The Cambridge Cutthroat review
Straight Razors

The Cambridge Cutthroat Razor UK Review

Thanks for taking your time to read our review of the highly rated Cambridge cutthroat razor. When we were completing our research on straight razors of all kinds, this one was extremely popular with many buyers on the UK market.

We found over 300 buyer reviews for this particular razor, and that is a sure sign that this particular razor sells very well.

Anyone looking to buy this type of cutthroat will most likely understand that you can buy one of two types:

  1. A fixed blade that you will need to keep sharp and honed. To do that you will need to buy a razor strop and use it regularly
  2. A razor that use razor blades (half blades) and you can replace the blade when it goes blunt.

This Cambridge model is one where you use half of a razor blade, and replace that when it goes blunt.

We understand that some readers will not have time to read our full review, so we have provided a short summary review just below. For anyone who has a little more time you can read on to get a lot more detail.

The Cambridge Cutthroat review

All our product recommendations are based on our independent research which we conduct online by reading the many reviews we find at online websites. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made.

You can read our affiliates page to find out more and also read about how we write our reviews.

Summary Review

  • This is a straight or cutthroat razor that uses razor blades
  • This model uses a swing lock mechanism that makes changing the blades fast, safe and easy
  • The blade holder is made from high quality stainless steel
  • The handle is made from Missanda wood which is tough and durable
  • Comes with a leather pouch and canvas travel bag

Detailed Review

This straight razor is a very attractive looking cutthroat and many buyers simply love the traditional style of this razor. It is certainly a striking appearance with the logo well placed on both the handle of the razor and on the pouch and travel bag.

86%
Buyer Satisfaction
  • Overall we found just over 2,500 online buyer reviews and they gave this razor an average buyer satisfaction rating of 86%
  • 65% of those buyers gave this razor a 5 star review
  • 5% of all buyers so far have given this a bad review.

Overall this is a very good rating and it has maintained this level of rating for many years. That is always a very good sign.

What Buyers Didn't Like

  • A few buyers received a damaged or broken razor in the post
  • Some buyers complained that this does not come with blades
  • A couple of buyers said this really should only be used by professionals

What Buyers Did Like

  • Buyers thought that this purchase represented very good value for money
  • Buyers said that this held the blades very securely
  • Buyers liked both the weight and the balance of this cutthroat
  • Most buyers said that this model had a very "premium" look to it
  • They also liked both the pouch and the bag

Our Review on the Classic

The really high end cutthroat razors cost an absolute fortune - ask any barber. Most people simply can not afford the luxury of buying one of those. That is especially true if they are only considering giving this type of wet shaving a try.

This Cambridge cutthroat gives you that option but at an affordable price. The razor looks great and the pouch and bag are a nice touch. They are particularly useful if you travel and want to take your razor with you. (Don't take this in hand luggage unless the blade is removed.)

Our only grumble here at the Emporium is we would have liked this razor to be slightly heavier. That would have made this model even better to use.

That said, this is a well balanced straight razor that feels really nice in the hand.

Understanding the Complaints

We always like to fully understand the complaints and never avoid doing that in any of our reviews. We like our readers to know the full story.

Faulty or Damaged Products

This does happen from time to time with any product. It could be a manufacturing problem at the factory. More likely it is the way that is has been treated or manhandled in the post. Either way, you should return it and get it replaced. Most online companies are very good at doing this.

No Blades

All manufacturers used to sell these with blades. Legally they are no longer allowed to do this in the United Kingdom. Blades fall under what is called the "Prohibited and restricted items list" at the Post Office.

You can still buy blades online but they have to be packaged in a certain way and marked as such.

Only to be Used by Professionals

A number of buyers complained about nicks and cuts and that this razor should only be used by a professional. We understand why they may believe this, but it is simply not true.

Almost anyone can use a cutthroat razor, but it takes a lot of practise and great care. You will not master this technique in a couple of days. On average it takes a couple of months to completely be in charge of a razor like this.

Slow and steady wins the race as they say. Always use short strokes and keep the blade angle under 30 degrees. The cheeks and the neck are the easiest to master first. Getting the top lip and under the lip will take a bit more time.

