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When many of us learned to shave, there was comfort in knowing that if one blade missed a hair, the next three (or six) would mow it down for the closest shave possible. So, why then, with the advent of multi-blade razors, do so many standout single-blade razors persist in the marketplace? Because the best single-blade razors for men prove that less can be more—especially for those with sensitive skin or those who are prone to ingrown hairs and razor burn.
“The more blades you have, the more irritation [shaving] can create,” says Emily Clark, Senior Barber at Fellow Barber in New York City. “It is also worth considering that stacking multiple blades can affect the cutting angle, which can encourage ingrown hairs. Multiple blades cut so close, in fact, that you cut beyond the skin line. This causes the hair that has been cut to retract—again, equaling in more ingrown hairs.”
Read on to check out our picks for the best razors for men with a single, solitary, and powerful blade for a smooth shave. I’ve had dozens of these things come across my desk (and graze my face) over the years, and these are the ones I trust most with the task. I’ve also included expertise from Clark, as well as Stephen Wu, Senior Barber at Fellow Barber Hudson Yards in NYC.
Key details: Double-edge, brass-weighted, 4.2 oz.
Why we love it: Not only is Bevel’s razor the heftiest in the game, but I find it extremely easy for any first-time safety razor shavers. Simply place that logo on the head against your face, then angle the device down, and go. No matter how coarse, curly, or stubborn your stubble has proven for other razors, Bevel’s is going to glide through the thicket. My dad uses it on his bald dome, too, citing that extra heft in the handle that gives him more confidence when navigating things upside-down and backwards.
If you lined up every option on this list, I think each razor would win a separate race. And Bevel’s might be the silver medalist in a lot of those categories. But when all the scores are tallied up, it would probably win the overall best shave race by a long shot. If you’re safety-razor curious, and if you want the classic double-edge experience, then here is the best in show.
Key details: Single-edge, easy side loading, die-cast zinc alloy (4 colors), 3.17 oz.
Why we love it: I am probably reaching for Supply’s razor most frequently of all the options on this list, since it makes for an extremely efficient shave, much like a cartridge shave. In fact, it kind of feels like cheating, because it navigates exactly like a cartridge shave and takes the learning curve out of safety razor shaving. (As do most single-edge razors.). But this tool has all the best parts of all the best single-edge razors, from its beautiful and grip-friendly design to its side-loading razors (So easy! No nicks! Simple recycling!).
Key details: Double-edge, stainless steel 3.68 oz.
Why we love it: If you want to dip your toe in the safety razor waters, or you just want the most surefire device for the lowest cost, then obviously Gillette is the choice. This is ol’ reliable. This is the name that has influenced how we shave over the past 120+ years. It has great weight for such a low-cost tool available on Amazon, and is going to be perfectly satisfactory for the vast majority of its owners. If you’re a total traditionalist about the process, I’d say to invest in something with a bit more nuance (like the Tatara, Supply, or Bevel), but on the topic of tradition, who can doubt the very name that invented the double-edged safety razor? King C. Gillette stays, well, king.
Key details: Double-edge, premium stainless steel, 3 oz.
Why we love it: This gem of a razor is a top-tier gift to yourself or a loved one; yes, it’s an investment, but you also get a lifetime warranty from Tatara. If the finest details matter a lot to you—like hundredths of a millimeter on the blade gap or exposure, then Tatara is like the scientist who has perfected the formula. You can even choose between an open and closed comb at the head of the tool—closed for most shaving razors, open if you have tolerant skin and can endure the closest shave humanly possible. This is just one of the many nuances offered by the Portuguese maker, but the close-combed option is their most universal, too. This is a prized grooming possession of mine, up there with my favorite colognes and best electric razors.
Key details: Double-edge, 5 color options in various materials (steel, copper, aluminum), 1.3 oz.
Why we love it: Here is one of Wu’s top picks for safety razors that he uses in the barbershop. “I like Henson’s razor for its slick design and angle positioning of the blade,” he says. “Despite its metal handle, it is lightweight and easy to use.” I co-sign all of what he just said, and have to call out the beautiful blue coating on mine—I think color customization is underrated and I appreciate the playfulness here.
The argument for single-blade razors (life safety razors) is fairly clear: By using one blade instead of two to six blades, you experience less razor drag and thus lower your risk for irritation and ingrown hairs when wet shaving.
