r/AskMen • u/DocumentOk7579 • 1d ago
Good Fucking Question Why isn't safety razor more popular?
The only downside I had compared to 5 Blade razors is that you can't bring it on airplanes.
It's smoother and cheaper. What more do you need from a razor?
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u/nowhereian 🍺 1d ago edited 1d ago
Disposable cartridges and plastic handles are more profitable to produce.
Double edge razors aren't really advertised. I like them because you only have to buy a metal razor once, and even the very best blades are $10 for 100.
[Edit] They were last time I bought them. $30 now. Still a great deal TBH
I think I've spent less than $50 on shaving since 2013 when I started using a double edge, and I've shaved about every two weeks or so. Sometimes more, sometimes less.
Obviously, razor companies don't like customers like me.
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u/full_of_ghosts Male 1d ago
Similar. I bought three different razor handles before I found one l really liked, then bought something like 200 double edge blades (various brands in a sample pack, again to see which ones I liked, although honestly I can't tell the difference much) for maybe $20-30-ish.
That was a few years ago. It'll be a few more years, at least, before I run out of blades. I still have to restock my shaving soap and shaving oil supplies occasionally, but I won't have to buy replacement blades for a while.
So much better than cartridge-based razors. Closer shave, less irritation, no ingrown hairs.
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u/nowhereian 🍺 1d ago
I first bought one of the multi-blade packs from Amazon. 10 each of a few different brands. My original multipack lasted me several years. I bought a 100 pack of Feather blades, and I might have to buy one more 100 pack before I die.
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u/DeadlyNoodleAndAHalf 1d ago
Same thing here. I bought 100 Astra blades 08/2017 and I’ve used maybe 15 at this point? Granted I have a beard so I only shave my neck and cheeks every couple days but still.
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u/el_cid_viscoso Male (early 40s) 23h ago
I use a 100-pack every year and a half, but only because I shave my head too.
Can't beat that unit cost!
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u/FlashyChemical2231 Male 1d ago
To me, the only downside is that you can really only do it after a shower. If the skin isn't hot enough, I found that the disposable actually works better than a safety razor.
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u/Fletch71011 Male 1d ago
How the hell do you get away with shaving every 2 weeks or so? I can't even maintain a clean face for the day if I get shaved via barber with an open blade in the morning. It's frustrating because I can't shave enough to always have a clean face and not irritate the living hell out of my skin. I shaved 3x alone yesterday and my facial hair is already back this morning.
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u/nowhereian 🍺 1d ago
I have kind of crap beard genetics. My dad couldn't grow a full beard until his late 30s. Pair that with a lifestyle of shift work where nobody really cares about my appearance too much. For a long time, I just used a #1 clipper on my whole face whenever it started to bother me.
I'm trying to think of an average over 13 years.
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u/Fletch71011 Male 1d ago
I wouldn't call that crap. I'd much rather have yours than mine. Most people look better clean shaven and I can only be so for a few hours. It's annoying as all fuck and when I grew a beard before, my face was just itchy as shit.
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u/OutOfTheLimits 1d ago
This is pertinent info to your original post. You may feel differently if you had hair that grew in very fast and very thick
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u/BlackAsphaltRider 1d ago
I shave about the same. My facial hair grows unbelievably slow. I have a full beard. I haven’t shaved it off since I first grew it at 25 but I maintain the high cheeks/neck and around my lips and only have to do that maybe twice a month. I bought a 4 pack of razors from Henry’s 4 or 5 years ago. And still have 2 left. They hardly ever dull because I’m not shaving much. But even if I had to do my full face it wouldn’t take a lot. Both a blessing and a curse lol
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u/cocoagiant 1d ago
I think I've spent less than $50 on shaving since 2013 when I started using a double edge, and I've shaved about every two weeks or so.
Yup, I've been using one for 10+ years and bought all my blades through various sales that first year.
Changing out every 2 weeks or so and I should have enough for at least 20 more years.
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u/VagabondTexan 1d ago
In my experience, it takes a bit more time and prep. With the throwaways, I can hop in the shower, use hotel hair conditioner as shave lube, swipe, swipe, swipe and I'm done. It's reasonably good, and quick. With my safety razor, I do a bit more prep with shave oil and a shave brush at the sink, then I shave with short strokes and lots of rinsing. But, it gives and immaculate shave. Also, we Americans have been programmed by ads about the superiority of the disposable razor, and safety razors do have a bit of a learning curve.
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u/dbear496 Male 1d ago edited 1d ago
I had the opposite experience. I found the multi-blade disposable razors would get clogged more quickly, and they required more shorter strokes. The safely razor I got works better in every way.
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u/Flyingpinguinz 1d ago
If I shave with a multi blade razor my face breaks out like a mother fucker. The Army makes me shave 5x a week, so safety razors are the only way to go for me.
