Thanks for taking your time to read out information and reviews on the best cartridge razors, that are currently available on the UK marketplace. Along with disposable razors, these are the most popular choice for most men in the UK.
The popularity of using this particular style of razor is down to two main reasons:
- Affordability - most of these choices are affordable ranging in price from £10-£20 which will get you the razor and a pack of refills
- Convenience - easy to find the razors and replacement blades in most UK supermarkets and chemists
The best cartridge razor is the Amazon 5 Blade Men's Razor With 15 Refills, as it is very good value for money, and delivers a close and comfortable shave.
Disposable vs Cartridge Razors
Quite often people search for disposable razors when they are looking for a cartridge style razor. When people search for disposable razors online, they can be looking for either:
- Genuine disposable razors -use a few times and then throw the entire razor away
- Cartridge style razors - buy the razor and refills, keep the razor and then use a refill cartridge when required.
Both are theoretically disposable, but there are some noticeable differences. These are worth understanding before you make your buying decision.
Disposable Razor
The image above is a typical disposable razor. When finished you throw everything away. These are usually bought in bags of 10, 20 or more
Cartridge Razor
This is the typical cartridge razor. You keep the razor but change the cartridge. You then buy cartridge refills in different pack sizes
In this article we are reviewing cartridge razors. If you want to read about disposable razors, then please click here.
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 cartridge razors, based on our extensive experience of using them, that we think will help you make the best choice.
- Buy a respected brand -We would recommend buying a popular brand as that will make it much easier to find refills in chemists or supermarkets where you live in the UK. Also makes them easier to find quickly online.
- Don't over use - Gillette, who have tested this type of razor highly recommend changing a refill after 5 -7 shaves. So, assuming you shave once a day, a cartridge will last you for a week. We have also used many cartridge razors over the years, and we would absolutely agree with this information. People generally try and use them for longer to helps save them some money. While we understand this, it is not giving you a close shave and damaging your skin with a blunt set of blades is never a good idea.
- Know your skin type - Some men have normal skin, some have rougher skin and some have sensitive skin. Manufacturers understand this and make these razors suitable for that skin type. Take that into consideration before making your final decision.
- Your budget - This is really in two parts. You have to pay for the razor first so a one-off payment. On an ongoing basis you will need to buy refills for the razor. Almost everyone of these is sold as a razor with a pack of refills. (Can vary in the number sold) After that you have to buy the refills and these can vary hugely in price, but they are not cheap.
Just below you will find concise reviews of the top 10 cartridge razors that are available in the UK. We have listed those showing those that have got the best reviews and ratings from online buyers.
Top 10 Cartridge Razor Comparison Table
Rank | Product Name | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
1 | Best Value. You get a 5 blade razor with one cartridge plus 15 refills | |
2 | Highest Buyer Rating online. You get a 5 blade razor with one cartridge plus 10 refills | |
3 | Popular Choice for Sensitive Skin. You get a 4 blade razor with one cartridge plus 9 refills | |
4 | 3 blade design. This razor has been around for a long time. You get a 3 blade razor with 12 refills | |
5 | You get a 5 blade razor with one cartridge plus 10 refills | |
6 | You get a 5 blade razor with one cartridge plus 4 refills | |
7 | Eco-friendly. You get a 5 blade razor with one cartridge plus 2 refills | |
8 | Most affordable. You get a 3 blade razor with one cartridge plus 12 refills | |
9 | Best with a stand. You get a 5 blade razor with one cartridge plus 1 refill and a magnetic stand | |
10 | Best for Ladies. You get a 5 blade razor with one cartridge plus 3 refills |
1. Amazon 5 Blade Men's Razor With 15 Refills
84% buyer satisfaction based on 36,000+ online buyer reviews
This razor is one of the best selling cartridge razors in the UK currently
When we compared this to other options, it uses the standard 5 blade approach that other brands use.
You can also buy replacement cartridges at Amazon as and when you need them and that does help
We think this one delivers a close shave and is also excellent value for money
That is because it comes with a cartridge on the razor and 15 replacements which will last you for around 16-18 weeks depending on how often you shave.
