What are Double-Edge Safety Razors & Who Should be Using Them?*

Shaving is something that’s part of all our routines, but with there being so many options for shaving methods available to us, it can be tricky to know which is best for you. We are constantly presented with the newest option in razor technology in the media, with colourful and modern looking razors being designed to grab our attention. Instead of opting for the prettiest looking razor on the shelf though, why not go back to basics and choose a more traditional shaving method?

Safety razors have been used by men and women for centuries to efficiently and effectively remove body hair. They may look slightly less exciting than their disposable pink counterparts in Boots, but they can actually do the job a lot more precisely, minimising skin irritation and allowing you to save money!

What are safety razors?

Safety razors have one sharp, single and double-edged blade that allows you to achieve an incredibly close shave in just one or two strokes over the skin. Rather than the popular plastic and multi-blade options we see in the shops, safety razors are usually made from trusty stainless steel so can last for many years, with you only having to replace the single blade rather than the entire razor each time.

If you’re new to shaving with a safety razor, there are closed-comb options which have a metal bar across the top. This way, the entire blade isn’t left exposed and you can use the razor in a controlled way with less risk of nicks for newbies. Closed comb razors with a longer handle are ideal for both men and women whether you’re shaving your legs, armpits or even bikini line, as they allow you to achieve a close and precise shave without the risk of losing grip or control of the blade and accidentally injuring yourself.

Not only are safety razors far more effective than the more popular disposable options, but they also allow you to maintain a far more sustainable shaving routine as the stainless steel blades are completely recyclable. You can simply collect your blades in a safe container and take them to a dedicated recycling zone for them to be recycled, rather than chucking away a plastic disposable razor after a couple of uses and contributing to the current environmental crisis. The English Shaving Company stock a wide range of premium safety razors from the most reputable UK brands, as well as everything else you need to complete your shaving routine and achieve a close shave for all genders.

Not only that but by only needing to replace the blade and not the whole razor, you can save yourself tons of money in the long run.

Who should be using them?

Anyone can use a safety razor to shave. Despite what you might think, safety razors aren’t just for avid beard growers, women can use them just as effectively to remove body hair. Once you’ve got used to the slightly different technique of shaving with a safety razor, you can shave any area of the body.

To shave safely, make sure to pull the skin taut, apply little pressure and stay at a thirty to forty-degree angle to slice through the hair rather than pulling the blade across the skin. This way, you can avoid any cuts or nicks and eliminate post-shave skin irritation.

It’s important to make sure you have high-quality shaving cream, soap or foam to lubricate the skin and provide a smooth surface for your blade to glide across. You can apply this with your hands or go one step further with your routine and invest in a shaving brush to lather up the soap on your face or legs and ensure there are no areas missed.

Anyone that struggles with shaving rash, razor bumps or acne should try switching from a multi-blade razor to a safety razor. The single sharp blade means there is less stress and tugging on your skin and the blades are far more hygienic due to being replaced more often, reducing the risk of your shaving routine causing any spots.