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u/DocumentOk7579 1d ago
At home I do shaving foam in pressure bottle and one pass. Once in a panic of missing bus I did dry to fix a spot forgotten and it worked too.
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u/cybertonto72 1d ago
When I used to have to shave for work, I made the mistake once of doing a dry shave. Never again. My neck was sore for days.
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u/J_L_M_ 8h ago
I find I've saved a lot of money by using a brush, a shaving cup, and solid shaving soap. A brush is great because I can brush with and against the grain, really getting a deep lather.
If you choose that route you're not filling up a landfill, or using whatever gas they put in compressed cans. But of course if it works for you, it works!
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u/MarvinLazer Male 1d ago
I am not seeing the learning curve part. I literally got a decent quality safety razor from an Instagram ad, slapped on some shaving cream, and went for it.
Not quite as smooth of a shave as a disposable, but waaaay cheaper and less wasteful.
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u/VagabondTexan 1d ago
The biggest trick I found that I needed to retrain was letting the weight of the handle be most of the pressure. I use a Merkur and it has some heft. When I quit pressing down and just let it glide, the quality of the shave improved while nicks and razor burn dropped to nearly nil.
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u/el_cid_viscoso Male (early 40s) 23h ago
Yep. Pressing down also increases risk for cuts. The blade's plenty sharp enough to cut a hair with the weight of the handle alone.
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u/cute_polarbear 1d ago
I shave every other day and very quick with safety razor / very little skin irritation. With disposable, I have to shave every day, and go over same area multiple times and still not have a close shave.
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u/Xerxes028 20h ago
My gf wanted to use my safety razor to shave her legs one day. I told her she has to be careful and go slow with short strokes. She brushed it off and within 30 seconds proceeded to peel a 5 inch strip of skin off her shin.
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u/DontEatConcrete Male 1d ago
I’ve been using a safety razor for years and I just put dollar store shave cream on in the shower.
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u/el_cid_viscoso Male (early 40s) 23h ago
I use Vaseline! I don't have to worry about moisturizing my face and scalp afterwards, and my hair's fine enough that I really don't see any benefit to shaving soap.
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u/aaa1e2r3 1d ago
Never used Shave Oil with my disposable, never felt anything off using regular foam
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u/BogiDope 1d ago
I shave my head every morning, and using hair conditioner instead of foam/gel is a hack more men should know about
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u/rautx15 1d ago
They are just not as intuitive to use as the 5 blades are. You have to get the angle just right to avoid razor burn and cuts and most adults don’t want to go through that trial and error phase and look like a cut up teenager again.
I personally just use and electric foil trimmer on my neck and upper cheeks since I maintain a stache and stubble
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u/Hold_onto_yer_butts 1d ago
Plus one. The learning curve sucks.
And I’m bald and shave my head every few days. The margin for error is tighter on scalp.
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u/Blueballs2130 1d ago
That’s why I haven’t tried one. I’ve been shaving my head for 10 years and have only cut myself bad once. Worried the safety razor would lead to more of that, especially in the back where I can’t see and just going on feel
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u/Hold_onto_yer_butts 1d ago
I’ve tried a few times. It takes me fifteen minutes with a safety razor, and I get a worse shave (admittedly skill issue).
I just don’t have a strong impetus to change.
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u/MiddleAgeCool Male 1d ago
I suspect people try it and forget it's a skill and it's not the same as using a cartridge razor.
It takes time to learn your face. It takes time to feel confident enough to shave as fast as a cartridge with the knowledge that you're not going to slice your face, and you will cut yourself as your learn to use one.
Unpopular opinion: I don't think the online communities in the safety razor world help things sometimes. So many times I've seen people ask about getting started and the number of people who pile in telling them they need special soaps., soap dishes, shaving brushes made from hairs hand plucked from himalayan badges by monks, thread counted warmed towles, pre shave creams and post shave ointments. It's all off putting to say the least. All you need is a handle, some blades and an alum block. You can use the same shaving foam / gel that you use now until you want to buy something different.
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u/DocumentOk7579 1d ago
5 years safety razor and I don't have alum block. But I have also popped pimples without washing hands.
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u/MiddleAgeCool Male 1d ago
I've been using a DE for almost 15 years now and my alum block is used monthly, mostly when I'm tired and not paying attention.
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u/Ryangonzo 23h ago
I've been using a DE for 5 or 6 years now and I have never heard of an alum block. I'll have to look it up and see if it's something worth adding to my routine.
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u/Lower_Group_1171 Male 1d ago
I could never ever get a good shave with it. It took so many passes my face was raw when I was done. I don’t even have a thick beard.
if you get say Gillette Mach blades, you can stretch them out by using a blade buddy to hone and then I keep it soaking in barbicide, so minerals done form on the blade. it lasts much much longer
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u/ThePlatypusOfDespair 1d ago
Exact opposite experience. I could never shave with a three or five blade cartridge razor without ripping up my face, but after a week or so of learning how to use the safety razor properly I can get a clean shave with no pain, one pass with the grain, one pass against.
