Shaving with a safety razor

I know this is kinda out of the wheelhouse but was wondering if anyone here (guys or even ladies) use a safety razor for any of their personal grooming needs.


It's one of those things I have recently got a interest in but I don't actually know anyone personally who do it. I've watched some tutorials but they all give the same information and don't give the kind of comparison I'm ultimately looking for.

One cool thing is the options for handles... makes for a possibility of collecting a few.

Any and all opinions or first hand accounts would be great for educational purposes.

I know this is kinda out of the wheelhouse but was wondering if anyone here (guys or even ladies) use a safety razor for any of their personal grooming needs.


It's one of those things I have recently got a interest in but I don't actually know anyone personally who do it. I've watched some tutorials but they all give the same information and don't give the kind of comparison I'm ultimately looking for.

One cool thing is the options for handles... makes for a possibility of collecting a few.

Any and all opinions or first hand accounts would be great for educational purposes. Originally Posted by swtslnce

When i saw redd she offered to do it for me. I never let her but i assume most providers would for a tip.

I use a semi-modern double-edged safety razor and an old straight razor I strop before every use.

Face/Neck.

Keys are lathering up and keeping a steady amount of pressure and consistent stroke. Make sure your blades are still sharp and swap as needed. Don't keep passing over the same spots several times if you have some renegades and crank down the pressure.

Take your time, especially when lining up. Keep your skin tight/taught for a smoother, closer shave as it exposes more of the hair. Add more lather if needed. Pay attention to and follow your growth pattern going with the grain to avoid snags and minimize cuts.

And keep those blades clean. Lots of bacteria live on the skin all the time. It only takes a small cut for staph or other infections to get below the surface.

Old, worn, rusty blades are your enemy in more ways than one. The more use, the more the edges roll and the less smooth and effective the cut.

Finish with a hot towel and some aftershave to help reduce any razor burn. Some of the gel versions are nice.

I prefer to use an electric one, but have tried using a safety razor. What HDG said is absolutely correct. Don't reuse blades more than twice. They do get dulled on a microscopic scale, and blades are cheap.


However if you are using one for the first time, up top or down below, consider using a lady's razor. The blades have a little moisturizer bar on it that gives some lather and I found that those are better as a 'training razor'. It's a lot harder to nick yourself with one of those, even if you use far more pressure than you need to. Don't be turned off because it is pink and for 'women'. Quality is quality. Same with shampoo and body soap. Everyone likes to smell nice, not just women. Soap is soap.

I use a good ol' double edge safety razor for my face & neck. For "down below", I'll use a decent double blade disposable.

Can't beat the price of blades for a Safety Razor. SO Damn Cheap!! And I find they give a much better, smoother, closer shave than those modern razors.


Just don't twitch, sneeze, or try to rush the shave!

Really appreciate the feedback and suggestions.

Every other Saturday at the barbershop, $35+tip for cut and beard trim/shape. Done.