Making the decision to switch from using cartridge or electric razors to safety razors just might end up being the best choice for you and your personal grooming habits. But, how do you know which type of safety razor is right for you? The vast selection of safety razors can be intimidating. The first step to finding the right match is to understand your needs.

If you are brand new to using a safety razor, then there are several important considerations to keep in mind when selecting the right one. Some considerations include the following:

• Price
• Weight
• Blade capacity
• Blade replacement
• Handle style and shape

When you’re ready to find the perfect safety razor, here are four tips that will give you the edge to make the right selection.

Fixed vs. Adjustable

Safety razors come with both adjustable and fixed razor heads. Adjustable razor heads allow you to set the aggression level of the blade. The higher the aggression level, the more the blade is angled and exposed from the razor head gap. This creates a finer shave.

Conversely, a fixed razor head keeps the blade settings in place. If you prefer consistency, this is the right choice. Some shavers enjoy different lengths of their beards or stubble on occasion. If this sounds like you, then you would likely benefit most from using an adjustable razor head.

The Right “Handling”

Every man’s hands are different; there is no one-size-fits all razor handle. Lightweight cartridge razors can cause nicks and cuts because they require applying additional pressure, which inevitably causes razor burn.

If you have larger hands, then you may want to consider a safety razor with a longer handle. These handles provide you with greater control over the razor. Be sure to also check the weight of the razor. If it is too light, it’s not right.

A Proper Design

Aside from finding the right style and features, it is also important that the razor has the right feel. Ease of use is critical with any type of razor. If the razor easily glides along your face, then it’s probably the right one. Remember, less pressure means less friction, which means less nicks, cuts, and blemishes.

Easy Blade Replacement

A good safety razor should allow you to replace the blades easily. After all, the more difficult it is to replace the blades, the less inclined you are to use a safety razor.

What’s the Best Safety Razor for Shaving Infrequently?

Not every razor is a fit for every situation. There are razors based on aggression, razors focused on the weight of the handle, razors with slanted heads and razors for beginners. Not all safety razors work in every scenario. In short, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution for shavers looking for that smooth, perfect glide. Thankfully, varying the type of safety razor head you use can help to greatly customize your regular shaving experience.

But, what is the best safety razor for those who shave infrequently?

Shaving infrequently means that when you do shave, your facial hedge will include longer follicles and a thicker mane. It means your safety razor blade will be doing a bit more work. The razor itself should also be designed to help slice more quickly through the longer hairs. For those who shave once a week or less, a more aggressive razor is advised.

What are the various types of aggressive razors? What makes razors more aggressive?

Blade gap, blade exposure and blade angle (slant) are all contributing factors to safety razor head aggression. The greater the exposure of the blade, the more aggressive the blade will be at cutting the hairs. In short, your safety razor becomes less “safety” and more “razor” as you increase the exposure to the razor blade.

Slant and open comb razors provide a more aggressive shave than their closed-comb counterparts due in part to the increased gap/exposure between the comb and the head as well as the shaving angle. For this reason, those who may shave only once or twice per week (or perhaps even less frequently) may find the best safety razor to be one that includes either an open comb or a slanted head.

Open Comb Safety Razor For The Win! 

If I am either 1) chopping through a beard or 2) shaving facial hair that has been growing for three days or more, I prefer to use a razor with an open comb head. Open comb heads with a bigger blade gap are perfect for shaving longer hairs.

First, the longer the hair the more the hair will actually get in the way of the comb on the head. Open comb provides more space for the hairs to flow through, especially as you cut through thicker, longer hair.

Second, open comb safety razors typically have a larger blade gap and are more aggressive. The more aggressive the razor, the more easily it will cut through hairs that are more stubborn and more than simple stubble.

Slants are great for aggression, but they often lack the ability to cradle the hair while it is being cut, something the open comb head can perform very well, especially as one shaves from the proper angle.

Find a Customized Safety Razor that Fits You

Don’t spend time forcing yourself to love your razor. There are plenty of safety razor options available. Using a safety razor is the best way to get a great shave. If you are tired of suffering with blemishes, nicks, and cuts and an unsatisfactory shave, then it may be time to make the switch from a cartridge razor to a safety razor. Choosing the best safety razor that works for you will make learning and adjusting to using a safety razor that much easier. Use the tips listed above to help make the best safety razor selection for you.