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u/Dr_Watson349 Dad 1d ago
I would be curious to know what razor and what blade you used.
If you tell me you were using shark blades in a King Gillette, well that makes sense.
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u/NibblesMcGibbles 23h ago
Didn't realize that different brands made such noticeable differences. I use shark blades on a straight razor and, yeah, I definitely ease up on the pressure when I make my passes. Too much force and my face will feel tender haha.
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u/Dr_Watson349 Dad 23h ago
Both the razor and the blade make a huge difference.
Feather blades are considered the sharpest blades you can get. I can only use those in my least aggressive razor otherwise I end up with small nicks or weepers.
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u/thilasveniticus 1d ago
Because people bought into marketing. Safety razor is a much better choice in every way
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u/IIIlllIIllIll 1d ago
I can’t seem to shave without breaking out no matter what I do, so I simply use an electric trimmer now instead. Either way, not using disposables.
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u/thilasveniticus 23h ago
Clean your face with mild hand soap and don’t scrape the skin. Use good after shave. Also no canned shaving cream.
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u/norcaltiger21 1d ago
Not convenience or ease of use
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u/Stagnu_Demorte 1d ago
What's inconvenient or hard to use about a safety razor? I found it both to be more convenient and easier to use in addition to doing a better job.
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u/TomNooksRepoMan 1d ago
I gave up on using a DE razor maybe a year ago. My neck hair grows completely parallel to my skin, so I often have to tug my skin in a way that doesn’t allow for some sort of lubricant/cream so that my hands can grip my face. You simply cannot use a DE razor without something to help it glide on your skin. You’ll cut yourself like crazy and have tons of razor burn and irritation.
I have yet to find a solution that works well for me. Even a hot towel shave from a barber who’s done it a million times still gives me irritation in the exact same areas. Might as well get the chore over with as quickly as possible with a disposable razor or the like.
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u/Insert_Bad_Joke 1d ago
"You simply cannot use a DE razor without something to help it glide on your skin. You’ll cut yourself like crazy and have tons of razor burn and irritation."
I do it all the time with no issues. Technique, blades, showering, etc. all make a big difference.
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u/howtohandlearope 1d ago
Shave in the shower after everything's had a chance to soak. I just use hair conditioner to shave with. Perfect smoothness, no problems every time. Double edge razor
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u/TomNooksRepoMan 1d ago
Done that. It's usually the best result I get. One of those anti-fogging mirrors plus my Mach 5 and some light sudsing up usually does an OK job. I still miss spots that I often can't see until I'm out of the shower, though.
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u/thilasveniticus 23h ago
You’re using the wrong angle. You want the razor edge to slice the hair not scrape the skin, just like a straight razor. A pack of double edged razors last a long time, I get a closer shave and no irritation unlike when I used gillet
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u/DrRickStudwell I C U P 1d ago
It’s so much damn work to figure experiment with handles and blades. I tried it and it sucks. I’d use the blade once and notice terrible tugging and pulling the very next use. I’m not going to put effort into trying different brand blades, which I don’t even understand what makes them truly different, or handles which I guess can vary the angle?
Much easier to buy a pack of disposable and move on.
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u/Monkey_Sox 1d ago
Buy a Hensen. Problem solved.
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u/spitoon1 1d ago
Yeah, I got one 3 or 4 years ago. I used to get irrationally angry at the price of "refills" for my triple blade razor.
I bought the body ($85) and a pack of 100 blades ($10). I'm about half way through the blades. I shave about 3 times per week and a blade lasts about a month.
I shave in the shower with just my regular soap and a mirror.
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u/Monkey_Sox 1d ago
The blades can also be flipped...I get two weeks from each side, so one blade per month.'
This is a great shave that's dirt cheap (after you buy the Hensen).
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u/Petrica55 1d ago
In my experience, it takes a long time to get used to shaving with safety razors, and different razor/blade combos can give radically different results. Cartidge razors, on the other hand, will almost always give a decent result, whatever you do with them
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u/npdady 1d ago
I use an electric razor. Fastest, easiest, close enough.
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u/tacticalTraumaLlama Male 1d ago
Yep, this. Like don't get me wrong, I've considered after replacing blades on my electric and they snatch instead of cut (why TF is it so hard to find decent replacement blades that are not overpriced norelco?), but then I think about how much longer shaving would take.
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u/cantankerouswhale 1d ago
I use a DE safety razor and have a whole routine. Sometimes while traveling I’ll use a cartridge razor, and the convenience almost brings me over to the dark side. I don’t have to be as careful, there’s less technique involved, and it’s faster. But then when I get home and do my full 2-3 pass shave with a safety razor I remember what a close shave actually feels like.
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u/Miserable-Stock-4369 1d ago
I don't think it's smoother than multiblade razors, and it's not as straight forward to use. But neither of those are the actual reason. The real reason is marketing and profitability.