- Key Features that matter: Suitable for sensitive skin, has a lubricating strip for a smoother shave, suitable for sensitive skin, blades easy to rinse and designed not to clog
- Our Ratings: Value for Money 9.5/10, Closeness of shave 8.0/10, Availability of refills 8.2/10
2. Gillette ProGlide Men's Razor with Flexball Technology
94% buyer satisfaction based on 5,500+ online buyer reviews
The Gillette brand use what they call anti-friction blades which are improved blades designed to last longer - according to their research you get 20 shaves from one refill
When we used them, we did notice they lasted longer, but we found that around 14 days was a better guide, though it did depend on the beard type. With softer stubble you could get 20 days.
Each cartridge has 5 blades
They use what they call "FlexBall technology". That simply means at the top of the handle they have engineered in some movement that allows the head to move so it can adapt to the various contours of your face and neck.
- Key Features that matter: The flexible head does work really well, the blades are sharp and do last longer than most other brands, and it has a precision trimmer feature on the back is useful. On the downside not really designed for sensitive skin.
- Our Ratings: Value for Money 9.0/10, Closeness of shave 9.4/10, Availability of refills 9.2/10
3. Wilkinson Sword Quattro Titanium
90% buyer satisfaction based on 4,500+ online buyer reviews
This 4 blade cartridge comes with a razor and a cartridge attached and 9 refills
The blades are titanium coated blades
A styling blade on the back helps create precise edges around sideburns, beards and under the nose
Also has a lubricating strip that contains Aloe Vera and Jojoba for improved razor glide making it more suitable for those of you with sensitive skin
- Key Features that matter: The titanium coated blades are very sharp and this coating also helps a lot with reducing irritation making them good for sensitive skin, has a nice pivoting head and lubrication strips.
- Our Ratings: Value for Money 9.2/10, Closeness of shave 9.0/10, Availability of refills 9.1/10
4. Gillette Mach3 Men's Razor
92% buyer satisfaction based on 1,000+ online buyer reviews
This is the classic 3 blade razor and it comes with 12 refills
It is worth pointing out that the Mach3 has been around for a long time. However, Gillette have made improvements to this and updated the lubrication strip and that has led to a much smoother shave.
That was a major complain with the older Mach3
It does have a really good quality stainless steel handle which although makes it more expensive, also makes it stand out from the crowd in our opinion.
- Key Features that matter: The handle has been revamped and is now very good. Great improvements in the lubricating strips for a much smoother shave. It also has small fins which helps lift the hair before the blades do their work.
- Our Ratings: Value for Money 9.0/10, Closeness of shave 9.2/10, Availability of refills 9.4/10
5. Gillette Fusion5 Men's Razor
92% buyer satisfaction based on 1,500+ online buyer reviews
The Gillette brand use what they call anti-friction blades which are improved blades designed to last longer - according to their research you get 20 shaves from one refill
When we used them, we did notice they lasted longer, but we found that around 14 days was a better guide, though it did depend on the beard type. With softer stubble you could get 20 days.
They are more expensive than the Amazon ones above, but Gillette are well known for making good quality razors.
These also have a useful precision strip for more detailed shaving around sideburns
- Key Features that matter: Suitable for sensitive skin, has a large lubricating strip for a smoother shave, suitable for sensitive skin, the precision trimmer feature on the back is useful
- Our Ratings: Value for Money 9.0/10, Closeness of shave 9.1/10, Availability of refills 8.6/10
6. Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 Sense Energizer
92% buyer satisfaction based on 1,100+ online buyer reviews
This is a 5 blade razor and comes with another 4 refills
Has a sensor that adjusts the blades to the level of force applied to the skin
The blades also have skin guards to help prevent irritation
The head also pivots on this model
They have also included a gel feature into their blades which helps a little with a smoother shave
- Key Features that matter: Has some unique features such as the gel to make for a smoother shave. tends to be more expensive than others and doesn't come with a large number of refills.
- Our Ratings: Value for Money 8.5/10, Closeness of shave 9.2/10, Availability of refills 8.5/10
7. Bulldog Skincare Sensitive Bamboo Razor
88% buyer satisfaction based on 1,000+ online buyer reviews
This is a 5 blade razor and comes with another 2 refills
What sets this razor apart is the focus on lowering its environmental impact. The natural bamboo handle and also the packaging are made from fully recycled stock.
There is also a precision trimmer on the back which is handy for more detailed shaping and trimming.
It has a lubricating strip infused with Aloe known for it soothing capability on skin
- Key Features that matter: A great choice for those with an eye on the health of our planet, useful trimmer feature and a good choice for those people with sensitive skin.
