The Best Safety Razors of 2019

Looking to buy a safety razor but not sure which one you should get? Well then you have come to the right place!

Whether you are looking for your first safety razor or your 10th safety razor, our buyer's guide offers the most comprehensive and informative information you are going to find.

In fact, our guide is so comprehensive that it may feel overwhelming. So our advice -- don't get overwhelmed and try to compare all 18 safety razors below. Narrow your search down and it will be much easier to find what you're looking for.

And guess what? We have made it incredibly easy for you to narrow down your search! All you have to do is take our simple 3 question quiz below and we will tell you which safety razor we think is best for you. After that, find which group that razor falls in and compare it with the others in its group. We highly recommend taking our quiz because it will really help you narrow down your choices and prevent you from getting overwhelmed with information overload.

Alright, let's get started and find you what you're looking for...

Best Safety Razors for Beginners

Shaving with a safety razor is very different from shaving with a cartridge razor. Shaving with a safety razor shouldn’t be intimidating, but it does take some practice and patience to learn how to use it the right way.

That’s why there a few key features I recommend when shopping for your first safety razor to make the transition easier.

• Moderately aggressive
• Closed comb and straight bar
• Good grip on handle
• Needs to have good weight distribution and not be too light

There’s no need to get fancy with your first safety razor -- just stick with a simple yet well-made and durable safety razor. You’re trying to learn how to use proper technique and it’s much easier to learn good technique with a moderately aggressive razor.

By the way, even though we refer to this category as “beginner” safety razors, many of these razors are great for experienced wet shavers as well. In fact, most of these are in the top 10 of most sold safety razors because the moderate aggressiveness feature is right in the sweet spot for most men. So if you’re looking for a moderately aggressive razor, you’re in the right place.

The Edwin Jagger DE89 was actually the first safety razor I ever purchased. I don’t really remember why I chose it over other options, but I think it was just because it was one of the most popular, highly regarded and affordable razors on the market. And I lucked out because it ended up being a great purchase and is still one of my favorite razors, regardless of wet shaving skill level.

What makes the DE89 such a great razor? Well there are no real big design flaws or mistakes.

It has excellent size and weight. It’s actually slightly lighter than I typically prefer, but the weight distribution and balance point are so good that it actually feels heavier than it is.

But probably the most important feature of the DE89 is they it provides an incredibly smooth and moderately aggressive shave. I rate it as a 4/10 on the aggressiveness scale which makes it perfect for beginners.

The combination of moderately aggressive and great weight distribution make it really easy to learn good wet shaving technique as well. Just let the weight of the razorhead do all the work and you will get a very close but still forgiving shave with the DE89.

I’m also a big fan of the chrome finish on this Edwin Jagger razor. It’s one of the best chrome finishes out there. And for this price, are you kidding me?

My only small complaint about the DE89 is that the grip on the handle could be better. It has some lined ridges that are perfectly fine, but it’s just not near as good as say the Merkur 23C with knurling.

Overall, the Edwin Jagger DE89 is just one of the best safety razors out there. I highly recommend it for beginners, but it’s a really great option for any man that is looking for a moderately aggressive razor. It's easy to see why it is so popular in the wet shaving community.

Who Do We Recommend The Merkur 23c For?

The Merkur 23C is probably the most popular safety razor on the market. Much like the Edwin Jagger DE89, the Merkur 23c is a great safety razor for beginners that are new to wet shaving, but it definitely should not just be considered a “beginner” safety razor.

The overall design, materials used and performance of the 23C are top-notch. It’s a 3-piece safety razor and is made with chrome-plated material. It has a closed comb and straight bar. The blade gap is pretty minimal but it shaves moderately aggressive, I rate it a 5/10.

The standout feature of the 23C though is the handle. At 4.2 inches long, this is one of the longest safety razors out there, which makes it a really good option for men with bigger hands. And the grip on the handle is my favorite. I wish every safety razor had knurling on the handle like the Merkur 23C. It’s just so functional and a secure grip.

