Best Straight Razors in 2019: Unraveling the Mysteries of Straight Razor Shaving

by Garrick Dee | Last Updated: June 16th, 2020

So you’ve decided that your father and grandfather were onto something after all.

They knew that smooth lines and soft skin were a sharp combination, and the straight razor would take them there. It gives you full control, and it’s classy.

And after surviving three hundred years of history, how could it not be?

Originating in 1680, this razor has seen several manufacturers, different materials, and names ranging from the open razor to the cut-throat razor. Here is the reason for your trepidation.

You want to shave your face with Sweeney Todd’s knife.

What seemed like a nostalgic, gentlemanly choice now have you lost in a sea of information, products, and images of meat pies.

Quick Comparison: Our Picks for the Best Straight Razors

You’ll find more information about these razors below, but you can click on the links above to see the latest prices and reviews on Amazon. Don’t forget to scroll down to see more tips on how to choose a straight razor that covers a lot of subtopics.

Remind Me Why I Want to Use a Straight Razor?

Economical, efficient, and environmentally friendly are all top reasons to consider the switch.

Shaves from a straight razor often last longer than those from electric or disposable razors.

Why is that? Made of either stainless steel or high-carbon steel, these blades feature a specific and customized geometry that aids their ability to effectively cut hair while following the contour of your face.

Honing and stropping them will also save you the money and hassle of having to regularly replace them. And with fewer packaging materials, they also contribute to environmental responsibility.

Now you will be dapper, strapping, AND cleanly shaven while saving the planet.

You’ve got me. Now, What Do I Look For When Purchasing?

Most barbers will tell you that going to the store is a must. Hold several razors–feeling how their weight and balance sit in your hand.

While vintage ones include elegant detailing and history, they might not be the best choice for a novice.

Sharp blade – Well-groomed fellow says to choose a “Shave Ready Blade” already sharpened and ready to use.

Good steel – You are looking for a quality, well-tempered steel with a width in the range of 5/8. This will make it easier to control the changing contour of your face.

Rounded point – Look for a rounded end because there’s less risk of accidentally cutting yourself with a spiked edge razor.

Mind the budget – Don’t buy something expensive unless you can afford it. Find something that’s comfortable for you to use. Master technique first before investing in something more high end.

While this is not the time to skimp, you also don’t need to break the bank on your first razor. See our bullet points below for more specifics on types of razors and their general anatomy.

Three Basic Types of Straight Razors

European Straight Razor

According to knifeplanet.com, this is the classic razor with which you are probably most familiar.

It features a blade and handle fixed together with a pivot pin.

This razor is durable, dependable, and daring. Although it doubles nicely as a lethal weapon, it will surely become a long-lasting favorite once you master the technique of its use.

Shavettes

This razor serves as a good choice for the nervous novice.

The shavette uses replaceable blades, so no honing or stropping is required. With a price point as low as $30, this might be a great jumping-off point for newbies.

Asian Straight Razor

With exceptional precision and a keen blade, the Asian straight razor is an excellent choice for the attentive shaver.

A bit smaller than the others, this razor easily serves the harder to reach crevices and angles of your face and neck–think around your ears and nose.

Once you have settled on the type of razor for you, it’s time to review the anatomy.

These three categories will help you determine whether the razor best suited to your face and hand. Who knew a strip of steel could be so intricate?

Anatomy of a Razor

Temper

Tempering is the act of heating a metal–giving it a certain degree of flexibility and toughness.

There are three types of steel classifications:

• hard-tempered
• medium-tempered
• soft-tempered

A hard-tempered blade is more difficult to sharpen, but it will keep its edge longer. Medium and soft-tempered blades are decreasing variations of the hard-tempered one.

Balance

This refers to the balance between the blade and the handle.

You’d want something balanced when suspended from the pivot point.

Uneven weight distribution may lead to tipping while shaving, risking a nick or cut.

Grind

The grind of a razor mainly refers to the shape of the blade.

Your two main choices are wedge versus concave. The wedge grinds best serves men with coarser hair as it is both heavier and more robust.

