Thanks for taking the time to read our reviews of the best safety razors that are currently available on the UK marketplace. In the world of shaving, the safety razor has long been hailed as a symbol of timeless elegance and precision. This classic tool provides a close shave, reduces environmental waste, and saves you money in the long run. If you're in the UK and on the quest for the best safety razor, you've come to the right place. We'll explore the top options available and provide you with valuable insights to make an informed decision.
How Much do Safety Razors Cost in the UK?
In essence there are really three main price points to consider, and that is really about how much you are prepared to pay.
- Cheap Safety Razors - At the cheaper end you will pay anything between £10-25 for an entry level double edge safety razor. These include brands such as Bambaw, Wilkinson Sword, Jungle Culture, Kanzy, King C Gillette, Baili, Qshave, Haryali and Edwin Jagger
- Average Priced Safety Razors - If you want something of higher quality from a recognised shaving brand then you will have to pay £30-60. These include brands such as Merkur, Muhle, Baxter, Vikings Blade and Timor
- Top of the range safety razors - if you want a top of the range safety razor then £90-150 will be the price. These include brands such as Feather, Rex Ambassador, Rockwell, and Parker.
The cheaper safety razors do a good job and they also sell the most. That is because any beginner to safety razors will be naturally wary of forking out too much in case they don't like the experience. That is why they are willing to spend £10-20 and then determine if they like the wet shaving experience first, before spending a larger amount of money.
We know from our experience that those who have tried and enjoyed that type of shaving will always upgrade from a cheaper razor like the Jagen David E01 to something like a Muhle or Merkur branded safety razor.
The more expensive razors are better engineered, have more balance and are built to last without any risk of discolouring.
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.
Top 10 List of Safety Razors
Just below we have listed the top 10 best selling safety razors that are currently available on the UK market. We have included on that list the name of the product, an image, the average RRP and the buyer satisfaction rating. Please be aware that prices change all of the time so you will need to fact check that on the day you decide to purchase.
Under our top 10 list you will find a summary review of each razor, and from there we have a link to that razor, where you can read a more detailed review if you wish.
- Kanzy Double Edge Safety Razor - Most affordable
- Wilkinson Sword Classic Double Edge Safety Razor - Best stainless steel
- Bambaw Safety Razor - Best Seller on the UK market
- King C Gillette Safety Razor - Best for edging beards and sideburns
- Muhle R89 Chrome Safety Razor - Best selling mid price point
- Qshave Men's Short Handle Classic Travel Shaving Razor - Most affordable and best for travel
- Edwin Jagger Amazon Safety Razor
- Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Safety Razor
- Weishi Long Handle Butterfly Safety Razor - Best for Larger Hands or Long Fingers
- Jungle Culture Metal Safety Razor - comes with a travel bag
1. KANZY Double Edge Safety Razor - Best Seller
- This is a long handle razor
- It is 4" / 95 mm long
- Weighs 75 grams
- It is well balanced and has multiple finger grips that help avoid slipping
- Comes with a presentation case and mirror fortravel
- Fit all double edge razor blades
Ratings by Feature:
Value for money 4.6/5, Easy to Hold 4.4/5, Quality of shave 4.5/5
Our Opinion
This one is very popular we think because of the price. It is the cheapest that we would find on the UK market. The majority of people who buy this one do so mainly to try out wet shaving, without having to spend a lot on a razor.
The people who buy this one are in the process of moving from cartridge or disposable razors. This razor is certainly a good choice for doing that. It would never be our recommended choice, but at this low price point, it is still far better to shave with than any disposable or cartridge style razor.
Pros
Cons
Check Availability at Amazon UK
Price When Reviewed: £12
88% buyer satisfaction based on 10,500+ online buyer reviews
2. Wilkinson Sword Classic Double Edge Safety Razor
- This is a chrome double edged razor made from 100% stainless steel
- It has a butterfly opening and locking mechanism
- Measures 47 mm
- Comes with 5 blades
Ratings by Feature:
Value for money 4.3/5, Easy to Hold 4.3/5, Quality of shave 4.5/5
Pros
Cons
Check Availability at Amazon UK
Price When Reviewed:£21
90% buyer satisfaction based on 5,000+ online buyer reviews
3. Bambaw Metal Single Blade Safety Razor
- It is available in 8 different colours, black, mint green, pink, rainbow, red, rose gold, sea green and silver - it is a closed comb safety razor
- The manufacturer says if it built to last a lifetime and classed as an environmentally friendly product
- You can buy this as a razor only or buy it with a matching coloured stand
- The total length is 11 cms
- Comes with a 5 year warranty
Ratings by Feature:
Value for money 4.3/5, Easy to Hold 4.4/5, Quality of shave 4.5/5
Pros
Cons
Our Opinion: If you're looking for an eco-friendly option, the Bambaw safety razor is worth considering. Made from sustainable bamboo, (though this is their metal option) it's both lightweight and stylish. The closed comb design ensures a safe and easy shave, and Bambaw is committed to reducing plastic waste by providing a lifetime warranty.
