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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Cambridge Cutthroat - Best Seller in the UK - Shavette style
- Tecto Cutthroat - Best for beginners - Shavette style
- Sharpy Cutthroat Razor Kit - Best value Shavette style
- Awans Straight Barber Straight Shaving Razor - Shavette style
- Preston Regis Men's Cut Throat Razor Kit
- Candure Straight Cut Throat Shaving Barber Razor
- Dovo Straight Razor in Black Cellidor - Fixed blade
- Dovo Blue Shavette Disposable Blade Straight Razor - Shavette style
- Kamisori Cut Throat Razor for Men - Shavette style
- Classic Samurai Straight Cut Throat Razor
- Metalneum® Professional Cut Throat Razor Kit
- London Barber Salon Straight Razor
- Dovo of Solingen Bismarck 6/8 Cut Throat Straight Razor - Fixed blade
- 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
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.
