For a state-of-the-art beard done the old way, here are the best manual shaving razors to buy, the brands and prices, and how to choose the most suitable one according to your needs and experience.
The manual safety razor has an irresistible charm for those who appreciate the past’s traditional shaving and classic barber tools. However, if an electric shaver allows to speed up the operations and is particularly suitable for those who have little time, a manual safety razor requires patience and attention, returning to the less frenetic rhythms of the past.
Once you learn to master the art of manual shaving, you will get flawless results and incredibly soft skin.
What characterizes the manual safety razor is simplicity. It is an instrument composed only of a handle and a long sharp blade. As a result, the experience of freehand shaving is very different from that with an electric shaver: it takes care, a steady hand, and a passion for the art of shaving.
It is not an operation that must do in a hurry. On the contrary, we must take time for ourselves. The result? A deep and precise shave, smoother skin, no irritation, and meager costs. The only expense will be that of shaving cream.
Table of Contents
How to choose a manual safety razor: Types and Characteristics
To be effective, manual safety razors must have certain characteristics. Let’s see the main aspects to consider when choosing to buy a quality product.
- Blade material: a good blade is essential. It must be sharp, resist moisture, and last over time. The most common materials are carbon and stainless steel, preferable because it is more durable.
- Handle: The quality of the handle is also important. Regardless of the construction material, it must offer a firm grip and be ergonomic, robust, and water-resistant. There are manual safety razors made of excellent materials (mother of pearl, bone, horn) and others with cheaper invoices (various types of wood, plastic) to satisfy everyone’s tastes. The finer materials involve a greater expense.
- Blade height: another aspect to consider is the blade’s height, expressed in eighths and variable from 3/8 up to 8/8. The narrower blades are indicated for the most delicate points and the precision jobs, while the wider blades are suitable for overall shaving and speed up the times.
- Tip of the blade: tip shape is also an important factor. The models with rounded tips are the most suitable for newcomers: the absence of angles minimizes the risk of cutting. A square tip is more suitable to refine the most difficult details, but you have to pay close attention to the edges. Other variants (French, Spanish, and barber’s notch) have different rounding levels to accommodate personal inclinations.
- Accessories: before buying, consider what is included in a package, such as replacement blades or shaving foam brushes. The more accessories are included, the less you will have to buy separately.
When and why choose a manual safety razor
The manual safety razor offers a different experience than an electric razor and a disposable razor. Shaving quality is much higher, and there is no risk of irritation or redness. Your skin will thank you.
It takes time, and you have to practice, it’s true. But for beard purists and old-style shaving lovers, there’s no doubt it’s the best choice. Those who try a manual safety razor hardly go back.
Duration and Maintenance
Keep the blade well sharpened to ensure that the manual safety razor always works best. The ideal is to sharpen every 2-3 months, and you can use specific stones or strings (strips of leather or leather that eliminate the marks on a blade). If you take regular care of your manual razor, it will accompany you for life.
The best manual safety razor for cutting quality, blade, and precision
You only have to choose your manual safety razor and facilitate the task. We list below the top 10 best products currently on the market chosen for quality materials, durability, and shaving quality.
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Therefore, any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to purchasing any products.