The downside to a “wedge” razor is it will not follow the contours of the face because of its stiffness and will not give as close a shave.

A concave or full hollow ground razor is much thinner and offers an incredibly close shave because the delicate edges can bend or flex to the contours of your face.

They are incredibly challenging to make (particularly extra hallow ground variants) and therefore tend to be more expensive.

Then there are the in-between types such as the 1/4 hallow, 1/2 hallow, etc.

According to Badger and Blade, heavily bearded men will benefit most from wedges, 1/2 hallow, and 1/4 hallow blades, but this does not mean that does not mean someone with a light beard cannot get a good shave with a wedge. Choosing a grind will depend on personal preference.

Tip or Blade Point

Tip or blade point refers to the end of the razor, opposite the handle. Check out the illustration above to see the 5 common blade points available.

The Sharpologist defines five different types, each one serving a different purpose.

Spike Point (or square tip)

A spike point or a square tip is less forgiving than a rounded tip; thus, only experienced shavers should think about using this.

These razors can reach the hardest to reach areas such as the mustache area under the nose and under the ear lobe.

Round

A round tip is the safest edge that’s the best option for anyone starting out. The round shape is forgiving, and there is little risk of slashing yourself by accident.

Spanish

This razor has a very unique shape that collectors many collectors say are the best looking straight razors available.

Special care must be taken however, when stropping these razors as they are known to “bite” and can damage the strop.

French

A French tip is a combination of the round and Spanish point. It has a smaller diameter, which makes it each to shave hard to reach areas, and the round point keeps those nicks and cuts to a minimum.

Baber’s Notch

As it’s name implies, a Barber’s Notch is designed for a professional barber as it is most functional when shaving someone else.

What About the Fancy Accoutrement?

So you’ve chosen your first straight razor. Now it’s time to accessorize it. Proper care will ensure that it lasts not only your lifetime but also that of your son and even grandson!

Strop

Investing in a high-quality strop will go a long way to preserving the integrity of your blade. Regular stropping will keep your blade clean–removing bits of skin, cream, and hair.

This might set you back $30 or $40, but it’s worth the investment.

Shaving Brush

Your razor isn’t the only thing in need of some affection.

What about your skin? Shaving brushes come in badger or boar’s hair, with several authorities, including straightrazorplace.com, agreeing that badger hair is your best choice. Used to apply the cream to the face before shaving, this coarse hair will create a thicker, more luxurious lather.

Aftershave is your final step. Functioning as both a disinfectant and a moisturizer, its use is vital as it dramatically reduces post-shaving skin irritation.

I’m Ready to Shave

Esquire.com gives us a step by step guide, along with a few extra tips, to straight razor shaving. Above all, take your time. There is no rush to this process, and the technique of shaving is perhaps the most essential part.

Begin by wetting the face and using that badger brush to apply the shaving cream.

Holding the blade at a 30-degree angle to your skin, proceed with long, slow downward strokes.

Make sure you are moving with the grain, as going against it will likely lead to bumps and ingrown hairs. Begin with your cheeks, continuing on to your chin, upper lip, and finally, your neck.

Avoid shaving against the grain if you have sensitive skin. The most aggressive you could go is across the grain.

If you have sensitive skin, try shaving across the grain to reduce irritation.

Use your free hand to hold the skin taut as you shave. Taking care to keep a gentle grip on the razor, apply light pressure so the razor can do the work for you.

Rinsing, drying, and aftershave applications are your final steps.

Which Razor is Right for Me?

You do not see double. There are many straight razors currently on the market, and knowing which one to buy can be challenging.

As you’ve most likely noticed, price points vary from incredibly cheap ($9) to shockingly expensive ($500).

For the beginner, we recommend finding a comfortable middle ground. In our reviews below, we have selected five quality products at manageable prices.

Feather Dx Folding Wood Handle

This razor is an excellent choice for those who are new to straight razor shaving.

Designed with replaceable blades, there is no need for honing or stropping–skills that novices might not yet be ready to execute.

Users report that not only is the wooden handle exceptionally comfortable, but also that the entire razor is a great value.

