You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get into wet shaving if you don’t want to, especially if you use one of these disposable straight razor.
While you have probably read that it is more affordable in the long run vs. buying expensive disposable cartridge razors. The initial cost can be high if you decide to buy high end products.
However, there are many affordable straight razors that use disposable blades. So you don’t have to worry about the maintenance of keeping a fixed blade sharp or stropped.
Whether you decide to go with a double edge safety razor or a straight razor for your wet shaving experience, there are many options available.
A straight razor can be more effective shaving more hair in a single stroke. It also does not have to be rinsed as often since it can carry the lather on the blade.
In this review, we are going to try and help you find the best one for you.
Razors have been found in excavated tombs from the Egyptians dating back to as early as the fourth millennium BC!
However, the first modern cut throat razor, as straight razors are nicknamed, was developed in England in the late 1600’s.
They have come a long way since then though and come in many forms, shapes and sizes. Here are a few things to think about when looking for your straight razor.
Straight razors consist of two main parts, the blade and handle (sometimes called scales). They are connected at the pivot pin.
The lengths of these two parts will determine the length of the entire razor. How big of a razor you need is purely a matter of personal preference.
Some guys like shorter razors for more control or some men with larger hands may prefer a larger razor.
The handles of a straight razor can be made from many different materials including:
The main thing to look for in the handle besides if you like the way it looks is the weight which will help give the razor balance.
It should have a nice weight to offset the weight of the blade, which will help give you a steady hand when shaving.
The blades of shaving razors can have different points, the top of the blade which will affect how they shave.
The main reason guys like to go with a disposable razor over a fixed blade is because there is no maintenance besides keeping it clean.
With a disposable blade, if it gets dull, simply insert a fresh one.
With a fixed blade, you will have to strop your blade periodically which re-aligns and straightens the edge of the blade.
Over time the blade can be bent or folded so this require maintenance from you.
If the blade ever becomes dull you have to send it out to be honed or sharpened by a professional.
Therefore, the disposable blade straight razors offer much more convenience. With a little added cost the blades are relatively cheap and should last for 3-5 shaves.
While there are many different straight razors out there, these are some of the most affordable.
Take a look at each of them to see which features might be best for you.
Besides the razor, some other items that may be helpful include:
You may have heard of Dovo before in another light. It is the same company that makes Merkur safety razors, they just use the Dovo name for their straight razors.
This straight razor could be great if you are just starting out since you don’t have to buy a hone, strop or other accessories that are normally required with fixed blade razors.
This speeds up the learning curve as well as lowers the initial cost.
This razor comes with two different blade holders. A clear one which you can use any double edge razor blade snapped in half and a black one that holds Dovo long blades.
Some guys complain about how cheap these feel but you should be able to replace them if they break with any shavette sleeve.
The long blades will give it more of a true straight razor feel cutting more hair with each stroke maximizing the efficiency of your shave.
While the handle is made of steel it is still a relatively light razor so you may need to apply the lightest pressure during shaving.
Most of the complaints are guys who just felt this razor felt too cheap. It is not the most expensive straight razor so I’m not sure what their expectations were, but just know this is an entry level razor with better options available.
The Professional straight edge razor by Equinox is definitely one of the most affordable options on this list.
For just a little over $10 you can get this razor as well as 100 single edge Derby razor blades!
This razor is essentially good for 200 shaves out of the box since you should get 2-3 shaves per blade and they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for 30 days.
This stainless steel straight razor has an easy to open blade guard that pops right up that allows you to quickly and safely change the blade out.
The Derby blades that come with it are not the sharpest so you will see some complaints that talk about how this razor doesn’t work.
If you have a thick beard you will probably want to buy some sharper blades to go with this straight razor.
Some other complaints are from guys who felt like they got a used product. But it is most likely from machine marks which are typical for cheaper razors.
All in all, this razor will hold a blade and allow you to get a decent shave with whatever blade you prefer.
For the price, it could be a great entry level razor.
The Utopia straight edge razor is very similar to the Equinox and also comes with 100 Derby blades for just a few dollars less.
It has the same style blade guard that allows for easy blade changing.
This razor is made of brass with a chrome plating to help prevent corrosion.
Just like you would expect, there are similar reviews to the Equinox razor, stating the razor works well but the blades were not the sharpest.
Some guys just use this to clean up the lines around their beard while others shave their whole face on a daily basis.
This isn’t the best or nicest looking straight razor but it will hold a blade and allow you to shave, which is what it is meant to do.
This razor could really save you some dough especially if you are switching from paying $20 a month for multi-blade cartridge refills.
Some guys may have received a defective product in the reviews but this razor still comes highly rated at 4.1 stars with over 1,600 reviews.
This is a no frills, basic razor if that is what you are looking for.
