Double-Edged Safety Razors:  Finally making the move to a double-edged safety razor can be the most rewarding change in a man’s shaving ritual.  Cartridge razors force you to apply pressure & they clog.  With a safety-razor, the weight of the razor does most of the work for you & they don’t clog since there’s only one blade.  It might take a little getting used to, but what tool doesn’t?  Once you get proficient with the proper angle & stroke, your face will be rewarded with less razor burn & ingrown hairs.  The best part?  It’s very economical – even very high-quality double-edged blades are cheap compared to disposables & cartridges!  Besides, it helps the environment by not throwing away all that extra plastic & rubber that come with disposables & cartridge systems.  Shaving with a safety razor can be 100% biodegradable/renewable.

Teeth vs. Bar:  Why do some double-edged safety razors have “teeth” while others have a straight or fluted “bar”?  The “teeth” or “open comb” style is the original design from a time when men didn’t shave every day.  The teeth “comb” through longer hair, allowing longer whiskers to be cut, while the “closed comb” bar style rides on top, not allowing as much length to be cut.  As a general rule, go with the modern straight/fluted bar design unless you let your beard grow between shaves.

Short vs. Long Handle:  We always recommend using a short handle, as it allows for better control & maneuverability.  It’s really a personal preference, but unless you have huge hands (even then, we pause), go with a regular short handle.

Straight Razors:  Also known as a "cut-throat" or barber razor. Most professional barbers & experienced wet shavers now use replaceable blade systems aka a "Shavette" for the feel/performance of a straight, without the honing & stropping. Blades cost pennies.