Check Availability at Amazon UK
Price When Reviewed:£18
90% buyer satisfaction based on 12,000+ online buyer reviews
4. King C Gillette Safety Razor
- A good quality safety razor that also comes with 5 blades
- It has a closed comb head which is best for skin protection
- It is chrome protected and has the Wilkinson Sword logo etched on the head of the razor which is a nice distinguished look
- This one works best with the Gillette Platinum double edge blades and a pack of 50 of these costs around £10-11 depending on where you buy them
Check Availability at Amazon UK
Price When Reviewed:£20
90% buyer satisfaction based on 3,500+ online buyer reviews
5. MÜHLE R89 Chrome Safety Razor
- This razor is made in Germany by the shaving Muhle brand
- It has a chrome mirror finish and will never rust
- Delivers a close, gentle shave without exposing too much of the blade
- Beautifully balanced and a great choice for beginners
- Handle Length: 7 cm
- Total Length: 9 cm
- Weight: 65 grams
Our Opinion
Muhle make 5 slightly different variants of closed comb DE razors. The one above is the R89 and they also make the R106, R108 and the R89RG. They all have the same length of handle (8.6 cm) and they all have the same overall length (9.5 cm) The only difference is the weight. The R89 and the R89RG are 66 grams, and the R106 and the R108 are 64 grams.
They also make the R41 and R96 which is an open comb and a more aggressive razor.
This R89 model is their best seller and we think one of the best DE safety razors in the world. We would class this as a mild entry razor and one that will last for many years. This razor feels really good in the hands and is heavy enough to deliver an excellent smooth shave.
Check Availability at Amazon UK
Price When Reviewed:£36
92% buyer satisfaction based on 3,000+ online buyer reviews
6. Qshave Men's Short Handle Classic Travel Shaving Razor
- This razor gets the lowest buyer satisfaction rating on our list - most people buy this as a spare razor for travelling as it is so cheap when compared to others
- It is chrome plated and has a good grip
- This is also a good beginner razor for anyone wanting to try using this type of razor
- You can't adjust the cutting depth so you do need to be careful if you are just staring out
Our Opinion
This will work for some people and not for others. This model tends to be quite aggressive so those of you with sensitive skin should not buy this one. You can't adjust the blade setting and it is set for optimal cutting and that is just too aggressive for sensitive skin. It is the lowest price safety razor in the UK so if you are just new to wet shaving and want to try a razor out, this or the Kanzy model are the ones to go with.
Check Availability at Amazon UK
Price When Reviewed:£7
84% buyer satisfaction based on 1,200+ online buyer reviews
7. Edwin Jagger Amazon Exclusive Kelvin Chrome Plated Knurled Handle Double Edge Safety Razor
- This razor is well balanced, and very good for close shaving.
- The blade angle is perfectly suited for both new and experienced Double Edge wet shavers
- It is a short handled razor with knurled patterning for improved wet grip
- The Edwin Jagger name is embossed into the chrome plated collar
- The company is based in Sheffield England.
- The two-part DE razor head is compatible with all standard Double Edge Safety Razor Blades.
Our Opinion
Based on our research and experience, this razor sits in the non-aggressive category. It can be very confusing to understand the differences in these types of razors. This one has a short handle so please don't buy this one if you have large hands or really long fingers. It will just be too hard to hold effectively.
In terms of grip, this model does have a knurled handle, and that makes it a great deal easier to hold in your hands, especially when they are wet. The weight of the head is enough to give you a close shave without pressing.
One final thing to know is that we wouldn't recommend this for anyone with a thick beard style. It just isn't aggressive enough to do the job. We think this is certainly a good DE safety razor for a beginner, and also a good choice for those with normal hair growth, or small to normal sized hands.
Check Availability at Amazon UK
Price When Reviewed:£22-25
90% buyer satisfaction based on 2,600+ online buyer reviews
8. Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Safety Razor
- This is a classic safety razor from Merkur of Solingen, Germany
- It offers a mild, comfortable shave, ideal for beginners
- Handle Length 75 mm
- Handle Diameter 11 mm
Our Opinion
There is always a bit of a disagreement as to whether this Merkur 34C is better than the Muhle R89 we have mentioned above. Either one works for us as this is also an excellent razor. The main issue with this razor is the high price point and we do understand that will put many people off.
It is worth mentioning though, that we know a lot of people who have bought a cheaper model to start out, and then upgraded to this 34C model. This is about the highest quality that you can buy.
The Merkur 34C is a beloved choice among safety razor enthusiasts. Crafted in Solingen, Germany, it boasts impeccable craftsmanship and an elegant design. With its two-piece construction, it's exceptionally easy to use, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced shavers. The 34C offers a mild, yet efficient shave that's ideal for most skin types.
Check Availability at Amazon UK
Price When Reviewed:£40-45
90% buyer satisfaction based on 6,500+ online buyer reviews
9. Weishi Nostalgic Long Handle Butterfly Open Double Edge Safety Razor
- This safety razor measures 4.3" long
- Weighs 72 grams
- Excellent grip feeling which fits in hands of most people and is a perfect weight to use.