- Our Ratings: Value for Money 9.2/10, Closeness of shave8.5/10, Availability of refills 8.0/10
8. Bic Hybrid 3 Flex
90% buyer satisfaction based on 200+ online buyer reviews
This is a 3 blade razor and comes with another 12 refills.
The cartridges have 3 titanium moveable blades that are flexible so as to adjust to every contour for which helps get at the tricky parts.
It uses a guide bar to help stretch the skin before the blades come into direct contact with the skin
It also has a lubricating strip using Aloe Vera and Vitamin E
- Key Features that matter: This sells consistently, has easy to replace blades, rinses well and uses good quality blades.
- Our Ratings: Value for Money 9.6/10, Closeness of shave 8.8/10, Availability of refills 8.7/10
9. Gillette Labs Men's Razor
86% buyer satisfaction based on 2,500+ online buyer reviews
This is a 5 blade razor and comes with 1 refill, and a magnetic stand. It is classed as a special edition and has a unique black and gold colouring.
It is suitable for all skin types and what makes this one slightly different is that it comes with a rather cool looking magnetic stand.
It also has an exfoliating bar that helps removes dry skin before the blades pass over your face.
They use a 2D FlexDisc movement on the head which allows it to swivel easily
- Key Features that matter: Looks great and the stand is handy, head moves easily and the exfoliating bar allows for a closer shave.
- Our Ratings: Value for Money 9.0/10, Closeness of shave 8.8/10, Availability of refills 8.2/10
10. Gillette Labs Men's Razor
92% buyer satisfaction based on 8,500+ online buyer reviews
This is a 5 blade razor and comes with 3 refills
It is suitable for all skin types and each cartridge will give you around 20 shaves per refill
The razor blade refills have gel bars that release body butters with a white tea fragrance, for glide and comfort.
It has a nice smooth pivoting design that adjusts to your body’s contours
- Key Features that matter: The blades are well lubricated which greatly reduces razor burn or rashes, the gel bar also has a very refreshing feel and also very good for sensitive skin.
- Our Ratings: Value for Money 9.5/10, Closeness of shave 9.3/10, Availability of refills 8.6/10
What is a Cartridge Razor?
Cartridge razors are a popular choice for both men and women when it comes to wet shaving. All of them are made up of 2 parts:
- A handle
- A cartridge head containing a set of blades
They are a very convenient option for those who prefer a quick and easy shave. They give a close enough shave, but not as close or precise as a safety razor. They are however a better choice than a cheap disposable razor. Most of them have 5 blades and some have 3 blades in the cartridge.
Most of them also have some form of lubricating strip that contains Aloe Vera, known for its skin healing and protection quality.
Some of them also have a feature such as a lifter or a band that also raises the hairs on the skin before he blades cut them. This does help give a closer shave.
PROS
- A really convenient way of shaving
- They do deliver a close shave
- They tend to be faster than safety and straight razors as they have multiple blades, so less passes required.
- They are versatile so can be used to shave the face, head chest and other areas of the body
- Relatively cheap when compared to other options for shaving
- Much better than using disposable razors
- Handy for travel as they are light and compact
CONS
- Multiple blades can cause skin irritation
- Buying refills is expensive when compared to buying razor blades and other forms of shaving
How to Use a Cartridge Razor
Like any type of wet shaving, the secret to getting a good shave is all about preparation. These cartridge razors are easy enough to use and on average the manufacturers claim that you get around 1 month of usage for each cartridge.
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. Make sure that the beard is properly soaked.
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. Whatever you decide to use, make sure it is well rubbed in.
Step 3 - Use the cartridge razor
Most cartridge razors have heads that move and that allows the razor to deal with the many contours on the face. They also have multiple blades, usually 5 or 6, that try to capture the hair on the face with a single stroke.
Many also have a strip with Aloe Vera to help soothe sensitive skin. Keep the strokes short and try only to make one pass to avoid unnecessary skin irritation and skin bumps.
Step 4 - Shave with the Grain
Hold the blade at a 15 degree angle and use short strokes to shave. Shave with the grain and apply gentle pressure.
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.
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 on catridge razors useful and known a little bit more about what types are available. As you can see Gillette, Dorco and Wilkinson Sword dominate the UK market for this type of cartridge disposable razor.
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