Holding the razor for the different strokes is also something that takes some time to master. if you are ambidextrous then it is a great deal easier, but sadly most of us are not.

Summary Review

  • This is a straight or cutthroat razor that uses razor blades
  • This model uses a swing lock mechanism that makes changing the blades fast, safe and easy
  • The blade holder is made from high quality stainless steel
  • The handle is made from Missanda wood which is tough and durable

Overall we like this razor a lot. We think it is a very good price and an excellent choice for any beginner to straight razor shaving. It certainly looks the part and overall buyers love the balance in this razor.

All cutthroats need to be respected. At the end of the day this is a sharp blade in direct contact with your skin. We would always recommend using a safety razor first for wet shaving, before moving to a cutthroat.

The reason we do that is that it is safer to use a safety razor, and it gives your skin the chance to get used to a razor blade. Once that happens then by all means give the cutthroat a chance.

Cutthroats are better for the environment, as there is no bulky packaging, no plastic handles, no batteries and no electricity bills.

However if this is not the cutthroat for you, then check out our top 10 list of cutthroats by clicking here

If cutthroats are not the best choice for you, then we recommend reading our article on other types of wet shaving, which you can do by clicking here.

This Cambridge cutthroat sells really well online, and we think it is affordable and very well made. It makes a great gift for any man who prefers to have a wet shave. Like all cutthroats though, it does take some patience and practise.

Read More
awans cuththroat razor
Straight Razors

Awans Straight Cut Throat Razor UK Review

Thanks for taking your time to read out review of the highly rated Awans Straight Cut Throat Razor.

When it comes to buying a cutthroat, you may know there are two choices of this style of razor. You can go with a fixed blade which will need to be kept sharp and honed. The other alternative is to go with a cutthroat where you can replace the blade when it goes blunt.

This model is one where you use half of a razor blade, and replace that when it goes blunt.

We understand that some readers will not have time to read our full review, so we have provided a short summary review just below. For anyone who has a little more time you can read on to get a lot more detail.

awans cuththroat razor

All our product recommendations are based on our independent research which we conduct online by reading the many reviews we find at online websites. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made.

You can read our affiliates page to find out more and also read about how we write our reviews.

Summary Review

  • This is a straight or cutthroat razor that uses razor blades
  • This model uses half of a standard sized razor blade, and you can buy razor blades and split them, or if you prefer buy them already cut
  • Comes with a leather pouch which is handy for protecting the razor, and also for traveling
  • It is classed as a professional barber style razor.

Detailed Review

This straight razor is a common choice for many online UK buyers. The brand is well known one, and this razor model also gets exceptionally good buyer reviews, and so far no complaints.

We will watch and update that if it changes.

88%
Buyer Satisfaction
  • Overall we found just over 40 online buyer reviews and they gave this razor an average buyer satisfaction rating of 88%
  • 65% of those buyers gave this razor a 5 star review
  • No buyers so far have given this a bad review.

It is worth noting that this razor is fairly new to the UK market and that explains the low number of reviews so far. Those who have bought it clearly rate it highly.

It is also worth noting that straight razors do not sell in their thousands anyway, as this is not a popular method of shaving, especially for beginners.

What Buyers Didn't Like

  • We have stated that there are no bad reviews and that is true, however there are always small things that buyers suggest could improve this
  • Some buyers mentioned that it is better to buy the half blades rather than try to break full razor blades in two

What Buyers Did Like

  • Buyers said that it was a nice construction and very well made
  • Buyers said the blades were easy to change
  • Buyers also liked the fact that it was made from stainless steel and easy to clean

Our Review on the Classic

This looks and feels very much like a traditional cutthroat razor. The Awans brand are best known for their high quality professional scissors and nail clippers. It is therefore no big surprise to see them making straight razors.

They actually do a range of these in various colours, but buyers seem to prefer this stainless steel look.

Changing the Blade

When you buy this type of straight razor, then the most common task you will have to do is to replace the blade. You have two choices here:

  1. Buy standard sized razor blades and snap them in half when required. The easiest and safest way to do that is to leave the blade inside the wrapper and snap it. You can then remove the two halves of the blade.
  2. The second option is to buy half blades. You should be able to buy those in some chemists and supermarkets. If you can't find them there then they are available online at stores such as Amazon

Open up the stainless steel swing lock mechanism allows. Take one half of the snapped blade and place in line with the location pins. Then close the mechanism by sliding it to its original position.