That’s not to say that multi-blade (aka cartridge) razors are bad. Technology has allowed both options to be quite efficient and proficient. However, anyone with coarse facial hair or ingrown-prone hairs should certainly consider safety razors for their confident cutting abilities.
Another argument in favor of single-blade razors is that they tend to be less expensive over time, since their blades are less costly than cartridge replacement blades. They’re also generally easier to learn how to use than a straight razor.
There are two core types of safety razors to consider—double-edge blades (DE) and single-edge blades (SE). DE blades have identical dual sides; this razor usually has a curved head that makes it easy to flip the tool from one side to the other as you maneuver the shave. (It makes for a more efficient shave, too, since you’re rinsing the sharp blade way less.) However, it comes with a bit more of a learning curve compared to single-edge razors, which feel a bit more intuitive for cartridge shavers.
The best SE razors have a nifty side-loading mechanism that installs each blade, without the task becoming an entire chore. Their blades are also longer and tend to be more sturdy than double-edge razors. Those blades will last 2-3 times as many shaves without dulling, and thus are a bit more expensive to purchase compared to the ultra-cheap DE razors. (Still, SE options are less expensive than most cartridge razors.)
Here is the key advice you need to have, if you are new to using single-blade razors or just making the change from cartridge blades or disposable razors.
Pull the skin taut: This will minimize friction, resistance, razor drag, and the like.
Maintain a 30 to 45 degree angle, applying no pressure: Most single-edge safety blades will feel intuitive; the angled razor head of double-edge razors makes for fairly easy positioning, too. If you have a rounded head on a double-edge safety razor, press the head perpendicular to your face, then slowly angle it down until the blade touches your skin. There is your natural shaving angle.
Keep a light but confident grip: You shouldn’t have to press down or pull it along. But a steady grip is essential for managing such a light hold.
Shave with the grain: While shaving against the grain can give you a closer shave, shaving with the grain (in the direction of hair’s natural growth, that is) will reduce the chances for ingrown hairs.
Use short, straight strokes: Don’t be hasty with long strokes. Rinse out that blade frequently, to reduce friction and dragging. If you remember to go slow, Clark says, then this should make it easier to avoid long, sweeping strokes. Enjoy the process!
As for skin prep and recovery, here is some input from Wu and Clark.
Shower first: “The steam and warm water will help to soften the hair,” says Wu.
Use a pre-shave oil: “The oil will help the blade to glide across the skin and won’t dissolve when in contact with water,” he adds.
Use a brush on longer stubble: This will help lift the hairs for efficient shaving. The lather of the shave cream or shaving soap doubles as skin and hair softener, too.
Use a post-shave agent: Alcohol-free options are best—like Fellow’s own alcohol-free splash. “This tonic uses witch hazel as a natural astringent with antibacterial properties, as well as aloe vera and vitamin E to calm the skin,” says Wu.
Check out how to use a safety razor for more insight.
“People with sensitive skin, those with tight and curly facial hair, or those with complex growth patterns on their face should consider single-blade razors,” says Clark. These are often the same guys who benefit from using the best electric shaver, or who forgo the shave entirely and stick with the best beard trimmer and rock some full-time scruff.
“While a good single-blade razor can be used by everyone, these groups will notice the benefits and changes the most.” Beyond that, it might just be a matter of preference (versus cartridge multi-blade razors), or budget, since safety razors with their single blades tend to be more cost-effective in terms of razor replenishment.
When you’ve been in the grooming journalism game for 11 years, you get your fair share of product testing done. To that end, I have a lot of shaving experience and have tested dozens of these razors (both single- and double-edge razor blades) and the roster here reflects the best in a variety of categories. I’m a fairly sensitive shaver, too—prone to bumps and irritation—so I hope my picks honor the more sensitive among us.
Emily Clark and Stephen Wu are both Senior Barbers at Fellow Barber in NYC. Clark cuts at Fellow’s SoHo shop; Wu cuts at the Hudson Yards location.
Adam Hurly has been GQ’s go-to grooming expert since 2016, and has been covering the beat since 2013. He has written for just about every men’s publication on the beat, and recently launched Blue Print by Adam Hurly, where he houses all of his favorite products, tips, and news. (Sign up for his newsletter, eh?)
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