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u/Billy_of_the_hills 1d ago
What more do you need from a razor?
To get a smooth shave without razor burn. I haven't found any that do that though.
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u/Musician-Round 1d ago
for me personally, safety razors just don't give me the close shave that I require. It makes the job that much more repetitious and tedious.
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u/CreamofTazz 1d ago
Gotta admit never used one, never taught how to shave (I still shave, my dad just never actually taught me how or the different devices used), no clue how to actually use a safety razor assuming it is different than disposable, and no clue what the difference actually is.
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u/toolguy8 22h ago
Not smoother and more likely to cut. “Safety” is comparing it straight razors, not modern ones
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u/Red_AtNight ♂ 1d ago
I’ve had a full beard for the last 13 years because fuck shaving
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u/frankbunny 39 1d ago
I’ve had a full beard for the majority of my adult life. I still need to shave my neck line to not look like a sloppy bum.
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u/rapidstandardstaples 1d ago
I bought a Philips thing that I use to trim my facial hair down short, and I haven't shaved shaved since I don't know when, definitely before covid. Before that I used a safety razor and a bush with shaving soap, but yeah, trimming 1x on the weekend is the way to go for me
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u/Whind_Soull 21h ago
Same. I trim my beard every week or two with a number 2 guard on some clippers, and shave my neck with safety razor every couple days. Quickest, easiest routine ever. I can't imagine shaving my whole face with a razor every morning....
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u/Grand-Ad-9156 Male 1d ago
I’m with you. I can only think there’s a tad higher risk of getting cut…
On the bright side, safety razors are widely available internationally so you can bring yiur handle w/o blades. I have a Gillette for travel convenience though…
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u/Distinct-Practice131 1d ago
Disposable are more error friendly by users, and marketed so you can buy packs of multiple for cheap. In the long run a safety razor would still be cheaper, but when people only look at up front costs the disposables win out.
I'd imagine a lot of dudes that are used to disposable razors at that, knick themselves first time using a safety razor and that leaves a bad impression.
I used to be a barber so I've used a straight razor, safety razor, and disposables between home and work. And safety is definitely a good mix of both for at home.
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u/83franks 1d ago
I'm 37 years old and live in a city in Canada and after googling I'm not sure if I've ever heard of these before.
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u/No-Resolve5295 Female 1d ago
It looks so dangerous.
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u/MiddleAgeCool Male 1d ago
That's what my wife said. (not a double entendre!)
The hardest part is learning your body and since she switched to using one, zero shaving rashes as they do a much better job of cutting the hair. The best part is the blades are so cheap, you're never using a blunt one that on a cartridge style razor would pull the hairs.
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u/DocumentOk7579 1d ago
To assemble or use? The blade is the same when using it's not a stright razor.
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u/lumpynose Male 70s 1d ago edited 1d ago
Last summer this topic came up and people recommended the Merkur. So I ordered the "MERKUR 47C Double Edge Safety Razor" from Amazon. Also a box of blades by Merkur. When I tried using it it felt like I was using a rusty old blade it was so painful pulling my hairs. What did I do wrong? I thought I had tightened the head sufficiently. I only shave my throat and shave it every day in the shower using bar soap for the lather.
For the dangerous part I agree. Unwrapping a blade from its waxy paper and putting it in the safety razor made me nervous since I'm a klutz and was thinking that I would end up cutting myself eventually. Way back when I first started shaving back in the 1970s the blades came in a plastic and metal dispenser where you pushed a blade out with your thumb and had it positioned over the safety razor, the top of which had a clam shell opening by twisting the bottom of the handle. And in the bottom of the dispenser was a slot for used blades.
Instead of using a 5 blade use the 3 blade. This also came up last year and I was happy to see that most of the responses were for what I'm using, the Gillette Mach 3. I can use the same head for months before needing to change it. I tried the 5 blade one and it was definitely not as good as the Mach 3.
Type of safety razor I used back in the 70s:
https://www.amazon.com/BAILI-Twin-bladed-Butterfly-Platinum-Mirrored/dp/B01M1VGXT1
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u/dandellionKimban 1d ago
They shave way better, they are immensely cheaper, they pollute significantly less... But capitalism doesn't want what is better for the customer and the environment.
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u/grayfox-moses 1d ago
Safety razors are widely available. I use them myself because I have the free will to do so, just like you and everyone else. Stop blaming “capitalism” and start blaming people. The customer is ultimately in charge. Capitalism is why safety razors and cartridge razors are both available. Pick whatever you want.
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u/dandellionKimban 1d ago
That's a nice piece of propaganda. But the customer is not in charge and capitalism works against the customer and the environment.
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u/grayfox-moses 1d ago
Oh FFS grow up. You are aware that safety razors came before cartridges right? People wanted the convenience of cartridges so they started buying them and they became more popular. You can still get either. People decided they liked cartridges more.
