The Daily Valet. - 8/24/24, Saturday

Weekend of August 24th
Cory Ohlendorf  
By Cory Ohlendorf, Valet. Editor
Shaving is something all men have to deal with. But it can be made better.

Weekend Reading

The Best Razors for All Kinds of Faces

 

Our tried-and-tested favorites for a clean, comfortable shave

 

Let’s start with a question: Do you love your razor? Does it make you look forward to shaving? The answer, we venture to guess, is “no”. But it doesn't have to be that way. There's a razor out there, just waiting to deliver a smooth and comfortable shave that leaves you feeling fresh and clean, not irritated and red. The key is finding the right blade set-up and the handle style that suits your needs.

The right razor can make all the difference. But in a market flooded with options—each promising essentially the same thing—finding the perfect razor tailored to your needs can be a daunting task. From updated safety razors that offer old school benefits to high-tech, multi-blade marvels designed for precision and skin hydration, we've sifted through drugstore options and boutique, DTC brands and put them to the test. All in the hope of helping you elevate your grooming routine. Throw a hot towel on your face as we explore the top razors that promise to deliver a superior shave, ensuring you look sharp and feel confident every single day.

The Editor’s Pick

You know that uncomfortable drag you sometimes feel when shaving your neck? This has none of it, thanks to the little bumpers in between the two blades to minimize skin irritation while lifting the hairs to be shaved. Dual lubricating strips also help glide the razor across your face and testers found it delivered a shave as smooth as any four or five-blade razor. Plus, the curved and rubberized ergonomic handle makes for easy gripping and maneuvering down checks and around the areas of the neck.

 
Blades

2

Standout Feature

Soft bumper between blades to protect skin.

Avg. Cost
Per Blade

$3.75

 

SkinGuard razor (w/two blade refills), $12.97 by Gillette

Best Single Blade

This unique-looking razor offers a smooth shave without any of the fear of using a straight razor. It utilizes a secure, sliding installer to load single bare-metal blades straight into its sleek metal frame. There are added guards to prevent knicks and while there's an initial cost for the metal handle, you'll make up the cost with the low price of blade refills.

 
Blades

1

Standout Feature

Quick-loading blade installer.

Avg. Cost
Per Blade

$0.91

 

Single Edge SE razor (w/eight blade refills), $59 by Supply

Best Safety Razor

Designed specifically for guys with skin prone to ingrown hairs and razor bumps, Bevel's modern take on the classic safety razor uses a single, double-edged razor blade attached to a weighted, brass-filled handle. The added heft tends to make shaving with the grain a little easier and thus, more comfortable for sensitive skin.

 
Blades

1

Standout Feature

Engineered to help prevent razor bumps and irritation.

Avg. Cost
Per Blade

$0.40

 

Safety razor (w/10 blade refills), $49.95 by Bevel

Best Disposable

If you want the ease of a disposable razor, but the skin-soothing benefits of a high-quality shaver, this is it. Schick's innovative razor has “gel pools” along the top of the blades with coconut oil to condition the skin as soon as it's been shaved. The head also has impressive shock absorbency and a single detailer blade on the flip side to tackle hard-to-reach areas.

 
Blades

5

Standout Feature

Specially designed for dry skin.

Avg. Cost
Per Blade

$2.24

 

Hydro Skin razor (w/two blade refills), $12.99 / $11.73 by Schick

Plastic-Free

This is an amazing razor that came close to being our “editor's pick”—the only downside might be the initial investment. The sustainably-minded design means that it's plastic-free, crafted from zinc and stainless steel for a sturdy, lasting feel. Plus, you can customize your shave by easily loading one, two or three blades into the head.

 
Blades

Up to 3

Standout Feature

All-metal construction and a pivoting head for a safe shave.

Avg. Cost
Per Blade

$0.25

 

Pivoting head razor (w/10 blade refills), $88.99 by Leaf

Best Bargain

For all the bells and whistles Harry's has worked into its signature set, it's one of the best bargains on the market. The razor's rubberized handle offers a secure grip even when wet, and the weighted core makes it feel more substantial. The hinged head has five German blades equipped with a lubricating strip.

 
Blades

5

Standout Feature

German-made blades made from Swedish steel.

Avg. Cost
Per Blade

$1.94

 

Truman shave set (w/three blade refills and shaving cream), $15 by Harry's

More Blades Isn’t
Always the Answer

If you want an extremely close shave, then multiple blades will deliver. But if you have curlier and thicker facial hair or if your skin is particularly sensitive, then consider a razor with fewer blades. A lower blade count reduces the irritation and likelihood of ingrown hairs.