Get a Clean, Smooth Shave from the Best Straight Edge Razor
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Equinox Professional Razor -
Utopia Care Professional Barber Razor -
Facón Professional Premium Straight Edge -
Shaving Revolution Straight Edge Barber Razor -
Professional B&G Straight Edge Shaving Razors -
Cambridge Cutthroat Missanda Wood Professional Barber Razor -
Parker SRX Heavy Duty Straight Edge Barber Razor -
Buyer's Guide
Any razor can shave, but when it comes to a precise and smooth shave, nothing can match a straight edge razor. Men often have apprehensions while shaving with a straight edge or cut-throat razor because nobody wants to run the risk of having a cut on their face. However, we believe that straight razors are the most misunderstood tools in the shaving world.
We are here to debunk some myths and provide some options for both beginners and experienced users. Below, we have reviewed some of the top straight razors in 2022 that will help you get a sleek shave. Our buyer's guide will also throw some light on the fundamentals of buying a straight edge razor, so you can choose the best for yourself. So let’s dive in.
Straight Blade Razors For A Clean Cut Shave
Equinox Professional Razor - Best Straight Edge Razor Overall
Equinox Professional Straight Edge provide you with a fine quality shave in an inexpensive way. With the purchase of this classic straight edge razor, you get a box of 100 single edge blades by Derby. Each blade is supposed to last you for about two to three shaves, making it pretty economically feasible.
The razors are made out of stainless steel, so you will not have to worry about tarnishing or rust with use. This product is built with a blade guard that is easy to open, allowing you to exchange the blades effortlessly and safely. The handle has some girth to it, as it is designed to keep stability and comfort in mind.
Utopia Care Professional Barber Razor - Runner Up
This razor features a black matte finish that adds oomph to the entire look. This product is made using 430-Grade Japanese stainless steel that keeps it rust-free and offers lasting performance. It also comes packed with 100 Derby blades, making sure you don’t run out on an important day (or date).
Men prefer this razor because it has a rounded edge, which makes mastering your shave easy, smooth, and safe. It has a nice grip that allows you to reach overgrown facial hair easily.
Facón Professional Premium Straight Edge - Honorable Mention
This product is one of the best barber razors available on the market right now. The Facon razor is made of stainless steel with a black powder coating, with even weight distribution for safe and precise handling. This allows you to navigate through the tough hairs without risking cuts and make trendy shapes or designs easily.
The number of blades included with this razor allows for 200+ shaves, so you can get the smooth shave look as many times as you want. According to customer feedback, it also has the lowest defect rate in the industry, making sure you are not disappointed with the quality. Moreover, you will not have to worry about rust or tarnish getting in your way as the product is made with professional-grade, salon-quality material. With a swing lock blade insert, it provides a smooth shaving experience. It is also convenient to handle due to its medium weight and comes with a standard lifetime return guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
Shaving Revolution Straight Edge Barber Razor - Consider
We have only chosen the best products for you, and another one hitting the list is a barber razor by Shaving Revolution. This product is made with stainless steel, keeping tarnishes at bay. Due to the sharpness of the blades, this razor provides you with a precise shave and ensures no irritating hair is left on your skin.
Thanks to the barber razor, you will achieve a clean look with almost zero difficulty once you master the strokes. It has an ergonomic handle that makes maneuvering the blade around your face easy.
Professional B&G Straight Edge Shaving Razors - Best for Precise Shaving
The B&G comes with 100 premium Derby blades. It has a beautiful stainless steel body that will not rust. Compared to other razors that require periodic (and expensive) cartridge replacements, this product provides a cheaper alternative that is comfortable and allows for smooth gliding on the face for a close shave. Make sure you begin with gentle strokes and gradually move forward with your technique to avoid cuts.
Cambridge Cutthroat Missanda Wood Professional Barber Razor - Best for Experienced Users
This razor features a charming wooden handle that not only looks great, but is perfectly balanced and designed to be held easily so you can shave at the proper angles. It comes with 5 double-sided blades that are easy to replace.
The razor itself is made of premium stainless steel. Even though the handle is made of wood, there is no need to worry about warping due to water. The included blades are sharp and glide easily across the skin, making for a smooth, clean shave. The steel won’t oxidize and the razor features a detailing edge that allows you to easily shave tough corners.