Overall, I’m a huge fan of the 23C. If you are looking for a moderately aggressive razor that has a long handle, I don’t think you’ll find a better option. This razor delivers an incredibly close and smooth shave and when you factor in its affordable price, it is one of the best bang for your buck options. Take care of this Merkur razor and it will last you a long, long time.

Who Do We Recommend The Vikings Blade Chieftain For?

The Vikings Blade Chieftain is a really, really good safety razor. It’s popular with online customers, but you’re probably not going to hear too much about it by wet shaving snobs. Why? It has a much different marketing/advertising strategy that most other safety razor companies.

Most of the marketing focuses on things like the travel case and complimentary blades and other stuff. And it’s a shame, because all of that really loud marketing steals the spotlight from how good of a safety razor the Chieftain is.

In my opinion, the Vikings Blade Chieftain is one of the 5 best moderately aggressive safety razors out there. It is a really good size at 3.75 inches as this is right in the sweet spot for most men. It’s big enough so you can hold it in multiple grips but not so big that it is awkward to hold.

The weight distribution of the Chieftain is also really good. At 2.9 ounces, it has a good amount of heft to it and the balance point on the handle is really good.

The blade gap on the Chieftain looks pretty sizable to the naked eye, but it’s still only a moderately aggressive razor. I rate it as a 4/10.

Overall, the Chieftain is a great safety razor for a beginner that is looking to use proper wet shaving technique. Or for any wet shaver looking for a moderately aggressive shave.

Who Do We Recommend The Merkur 33C For?

The Merkur 33C “Classic” safety razor certainly lives up to its name. After all, it looks just like a classic safety razor that your grandpa would have used. Can’t get anymore “classic” than that.

The Merkur 33C is one of my favorite safety razors aesthetically. The chrome finish and knurling on the handle really make it look like a premium safety razor, but it’s sold more in the entry-level price range. So it looks nice, but how does it perform?

One of the best things about the Merkur 33C is how versatile it can be. What do I mean by that? Since it’s 5/10 aggressiveness, you really have full control over just how aggressive of a shave you want. You can turn up the aggressiveness even more and use an ultra-sharp blade like a Feather. Or you can dial the aggressiveness down and use a more mild blade like a Shark or Merkur. It’s all in your control.

The 33C has one of my favorite handles. It has slightly above average length at 3.3 inches long, but it’s still really easy and comfortable to hold. And while I would prefer if it had a little more weight to it, it doesn’t really bother me because the balance point is in an excellent spot about ¾ of an inch below the razorhead.

The design, aggressiveness and performance of the Merkur 33C make it a great razor for beginners, but it’s a favorite of a lot of veteran wet shavers too because it delivers a really close, comfortable and smooth shave. It is sold at a really affordable price point and as long as you take care of it, it should last you a long, long time.

Who Do We Recommend The Merkur 34C For?

The Merkur 34C “Heavy Duty” is an excellent safety razor and great for anyone that is looking for a razor with that masculine, old school design but is only moderately aggressive. And although the 34C is called the “Heavy Duty” or “HD”, that doesn’t mean it’s any more or less durable than other Merkur razors. I think they market it as “Heavy Duty” just because it has a noticeably thicker handle.

And that thick handle is definitely the standout feature on the 34C. At roughly 0.5 inches thick, I believe it is the thickest handle I’ve seen on a safety razor. And while the handle may look shorter than a lot of other handles, I think it’s kind of an optical illusion just because it’s thicker. It’s not a long handle, but it’s not overly short.

The 34C delivers a really close, comfortable shave. I rate it as a 4/10 aggressiveness. It’s a straight bar, closed comb razor so this is the perfect setup for a beginner but don’t pigeonhole it as just a beginner razor though. I know many veteran wet shavers that use this as their everyday razor.

So if you’re looking for a safety razor with a thicker handle, this is one of the best.

Who Do We Recommend The Merkur 38C For?

The Merkur 38C is a great option for any wet shaver looking for a moderately aggressive razor that is big and bulky. The 38C probably has Merkur’s bulkiest handle.

The Merkur 38C is 4 inches long and weighs 4 ounces. It has excellent weight distribution and is incredibly easy to shave with because of its overall weight. Just let the weight of the razorhead do all the work and don’t apply any pressure.