- It is our recommendation if you have larger hands or longer fingers
- Has a black metal finish
Check Availability at Amazon UK
Price When Reviewed:£15-17
88% buyer satisfaction based on 900+ online buyer reviews
10. Jungle Culture® Metal Safety Razor for Men
- Jungle Culture is a member of the 1% for the Planet global organisation & movement and they pledge 1% of their sales to the preservation & restoration of the natural environment.
- This is an all metal safety razor that is available in the gun metal shown or in rose pink
- It comes with a pack of 10 blades
- It also comes with a travel pouch
Check Availability at Amazon UK
Price When Reviewed:£22
94% buyer satisfaction based on 800+ online buyer reviews
Why Buy a Safety Razor?
Double edge safety razors are in fact making a comeback. They were popular in the UK during the 1950-1960 period, but fell out of fashion as disposable shavers, cartridges shavers and electric shavers were introduced to the UK market. Those were of course designed to make shaving faster and easier.
Disposable razors usually have cheap blades which don't last and cartridge shavers are just far too expensive to have to replace cartridges. You have to soap your face with either of these, so why not use a double edge safety razor instead as it delivers a much smoother shave.
Electric shavers can be used wet or dry. As a dry shave, they are very convenient, but they do dry out the skin, and most of them do not give a really close and smooth shave. As you can see, there are lots of different ways to shave, so why pick a DE safety razor? That is a very good question which we will answer just below:
Value for Money
The price of safety razors can really be any amount between £10 to up to £150. Our strong recommendation is if you are new to DE shaving or simply want to try it, then don’t want to spend too much. There are plenty of excellent choices for around £10-25. A razor like this will last you for many years, so a really good investment.
After that all you need is razor blades and a good quality shaving soap, cream or gel. Now when you compare that cost to buying replacement cartridge blades, disposable razors or electric shavers, the DE safety razor offers fantastic value for money.
Clean Close Shave
DE shaving gives one of the closest shaves that you can get. These along with the cut throat are about as close a shave as you can get. Disposables, cartridge styles and even electric shavers will not ever give you as close a shave as one of these.
Fun to Use
It will take you a few tries to get the technique right. Once you do get the hang of it, you will find it is actually a very enjoyable way of shaving. Many men do buy other razors, shaving brushes and stands to help complement their shaving options.
Safety Razor Buying Guide
We have put together what we believe to be a useful and informative buying guide.
General Safety Razor Information
You would think that buying a safety razor would be a pretty simple task? It can be of course, however, we think that you should be aware of the differences in the many types of safety razor that are out there.
Let's start with the basics as that will make choices a great deal easier.
Double Edge Design Options
Safety razors tend to look the same but there are actually 4 different designs. Those designed came about primarily and were determined by the way the razor blade is changed or replaced. There are 2 basic designs for doing this:
- One piece and known as a butterfly opening - this is the most popular choice in the UK. The opening is made by turning the bottom of the handle and that opens the doors on the head of the razor just like the wings of a butterfly. From there you can remove and replace the blade, and then tighten the bottom of the handle to close the razor again.
- Three piece - this is also a popular choice for some buyers. You screw the handle off the head, and then you have the handle and two parts of the head. The blade fits in between the two parts of the head. When you put that back together you screw the handle back on to tighten the razor up again
The video below explains these designs really well. The design that you prefer is simply a matter of your preferred choice.
Open Comb vs Closed Comb Safety Razors?
When purchasing a safety razor, it is important to understand the difference between an open comb and a closed comb.
Closed Combs
A closed comb razor is the best choice for a beginner or for anyone new to this type of wet shaving. It is also the better choice for anyone who wants a less aggressive shave. We would also recommend this option for anyone who has sensitive skin, or is prone to cuts and nicks.
That is because with a closed comb DE razor, the blade is better protected. Slightly less of the blades is exposed to the skin. The closed comb is the most popular of the two options.
Open Combs
As you would imagine there is less coverage of the blade, so more of it is exposed. If you have been wet shaving for years then many men will make the move to this type of DE safety razor. It is slightly more aggressive and that also makes it a better choice for those with tougher skin types.
What does DE mean when you see the term DE Safety Razor?
DE stands for "Double Edged." This simply means that when you insert a razor blade into the safety razor, and close it, then you have an edge of the blade on two sides of the razor.
In other words a double edge. It is not any more complicated than that. When you buy razor blades you can either buy them with one cutting edge or with two cutting edges. For shaving purposes they are always sold as double edged. The single edged types are used by artists for sharpening pencils etc.
Long Handle vs Short Handle
You will also see this description when it comes to buying a safety razor. The easiest way to think of this is that long handled razors are used by people with larger hands. Now any man or woman can use a long handled razor, but anyone with larger hands will struggle to use a short handled razor.
How To Use a Double Edge Safety Razor Like a Professional
We found this very useful video that shows you how to shave with a safety razor the right way. There is a technique to using one of these, but the good news is that it really does not take that much practise to master the art. The main thing is to never push or press one of these into your face.
The weight of the razor takes care of the cutting, and preparation of the skin is thee most important thing to get right.
We hope that we have provided you with enough information on the best safety razor in the UK. Any of the DE razors mentioned on our list are very good quality. It is then just a matter of picking the design, style and price that you like the best.
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