Thanks for taking your time to read out review of the popular Wilkinson Sword double edge safety razor. This is also known as the Wilkinson Classic because it has the retro traditional style of a good quality safety razor.
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.
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 chrome finished double edged razor
- It is made from 100% stainless steel
- Beginners find this razor easy to use
- It is also very good for trimming edges
- We think this one is very good value for money
- It has a butterfly opening and locking mechanism
- Takes standard razor blades (47 mm)
Detailed Review
This safety razor is a very popular choice for many online UK buyers. The brand is an extremely well known one, and this razor model also gets exceptionally good buyer reviews, and very few complaints.
Summary of Buyer Reviews
- Overall we found just over 5,000 online buyer reviews and they gave this razor an average buyer satisfaction rating of 90%
- 71% of those buyers gave this razor a 5 star review
- 3% of all buyers gave this a bar review.
Pros:
Cons:
Many ladies used this on their legs and liked it for that specific purpose.
Main Review on the Classic
This looks and feels very much like a traditional safety razor did in the past.That has been done quite deliberately by the manufacturer. You will either like that look or it will not be for you.
Butterfly Opening
It has a standard butterfly opening, which is engaged by twisting on the bottom of the handle, so spread the head open similar to a butterfly's wings. You can then quickly and safely replace the blade, and dispose of the old one.
The operation is a pretty simple thing to do. With other safety razors you have to screw them apart, and then assemble them again. The butterfly opening is faster and safer in our opinion.
The Handle
The handle is slightly longer than you will find on most safety razors, and that makes it suitable for normal hands and also for those people with larger hands. It is also knurled which gives a good grip, and that is important when the hands are wet.
Balance
Many of our writers here at the Emporium use this razor so we know that this has a nice feel in the hand. It is very well balanced and that does make it easier to use.
Aggression
If you are not familiar with safety razors, then you may well wonder why the word aggression is used. This type of razor is often described as being aggressive or non-aggressive with varying degrees in between.
This refers to the contact of the blade against the skin. This particular one has a closed comb setup. That comb keeps the blade up and away from the skin, and when held at the right angle, allows the blade to remove that hair, without digging into the skin.
As such this is classed as a mild or non-aggressive razor. That makes it a very good choice for beginners to wet shaving.
Understanding the Complaints on the Wilkinson Sword Classic Safety Razor
We looked carefully at the bad reviews, as we genuinely like to understand those. The majority of those were more about wet shaving generally, that actually about the razor itself.
If you are new to this type of blade shaving, or if you have sensitive skin then you do need to be very careful, when using a safety razor. The Wilkinson Classic is a mild safety razor when compared to other safety razors.
As such most people will be able to use this without nicking or cutting problems. If you are new then make sure to hold the razor against your face at an angle of 30 degrees and never press the razor into the face.
Simply allow the weight of the razor to remove the hair in short strokes. Always make sure that you have applied a gel, soap or cream first, and then shave carefully.
We looked carefully at the bad reviews, as we genuinely like to understand those. The majority of those were more about wet shaving generally, that actually about the razor itself.
If you are new to this type of blade shaving, or if you have sensitive skin then you do need to be very careful, when using a safety razor. The Wilkinson Classic is a mild safety razor when compared to other safety razors.
As such most people will be able to use this without nicking or cutting problems. If you are new then make sure to hold the razor against your face at an angle of 30 degrees and never press the razor into the face.
Simply allow the weight of the razor to remove the hair in short strokes. Always make sure that you have applied a gel, soap or cream first, and then shave carefully.
Our Final Thoughts
Overall we like this razor a lot. We think it is a very good price and an excellent choice for any beginner to wet shaving. There are not that many complaints about the actual razor, and the majority of complaints that we did find, were more to do with shaving technique.
We would also recommend using the Wilkinson Sword razor blades that come with this razor. Those come out the highest on our list of the best safety razor blades.
Overall we think this is a very good choice if you like the traditional style of a DE safety razor.
Check Amazon UK for Availability - Average UK Price £21 - 90% buyer satisfaction based on 5,000+ online buyer reviews
Please note that as of our last knowledge update in January 2024, the information provided in this review is accurate. Be sure to check for the most recent reviews and pricing on the Wilkinson Sword Safety Razor before making a purchase.
This is a wonderful site to read for those of us who appreciate the minutia around issue such as wet shaving. At the end of the day, shaving is something which most men will engage with for around 70 or so years of their lives so let's at least make it pleasurable. Having commenced with a plastic 3 piece, moved to plastic disposable then to a WS butterfly double edge I can only say I am so pleased to have moved on from what was a utilitarian option of "Bic" disposable to something which, dare I say it, I actually look forward to using of a morning.
Thanks Mick, we agree with you 100%. I think modern day life has us reaching for too many gadgets. It is we think much better to properly prepare your skin and then have a proper wet shave that is kind to the skin and helps it stay strong and supple.