The 10 Best Men’s Razors for a Clean Shave

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Many of us grow up learning how to shave with a cartridge razor, which believe it or not, is just over 50 years old. Gillette introduced the first cartridge razor, the Trac II, back in the early ‘70s. The cartridge made it much easier to learn how to shave, and it put folks on the fast track to the notion that “more blades are always better”, as we now see some brands offering cartridge heads with six(!) blades on them. That’s a lot of razor drag for anyone’s skin to handle, especially since the single-blade safety razor had been in use some 70 years before the cartridge came about. (Fun fact: Both were brought to market by Gillette.)

So, what is the best razor for men, among these core options? The truth is that what’s best for you might be different than what’s best for the next guy. It boils down to things like your skin’s proneness to irritation, bumps, and ingrown hairs, as well as how often you’re inclined to shave in the first place (out of preference or out of speed of your hair’s growth). On top of that, different body parts might demand different types of razors and blades altogether.

Read on for a look at the different types of razors, and to learn which one(s) are best for you, along with our picks of the best men’s razors in various categories, from cartridges to safety blades to straight razors.

Best Razors for Men

What to Consider When Buying Men’s Razors

There is no singular best razor for men, because the best razor for you is not going to be the best pick for the next guy. That’s because we all have different sensitivities and hair types, as well as different preferences for how frequently, where, and what we shave. So, if you want to know which razor is best for you, you’ve got to consider all of these things first.

It might even be that two different types of razors are best. Heck, I suggest every guy owns a manual razor of some type, be it a cartridge, safety, or straight-edge, as well as an electric shaver for those moments he can’t risk any redness or irritation, no matter how trusty his manual blade is.

Here’s a quick 101 on the difference between those four if you need a refresher:

Cartridge razors: These have become the marketing standby in terms of razors and what we envision these days. They have a straight handle, possibly with a head that pivots or hinges with the cartridge head. That head has anywhere from two to six blades and a cushioning lubrication strip (or two).

We experts have become a little skeptical of all the different ways brands try to “trick out” these cartridge heads, given that even the most simple, pared down versions of them (let’s say, two blades, and one lubrication strip) work really well. More blades doesn’t mean better and can sometimes yield even more irritation because you’re running that many more blades over the skin.

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Safety razors: This is the purist’s take on the razor, and the predecessor of the cartridge. It’s a weighted handle along with a single or double blade installed at the head, which itself can be single or double sided. (The idea is that with a double-sided one, you get double the mileage out of each blade.) There’s a slight learning curve with safety razors, but the weighted handle and the (usually) rounded cover atop the blades encourage the proper 30-degree angle and appropriate force needed for safe, steady use.

Here, too, is proof that a single blade can often accomplish the same task as a six-blade cartridge, and with far less risk of irritation or ingrown hairs. Safety razors are preferred almost universally by guys with thick, coarse hair, who are particularly prone to in-growns.

Straight razors: The words “straight razor” likely stir images of Sweeney Todd and a knife-like razor with a handle that folds parallel to the blade. But you don’t need an expensive, barbershop-worthy piece of equipment to achieve the same results at home. Some straight razors have interchangeable blades just like safety razors, which saves you from having to sharpen and prevent rust on the larger blade that barbers use.

This type of shave takes lots of patience and precision, though some smaller straight razors are excellent for edge work and minor detailing (like drawing lines around the mustache, or simply cleaning up your neckline). In those instances, the smaller, more refined tasks are less difficult to manage than a full-face shave, but man, nothing feels as refreshing as a well-executed straight razor shave. (Eh, maybe ‘executed’ is the wrong word to use in tandem with Sweeney Todd.)

Electric razors: These can be shavers or something closer to a trimmer or even models in between. The main thing is that they don’t break the surface of the skin, so they don’t give you as close of a shave, even if they do give you the appearance of a fresh shave. Some even have options to give you stubble, if you like that look.

Although a razor typically refers to the body of the device (think handle and grip) and not the blades, different razors provide different blade setups. Sensitive-skin types do best with minimal blades, so if that includes you, avoid the five- and six-blade cartridge options, and instead choose a two- or three-blade one, or better yet, a safety razor. To that end, guys prone to ingrown hairs or people with coarse hair should consider a safety razor, because their sensitivities demand minimal blades, but extremely sharp ones at that.

How We Evaluated Razors for Men

Below are the best razors for men, in my own studied opinion. I categorized them based on some sensitivities and hair types and picked some from every core razor category, including cartridge, safety, straight-edge, and electric models. There are disposables, detailers, and even a bald-head razor, too.

Although there are many razors available for shaving one’s various body parts, I kept everything here focused on the neck up. The commonality among them is, of course, that they offer maximum smoothness and minimal irritation—assuming you shave slowly and steadily, and practice proper razor hygiene. (See the Q&A at the end of this article for more on that.)

Hybrid Flex 5 Razor with Titanium Blades (1 handle, 7 cartridges)

Anyone who shaves frequently should invest in a heavy-duty razor, but for everyone else, there’s no foul in seeking out a value buy. The term “disposable razor” need not apply here, as this durable razor can operate as your long-term base—especially if you shave infrequently—while you swap out flexible, ultra-thin-bladed (and thus sensitive-friendly) cartridge heads.

In fact, you ought stock up on replacements simultaneously with this 8-pack of replacement cartridges. What’s best about this razor-cartridge duo is that the Flex 5 navigates any and all contours of your face, head, and body, making it a terrific and gentle option from head to toe.

