How To Shave With A Safety Razor – A Comprehensive Guide

For generations, the safety razor reigned supreme, offering a close, comfortable shave. In recent decades, cartridge razors promised convenience, but often at the cost of irritation and a less satisfying shave experience.

However, we have recently witnessed a resurgence of traditional wet shaving, thereby paving the way for the comeback of a Safety Razor. But the question of the hour is, “How do you use it?” “Are there special techniques involved?”

With proper knowledge and a little practice, you can master the art of “barber-shop quality” shaving at home, saving money and time. This guide will explore all the details about shaving with a safety razor for beginners.

Before you plunge headfirst into knowing how to shave with a safety razor, it's vital to get the essentials in order.

Here’s what you need:

For the razor

When talking about safety razors, the classic option that’s been revered for decades is the Double-Edged (DE) razor. The characteristic of this razor is it features a single, replaceable blade between two guard plates.

Safety razors like DE razors are designed, so the exposed blade comes in contact with the facial hair, trimming it down, while the guard plates prevent risks of cutting the skin. As for the materials, safety razors are available in brass, titanium, and stainless steel options.

For the blade

When you pick up a safety razor, you’ll need good-quality, sharp-edged DE blades to ensure a clean shave without interruptions in the middle. Usually, for beginners, start with the featherweight or milder blade until you get the hang of it.

For the accessory items

Using a safety razor involves the “wet shaving” technique, so you’d need shaving cream/foam, a shaving brush, and a bowl/mug. You might consider investing in a styptic pencil to prevent the risks of minor nicks and cuts on the skin.