Parker SRX Heavy Duty Straight Edge Barber Razor - Most Heavy-Duty
Parker Safety Razor has provided some of the finest shaving gear for men for the last 40 years. This product is no different, solidly earning its place in the long line of excellence. This straight edge barber razor is designed by professionals and has a heavy-duty build that wouldn't look out of place in a barber shop.
If you are a novice and recently started with cut-throat razors, this product is suitable for you since it has a rounded edge that helps minimize the risk of cuts. The product comes with five stainless half blades, which allow for a cleaner and sharper shave.
Buyer's Guide
We have created this buyer's guide below to help you understand the nitty-gritty details of using and purchasing a straight edge razor so that you can choose the best possible option for a seamless shaving experience.
What Features Should You Consider Before Choosing the a Straight Edge Razor?
Blade Width
There are three primary blade widths you will come across — 5/8", 7/8", and 8/8". All the products we have listed have a 7/8" blade or lower. Back in the day, fixed blade razors used to come in a broader range of razor widths, but these are no longer available on the market.
Since the blade width influences the overall size of the product, make sure to keep this factor in mind. For most users who have recently started using cut-throat razors, the standard 5/8" width is optimal. Due to the small size, it is easier to navigate the around the most delicate hair on your face, especially under the nose.
Cut-Throat vs. Shavette Straight Razor
Choosing between the more traditional cut-throat blade or shavette straight razor will be the most significant decision you have to make while looking for the best option. Both of these have their advantages and come with little perks you can enjoy.
A traditional blade comes with an excellent handle and makes for a great long-term investment for frequent users. At the same time, a shavette blade is a hybrid that comes with safety razors that can be replaced. It is more suitable for beginners and does not require a lot of maintenance.
Cost
It sounds like a simple decision but rarely is it so. If you want to go for a traditional straight blade razor, you must be ready to shell out between $20 - $50.
However, it also comes down to the frequency of use. If you are just starting out, you can get a shavette razor and switch to a traditional razor once you have mastered the art. Getting a really nice set or even a vintage razor can set you back quite a bit, so start with the basics and work your way up to a nice, expensive razor kit.
Hone or Replace Blade
Are you open to the maintenance that comes with a traditional blade? Traditional blades require honing (sharpening) on a strop, while a shavette razor comes with replaceable blades. While a shavette blade brings more convenience, a standard cut-throat blade is of far superior quality and can last for generations with proper care.
Carbon or Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a rigid material and does not require as much maintenance or sharpening. In contrast, a carbon steel blade needs to be honed for a sharp point. While you run the risk of rust and tarnish in a product made of stainless steel, a carbon steel blade can be maintained for a lifetime with regular honing. Both of these have their pros and cons, so it's really up to you.
What are the Main Straight Razor Types?
The blade for straight blade razors can be listed in five primary groups, which refer to the profile type. This is the shape you see when you look at the blade from the side. Below are the two primary groups:
Barber’s Notch
A cut-throat razor with a squared-off design and a concave notch is known as a barber’s notch. Men find this type of razor helpful in clearing and trimming their mustache and nostril hair, although it was not explicitly designed for this purpose.
Round
If you are a novice, this may be a good option for you. Due to the round edge of the blade, there is less risk of getting accidentally cut. But you gain something and lose something — the precision of the blade might not be as good as the square point.
Straight Edge Razor FAQ
Is a straight edge razor better than a disposable one?
In a lot of ways, cut-throat razors are better than disposable ones. They’re sharp and have a single blade that can be maintained for decades. However, shavette razors can bring significant convenience to the routine if you’re not a regular user.
Can I use a straight razor every day?
Yes, of course! However, not everyone has the time or the inclination to shave every day with a straight razor when it comes down to it. The beauty of the straight edge lies in providing you with a more relaxed shaving experience which allows you to focus on the details.
How long does a straight edge razor last?
Depending on how well you maintain it, a straight razor has the qualities to last a lifetime. When it comes to a shavette straight razor, you constantly have to worry about replacing the blade, but with a traditional straight razor, you only have to sharpen it from time to time.