At this point the blade may move a little. If it does then push lightly back into position. It is best to use something like a toothbrush to do this and not your fingers.

Push the hinged cover back over the blade holder. A small portion of the edge of the blade should now be showing evenly. Make sure that is even as you want all of the blade edge showing evenly.

Costs of Using the Awans Razor

We don't think there is a cheaper form of shaving than this. The razor itself is as you can see not that expensive to buy. It will last you for years and it is easy to clean and look after.

If you are wet shaving then you will be buying a soap, cream or gel anyway. The only real extra cost is replacing the blades.

You can buy a set of 100 half blades for around £6. If you only used that blade once per shave, then 4 boxes would last you for a year. That would be an annual cost of around £24.

That would give you 365 shaves at around 6 pence a shave. That is cheap and most people will in reality use the blade 2-3 times before replacing it, so a great deal cheaper.

When compared to cartridge razors, they cost about £15 for 8 blades on average and the cost per shave works out at around 44 pence a shave.

Summary Review

  • This is a straight or cutthroat razor that uses razor blades
  • This model uses half of a standard sized razor blade, and you can buy razor blades and split them, or if you prefer buy them already cut
  • Comes with a leather pouch which is handy for protecting the razor, and also for traveling
  • It is classed as a professional barber style razor.

Overall we like this razor a lot. We think it is a very good price and an excellent choice for any beginner to straight razor shaving.

This type of shaving is better for your skin as only one blade is contacting the skin. If you care for the environment, then these are definitely a greener choice than other forms of shaving.

There is no bulky packaging, no plastic handles, no batteries and no electricity bills.

However if this is not the cutthroat for you, then check out our top 10 list of cutthroats by clicking here

If cutthroats are not the best choice for you, then we recommend reading our article on other types of wet shaving, which you can do by clicking here.

This Awans razor is typical of the type of straight razor that uses razor blades. It is good quality and buyers clearly like it.

Read More
straight razor
Straight Razors

Best Straight Cutthroat Razor UK

Cutthroat Razors - For the Ultimate Shave

Thanks for taking your time to read out information and reviews on the best straight razors (cutthroats), that are currently available on the UK marketplace. Making the move to a razor like this is a big choice to make.

We would never recommend the cutthroat to a beginner to wet shaving. Before making that move it is important to have used something like a DE safety razor before making the switch.

Here at the Emporium, we believe that your skin needs time to get used to being in contact with a sharp blade. The safety razor gives you that option and at the same time also gives you a high degree of control.

In other words there is some forgiveness with a safety razor that you will never get from a cutthroat.

There are several options when it comes to buying a straight razor. Just below you will find our top 10 list. We have based that list on those straight razors that get the best buyer reviews. That way you can pick the one for you knowing that, it is highly rated by actual users.

All our product recommendations are based on our independent research which we conduct online by reading the many reviews we find at online websites. This review contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission for purchases made.

You can read our affiliates page to find out more and also read about how we write our reviews.

Before You Buy - Top 5 Buying Tips

Just before checking out the main reviews, we have provided a few tips just below on straight razors, that we think will help you make the best choice.

  1. Don't spend a fortune - These are affordable for most people with an average price point of around £10-20. When you have had some experience then you can try out more expensive options.
  2. Blade Types - There are two types of blade option when it comes to buying a straight razor. They are known as fixed blade and disposable blade. The disposable blade types are known as as shavettes. With these you can buy razor blades with just one side, or but normal razor blades and break those in half.
  3. Fixed Blade - The fixed blade is a high quality blade that never needs to be replaced. It does however need to be sharpened regularly and that is done using a razor strop or hone. This blade type tends to be more expensive.
  4. Disposable Blade - This is the most popular type and is the one that you will find in barbers. That is simply because it is more hygienic to change a blade after each use for different customers. Some user just prefer this type as they don't want the hassle of sharpening a blade, and it is easier to replace a razor blade. This is the shavette type.
  5. Style Types - People like different styles and that is true when it comes to straight razors. They vary in appearance and the handles are made from different materials

Top 15 Straight Razors

Just below we have listed the top 15 straight razors that all get high ratings from buyers. 