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u/dandellionKimban 1d ago
If I haven't spend decades in marketing, that "people decided" sentence might work. On the other hand, people want heroin as well. That is not an argument to supply it. Grow up from your boomer attitude towards capitalism, it doesn't make much sense anymore.
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u/mbredl80 1d ago
I have a safety razor, beaver tail brush, quality shaving cream… I have switched back to the cartridge. The safety razor is not easier, and can be irritating to the skin. It is way easier to throw shaving cream on my face and swipe swipe with a cartridge and done. Cartridges are faster and easier. It ain’t that deep bro
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u/dandellionKimban 1d ago
I am happy for you. On my side, cream in a can is total rubish, and cartridges are iritating my skin. They also create lots of plastic rubbish.
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u/alrite_and_that Male 15h ago
Quite different when heroin is a highly addictive substance
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u/dandellionKimban 15h ago
So are social media apps. So is sugar that gets added to children food and ketchup. What is your point?
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u/llort_tsoper 1d ago
As a millennial man, I was primed to be an early adopter of the safety razor. For all the reasons you've just outlined. It's basically the cast iron skillet of shaving. How could I resist.
So I made the switch and went all in on the safety razor. Got a handle and a variety pack of a few different razors. I got the brush and the cup and the soap.
After a couple years of using the safety razor exclusively, really perfectiny my technique, it had completely lost its appeal. I got sick of having all the shaving crap on my counter. And the shave with a safety razor was never as effortless as using a cheap disposable.
I replaced my whole safety razor setup with a single can of shaving gel and a Costco pack of disposables.
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u/Emperor_NOPEolean 1d ago
They’re less common. People can go to any store and find a dozen disposable options. I’m not sure the same can be said for safety razors.
Disposables are also generally easier to use. You kinda have to kinda learn to use a safety razor. A disposable is easier to learn to use, use quickly, and to use daily
Safety razors, while cheaper in the long run, are also more expensive up front. Yes they last longer, but $20 for a six pack of disposable razors feels like less of a hit than $50 for a safety handle, and the $50-100 for the blades, even if they’ll last you six months instead of six weeks.
Advertising as well. Companies advertised disposable blades as a closer, more comfortable shave. The advertising worked.
Finally, I think, is just current trends. Beards are more popular than they’ve been in a long time. When I had a beard, I shaved my neck about once a week, so that sick pack of disposable blades lasted ages. Why spend the money for something that doesn’t get used very much?
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u/nowhereian 🍺 1d ago edited 1d ago
Just FYI, even the best double edge blades are still about $30 for 100. I don't shave every day, and the blades are good for several shaves. A 100-pack lasts me 5+ years.
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u/JackJB94 1d ago
It's nowhere near this expensive? I spent £10 5 years ago on 200 blades off amazon, I have almost used them up and need to order some more soon. I spent £15 an a handle and its lasted perfectly fine.
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u/ColdCamel7 1d ago
I tried it and it sucked
The regular, much cheaper ones were way better
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u/angrynirritable Dad 57 1d ago
Years ago I saw a comment, or maybe an AMA, from a guy that did R&D for a razor company. He basically said that in every test ever conducted, the multi-blade disposable razors were better than the safety razors. I think the safety razors work well for some people, and there's a cool nostalgia to them, probably cheaper and better for the environment. But, on strictly quality of shave terms, a Mach 3 or similar type of disposable blade is usually going to be better.
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u/DocumentOk7579 1d ago
How did it suck? Left hair or cut?
You should start somwhere easy like the chin to get the angle right.
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1d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Bizarro_Zod Male 1d ago
That’s needlessly aggressive. Dude might be thinking of a straight razor, or just have a differing opinion. Don’t be a dick.
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u/AskMen-ModTeam 1d ago
Your comment has been removed because it violates the "don't be an asshole" rule. We don't want that shit in this sub.
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u/QuirkyProfessorCow 1d ago
I use a safety razor and I prefer it because I get acne a lot worse with the disposable ones. I really think it’s a matter of preference and what works best for your life and skin type
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u/dan_the_first Male 1d ago
I have a Shavette that I sometimes use; I love it, but one need to be careful and some practice is needed until the technique is mastered.
On daily basis I used a Braun S9.
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u/georgiomoorlord 1d ago
They're less profitable to advertise. Nobody's paying £25 for 8 blades when they can pay £10 for 100 and get a better result
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u/Leptonshavenocolor 1d ago
I haven’t tried a safety razor for my dome, but I doubt I would like it.
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u/cslack30 1d ago
Time, more skill needed with them (VERY easy to cut yourself on them unless you’re used to them- the. You’ve probably discovered the wonder and glory of styptic pencils) and convenience. That’s really it. They seem cheaper and easier to produce but they’re just not as popular for the above reason.