The CS-102 by classic Samurai cheap razor that allows you to quickly change blades and get a better shave.
This razor is a similar style to the Equinox or Utopia but his has a stylish black matte finish that will be sure to get attention.
This is a little heavier than others since it is all made from metal so you really shouldn’t have to apply any pressure when shaving.
Again, this could be a great starter razor or cheap gift for a loved one.
You will even see some reviews on Amazon from actual barbers who really enjoy this razor.
They have to use disposable blades for sanitation purposes so this really works well for them.
There seems to be a common complaint, it is that the blade guard doesn’t hold the blade tight. This could be a problem if it is true.
However, it comes with a 4.3-star rating with over 500 verified purchase reviews so it seems to work well for most guys or gals who buy it.
The Classic Necessity straight razor is a little more expensive than the previous razors mentioned on this list. But also comes with 50 double edge Shark super stainless blades that you can break in half for 100 single edge razors.
They also offer a risk-free satisfaction guarantee where they will replace the razor or refund your money if you are not happy with the purchase.
This straight razor is made of stainless steel which helps prevent corrosion and gives the razor some weight to aid in shaving.
There are several reviews from first time wet shavers who absolutely love this razor.
It is easy to use and the Shark blades that come with it will last you a while. They are a little sharper than the Derby’s that come with other razors.
Of course, be prepared for a nick or two if this is your first straight razor but after a few shaves your technique will improve and you can impress your friends with this manly style of shaving.
In fact, almost all of the complaints are from guys who mention how dangerous the razor is.
Don’t be scared though, thousands of guys are shaving with straight razors every day and they are growing in popularity by the day.
You may have seen several Parker safety razor reviews here before but Parker also makes a few straight razors.
The SR1 has a stainless-steel blade with a plastic handle which doesn’t give it the most weight but it is still a good entry level razor nonetheless.
It has a rounded point just like most of these razors which will help reduce cuts for those of you just learning how to shave with a straight razor.
Even though this razor is made of stainless steel you should still get in the habit of completely drying it before putting it away between uses. This is just an insurance policy to help prevent corrosion.
If you really take the time to prep your face for the shave with the essentials and possibly even using a little pre-shave oil, you can get one of the best shaves you have ever had with one of these straight razors.
Of course, it is more of a process but it should be enjoyable. If you are looking for convenience, an electric shaver may be the way to go.
Some guys were disappointed that it cost more than $20 and still came with a plastic handle. They even suggested going with the Dovo if you were going to go for something better than the $10-15 razors.
If you like the idea of the Parker SR1 and don’t have a shaving brush already the SR1 straight razor set could be a great choice.
Since some of Parker’s shaving brushes can cost over $60 alone this is really a good deal. You also get a chrome stand and the 100 Shark blades.
This could seem like a lot at first but after you own the razor and brush the replacement blades literally cost pennies.
And you shouldn’t have to buy any more for at least a year after purchasing this set depending on how often you shave and how thick your beard is.
This could also be a great gift if you are buying for someone really special to you.
Most of the complaints here are similar to that of the SR1. They wish the handle was made of something with a little more weight than plastic.
Parker has been around for over 40 years. What you get in this set is their experience and quality in a great razor as well as a nice badger hair shaving brush.
Last but certainly not least is the Feather SS Japanese straight razor.
Feather is known for their quality super sharp blades as well as one of the best safety razors, the AS-D2.
Their SS straight razor doesn’t look like the rest of these but it sure works well.
The only downfall is you have to use a different blade that is made by Feather or Kai. Unlike the other razors on this list, where you can use any double edge razor blade snapped in two.
The blades are a little more expensive but you usually get what you pay for, quality that is. They are also longer than traditional blades so you can cut more hair with each stroke.
This razor does not fold, it is in a fixed straight position but many guys like this as it could give you more control.
It is also not very heavy but well balanced which will help you get an excellent shave.
Some guys have bought this razor after owning others on this list and wish they would have jumped straight to it.
This razor comes highly rated at 4.7 stars, just check out how easily it destroys the beard in this review.
So, are you ready for a macho shave with one of these disposable straight razors?
These are just a few of the better straight razors that won’t break your bank. Depending on your wants and needs you should be able to find something that works for you.
Every man’s beard and skin are different. You won’t really know how these razors will work for you until you give them a try.
In the end, a shave with any of these should offer a more comfortable smooth shave than an electric razor.
During the summer, shaving becomes an important part of everyone's shower routine. However, if not…
You may think you smell good, but are you sure you smell desirable? The problem…
It can be very frustrating when you are on a trip and you fruitlessly search…
Whether you are treating yourself or a loved one, you will be sure to love…
With Father’s Day fast approaching we wanted to take a few minutes to help our…
No luck growing out that luxurious beard? Did you know that you can actually use…
This website uses cookies.