  1. The Cambridge Cutthroat - Best Seller in the UK - Shavette style
  2. Tecto Cutthroat - Best for beginners - Shavette style
  3. Sharpy Cutthroat Razor Kit - Best value Shavette style
  4. Awans Straight Barber Straight Shaving Razor - Shavette style
  5. Preston Regis Men's Cut Throat Razor Kit
  6. Candure Straight Cut Throat Shaving Barber Razor
  7. Dovo Straight Razor in Black Cellidor - Fixed blade
  8. Dovo Blue Shavette Disposable Blade Straight Razor -  Shavette style
  9. Kamisori Cut Throat Razor for Men - Shavette style
  10. Classic Samurai Straight Cut Throat Razor
  11. Metalneum® Professional Cut Throat Razor Kit
  12. London Barber Salon Straight Razor
  13. Dovo of Solingen Bismarck 6/8 Cut Throat Straight Razor - Fixed blade
  14. Gold Dollar Straight Razor - Fixed blade

1. Cut Throat Razor for Men by The Cambridge Cutthroat® - Biggest Seller Online

86% buyer satisfaction based on 4,000+ online buyer reviews

This is the biggest seller online

Uses a swing lock mechanism for fast and safe blade changes

Made from stainless steel

Has a Missanda wooden handle

Comes with a drawstring bag and leather travel pouch

PROS

  • This appears to be the number one choice for barbers in the UK
  • Buyers say this razor holds the blade very securely
  • Buyers say this cutthroat has a very nice appearance
  • Buyers said the razor is comfortable to hold

CONS

  • Some buyers complained about the balance and weight of this product
  • Some buyers did receive a faulty product

2. Tecto Cut Throat Razor

88% buyer satisfaction based on 2,000+ online buyer reviews

This is a disposable blade style straight razor that takes half blades only (razor blade needs to be snapped in half before use)

The head of the razor is two steps of metal which slide part.

Easy to adjust and won't rust

This has a nice black matte appearance

It is made from high grade stainless steel

PROS

  • Some buyers said that this is a very high quality cutthroat at a very good price
  • Buyers said this razor looks very good
  • A few buyers said this feels stiff in the hand which they liked
  • Buyers liked the weight of this and that fact that it is made from metal and not plastic.
  • Buyers also liked the locking blade system

CONS

  • A few buyers complained that it came with no blades (UK law no longer allows blades to be sent in the post unless fully packaged)

3. SHARPY Cut Throat Razor Kit

88% buyer satisfaction based on 400+ online buyer reviews

Made from very high quality stainless steel

Uses a disposable single safety razor blade

Weighs just 60 grams

Comes with a beard brush

Currently unavailable at Amazon UK

PROS

  • Buyers loved the unique design of this straight razor
  • Has a nice ergonomic design
  • Used by quite a few barbers
  • Buyers liked that this was light as it gave more control

CONS

  • No complaints so far

4. Awans Straight Cut Throat Razor 

8o% buyer satisfaction based on 50+ online buyer reviews

Awans cutthroat razors use half of a double-edge razor blade

This is a disposable straight razor

It has a stainless steel swing lock mechanism that allows for quick blade replacement

Comes with a very useful travel pouch

This is not a big seller online, but those who have made the purchase have rated it highly

PROS

  • The majority of buyers really liked the weight of the razor and that they found it very well balanced
  • Buyers liked the pouch as it kept this neat and tidy and safe when traveling
  • Almost every buyer liked the style and shape of this cutthroat

CONS

  • We could not find any complaints

5. Preston Regis Men's Cut Throat Razor Kit 

86% buyer satisfaction based on 100+ online buyer reviews

This is a disposable blade style cutthroat

Has a stainless-steel swing lock mechanism that enables you to quickly replace the blades, without spending time stropping and honing

Comes with a leather pouch and beard comb

Has a wooden handle

This razor is used by barbers in the UK

PROS

  • Most buyers say the quality of this product is outstanding
  • The blades clip in and out very easily and stay in place during use
  • Buyers loved the balance of this razor
  • Buyers also liked the real wooden handle

