You've likely seen different descriptions when shopping for safety razors. Maybe you saw a butterfly, open or closed comb, adjustable, straight or angled,1-, 2- or 3-piece.The only thing you want from a razor is one that works like one. For those who are new to wet shaving, a double edge safety razor has a single blade with two cutting edges that is guided against the skin by the head.

The purpose of this guide is to help you to choose the right double edge razor for you based on the different types of razors available. All of it is in your head. Razorheads, that is! One of the biggest differences between razors is the size, shape, and weight of their heads.

Angle：Straight or slant bar

It is comfortable, predictable to shave with a straight bar double edge razor because the blade is held at a right angle to the handle. The design of double edge razors is well established and is widely used by all quality manufacturers. However, slant bar razors have a unique twist on the traditional set-up that has earned them a loyal following.

Razors with a slant bar hold blades in place by twisting them - this adds stiffness to the blade and creates a subtle slicing action to shave close on the first pass shave.

In this way, slant razors are more aggressive than regular straight edge razors, but their fewer passes have made them popular with sensitive skin users.

1-, 2- OR 3-PIECE

The amount of time it takes for your razor to separate into one, two or three pieces has little to do with the quality or comfort of your shave. The only thing that differs is how the blade is held in place.

2- and 3-Piece razors are the most commonly used. The handles of 2-piece razors are fused to the heads while 3-piece razors are completely removable from the handle. Each head has a top plate and a base that are wedged together, and the handle is tightened to fasten the blade.

A 1-piece razor is commonly called a butterfly razor. To open the razor, twist the bottom of the handle, which unscrews and releases flaps at the top of the head. The flaps when fully extended resemble butterfly wings, hence their name. To clamp the blade in place, insert a blade between the flaps and tighten the handle again.

OPEN OR CLOSED COMB

In most safety razors, a comb is found along the edge of the blade guard. Closed combs have small grooves along the edge of the blade guard, while open combs have individual teeth, like hair combs. A comb with an open edge guides stubble against a blade, making it easier to cut through longer or thicker hair.

We recommend closed comb razors for regular shaves, but open comb razors should still provide a close shave.

ADJUSTABLE RAZORS AND AGGRESSIVENESS

Wet shaving enthusiasts often compare double edge safety razors using a subjective scale ranging from mild to very aggressive in terms of 'aggressiveness'. By observing tiny differences in the shape of the razor head, an aggressive razor is defined as one with a blade that is more exposed than one with a less aggressive blade.

A closer shave will generally be achieved with fewer passes with these razors, but beginners may experience more cuts or nicks and irritation.

Different manufacturers' blades can behave differently even within the same razor because of tiny differences in thickness, width, or
strength.

It is possible with adjustable razors to fine-tune the shape of the razor head and, therefore, the angle of the blade, allowing the user to get just the right level of aggression, regardless of the blade used. These adjustable razors may use interchangeable base plates for the head, or alternatively, a screw-type handle that can be adjusted to achieve the same effect.

Other considerations

-When it comes to safety razors, unfortunately, it is not a case of one size fits all. If you have bigger hands, consider using a safety razor with a longer handle. This will allow you to hold the razor more comfortably and prevent nicks and cuts. A safety razor with a shorter handle will also be easier to hold and control if you have smaller hands.

-A safety razor's weight is one of the reasons it's so comfortable to shave with one compared to a disposable razor. Heavier razors require less pressure to glide through stubble, allowing the blade to work more efficiently.