip for extra skin cushioning, and to Ostad’s advice, be sure to change it out frequently. ([Our rule](https://www.gq.com/story/stop-ruining-your-razor) is every 2-3 weeks or 6-8 shaves.) **Safety Razors:** These are old-school cool, the enthusiast’s choice. [Safety razors](https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-safety-razor) have a weighted handle with a single, sharp blade (single or double sided), and that single blade can give you an extremely close shave. These are usually preferred by guys with ingrown-prone skin since there is less skin dragging and swifter cutting, plus they’re usually less expensive in terms of blade replacements compared to cartridge blades (which have cheaper razors but more costly upkeep). **Straight Razors:** [Straight razors](https://www.gq.com/story/best-straight-razor) are those knife-life blade that you see barbers wield. It requires skill but offers an unmatched, incredibly close shave. Honestly, there aren’t many guys who should use a straight razor on themselves, so if you want that slow, methodical shave, save it for the barber’s chair. **Electric Razors:** [Electric razors](https://www.gq.com/story/best-electric-shavers) are like the sweatpants of shaving, in the best way possible. They’re so easy and fast and comfortable, with minimal irritation and no ingrowns or bumps to worry about, since electric shavers don’t fully cut beneath the surface of skin. You can even tidy up in the shower since most are waterproof. You’ll have to do upkeep more often with these (maybe a day sooner than you would with a regular manual shave), but will save time in the big picture. It’s also a tool that every guy should own, even if he prefers a manual shave. You never know when you might need a cleanup in a jiffy, and without risk for side effects. It’s important to understand the difference between [rotary and foil shavers](https://www.gq.com/story/foil-shavers-vs-rotary-shavers), too; essentially, rotary cuts slightly less close but better satisfies the more finicky hair and skin types. **Head Razors:** You can choose manual or electric options here—typically the electric ones will be rotary, since they offer more ergonomic benefits. That’s really the key with [shaving a bald head](https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-shave-your-head): You need something that can glide all around the dome with little resistance, and in a manner that leaves no hair unsnipped. **Body Razors:** When it comes to [manscaping](https://www.gq.com/story/gq-mens-body-grooming-guide), you need something that can handle sensitive areas. Body razors often have features like rounded edges and multiple settings to trim hair without irritation. Again, you have both manual and electric options in this field. Typically we’d suggest choosing an [electric body hair trimmer](https://www.gq.com/story/best-body-hair-trimmers) over an electric razor, and a flexible, low-blade-count cartridge razor for any body shaving. ## Skin Sensitivities and Stubble Conditions to Consider When Buying a Razor Since the above types of razors often boil down to preferences and prices, it’s also imperative to consider any unique variables that affect your shave routine—from facial hair growth patterns to skin sensitivities. Here is what to factor in, according to Conrad. **Ingrown Hair Proneness:** “With curlier facial hair growth, you want to look for something that is going to be very smooth and gentle, and not looking for ‘the closest shave ever,” Conrad says. “The fewer blades, the better.” **Thick/Coarse Stubble:** “You want durability, inexpensive refills, and reasonable blade gaps, so a lower blade count,” Conrad says. “Thick beards will easily clog a cartridge and the replacement costs on them are pretty high. If opting for a safety razor, get platinum-coated blades. They last longer and stay sharper. They are very handy for chopping through that facial forest.” **High-Frequency Shavers:** “For frequent shavers, I suggest an electric foil shaver because it doesn’t really require that whole rigmarole of the rest of the shaving ritual,” Conrad says. “You can use it dry, since it doesn’t require lather or cream (although I do suggest an aftershave still). You can do clean ups within minutes, keep it in a gym bag or a brief case if you need to touch up throughout the day.” **Sensitive Skin:** “The big need here is protection: The less direct contact the blade has the better,” Conrad explains. “Remember, it’s about blade contact, so the less blades the better and the sharper the blade the better. Dull blades definitely cause irritation so change them out regularly.” **Acne-Prone Skin:** “The goal is to minimize nicks and irritation when it comes to shaving skin with an irregular surface like acne bumps,” Conrad says. “Electric foils are the best for this hands down. But when it comes to a cartridge razor, a low-count cartridge should work just fine. Also, use an exfoliant regularly to make sure those pores aren’t clogged.” ## How We Tested the Best Razor for Men I’ve tried it all. Testing grooming products is my job, and has been for over a decade; I’ve also been _GQ_’s go-to expert on all things grooming since 2016. And whenever I have blind spots, I call in the experts like Matty Conrad, _GQ_’s other resident expert on this stuff. He’s a barber, so he’s shaved many faces. While I get tons of razors, he has tons of clients, so by our powers combined, this list was born. And it’s not just about the products we’ve loved for many years. We keep our eyes on what’s new, and try to keep these lists updated as one product ekes out another in any category. ## Razors for Men FAQ What is the best razor for men? In our roundup of the best mens razors, we gave Leaf’s single-edge safety razor (The Twig) the top prize for its ease of use, beautiful design, and its ability to convert cartridge shavers over to the safety-blade world, since it makes things so easy for first-time safety razor users. What is the top razor brand? Look, we don’t want to say any single brand is the best of the best, _but_ there are far more mentions of Gillette on this roster than any other brand, so maybe that’s the easiest way to answer. How many times can razors be used before replacing them? Our general suggestion for razor replenishment is to toss out blades after every 6-8 uses, or after 2-3 weeks—whichever of those two things comes first. You never want them to accumulate too much dust, rust, or bacteria, nor to become too dull. ## About the Experts [**Matty Conrad**](https://www.instagram.com/mattyconrad/?hl=en) is _GQ_’s resident barbering expert (you can see him in a bunch of [_GQ_ videos](https://www.gq.com/video)), as well as the founder of [Victory grooming products](https://cna.st/affiliate-link/HqPtkHbE1vfvuRtXtSptrH24WriKGTKJFZPBY6hVAMZz1uife4yDWqmKMm4x2jnpiHDpZ9ctV2sUkQq9qYnYdxTBQJYstzjMWTQiqhYHZmeMs4faJWfTpsN5hk5eKRPSmxnCKcZYTE5rg3C9n4PYhZ1rKivks26RcrSG2i2hxeGh8P1u9DT5UsTCW8Z3x3A1yEgB68GDeyAnzrYMmV4aU1Veu71ndCsghuYCQyZvDqdsNDZ8XYkjgfhWiVZtBXGKtPni1G6gZiNPnjefgfSuPHRT6mwQSwa8Ny3biYNkinXtA64zxPFSUtrq4L) as well as [Victory Barber](https://www.victorygastown.com/) in Vancouver, BC. [**Dr. Ariel Ostad**](https://www.instagram.com/drarielostad/?hl=en) is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon, dermatologist, and founder of [Dr. Ariel Ostad's Medical Grade Skincare](https://shop.drarielostad.com/).