CONS

  • A couple of buyers said the comb, pouch and razor were low quality

6. Candure Straight Cut Throat Shaving Barber Razor For Men

82% buyer satisfaction based on 100+ online buyer reviews

This is a professional straight edge fixed blade razor

It is handmade and the handle is made of pure wood

Made from high quality stainless steel

It has a minimum blade exposure of 0.5 mm to help avoid cuts which makes this one a good choice for beginners

PROS

  • Buyers thought this was very good value for money for a fixed blade straight razor
  • Buyers liked the short blade as it gave them more control
  • Buyers liked the carrying case

CONS

  • There were no major complaints

7. Dovo Straight Razor in Black Cellidor

84% buyer satisfaction based on 450+ online buyer reviews

This is a straight edge fixed blade razor

It is classed as a high quality 5/8 inch carbon steel cabbage cutter, with a fully hollow cut and a black acrylic glass (PMMA) handle from DOVO Solingen.

  • Blade and Cut: Carbon Steel
  • Width 5/8 inch = approx. 1.8 cm
  • Round Head
  • Full Hollow Sharpening
  • Very Sharp.

PROS

  • Buyers say this is a very sharp blade on arrival and also easy to sharpen
  • Buyers liked the shorter type blade as it gave them more control
  • Buyers liked the rounded end and makes it really much better for beginners as it helps reduce cuts and nicks

CONS

  • A number of buyers don't like the plastic handle which they say lets the razor down

8. Dovo Blue Shavette Disposable Blade Straight Razor

72% buyer satisfaction based on 200+ online buyer reviews

Dovo Shavette Straight Razor.

This one measures  5 1/4" closed and has a cheap black plastic handle 

It has a blue aluminum blade holder with red insert

It comes with four disposable blades.

It also comes with an acrylic storage pouch.

PROS

  • Buyers thought this was a good shavette for beginners
  • Buyers liked that you can replace the blades as you don't have to worry about sharpening a fixed blade
  • Buyers liked the overall appearance.

CONS

  • Quite hard to replace the blade
  • Prone to breaking

8. GOLD DOLLAR straight razor

82% buyer satisfaction based on 450+ online buyer reviews

This is also an expensive choice and in essence you are paying for the quality of the blade.

The blade is made of carbon steel, which is harder than stainless steel, so it can stay sharper for longer.

Be aware that all carbon steel straight razor blades will rust, so keep the razor dry before and after using.

It is a nice kit though and comes with the razor, a strop, a shaving cream and a brush.

PROS

  • Buyers say this is very sharp when it arrives and also easy to keep sharp
  • Buyers like the kit idea as you can shave straight away
  • Buyers say this cutthroat looks great
  • Buyers said the razor is well balanced and comfortable to use

CONS

  • It takes a good bit of maintenance to keep it dry and prevent rust.

8. Kamisori Cut Throat Razor for Men

88% buyer satisfaction based on 20+ online buyer reviews

This is a shavette style razor suitable for professional or home use.

You insert the razor blades by a unique pinch and replace method

Comes with a velvet carrying pouch


PROS

  • Allows really good control for precision lineups
  • Rubber handle provides  a very good grip
  • Buyers said the razor is well balanced and comfortable to use

CONS

  • It takes a good bit of maintenance to keep it dry and prevent rust.

7. Dovo of Solingen Bismarck 6/8 Cut Throat Straight Razor

78% buyer satisfaction based on 10+ online buyer reviews

This is one of the most expensive straight razors.

It is made from a high quality carbon steel (silver steel) and has a sharp beveled edge ideal for sharpening when required.

The razor is comfortable to hold, nicely balanced and the scales are fabricated from the very best of materials

It has an ebony wood handle and ornate blade with 24-karat gold etching

  • Blade width - 6/8"
  • Blade material - Carbon steel 1.2210, 24k gold-plated
  • Product details: Round point, roof-shaped spine, concave profile, thumbnotch on tang
  • Grind - Full Hollow Ground
  • Handle Material - Black Ebony
  • Dimensions - 16.2 cm x 2.7 cm x 1.1 cm

PROS

  • Beautiful appearance and great cutting blade
  • Buyers say this razor is very comfortable to hold and well balanced
  • Buyers say this razor is one of the best that you can buy.