Not only men liked this razor, but women also liked it for shaving their legs. The only reported concern was concerning the razor’s sharpness. You should expect some nicks as you adjust to it.

Bottom line: If you’re new to shaving with a straight razor, this is an excellent option because of the disposable blades. You don’t need to learn the art of stropping at the get-go, but of course, replacement blades cost money, and it adds up over time, but these refills don’t cost a lot.

Classic Samurai CS-102 Stainless Steel Professional

This is the most affordable razor on our list.

If you’re still on the fence whether or not to go the straight razor route, this is an excellent product to test the waters.

Like the Feather Dx razor, the Samurai CS-102 also uses replaceable blades and comes with a pack of 100 extra blades.

New users appreciated this product’s convenience while they worked on mastering their general shaving techniques.

In addition to right balance, reviews found that the item was comfortable to hold.

Among the most prevalent complaints reported that the razor did not hold the blade securely. Some users found that the blade continuously slipped out during replacement.

Bottom line: This is the cheapest option of all the razors featured here, so if you aren’t willing to invest in a substantial among to buy a quality cut-throat razor, this may be a good option. Like the Feather, this also uses disposable blades, so you don’t have to learn how to stop.

Velvet Forge

This classic straight razor features a matte black finish and a genuine stainless steel blade.

Despite coming with an exceptionally blade, this item also totes a lifetime sharpening warranty when you register your purchase online.

Customers say that this company’s customer service cannot be beaten.

Criticisms of the Velvet Forge straight razor state that in some instances, not only was the blade was not completely straight and that the handle was also too heavy–creating an imbalance in the item.

Bottom line: This black beauty uses a genuine stainless steel blade that will last a lifetime, plus the lifetime sharpening warranty means that you will never have to spend money on refills ever again!

Boker Elite 140614

The Boker Straight Razor Elite is a customer favorite. Ready to use out of the box, this product provides excellent balance, high-quality steel, and a reasonable price tag.

Customer reviews were extremely enthusiastic about the carbon fiber handle–saying that it added a professional feel to the razor.

The carbon fiber handle will last longer, so this is an excellent choice if durability is a concern for you.

Bottom line: Perhaps the best bang for the buck option of the 5 razors here, the Boker Elite uses high-quality steel, carbon fiber handle that gives outstanding balance, and at less than $200.

A.P. Donovan 7/8 Set in Mahogany

If you’re looking for a gift or an affordable starter kit, this mahogany set is a terrific choice.

Housed in a beautiful wooden box, items included are straight razor, badger brush, shaving cream, and leather strap for stropping.

The razor is a combination of alloy-steel and a wooden handle (Madagascar wood).

Consumers liked the finish and say that this razor is reliable and has a right balance.

But the quality of the leather strop and blade didn’t match the rest of the razor.

Consumers felt that the leather seemed to be of lower quality than the rest of the kit, while the blade needed sharpening before first use.

Bottom line: This beauty is an excellent option for men looking to dive into straight razor shaving. Not only will you get the razor but also a badger brush, leather strop, and shaving cream.

That’s a Wrap

So you’ve combed through this article, worked up the nerve, and are ready to hit the stores for purchase.

While all five of our razor selections are winners, the A.P. Donovan Straight Razor 7/8 Set in Mahogany stands out as the best choice for newbies. It comes with all the extras you need for wet shaving like a badger brush.

These extra items, in addition to the razor, could quickly run your initial cost well into the $200-$300 range and beyond. Razor itself is excellent, has good quality steel and balance.

Although the strop received limp reviews, it is most likely a good enough quality for the individual learning how to use it.

The Samurai Classic CS-102 is another option for men who are “in the fence” on whether or not to go a straight razor. This razor is known as a Shavette – it has a body of a straight razor but uses disposable blades.

Once you have mastered your technique and are looking to upgrade, you can opt for something nicer like a Velvet Forge or a Boker Elite 140614.

The former uses a beautiful satin black stainless steel blade with a lifetime warranty while the latter has a carbon fiber handle that will last longer than wood.

Straight razor shaving truly is a time-honored tradition. Count yourself among the many men who have passed before you on this quintessentially masculine rite of passage.