Last updated: October 10, 2026
Quick answer: Our top safety razor pick is the Merkur 34C: a two-piece, closed-comb razor with a short, heavy-duty brass handle that takes any standard double-edge blade. If you’re nervous about your first shave, look at the Edwin Jagger DE89, whose maker describes its closed-comb head as “less aggressive.” On a small budget, the Vikings Blade Chieftain or Bambaw razor are in the lower price tier and come with five blades.
Below are seven razors and one 100-pack of blades, plus how comb type, adjustability and blade choice change the shave, and how many shaves a pack of blades lasts.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
How we picked: We compared each listing’s head type, adjustability, handle material, what comes in the box, rating count and price tier, and we checked Amazon US availability for delivery to New York 10001 on October 10, 2026. We did not test these razors ourselves. Construction and comfort details are the makers’ claims as shown on the listings, and the general shaving advice comes from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD); our own suggestions are labeled as such.
Best Safety Razors at a Glance
| Pick | Type (per listing) | Handle | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merkur 34C | Closed comb, two-piece | Short, chrome-plated brass | Mid |
| Edwin Jagger DE89 | Closed comb | Chrome-plated brass, 3.7 in | Mid |
| Vikings Blade Chieftain | Double edge, case included | Stainless steel (per listing) | Lower |
| Bambaw | Double edge, no adjustment | Razor listed as stainless steel and zinc alloy | Lower |
| Henson AL13 | Double edge, wide open channels | Aluminum, 37 g listed | Higher |
| Rockwell 6S | Adjustable, 6 settings | 316L stainless steel | Higher |
| Merkur Futur 700 | Adjustable blade gap | Brass, matte chrome | Higher |
| Astra Platinum blades | 100 double-edge blades | – | Lower |
Price tiers compare the listings on this page at our check. Prices change often, so check the current price on each listing.
Safety Razor Types: Closed Comb, Open Comb and Adjustable
A safety razor holds one double-edge blade between a cap and a base plate; the head’s geometry and your shaving angle affect how the blade meets your skin. A closed comb has a solid safety bar under the blade; adjustable razors let you change the blade gap.
- Closed comb: a solid or scalloped bar sits under the blade. The Merkur 34C and Edwin Jagger DE89 are listed as closed-comb razors. Bambaw says its razor needs no adjustment, but the listing text we checked doesn’t name its comb type.
- Open comb: teeth instead of a continuous safety bar. None of our picks is listed as open comb; Mühle’s R41 is sold as an open-comb razor if you want one.
- Adjustable: the Rockwell 6S lists six settings, and the Merkur Futur 700 adjusts the blade gap by twisting the handle. Rockwell describes its settings as running from mild to aggressive, and Merkur says you can change the Futur’s setting when shaving sensitive areas such as the neck.
- Two-piece vs. three-piece: on a two-piece razor such as the Merkur 34C you twist the handle to open the head; a three-piece razor unscrews into cap, plate and handle. Both take the same blades.
The Merkur 34C, Bambaw and Merkur Futur listings say they take any standard double-edge blade, and Astra says its blades fit all double-edge razors. Henson’s listing describes blades made to its razor’s dimensions but doesn’t say whether other blades fit as well; check Henson’s own guidance.
How to Shave With a Safety Razor (AAD Tips)
The AAD’s general shaving advice: soften the hair, use a shaving cream or gel, shave in the direction the hair grows, rinse after each swipe, and change the blade after 5 to 7 shaves. Our suggestion for a safety razor: use light pressure rather than pressing the razor into your skin.
- Prep: the American Academy of Dermatology’s shaving tips suggest shaving right after a shower, when skin is warm and moist. Use a cream or gel; with dry or sensitive skin, look for one labeled for sensitive skin.
- Direction: shave in the direction the hair grows, which the AAD says helps prevent razor bumps and burns.
- Light pressure: our suggestion for a first safety razor shave is short strokes with almost no pressure, keeping the head close to the skin at a shallow angle. Bambaw’s instructions also say to place the guard plate against your skin.
