Best Razor Blades UK

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Best Razor Blades UK

Thanks for taking your time to read out information and reviews on the best razor blades. These are the type of blades that are suitable to use with double edge safety razors or with straight razors. Most people will know that having a good quality blade is very important if you are consider making the move to wet shaving. To be able to use the blade you will need to own or buy a DE safety razor or a straight razor, before making the switch.

Razor blades have been around for years, and are used for a variety of reasons. In terms of shaving they are a very affordable way of getting a really close shave. Most of the leading shaving brands will make some type of blade.

The best razor blades sold in the UK, are the Derby 100 Derby Extra Shaving Blades in terms of quality and value for money.

Safety Razors

Please be aware that you can buy a standard razor blade which has a blade on each side. These are known as double edge blades (DE) and are a standard size blade that will fit almost every single safety razor. You can also break these in half to use with straight razors, which take razor blades.

Straight Razors (Cutthroat)

As mentioned above you can simply break a standard razor blade in half as long as you are careful. You can also buy half razor blades, known as single edge blades (SE) such as the Derby Tokai Professional which we have reviewed below.

There are several options when it comes to buying good quality razor blades. Just below you will find our top 10 list. We have based that list on those blades that get the best buyer reviews. That way you can pick the best type for you knowing that, they are 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 buying good quality safety razor blades, that we think will help you make the best choice.

  1. Blade usage for a safety razor - one blade is good for around 5-6 shaves when using a safety razor. After that it should be replaced as the edge will have gone off it. If you have a really coarse beard then you may only get 2-3 shaves with a razor blade.
  2. Blade Usage for a Straight Razor (Cutthroat) - Some straight razors have a fixed blade. However most straight razors use safety razor blades which have been broken in half. If you to that you can get 10-12 shaves from a single blade. You can buy half blades for cutthroat razors.
  3. Buy a good brand - We would recommend buying a good brand such as Astra, Derby, Bic or Feather. There are some other cheaper ones available, but we have found them to be of poorer quality.
  4. Buy in bulk - These are sold in smaller packs of 10 but we would recommend buying in larger quantities such as 50 or 100. In smaller amounts a blade can work out at around 50p per blade, where as the same blades bought in bulk drop to around 7-9p a blade. It all makes a difference!
  5. Blade Bank - Razor blades are dangerous and disposing of them is important to do safely. Many wet shavers buy a small inexpensive bin or collection box for that purpose.

Top 8 Razor Blade Reviews

Just below you will find concise reviews of the top 8 razor blades that are available in the UK. We have listed those showing those that have got the best reviews and ratings from online buyers.

  1. Derby Professional Single Edge Razor Blade - Best for Straight razors
  2. Derby Extra Double Edge Safety Razor Blades - Best value blades for safety razors
  3. Gillette Platinum Double Edge Razor Blades - Highest rated double edged blades
  4. DERBY TOKAI Premium 100 Double Edge Razor Blades
  5. Bic Chrome Platinum Double Edge Razor Blades
  6. 100 DORCO Single Edge Razor Blades - Cheapest razor blades
  7. MÃœHLE Double Edge Razor Blades
  8. THE SHAVE FACTORY 50 Feather Double Edge Razor Blades

1. Derby Professional Single Edge Razor Blade

90% buyer satisfaction based on 22,000+ online buyer reviews

  • Buyer satisfaction rating 90%
  • 72% of all buyers gave this a 5 star review
  • 3% of all buyers so far have given this a bad review
  • Please note that this type of blade is used for straight razors (cut-throat and shavette) only - not suitable for safety razors
  • This is a box that contains 100 blades and they cost around 5p per blade

Sharpness 4.6/5, Accuracy, 4.5/5, Value for money, 4.5/5, 

PROS

  • Quite a few buyers prefer the Derby Professional branded blades
  • The majority of buyers thought these were great value for money
  • Used by most barbers in the UK

CONS

  • Some buyers said they blunt too quickly

2. Derby 100 Derby Extra Shaving Blades.

90% buyer satisfaction based on 4,500+ online buyer reviews

Buyer satisfaction rating 90%

73% of all buyers gave this a 5 star review

3% of all buyers so far have given this a bad review

Chromium-Ceramic Platinum Tungsten and Polymer Coated Edges

Comes as a set of 20 dispensers with 5 blades in each pack so a total of 100 blades and works out at 6p a blade

PROS

  • Most buyers say the blades were sharp enough
  • Most buyers said these gave a really close shave

CONS

  • A couple of buyers did not like the fact that the packs are wrapped in plastic
  • Some buyers thought the edges were blunt

3. Gillette Platinum Double Edge Razor Blades Men (50 Pack)

92% buyer satisfaction based on 6,000+ online buyer reviews

  • Buyer Satisfaction rating 92%
  • 74% of all buyers gave this a 5 star review
  • 3% of all buyers so far have given this a bad review
  • These come in a cardboard box and there are 5 blades is each box so you get 10 packs and a total of 50 stainless steel blades
  • Works out at around 19p per blade