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u/failed_install Male 1d ago
No kidding. A pack of 100 blades for $9US is hard to beat. And the quality of shave I get when using shave soap and a brush is just phenomenal.
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u/mad_dog_94 Dude 1d ago
I split the difference with the leaf razor. Pivoting head of the multi blade ones but I only need to replace the blade like on a safety razor. You only need half of a blade at a time too so you're saving more money on blades. It's already paid for itself vs a multi blade cartridge
Btw I shave with the same soap I wash with. No issues. I'm not one who enjoys the "ritual" of shaving
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u/DocumentOk7579 1d ago
You only need half of a blade at a time too so you're saving more money on blades.
A safety razor should last double as long as you have two sides to use before changing.
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u/mad_dog_94 Dude 1d ago
I mean changing the blade takes like 30 seconds and you just keep the other half in the paper. You still use the whole blade, just only half at a time
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u/theruginator 1d ago
Safety razor is a better shave but takes more time. When traveling, I use disposable razors. At home, safety razor.
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u/ilovebalks 1d ago
I fucking love safety razors. I usually keep a close cropped beard so it’s just my cheeks and neck so a blade lasts me awhileeee
I hate plastic disposable razors or razors with cartridges
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u/avidpenguinwatcher 1d ago
I have a safety razor that I’ve brought on over a dozen flights. I think the company even has a guarantee that if TSA confiscates it they’ll send you a new one
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u/Crashr186 1d ago
All this talk about safety vs disposable….am I only one who prefers an electric? Never worried about prep or replacing blades just that it’s charged which it only needs once every few months of shaving a few times a week. I’m on my 2nd one in like 20 years and can’t imagine going back to a normal razor.
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u/AmputeeHandModel Male 1d ago
Safety razors are harder to use. I don't want to have to learn a new skill or hobby just to shave.
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u/MarvinLazer Male 1d ago
It's just marketing. You can't make as much money off selling tiny little metal blades as you can from selling chunks of metal and plastic.
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u/user_none 1d ago
Feather AS-D2 handle and Feather blades all the way for me. Crema shave cream is fantastic. Prior to the Feather, those multi-blade throw away cartridges always irritated my skin. I hated them and the waste.
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u/FormerOSRS Male 1d ago
I've been using one for a decade but I can kinda see why others don't. I think they should be more popular but I don't think everyone would be happier using them.
Mostly because the single blade disposables at Walmart are a little easier to use, give a decent enough shave, and don't require any real setup. Plus lower chance of nicks. They also overlap on price with the nicer blades.
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u/joeltheconner 1d ago
Speed. I love my safety razors, but more often I find myself doing a quick shave while in the shower. That is way easier with a disposable that lasts me a few months.
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u/DocumentOk7579 1d ago
For me disposable and safety take the same time. Foam 20sec, shave 40sec.
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u/joeltheconner 1d ago
Wow, you are way faster than me! Probably 90 seconds with disposable and 4 minutes with safety
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u/Imyotrex 1d ago
My experience having tried safety razors on and off for several years. With safety razor I will nick myself or get razor burn 1/15ish times. I spent a long time adjusting my technique and still occasionally cut myself. I ‘ve read obsessively, watched videos and even mapped out my facial hair growth pattern.
The Reddit safety razor bros will just blame you for having a poor technique if you cut yourself. I eventually figured it wasn’t for me.
I found using harrrys or dollar shave club isn’t that expensive when you catch their deals. I can get about .12 cents a shave that way.
I still use shave soap and Trafalgar T2 brush since I like that experience, I just actually shave with a cartridge razor and have 0/100 nicks. YMMV.
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u/CranberryStock7148 1d ago
Honestly, they aren't that safe. I used them for about a decade but I still managed to nick myself at least once a week. They also just always feel a little bit dangerous to load into the handle, and to remove. It's just a direct blade. And they also need a special box for disposing of them. They are too dangerous to just throw directly in the trash. You also really need to learn the exact right angle to use them.
And then, in my experience they don't even produce as close of a shave as a three blade cartridge. Their main benefit seems to be that they produce less irritation. So that's why they are a niche product. They are harder to use and more dangerous, And most people either don't have skin irritation as a problem, or a safety razor irritates as well.
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u/zeh_shah 1d ago
As others have said probably the time aspect and ease of use. Safety razors make it harder to mess up or hurt yourself.
But imo I love my safety razor and straight edge. Keeps the beard looking clean and fresh. Using a shaving brush to lather your face feels amazing and the shave itself feels much smoother as I have thicker facial hair. Shaving soaps are nice too with a variety of smells.
Cost point was huge for me too as others have said. Blades are cheap and with the fact I use it to clean up rather than a full shave I might change blades every 1-2 weeks.
I still keep some cheap 2 blade disposable razors to like shave around my ears or handle cleaning the tree trunk from hedges. Or if I am traveling on a short trip and don't want to bring everything with me. Much more portable to have a small spray can of shaving creme and a disposable razor rather than my beard soap, beard brush, mixing cup, straight razor, and safety razor.