CONS

  • High quality but needs to be cleaned and dried to ensure it doesn't rust.

Straight Razor Buyer's Guide

cutthroat razor name of parts

We always like to write a full buyer's guide, which we believe is especially helpful for any new buyer of a product like this. Cutthroat razors we believe are a specialist shaving tool, and need to be treated with great respect.

Straight razor shaving is without doubt the best form of wet shaving. It does take time and a little practice, but it will give you the closet-cut shave possible.

The good news is that it costs a fraction of disposable safety razor shaving. In essence all you ever need to do is buy razor blades and some shaving soap or cream.

When using a cutthroat the reality is that your skin only needs to be shaven every other day.

Cutthroat Razor Price Points

We mentioned in our buying tips a little about the various price points. Here we explain those in a lot more detail. You can quite literally pick these up for around £2-3 at the lower end.

Many beginners will buy these just to see if they like the idea of using a brush for wet shaving. In our opinion there is nothing wrong with that at all. Why spend more money than you have to, if you are simply giving something new a try.

There is no doubt though that the hairs will fall out of any cheaply made brush. That is why most men are prepared to spend a bit more and get a better quality brush.

For around £8-10 you get a good quality brush that will last you for years. if you want something even better, then by spending around £20, you can get a great looking high quality brush that will last you a lifetime.

Cutthroat Brands

Certain brands are known for their wet shaving products and in particular for their straight razors. These include:

  • Boker Graf
  • Candure
  • Shibumi
  • Dovo and Niegeloh of Solingen
  • Feather Artist

Those are still excellent brands, but they are usually more expensive. (£100-200) Other brands entered the market such as:

  • Preston Regis
  • Jolly Roger
  • Awans

These are also very good cutthroats, but they are usually at lower prices. We would recommend to anyone starting out to spend a smaller amount of money.

If you like this form of shaving you can always go for a more expensive option later.

Straight Razor Accessories

There are a few small accessories that you can get for a shaving brush. The most popular is a stand. That is really useful as it gives you a place to properly dry your brush out. These are usually made with a place to hold your DE razor.

You can also buy a variety of shaving bowls, mugs and scuttles where the brush is used to create the lather with a good shaving soap.

How to Use Your Straight Razor

As we have mentioned the majority of straight razors now use disposable blades. That does mean that the blades can be changed, just like those in a safety razor.

It also means you don't have to worry about stropping and sharpening

Most of the disposable straight razors can make use of standard safety double edge razor blades like Derby, Gillette,  Astra Superior etc.

Step 1 - Prepare the Face

The face or area being shaved should be washed with hot water. Ideally a hot towel should be used to soak the beard, but we also understand that not everyone will have the time to do that.

Step 2 - Use a Quality Soap, Cream or Gel

It is important to use a good quality shaving soap, cream or gel. Again ideally this should be applied using a good quality shaving brush.

Step 3 - Hold the Straight Razor Properly?

When starting out with a straight razor you do need to be very careful.There is a natural tendency to push in with a blade. You should never do that.

Getting the right grip is important and it will change slightly depending on what area of the face you are shaving. Just make sure the razor feels secure in your hand and will not slip.

This part does take a bit of practise to get right.

Step 4 - Shave with the Grain

Hold the blade at a 30 degree angle and use short strokes to shave. Shave with the grain and avoid applying pressure and just trust the blade to do its job.

The grain means the direction in which the hair naturally grows on the face. Be extra careful. Start with the cheeks first, then the neck and finally finish off with the chin and the mouth.

Take care and be gentle, this is never a process that you wish to rush.

Step 5 - Apply Moisturiser

When finished wash you face with cold water to close the pores in the skin. Then apply a balm, post shave cream or moisturiser before applying any after shave.

Hopefully you have found the above information useful and known a little bit more about the cutthroat razor and how to pick one. They do take a bit of getting used to, but once you master the technique, you really will never get a closer shave.

The straight razor shave is about as good as it gets.

Read More