The handle on the 38C has a different design than most other Merkur razors. Most Merkur safety razors have knurling on the handle, but the 38C has the barber pole style design instead. Personally, I prefer the knurling, but the 38C still provides more than enough grip.

The 38C is one of the most durable safety razors. It has an excellent design and is made with top quality materials. Take care of it and this 2-piece safety razor will last a long time.

So if you’re wanting a Merkur that is both long and heavy, this is probably the best option. But if you would prefer a safety razor that is average size or smaller, this probably isn’t the best option for you.

Best Aggressive Safety Razors

Alright, next up we have our favorite “Aggressive” safety razors. So what makes an aggressive razor? Typically there are two features that make a razor more than moderately aggressive: 1) bigger blade gap and/or 2) open tooth comb.

The main benefits of an aggressive razor is that it might deliver a slightly closer shave and it more easily shaves thick, coarse beards. But the biggest drawback is that they typically cause more nicks and cuts or razor burn if you aren’t using really good form.

Aggressive safety razors are meant to be used by men with thick, coarse beards or men that only shave after a few days of growth. I would never recommend one of these to a beginner. Beginners need to learn technique with something more moderately aggressive.

I also would never recommend one of these aggressive razors to men that have thin/light facial hair or sensitive skin. It’s just completely unnecessary and overkill to use something this aggressive.

Who Do We Recommend The Parker 99R For?

The Parker 99R is one of the most aggressive razors on the market. It also happens to be one of the best and well-liked safety razors on the market, regardless of aggressiveness. So what makes it so great?

I think the main reason is just the overall design and construction. The 99R is a big and heavy safety razor, which is exactly what you want in an aggressive razor. Why? Because when an aggressive razor is too light, it’s pretty much impossible to shave with good form and it leads to a really uncomfortable shave and lots of razor burn. Trust me, I know. But when an aggressive razor is heavy(er), it’s much easier to let the weight of the razorhead do all the work so you won’t want to apply pressure.

The Parker 99R, like all aggressive razors, are best suited for men with thick, coarse beards and know how to use a safety razor correctly. I definitely do not recommend it for beginners. But what is it that makes the 99R so aggressive?

The biggest reason is the blade gap -- it is pretty sizable. The rest of the design is pretty standard and nothing aggressive: straight bar and closed comb.

Who Do We Recommend the Muhle R41 For?

The Muhle R41 is nicknamed “The Beast” for a reason: it’s one of the most aggressive razor on the market. The sizable blade gap and open comb make it great for men with thick, coarse beards, but that aggressiveness comes at a cost.

When you use something this aggressive that is also open comb, you’re going to have more nicks and cuts when you make mistakes. The Muhle R41 is not for the faint of heart. So if you’re not extremely confident in your wet shaving skills, you shouldn’t even consider using this razor.

Aesthetically, the Muhle is one of my favorite safety razors. It’s a very classic and masculine design. And the chrome finish is premium quality. The R41 is just one good looking safety razor.

The size and weight of the R41 are right in the sweet spot too. It’s got good length at 3.7 inches long and the balance point is in a great spot about ¾ an inch below the razorhead.

Bottom line: the Muhle R41 is capable of delivering an incredibly close and smooth shave, but it’s all dependent on how good of a wet shaver you are. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you’re going to feel it when your using your alum block afterwards.

Who Do We Recommend The Parker 96R For?

The Parker 96R is a great option for men that want an above average size and weight safety razor that is pretty aggressive. I rate the 96R as a 7/10 on the aggressiveness scale, so it’s not as intimidating as the Muhle R41 or Parker 99R, but you still need to know what you’re doing. If you have light facial hair or sensitive skin, this probably isn’t the right razor for you. Go with something more moderately aggressive.

The 96R isn’t the flashiest safety razor but it has an excellent design. The grip on the handle is very functional and the balance point is in a great spot up high on the handle. I’m not crazy about the butterfly design because the hinges tend to breakdown quicker than a 2-piece or 3-piece design, but this is still a very durable razor.

So if you have a thick and coarse beard but are a little intimidated by the more aggressive razors, this may be an excellent option for you. Plus, you won’t have to break the bank to buy it because it’s very affordable.

