As a hairy dude with a knack for trying out different shaving tools, I enjoy reading healthy online debates on which equipment is the best for the job. While purists won’t settle for anything less than a classic cut-throat, let’s just admit that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.
Another section of beardsmen would argue that safety razor’s ease of use and forgiving nature makes it better for everyday use.
Both are right, you know?
So how do we put an end to the safety razor vs straight razor debate for good? I’d say we can start by clearing the basic concepts of these two major types of razors. Then we will move onto weighing in the pros and cons. Let’s hope that by the end of our discussion, we’ll have a conclusive answer.
Table Of Contents
What Is A Safety Razor/ Double Edge Razor?
Double-edged razors are called so because they let you shave with both sides of the blade. The term “safety” in its name can be attributed to the fact that this equipment was designed to minimize the risk of injury. These razors feature a safety bar which is basically a blade guard. Closed comb designs allow less blade contact to your skin. While this could negatively affect the shaving closeness, it’s ideal for someone who is just getting started with wet shaving.
As opposed to this, open comb and slant safety razors are more aggressive in nature. While they ensure high-precision, super smooth and close shave with minimal passes, they can cause a bloodbath if you are not careful.
What Is A Straight Razor/ Single Edge Razor?
Straight razors, fondly called cut-throats or shavettes, are the manliest way to shave beard. Do you know why every barber worth his salt uses a single-edged razor? Because nothing cuts cleaner, closer and smoother like a simple SE razor. Let’s not even argue on that.
In straight razors, an ultra-sharp blade folds into the handle (also known as scale) like a pen-knife. The blade material is either carbon steel or stainless steel. Most razors are made from carbon steel as it is cheaper. But if you are a man of precision, go for an SE razor made with stainless steel blade. They are a little high-maintenance but the effort pays off. Stainless steel will hold the edge for a longer period if you take care of it well.
Even in this age of electric shavers, the demand for single-edged razors hasn’t diminished. I know a lot of people feel intimidated by the idea of bringing a tremendously sharp blade into direct contact with the skin. The fear isn’t irrational. Losing your focus for even a nanosecond while shaving with an SE razor lead to nasty accidents.
However, such close contact with the skin has a bright side too. It is able to clean up the toughest stubble with just one to two strokes. This reduces the risk of blade-induced skin troubles. Also, it allows you a maximum control over the shaving action compared to other types of razors.
Another big advantage of using SE razor is the minimized risk of razor bumps. Straight razor blades cannot practically cut the hair beneath the skin surface, meaning less chances of having ingrown hair.
Differences Between Safety Razor vs Straight Razors: The Final Showdown
Straight razors or shavettes expose only online side of a long and sharp metal blade. There’s absolutely no layer of protection between the blade and the skin.
Safety razors let you use both sides of the blade and feature a guard to prevent too much blade exposure to the skin.
Due to its open edge design, straight razor cut super close to the skin, resulting in a clean-shaven cheek as smooth as a baby’s bottom. It also allows greater control over shaving angle, direction, allowing you to add neat details and definition to your neckline, mustache, and sideburns.
While shaving so close poses a high risk of injury, it can help you avoid skin burns rashes and ingrown hair growth at the same time.
Safety razors, as quite obvious from the name, are designed to reduce injuries while shaving. Although it has its limitations, it’s the best option for individuals who want a quick and close shave without much fuss.
Straight razors require honing, stropping and oiling from time-to-time which makes these tools a bit of a handful. Safety razors are as low maintenance as it gets. A simple clean-up and occasional oiling will help you keep the edges sharp for multiple shaves.
Now that you have learned what makes safety razors different from straight razors, I’m hoping you’ve figured out which type of razor to go for. However, my job doesn’t here.
Below I have listed and reviewed my top choices for the best safety and straight razors, in case you’re looking for recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Safety Razor vs Straight Razor! Which one is the better choice for beginners?
A safety razor is definitely easier to handle for beginners, as the name suggests. Straight razors are meant for extremely precise and close shaving, and there’s very little room for error. In other words, if you make even the slightest of mistakes, you’ll be easily able to spot nicks and cuts.
That said, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to master shaving with a straight razor. A couple of YouTube videos might just be enough for you to get started, and you might do just fine if you just don’t take the power of a straight razor too lightly.
2. Safety Razor or Straight Razor: Which one is the better choice for sensitive skin?
Straight razors are better for sensitive skin, because of the sharper blades and higher blade exposure. These two things make straight razors require less shaving ‘passes’, so it’s easier on the skin.
Safety razors, on the other hand, require more tries in general to achieve a clean shave, and that in turn irritates the skin more. Thus, safety razors are a worse choice compared to their straight counterparts for people with sensitive skin. You just have to master the technique of using a straight razor, as it requires handling with a bit more care compared to a safety razor.
The Bottom Line
Both straight and safety razors are serving the mankind for centuries. Calling one type better than the other doesn’t make much sense, to be pair. Most people find themselves on the fence because the fundamentals of both razor types are pretty much the same.
While straight razor is the ultimate shaving tool a man can have without an iota of doubt, it’s not for everyone. Safety razors don’t demand impeccable shaving skills which makes it a more feasible choice for most people. Although they don’t cut as close as shavettes, non-purists won’t notice much of a difference.
Finally, it all comes down to what aspects you want to prioritize in your shave and of course, your skill level.