SkinGuard

If you irritate easily, then you don’t want to drag five or six blades over your face; that’s like begging for redness and pain for the next few days. Instead, if you insist on a cartridge shave (over a safety razor, which is my personal recommendation), pick a two-blade head for minimal friction.

Gillette’s SkinGuard not only gives you a close shave with two blades that are generously spaced to minimize razor drag, but it also cradles the skin with two nourishing strips of lubrication (atop and below the blades). For the cleanest lines, make use of the precision trimmer on top of the cartridge.

Safety Razor

Bevel built its whole shave and skincare brand for the Black consumer, on the understanding that Black men have coarser and curlier facial hair and are thus more prone to ingrowns and irritation—and need minimal razor drag with sharp blades.

Its 4-ounce brass safety razor ensures a smooth, irritation-free experience for all consumers, even if you have the straightest, thinnest hair on the planet. Consider the switch from cartridge blades if you haven’t yet.

OneBlade Face

Let me repeat: Every guy should own at least one electric shaver, and the OneBlade is an easy sell. It gives you an irritation- and ingrown-free shave, because it doesn’t break the surface of the skin. Sure, you’ll have stubble by tomorrow, but you’ll have visibly smooth skin today, and that’s what matters most. It also works well as a straight-line detailer, if you need to clean up some edges or finesse your mustache.

The Winston

Harry’s Winston is one of the best cartridge razors you can get, both in its physical design and aesthetic appeal. The company masters an ergonomic design through the tapered handle and flexible, hinging head.

With a blade subscription (from $8), you can choose the frequency and volume you need, with the assurance that Harry’s German-engineered, Swedish-steel blades will have you smoothed down and cleaned up, sans irritation.

Precision Razor

This mini straight razor, sold in a three-pack, makes it easy to spot-check strays or clean up your edges. The slim tip allows for maximum visibility, and tiny ridges on the blade protect skin and restrict irritation. Don’t use it for a full shave, but always deploy one for the finer details.

4-Blade Starter Kit

If you shave only for one-off occasions, then you probably have some sensitivities given your skin’s unfamiliarity with the blade. Still, you want a sturdy shave that manages the task quickly and minimizes agony—and DSC’s four-blade razors tidy you up without any side effects. (However, if you have overly sensitive skin, which is why you avoid shaving in the first place, then look at the prescribed picks atop this list.)

The spacious stainless-steel blades minimize razor dragging and maximize performance, because they don’t clog with hair and skin, and they easily rinse clean.

Moto Original Razor

When it comes to bald-shave razors, HeadBlade has the competition in a headlock. The Moto Original pivots and mows every contour of your dome while fitting snug underneath a few fingers (just be sure to pull the skin taut as you shave).

It comes with a four-blade cartridge but works with a six-blade cartridge, too, for maximum smoothness. I also recommend purchasing the compatible travel case to help guard the fragile razor, especially when you’re on the go.

The Single Edge Safety Razor SE

Supply was first featured on ABC's Shark Tank and is now one of the apex swimmers in the safety-blade seas. This beautiful razor allows you to experience the proximity and precision of a safety razor shave without any learning curve. Simply load the blade into place, let the head of the tool tell you how it should be angled against the skin, and go.

Plus, it takes the cake as the most beautiful razor on this roster. Supply makes it easy to replace and recycle blades, too; there’s no waste in these waters.

SRX 100% Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor (with 5 blades)

Look, a straight razor shave is a hard sell for most at-home consumers, since the learning curve is so high and the device better suits a barber’s POV—not to mention, their trained hands.

But if you’re the guy who wants to bring his own straight razor to the barber, or who insists on mastering this age-old craft for yourself, then the beautifully weighted, ergonomically designed, and durable Parker SRX is your best option. Because with a style of shaving so prone to error, you should have a name your barber trusts, and that’s Parker.

How to Achieve an Irritation-Free Shave and Protect Your Razor, According to Expert Adam Hurly

PM: Any advice on how to avoid razor burn?

A.H.: Go slow—not just with the shave itself, but with the pre-shave regimen and post-shave care. Ready your skin with warm water and a pre-shave oil. Use a soothing, nourishing shave cream. Follow with a splash of cold water, followed by an aloe (or similarly soothing) post-shave balm.

And always use a sharp, fresh blade or blades—replace yours every two to three weeks or six to eight shaves, whichever comes first.

PM: When is it worth it to invest in an electric razor?

A.H.: In my opinion, everyone should have an electric razor of some sort, even if it’s a low-cost detailing one. You never know when you’ll want a quick, barely there shave that looks fresh, even if it’s mere hours away from looking like a five-o’clock shadow.

The electric shavers don’t break the surface of your skin, so they eliminate ingrown hairs, razor burn, irritation, and so forth. That being said, they’re ideal for people with sensitive skin, but everyone needs these benefits sometimes. There are always occasions where we can’t risk having irritated skin (a big date or an important work meeting), so keep one ready for the if and when.

Plus, they make terrific detailers if you only need a little cleanup around the edges of your beard, sideburns, hairline, neckline, and mustache.

PM: What’s your recommended routine for cleaning and maintaining a razor?

A.H.: You should thoroughly rinse your razor in hot water after each use, and you can even sprinkle on some rubbing alcohol to disinfect it (totally optional). The most important thing, though, is to store it in a cool, dry, and ventilated place until it’s completely dry, to prevent rust and bacteria proliferation.

After that, you can tuck it away safely between shaves (so long as it’s not someplace where it is exposed to germs or moisture; ideally you’ll have a cover for the blades—most brands have this, so try to find one that fits your razor). Don’t forget to replace the blades regularly. That’s the best way to ensure a truly sharp, uncompromised, and clean shave every time.

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