- Rinse and dry: rinse after each swipe, then let the razor dry completely away from the shower; the AAD says a wet razor can grow bacteria.
- Change the blade: after 5 to 7 shaves, per the AAD, to limit irritation.
If you have acne, the AAD suggests trying electric or disposable razors to see what works best, shaving lightly with a sharp blade, and never trying to shave off the acne. For persistent irritation, see a board-certified dermatologist.
The 8 Best Safety Razors and Blades
Seven razors come first, then one blade pack. Each entry gives the listing’s build and contents, what we couldn’t confirm, and who should skip it.
1. Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Double Edge Safety Razor
Why we picked it: The 34C is a two-piece, twist-to-open razor with a closed comb and a short, heavy-duty brass handle with a chrome finish. Merkur says it suits beginners and experienced shavers, and it takes any standard double-edge blade. It had 8,496 ratings (4.5 stars) at our check, the most of the mid-tier razors here.
Best for: anyone who wants one classic razor with a weighted feel and easy blade changes. Who this is NOT for: people with large hands who prefer a long handle; consider the Merkur 23C (long knurled handle) or the Edwin Jagger instead.
Limitation: the listing gives the item weight as 59 g, which seems low for a “heavy duty” brass razor, so don’t rely on that number. The listing text doesn’t say whether blades are included (the main photo shows a blade packet), so plan to add a blade pack. The listing says its closed-comb design minimizes nicks and irritation; that’s a maker claim, not a guarantee, so we hid this card’s bullets.
2. Edwin Jagger DE89 Double Edge Safety Razor (Barley Handle)
Why we picked it: Edwin Jagger describes this closed-comb, chrome-plated head as easy to use and “less aggressive,” which in our view suits a first safety razor. The handle is solid brass with a textured “barley” pattern for wet grip, and the overall length is 3.7 inches. It had 7,573 ratings (4.4 stars).
Best for: anyone switching from cartridges who wants a forgiving start. Who this is NOT for: people who want to adjust how close the shave is; it has one fixed setting, so look at the Rockwell 6S or Merkur Futur.
Limitation: despite “Long Handle” in the listing title, the stated length is 3.7 inches, which the listing calls standard-sized. We hid this card’s bullets because one calls the head “probably the most highly reviewed” worldwide, which we can’t check.
Pro Tip: Our suggestion for a first week: shave only the easy areas (cheeks) with the new razor and finish the rest with your old one. Move to the chin and neck once you have the angle down.
3. Vikings Blade The Chieftain Double Edge Safety Razor
Why we picked it: It’s in the lower price tier yet comes with five platinum-coated Swedish steel blades (labeled mild) and a case. It had 17,504 ratings (4.5 stars), and the listing says the razor and its blades contain no plastic.
Best for: trying a safety razor without spending much, or as a gift. Who this is NOT for: anyone who wants a solid brass handle; the listing names stainless steel for the handle and alloy steel as the material.
Limitation: the listing text doesn’t say how the head opens, so check the photos before buying. We hid this card’s bullets because they claim blades are “15x-20x” cheaper than cartridges and the razor is “100% recyclable,” which depends on your local recycling rules.
4. Bambaw Double Edge Safety Razor
Why we picked it: The listing presents this reusable razor as an eco-friendly option, and it comes with five stainless steel blades, each wrapped in wax paper. The listing’s FAQ says it is made from stainless steel and zinc alloy, takes all standard double-edge blades and needs no adjustment. The listing showed 26,070 ratings (4.3 stars); other Bambaw razor versions showed the same 26K count in search, so we couldn’t confirm how many apply to this exact model.
Best for: a low-cost first razor with blades included. Who this is NOT for: anyone who wants a confirmed solid brass or solid stainless steel handle; Bambaw lists the razor as stainless steel and zinc alloy without naming the handle’s material.
Limitation: the rating count may cover several versions. We hid this card’s bullets because one says ingrown hairs will be “a problem of the past.”