Best Premium Safety Razor

What makes a “premium” safety razor? The same things that make pretty much anything premium: performance, design, materials used and attention to detail.

I like to describe going from a standard safety razor to a premium safety razor is like upgrading from a Chevy to a Maserati. The Chevy will get the job done and get you where you need to go, but the Maserati offers a different level of luxury and performance.

So is it worth it to spend the extra money for a premium safety razor? Let’s find out.

Feather AS-D2

Who Do We Recommend The Feather AS-D2 For?

If you’re looking for the best of the best when it comes to safety razors, the Feather AS-D2 might be it. This all stainless steel safety razor is meticulously designed and the attention to detail is incredible. So what makes it so awesome?

The overall design is spot on and I can’t really find any flaws or parts that should be modified. It has great size and weight distribution and the balance point is exactly where it needs to be for a comfortable grip. Even the attention to detail on the inside of the razorhead is impressive. How so? Well the top piece of the razorhead has small bumps in the 4 corners and this prevents you from over tightening the razorhead and damaging it.

The Feather AS-D2 isn’t just an impressive looking razor though -- it delivers when it comes to performance also. It’s only moderately aggressive, and I rate it as a 3/10 on the aggressiveness scale. But that rating is really just because it is such a smooth shave. When it comes to how close it shaves, it’s more like a 6. All of this obviously depends on what blade you are using though, so keep that in mind.

What makes the AS-D2 feel so mild is because it has minimal blade gap and the blade angle is lower than what you would have on most other safety razors. So because the angle is different, there is a little bit of a learning curve to using the AS-D2.

As much as I love the AS-D2, I don’t recommend it to beginners. Why? Because what if they end up not liking shaving with a safety razor? Most men that give wet shaving a chance love it, but there always are some men that it just doesn’t click with. But when it comes to performance, the AS-D2 actually is a really, really good option for beginners.

Bottom line: you don’t have to spend this much money to get a really good shave. There are other really good safety razors that only cost 25% what the Feather AS-D2 costs. But if you have the money and want the best of the best, I don’t think it gets better than the Feather AS-D2.

Best Budget Safety Razors

Don’t have much money to spend on a safety razor? Don’t worry because there are several really great budget safety razors. So who are these budget razors best suited for?

• Men that want to test drive a safety razor but don’t want to spend much money yet.
• Men that want to keep a cheap safety razor in their dopp kit as a “travel” razor.
• Men that just can’t afford a more expensive safety razor right now.

Besides an affordable price point, budget safety razors usually also have the following characteristics:

• They are usually very mild.
• They are usually made with plastic or some other composite.
• They are usually noticeably lighter.

Who Do We Recommend The Feather Popular For?

The Feather “Popular” is my favorite double-edge safety razor for any wet shaver that has a very limited budget. Don’t be fooled by the plastic and overall lightness of the razor, the Popular delivers a really good shave.

Why do I like the Feather Popular so much? Wel my favorite feature of this budget safety razor is that it shaved a little more aggressive than most other budget razors. I rate it as a 4/10, which is still only moderately aggressive but aggressive enough to easily handle most men’s stubble.

It delivers a really smooth shave as well. I find it a little more difficult to use good form because it is so light, but as long as you let the weight of the razorhead do the work, you should get a really close but comfortable shave.

Overall, the Feather Popular is just an excellent safety razor to take for a test drive before fully committing to wet shaving. It has a good design. It’s moderately aggressive and provides a really good shave. The grip on the handle is good. Great balance point. What else could you want in a budget safety razor?

WEISHI Long Handle

Who Do We Recommend the WEISHI Safety Razor For?

The WEISHI Long Handle is another good option for men that want to test drive a safety razor without spending much money out the gate. It’s also a good razor for men that want to keep a cheaper travel razor in their Dopp kit. And lastly, if you just need a really mild shave, this should do the job.

WEISHI’s safety razor is one of the mildest razors on the market. I rate it as only a 2/10 on the aggressiveness scale. So if you need a budget razor that is a little more aggressive, which most men do, then I highly recommend taking a look at the Feather Popular.