PROS

  • Buyers said these were excellent value for money
  • Buyers said the blades were sharp and efficient

CONS

  • A couple of buyers said they did not like the plastic wrapping

4. DERBY TOKAI Premium 100 Double Edge Razor Blades

90% buyer satisfaction based on 4,500+ online buyer reviews

Buyer satisfaction rating 90%

68% of all buyers gave this a 5 star review

4% of buyers so far have given these a bad review and complaints were about delivery issues

Made from black Swedish steel

Ideal for using in DE safety razors

100 blades and work out at 7p a blade

PROS

  • Buyers liked these and thought they delivered a very close shave
  • DE razor users liked these a lot and said they were very high quality

CONS

  • We could not find any complaints about the blades though a few people bought these to use in a cutthroat, and said they didn't break cleanly

5. Bic Chrome Platinum Double Edge Razor Blades

92% buyer satisfaction based on 500+ online buyer reviews

  • Buyer Satisfaction rating 92%
  • 77% of all buyers gave this a 5 star review
  • 2% of all buyers so far have given this a bad review
  • These are stainless steel blades that are individually wrapped for hygiene
  • Works out at around 9.5p per blade

PROS

  • Buyers said these were excellent value for money
  • Buyers said the blades were sharp and efficient

CONS

  • A couple of buyers said they did not like the plastic wrapping

6. 100 DORCO Single Edge Razor Blades

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

  • Buyer Satisfaction rating 88%
  • 74% of all buyers gave this a 5 star review
  • 5% of all buyers so far have given this a bad review
  • These are stainless steel blades that are individually wrapped in wax paper for hygiene
  • Works out at around 3p per blade so the cheapest we could find on the UK market
  • These are sharp but not over aggressive

PROS

  • Buyers said these were the best value for money
  • Buyers said the blades were sharp but not overly aggressive
  • These are good for 3-4 shaves

CONS

  • A couple of buyers said they were too aggressive

7. MÃœHLE Double Edge Razor Blades

90% buyer satisfaction based on 1,500+ online buyer reviews

Buyer satisfaction rating 94%

84% of all buyers gave this a 5 star review

2% of all buyers so far have given this a bad review

These are suitable for all safety razors

200 blades

19 p a blade

PROS

  • Many users prefer and trust the Muhle brand
  • Buyers thought these were very sharp, accurate and give a very comfortable shave

CONS

  • A few buyers said that these were expensive

8. THE SHAVE FACTORY 50 Feather Double Edge Razor Blades

92% buyer satisfaction based on 400+ online buyer reviews

Buyer satisfaction rating 92%

75% of all buyers gave this a 5 star review

3% of all buyers so far have given this a bad review

These are suitable for all safety razors

50 blades

32p a blade

PROS

  • Many users prefer and trust the Feather brand
  • Buyers thought these were sharp, extremely accurate and give a very comfortable shave

CONS

  • A few buyers said that these were expensive

Razor Blade Buyer's Guide

We like to write a full buyer's guide, which we believe is especially helpful for any new buyer of a product like this. A lot of people believe that a razor blade is just a razor blade. For the most part that is of course correct.

You can easily buy these in most supermarkets, and to be honest, most buyers try out a few different brands before settling on one that they prefer. Standard razor blades will fit almost every DE razor, so it is easy enough to try out a few different brands. Buy something like a 10 pack and see what you think.

Blade Sharpness

We delve into the sharpness of safety razor blades and how it affects your shaving experience. Learn how to choose the ideal blade sharpness for your skin sensitivity.

Blade sharpness in a safety razor blade refers to the degree to which the blade's edge is honed and capable of cutting hair effectively. A sharper blade is characterised by a finer more precise edge that can cleanly and effortlessly slice through beard or facial hair during a shave.

The sharpness of a safety razor blade is a critical factor in the overall shaving experience. Blades that are too dull may cause tugging, pulling, and discomfort, while excessively sharp blades can increase the risk of nicks and irritation. Ideally, a safety razor blade should strike a balance between sharpness and smoothness to provide a close and comfortable shave.

Blade sharpness is influenced by various factors, including the quality of the steel used in the blade's manufacturing, the precision of the blade edge's honing, and the blade's thickness. Different brands and types of safety razor blades may vary in sharpness, allowing users to choose blades that match their shaving preferences and skin sensitivity.

It's important to note that what constitutes the "perfect" level of blade sharpness can vary from person to person, so finding the right blade that works for you may involve some trial and error. Many wet shavers experiment with different blade brands and models to discover the one that provides the ideal balance of sharpness and comfort for their individual needs.

Blade Durability

Blade durability in a safety razor blade refers to how long the blade remains sharp and effective for shaving before it begins to dull and lose its cutting edge. It is a measure of how well the blade can maintain its sharpness and cutting performance over multiple shaves.