5. Henson AL13 Aluminum Double Edge Safety Razor
Why we picked it: It has a listed item weight of 37 g and is machined from aluminum by a company that says it comes from aerospace machining. Henson says the head supports the blade close to its edge (a short “free end”) and holds it at a 30-degree angle, and calls the AL13 beginner friendly with wide open channels for rinsing. It had 2,473 ratings (4.5 stars).
Best for: people who prefer a light aluminum razor or travel often. Who this is NOT for: anyone who wants a heavy razor to do the work; Rockwell’s own listing makes the opposite case, saying its 6S is nearly three times heavier than aluminum razors.
Limitation: it’s in the higher price tier, and Henson’s listing describes blades made to its razor’s dimensions, so check Henson’s guidance before using other brands. The design and comfort points are Henson’s claims; we hid the card bullets for that reason.
6. Rockwell 6S Adjustable Stainless Steel Safety Razor
Why we picked it: It’s made from 316L stainless steel, lists six settings from mild to aggressive, and includes five blades. Rockwell backs it with a lifetime warranty, per the listing. It had 907 ratings (4.6 stars).
Best for: anyone who wants one razor that can start mild and get closer as their technique improves, or who shaves both face and body. Who this is NOT for: buyers who want the lowest cost per razor; it’s the highest-priced pick here.
Limitation: six settings means some trial and error before you find yours. We hid this card’s bullets because they claim an irritation-free shave and reduced razor burn and ingrown hairs, which we didn’t verify.
7. Merkur Futur 700 Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor
Why we picked it: You twist a ring under the head to change the blade gap, and a snap-on cap makes blade changes simple. The handle is brass with a matte chrome finish, and it takes any standard double-edge blade. It had 3,379 ratings (4.5 stars).
Best for: people who want to change the setting mid-shave, such as a lower setting for the neck, which Merkur suggests. Who this is NOT for: first-timers who’d rather not think about settings; a fixed razor like the Edwin Jagger is simpler.
Limitation: it’s in the higher price tier and adds a setting to manage. We hid this card’s bullets because they say it “eliminates” razor burn, nicks and cuts.
8. Astra Platinum Double Edge Safety Razor Blades (100 Count)
Why we picked it: It had 55,688 ratings (4.6 stars), the most of anything on this page, and the listing says Astra stainless blades fit all double-edge razors. At the AAD’s 5 to 7 shaves per blade, 100 blades cover about 500 to 700 shaves.
Best for: stocking up after you pick a razor, or pairing with a razor whose listing doesn’t state included blades, such as the Merkur 34C. Who this is NOT for: anyone still testing blades; a sampler with several brands lets you compare before buying 100 of one.
Limitation: the listing text is thin (model number, origin and package size only), and its stated item weight doesn’t match its package weight. We hid the card bullets for that reason. Henson AL13 owners should check Henson’s own blade guidance first.
How Long Does a Pack of Safety Razor Blades Last?
At the AAD’s 5 to 7 shaves per blade, a 100-blade pack covers about 500 to 700 shaves, roughly 1.4 to 1.9 years if you shave daily. Shave every other day and the same pack lasts about 2.7 to 3.8 years.
| Shaves per week | Blades per year (5 to 7 shaves each) | 100-pack lasts |
|---|---|---|
| 7 (daily) | about 52 to 73 | about 1.4 to 1.9 years |
| 3 to 4 | about 22 to 42 | about 2.4 to 4.5 years |
| 2 | about 15 to 21 | about 4.8 to 6.7 years |
Each blade is a thin piece of steel with no plastic cartridge. Collect used blades in a closed metal “blade bank” or tin, and check your local rules for how to dispose of or recycle sharps and scrap metal; rules differ by city.
Can You Fly With a Safety Razor?
In the US, the TSA allows a safety razor in carry-on bags only without the blade; razor blades not in a cartridge are prohibited in carry-on but allowed in checked bags. TSA officers are not authorized to remove the blade for you.