Additionally, if you’re looking for something durable that will last a long time, this probably isn’t the one either.

The WEISHI long handle is actually a pretty good budget safety razor — but you need to manage your expectations before buying and using. You shouldn’t expect the same quality or performance  that you would get from a Merkur or Parker.

Who Do We Recommend The Lord L6 For?

The Lord L6 is also a very popular budget safety razor. I actually think it makes a really good travel razor for a few reasons.

First of all, it’s a little more durable than most other budget safety razors because it is a 3-piece design. That’s much more durable than a butterfly open razorhead.

Secondly, it’s made with sturdier materials. The handle is aluminum and the razorhead is chrome-plated razorhead.

Lastly, I like the Lord L6 as a travel razor because it will take up minimal room in your Dopp kit. Since it’s a 3-piece you can completely take it apart.

The L6 is a pretty mild razor. I rate it as a 3/10 on the aggressiveness scale. However, you can dial up the aggressiveness a little by using a sharper blade. Wouldn’t recommend going to sharp though with a budget razor.

When it comes to budget safety razors, the Feather Popular isn’t favorite because I just think it delivers the best shave quality. But the Lord L6 is still a decent travel razor if that is what you’re looking for.

Best Open Comb Safety Razors

Open comb safety razors are best suited for men looking for a little more aggressiveness. The open comb design exposes more of the blade than the traditional closed comb. The other benefit of an open comb razor is that the comb helps lift up the facial hair making it easier for the blade to cut it.

I don’t ever recommend an open comb for a beginner. It’s just too advanced and your going to end up with way more nicks and cuts. But if you have a thick beard or you only shave after a few days of growth and you’re comfortable with a safety razor, an open comb design is an excellent option.

Who Do We Recommend The Merkur 1904 For?

I really like the Merkur 1904 because even though it has an open comb, it’s not overly aggressive. I rate it as a 5/10 which makes it excellent for men with thick beards or a few days growth.

The open tooth comb does an excellent job at helping lift up the hair for a closer shave, but since it’s only moderately aggressive it is still very comfortable on your face. It is one of the best safety razors when it comes to managing thick stubble but still being gentle on the face.

I also like the 1904 because it has a very unique design. It doesn’t look like some generic safety razor. In my opinion, it has a very old school, retro look to it as well. Can’t you picture your grandpa using it?

Speaking of unique, the handle on the Merkur 1904 is very unique. It’s not round but instead has a hexagonal shape. It still really easy and comfortable to hold and has great grip, but it does feel a little awkward for the first couple of times you use it.

I would not recommended the Merkur 1904 for beginners because it’s just too advanced to use an open tooth. But if you have thick stubble or only shave after a few days of growth but still only want something only moderately aggressive, the Merkur 1904 is probably your best option.

Who Do We Recommend the Parker 26C For?

If you really want an open comb razor but aren’t sold on the Merkur 1904, then I recommend also taking a look at the Parker 26C. It has an excellent design and shaves very similar to the 1904. I also rate it as a 5/10 on the aggressiveness scale. So it’s a great balance of being able to handle thicker beards while still only being moderately aggressive.

It really is a toss-up when it comes to performance of the 26C versus the 1904. They both deliver a really good shave. I guess my preference is with the 1904 because it has a chrome handle. The 26C is a really good looking razor but it had a black handle. This makes no impact on the performance obviously, so it really shouldn’t be a sticking point for most of you.

The Parker 26C does have a few advantages though: it is bigger and heavier. So if you liked everything about the Merkur 42C but just wished it was bigger, the Parker 26C might be the best razor for you.

Best Slant Bar Safety Razors

A slant bar safety razor has a slanted edge instead of being flat. Other than that, they have the same general design of other safety razors. I’m a big fan of slant bar razors because they deliver such an efficient shave, but they definitely do take some time and effort to learn how to use.

The biggest advantage of a slant bar razor is that it should deliver an above average aggressive shave without feeling that aggressive. And isn’t that exactly what everyone wants? A razor that delivers an incredibly close but smooth shave?