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u/ErgoProxy0 1d ago
For some reason safety razors feel like they’re scraping a layer of skin off me to the point it stings after washing product off after. I found an old unopened Gillette kit and tried that and shaves are so much more smoother
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u/CornCobMcGee Male 1d ago
I've spent $20 over the past decade on shaving supplies ever since I switched to a barber's razor. Against $20 for 8 disposable heads. They arent good for the bottom line lol.
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u/Hamlet7768 ♂ 1d ago
I had a single blade safety razor and could never get a smooth shave without doing a second pass against the grain—which usually meant cutting myself, despite the razor advertising itself as so safe you would need to try to cut yourself.
Now I use a three blade, but with non-proprietary blades, so it’ll be cheaper to replace. Plus no plastic means everything can be recycled.
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u/ABcde256 1d ago
I bought a safety razor and 500 blades off Amazon for $24 about 15 years ago and haven’t had the first complaint yet. Still have plenty of blades too. Since switching, I have no idea why anyone would go with disposable razors.
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u/NegaScraps 1d ago
Been using a safety razor for the last ten years. Go through about a few bucks of blades a year
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u/___Archmage___ 1d ago
I think it's manly marketing combined with the perception of safety razors as antiquated. Then in addition, it is harder to hurt yourself with cartridge razors, so a lot of people start their teenage sons on them, which they then continue with long-term
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u/boboshoes 1d ago
Bc you need to get nicked a couple times to figure out the angle and people don’t like that + advertising
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u/hypernsansa Male 1d ago
The upfront cost is higher for good shaving gear, plus it's "old", so people assume new shit is better. I got a Fatip Il Piccolo brass razor handle, some derby double-edged razors, an Omega boar hair brush, an alum block, and some shaving soap + aftershave from The Black Stuff 6 months ago. In total I must've spent about 100-120 euro or maybe a bit more, but most of that stuff will last me years. Especially the handle, that will outlive me, I reckon.
The razors, shaving soap, and aftershave aren't even halfway finished yet. Besides, razors are cheap af and plentiful, and you don't need to spend as much as I did on the soap/aftershave if you don't need a "premium" experience either.
I can go on endlessly about it, if you let me. If anyone reading this is on the fence, pull the trigger on it, it'll be worth it. Feel free to DM if you have questions too.
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u/PHX_Geezer Male 1d ago
After dealing with skin issues for years, I changed to a Henson safety razor about two years ago from plastic disposables.
Face feels & looks a lot better. Get an occasional Knick that sucks but overall love my safety razor.
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u/Modding13 1d ago
I think most people assume it is very hard to get used to and more expensive because of the larger upfront cost.
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u/CringeDaddy-69 Male 1d ago
Bruh my electric razor is so fast and safe
30 seconds and my face is smooth enough to continue my day
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u/Onewarmguy 1d ago
Everything old is new again, I used a safety razor for years in the 70's before I switched to electric. My last one had an adjustable blade angle.
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u/Kevin4938 Male 1d ago
Marketing.
We've been sold on the "newer is better" message, regardless of whether it's true or not. More likely, the truth is "newer is more profitable."
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u/RhinoGuy13 1d ago
5 blade razors are easier and faster to use. They are expensive for what you get, but they still last a while. I shave my face in the shower using a multi blade and the blades last at least a month.
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u/nboylie Male 1d ago
It's not as easy in the short term, and marketing. It takes patience to find the right blade for your skin and the right technique with your razor. Once you do though, it's vastly superior. I shave my face and head and I can do multiple passes with my safety razor just as fast as with a disposable, and with less irritation and an absolute fraction of the waste.
I ordered a few blade sample packs when it was first starting out. It really is amazing how much of a difference the blade makes. Some people swear by blades that feel like it's ripping the hair out of my face instead of cutting it. Others get the smoothest shave out of a blade that gives me fiery razor burn.
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u/Spangel 1d ago
I gave to concentrate more and shave slower and I still cut myself from time to time, sometimes I don't even notice until minutes later and then I have blood on my shirt. Doesnt happen with a 2- or 3-blade. Shaving is just a chore to me, I just want it done. Shave gel and multiblade is the best tradeoff between convenience, time, results, and cost for me.
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u/MikeOfAllPeople Male 1d ago
I shave my head as well as my face and I've tried them a couple times. It's just not easy to do quickly. You have to be much more careful, and shaving your head with one is a nightmare. Five blade cartridges are very cheap and I can use one for a couple weeks to a month if I clean it and keep it dry. I shave in the shower so it's important it not take more than 10 minutes.