The durability of a safety razor blade is influenced by several factors, including:

  • Blade Material: The type of steel or material used in the blade's construction can affect its durability. High-quality, stainless steel blades tend to last longer than less durable materials.
  • Coatings: Some razor blades have coatings, such as platinum or ceramic, which can enhance durability by reducing wear and friction during the shaving process.
  • Shave Frequency: How often the blade is used impacts its lifespan. Frequent use can cause blades to dull more quickly.
  • Beard Hair Type: The coarseness and thickness of your beard hair can also affect blade durability. Coarser hair may cause blades to dull more rapidly.
  • Shaving Technique: Proper shaving technique, which includes using minimal pressure and a suitable blade angle, can extend the life of a razor blade.
  • Blade Sharpness: Over time, blades may lose sharpness but remain usable. The point at which a blade is considered too dull to be effective varies from person to person.

Most safety razor blades are considered disposable and are designed for a limited number of shaves, typically ranging from three to seven shaves per blade. However, some individuals may extend the life of a blade with proper care and maintenance, such as rinsing and drying the blade after each use.

Blade Brands and Varieties

We explain below the best blade brands and varieties, highlighting their unique features and performance. These should help you make an informed choice for a smooth shave. In the world of safety razor blades, there is a wide range of brands and varieties to choose from, each offering its own unique characteristics and shaving experiences. Here are some well-known brands and blade varieties in the realm of safety razor blades:

  • Astra Superior Platinum (Astra SP): A popular choice known for its smooth and forgiving shave.
  • Feather: Highly regarded for their sharpness, Feather blades are favored by experienced shavers for achieving a close shave.
  • Derby Extra: Derby blades are known for their mild and smooth shave, making them suitable for beginners.
  • Merkur: Merkur produces a variety of blades that are known for their quality and compatibility with Merkur safety razors.
  • Personna: Personna blades come in different versions, including Lab Blue and Med Prep, offering a balance of sharpness and comfort.
  • BIC Chrome Platinum: These blades are known for their sharpness and longevity.
  • Gillette: Gillette offers various blades, including the Platinum, Silver Blue, and 7 O'Clock Super Stainless, each with its own unique characteristics.
  • Wilkinson Sword: Wilkinson Sword blades are recognized for their sharpness and versatility.
  • Kai: Kai blades are prized for their sharpness and precision, making them a choice for those who seek a close shave.
  • Shark Super Chrome: Shark blades are known for their affordability and decent sharpness.
  • Crystal (Israeli Personna): These blades are appreciated for their sharpness and smooth shave.
  • Voskhod: Voskhod blades are known for their smooth and comfortable shaving experience.
  • Rapira: Rapira offers various blade types, including Platinum Lux and Swedish Supersteel, known for their quality and performance.
  • Rockwell: Known for their adjustable safety razors, Rockwell also produces blades compatible with their razors.
  • Treet: Treet blades come in different variations, such as Classic, Platinum, and Dura Sharp.
  • Lord: Lord blades offer a variety of options, each catering to different preferences.
  • Super-Max: Super-Max provides blades with different coatings and sharpness levels, offering choices for various shavers.
  • Bolzano: Bolzano blades are known for their sharpness and smooth cutting.

It's important to note that the performance of a blade can vary from person to person due to differences in beard types, skin sensitivities, and shaving techniques. As a result, finding the right blade for your safety razor may involve some experimentation. Many wet shavers enjoy trying out different blade brands and varieties to discover the one that best suits their individual needs and preferences.

Razor Blade Pricing

Expect to pay around 7-9 pence a blade on average if your are buying around 100 blades.

If you are looking for smaller packs, then better to look in supermarkets or in a chemist, where you will find those. They will be slightly more expensive per blade, but once you find the brand you prefer, then you can buy a larger amount at a cheaper price.

Razor Blade Accessories

There is really only one accessory that you can get for razor blades and that is a disposal bin. We think this is especially important if you have younger children around the home.

90% buyer satisfaction based on 1,o00+ online buyer reviews

  • As you can see this is not an expensive purchase and keeps used blades safe and out of harm's way
  • It is from the Zomchi brand and gets an excellent 90% buyer satisfaction rating
  • Will hold up to 300 blades and can be disposed off when full
  • Just offers peace of mind
  • The product is made of metal and sealed and will need to be replaced when full. You can't get into the bank for safety reasons
  • It is small and roughly a 2" cube size

Hopefully you have found the above information useful and known a little bit more about razor blades and how to pick your own favourite brand.

We would highly recommend experimenting with these types of blade to find the one you prefer. We recommend the Astra brand simply because we have used them over the years, and always found them consistently sharp and high quality.

About the Author

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Thanks for visiting the Shaving Emporium website. This is a shaving website aimed at readers in the UK and Ireland. We are experienced experts and have included lots of information about shaving and grooming, and we have also completed detailed research that helps us write our product reviews. We like to have our information as up to date as possible.


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