Per TSA’s What Can I Bring? list, remove the blade before the checkpoint, and sheathe or wrap sharp objects in checked bags. The final decision rests with the TSA officer. Rules differ in other countries, so check your airline and airport before you fly. A light razor such as the Henson or a case like the one included with the Vikings Blade helps with packing.
How to Choose a Safety Razor
Choose by how adjustable you want it, then by handle length and weight, then by what’s in the box. Blades are the repeat purchase, so the handle and head are the long-term choice.
- Fixed or adjustable: a fixed razor (Merkur 34C, Edwin Jagger, Bambaw) is simplest; an adjustable one (Rockwell 6S, Merkur Futur) lets you change closeness.
- Handle: short and heavy-duty (Merkur 34C) vs. light (Henson). Wet grip matters too; Edwin Jagger says its barley pattern improves wet grip.
- Blade fit: the Merkur 34C, Bambaw and Futur listings say any standard double-edge blade fits; Henson describes blades made to its razor’s dimensions.
- In the box: the Vikings Blade, Bambaw, Rockwell 6S and Henson each list five blades; the Merkur 34C, Edwin Jagger and Futur listings don’t state included blades.
- Women and body shaving: Bambaw markets this razor to men and women, and the Chieftain listing markets it to men; those labels don’t limit who can use a razor. Our suggestion: a longer handle can make legs easier.
Comparing a safety razor with other low-waste options such as bamboo-handled razors, biodegradable disposables or plastic-free cartridges? See our eco-friendly razor guide.
Notes for UK and EU Readers
The product links on this page go to Amazon US, and we checked availability only for New York 10001. We did not check UK or EU stock. Merkur’s listings describe German design; we didn’t verify brand origins or local retailer stock, so check delivery options for your country. Carry-on rules outside the US are set by each country and airport.
Deal Tip: US Bing data averages 2,660 searches a month for "safety razor," with monthly values from 2,120 to 3,400. Our suggestion: if you see Black Friday or Christmas offers, consider a razor plus a 100-blade pack as a gift, and compare offers by what’s in the box (blades, case, stand) rather than the discount badge.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best safety razor?
Our top pick is the Merkur 34C, a two-piece, closed-comb razor with a short, heavy-duty brass handle that takes any standard double-edge blade. For a first shave, the Edwin Jagger DE89 is sold as less aggressive; on a budget, the Vikings Blade Chieftain or Bambaw.
Is a safety razor good for beginners?
It can be. Start with a fixed closed-comb razor such as the Edwin Jagger DE89 or Merkur 34C, use light pressure, and follow the AAD’s tips: soften the hair, use shaving cream or gel, and shave in the direction the hair grows.
How often should you change a safety razor blade?
The American Academy of Dermatology says to change your blade after 5 to 7 shaves to minimize irritation. At that rate, a 100-blade pack covers about 500 to 700 shaves.
Do all safety razors use the same blades?
The Merkur 34C, Bambaw and Merkur Futur listings say they take any standard double-edge blade, and Astra says its blades fit all double-edge razors. Henson describes blades made to its razor’s dimensions, so check Henson’s guidance for the AL13.
Can I take a safety razor on a plane?
In the US, the TSA allows a safety razor in carry-on bags only without the blade. Loose razor blades are prohibited in carry-on but allowed in checked bags, sheathed or securely wrapped.
Are safety razors better for the environment?
A safety razor replaces plastic cartridges with an all-metal blade, and the handle is meant to be reused. Whether the used blades are recycled depends on your local scrap-metal and sharps rules, so collect them in a blade bank.
The Bottom Line
Our overall pick is the Merkur 34C; add a pack of blades if you choose it. Choose the Edwin Jagger DE89 for a gentle first shave, the Vikings Blade or Bambaw on a budget, the Henson AL13 for a light razor, or the Rockwell 6S or Merkur Futur 700 if you want to adjust the closeness. Whichever you pick, use light pressure, shave with the grain and change the blade every 5 to 7 shaves.
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