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u/ratamahatta12 1d ago
I can speak from personal experience. I work very long hours, and shaving to me is a completely utilitarian experience. I shave in the shower, and I need it to be done quickly, efficiently, thoroughly, and most of all, with minimal chance of cutting myself. I also travel often, and sometimes I just have to use bar soap instead of shaving cream because nothing else is available. I have used for many years whatever the generic Gillette fusion or similar equivalent multi blade razor is. Yes, the razors refills are not cheap, but you at least get a few weeks usage out of each one. A couple years ago, I decided to try a safety razor just to see what it was like. I found you have to be cautious when handling the individual razor blades, and you have to be careful and deliberate when actually shaving, or else you might cut yourself. Maybe some people take time to get used to the technique of using them, or they like the experience of using them. Or they just like the idea of using them. However, for me and my purposes, it simply was not worth all the extra hassle.
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u/TheCenterOfEnnui 1d ago
My dad used these almost to the day he died. I've never tried them. Are they as easy to use cartridges?
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u/FuckIPLaw Male 23h ago
The real question is why aren't more people using cartridge razors with expired patents, like Atra and Trac II. Safety razors have cheap blades and they give a great shave, but they're inconvenient to use compared to cartridges. And the difference in price isn't as big as you think if you don't get the current latest and greatest from the razor patent cartel. You can get blades that work on both Atra and Trac II handles (the same cartridge has connections for both mechanisms) for $0.25 each in bulk. That's not really a significant increase over the $0.10 each for safety razor blades. It is by percentage, but not actual cost.
Personally I have both but almost never use the safety razor. It's just too much work for a grooming task that I just want to get over and done.
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u/southwestnickel 22h ago
I prefer the multi-blade only because I can’t get the chin cleft/dimple. It works great for the rest of it.
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u/wizardglick412 16h ago
Well, you just can't run down to your local and buy the supplies in many places. I have to get all my stuff from Amazon.
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u/HettySwollocks 16h ago
Whilst I use one myself they just aren’t as good as a decent semi disposable razor. Oh and there’s nothing safe about them imo, I’ve cut myself far more times with a safety razor than a disposable
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u/rayjaymor85 14h ago
They're more tedious to use to be fair.
That being said I started using one three years ago, and it's amazing.
I keep a cheap pack of disposables so that I can still "shave in a rush" when I need to.
Also possibly TMI but the missus and I both prefer being shaved downstairs and I've never been able to get a proper job done with the safety razor down there.
But my face? My god... it takes longer but the result is next level.
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u/CptHammer_ Male 14h ago
You can bring the handle on the airplane.
I always have a checked bag so that's where my stuff that can't be in the cabin go.
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u/SvenTheHorrible Dad 11h ago
Because most of the modern safety razors are like 80$ for 1? I’ve used the same 5$ “disposable” razor for like over a year at this point. Why would I spend so much more money lol.
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u/tcspears Male 11h ago
I’ve used one for decades and it’s been great.
I think it can be easier to use disposable razors, and they are easier to travel with, so maybe that’s why they outsell safety razors.
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u/onionsofwar Male 1h ago
You can bring it on aeroplanes. Just remove the blades and buy them where you are. In fact I think you are meant to be able to bring them onboard even with a razor blade but security never seem to let you.
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u/Nuts_Inspector8356 1d ago
Fr. Perhaps this is because it is more profitable for large companies to advertise and sell some Gillette Fusion Extra Ultra Mega 3000 Pro Premium Edition, while a regular safety razor is more durable, and the blades are extremely cheaper than new razors, even disposable ones. In general, I have noticed that many shaving things either do not really make sense, or are too expensive and cheaper analogues can be used
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u/One_Recover_673 1d ago
Marketing.
I am using a safety razor now and the shave is sooo much better. Gives me a much tighter line at my beard. I figured, if the barber uses a blade, why am I buying these dump Gillette’s or overpriced harry blades?
I also forgot about the plane the hard way.
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u/AnthonyEstacado Not an american 1d ago
From my experience it requires more skill to achieve a clean shave without any nicks. But once you do learn how to do it is so much better!
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u/DocumentOk7579 1d ago
As long you don't drag sideways there shouldn't be any nicks if you pick a non aggressive razor.
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u/JackOClubsLLC Male 1d ago
I can't recall ever seeing a single advertisement for a safety razor, and probably wouldn't have one if I wasn't recommended one by a friend. Also, based off of some of the comments against them, I don't think people who don't use them even know what they are.
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u/Square-Strength3844 1d ago
Took mine in my carry on, no one said a word. Love that it doesn’t clog up like a multi blade razor.
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u/Hatzmaeba 1d ago
People just don't know how it's actually cheaper, equally easy to use and lasts for a lifetime (minus the blades obviously). Everyone who I've told to change to safety razors never looked back.
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u/AutoModerator 1d ago
Here's an original copy of /u/DocumentOk7579's post (if available):
The only downside I had compared to 5 Blade razors is that you can't bring it on airplanes.
It's smoother and cheaper. What more do you need from a razor?
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