The biggest drawback to slant bars is just the learning curve. It’s not overly difficult to learn how to use one, but it requires different technique than other standard straight bar razors and it will take some patience to get it right.

Who Do We Recommend The Merkur 37C Slant Bar For?

Merkur’s 37C slant bar is one of my favorite safety razors in my rotation. But I rarely recommend it to fellow wet shavers. Why?

Because it’s just a little more difficult and takes some time and patience to get the technique right with a slant bar. So this means I definitely wouldn’t ever recommend it to a beginner. Beginners need something a little more straightforward to really get the gist of how to use a safety razor.

But if you are confident in your wet shaving capabilities, then this is an excellent option. One of the main words that gets used to describe the 37C is “efficient”. In other words, it does an incredible job at shaving close without being overly aggressive. In terms of closeness it’s like an 8/10, but the aggressiveness is more like a 6/10. So this makes it especially great for men that want to use a more aggressive razor but there skin is too sensitive.

The rest of the design of the 37C is classic Merkur. It is an excellent 2-piece design that is chrome-plated. Excellent grip on the handle and weight distribution is perfect. The handle is a little shorter than I normally prefer, but it’s still plenty big for the majority of men.

So if you’re looking for a razor that shaves much closer than it’s aggressiveness feels, the Merkur 37C is one of the best.

Who Do We Recommend The Merkur 39C For?

The Merkur 39C is another great option if you’re looking for a slant bar safety razor. It’s probably the second most popular slant bar on the market, after the Merkur 37C.

I think the 39C is just a touch more aggressive than the 37C. I rate it as either a 6 or 7 out of 10 on the aggressiveness scale. But if you use the right angle and form, it shouldn’t feel that aggressive. It really provides a close but still comfortable shave.

Personally, I prefer the 37C because I like the knurling on the handle. And although 39C is bigger and heavier, which I normally like, the barber pole design handle just isn’t my favorite design. But if you are looking for a slant bar safety razor that is a little bigger and bulkier, the Merkur 39C is probably your best option.

Best Adjustable Safety Razor

Want to be able to adjust the aggressiveness of your razor? Then get an adjustable safety razor! With an adjustable razor, you are able to adjust the amount of blade gap which directly impacts the overall aggressiveness.

So the benefit of an adjustable razor is that you have a range of aggressiveness available in 1 razor. If you need an aggressive shave one morning then you can increase the blade gap. And then if you need a more mild shave a few days later, you can decrease the blade gap.

Who Do We Recommend the Merkur Futur For?

The Merkur Futur has probably the most functional razorhead on a safety razor. Why? Because since it’s adjustable, you are in complete control of how aggressive you want it to shave.

For the most part, the Merkur Futur is your standard safety razor. It has a straight bar and closed comb. However, there is one unique feature that you are able to adjust: the amount of blade gap. There’s a dial on the handle that allows you to increase or decrease the blade gap by simply rotating it clockwise or counterclockwise.

And why is this such a big deal? Because if you can control the amount of blade gap, you can control how aggressive it is! All other safety razors have a fixed level of aggressiveness that can’t be changed. But with the Futur, you have a range of aggressiveness available. In my opinion, the Futur is a 3/10 on the low end and about an 8/10 on the high end. So if you’re looking for a level aggressiveness between 3 and 10, which is pretty much everyone, then this razor is a great option.

The adjustable razorhead is definitely the standout feature on the Futur, but I want to take a minute and talk about the rest of the design because overall this is just a top-notch safety razor.

The first thing that stands out to me about shaving with the Futur is how good the weight distribution is. It is a pretty heavy razor, but it doesn’t seem overly bulky for some reason. Now if you have small hands or want a light safety razor though, this probably isn’t the one for you.

My biggest complaint with the Futur’s design is the lack of grip on the handle. I will admit that I love the aesthetics of the smooth handle, but it’s just not as functional as other Merkur razors that have knurling.

Other than that though, the Merkur Futur is an excellent safety razor. Not many men need an adjustable razor because once you find what level of aggressiveness works for you, you’re probably not going to want to change it up. But if you like playing around with different levels of aggressiveness or are still trying to figure out what works best for you, the Merkur Futur is exactly what you’re looking for.