The Real Reasons Why You Should Buy A Safety Razor – Let me tell you, people. Shaving really shouldn’t be the hassle that it really is. With the right instruments, you can get a smooth, clean shave that leaves behind no irritation, pain, or sensitivity. However, most of us are stuck using cartridge razors, which have sub-par designs and bad blades.
But, with just one switch over from cartridge to safety razors, you can truly revamp your shaving experience from a zero to a hundred. And this applies to everyone, regardless of gender. But we get it, you might be a little skeptical because, despite the growing popularity of safety razors, they’re still not entirely mainstream.
That’s why, in this article, we’re telling you everything about safety razors, including what they are, why you should buy them, and more.
What Are Safety Razors?
Safety razors are a type of shaving instrument that has a double-edged blade inside, with a protective cover over the blade edge and skin. This unique design is simple, yet helps to deliver a close and smooth shave that is unlike any other.
The invention of safety razors can be traced back to the late 1700s, but they gained true relevance and popularity only in the 1900s when King Gillette improvised the design. Soon after its release into the market, safety razors became a staple in everyone’s bathrooms as they allowed one to shave with efficiency, without risking injury. Till then, for a good shave, you had to go to a professional barber as the tools then could only be used by skilled people and not the average man. However, safety razors now allowed commoners to shave with ease. Even amateurs could shave, without having to worry about getting injured.
However, in the 1970s, when disposable cartridge razors came into existence, which was cheaper and even easier to use. Safety razors eventually faded away from the spotlight, but in recent years, they seem to be making quite a comeback.
A safety razor consists of the head and the handle. The head can be divided into the comb, the razor blade itself, the blade attachment, and the blade gap. The handle can be of either one or two parts depending on the type of razor it is.
Why Should You Use A Safety Razor?
A lot of people tend to be skeptical about using a safety razor, especially because it is often viewed as primitive and too old to be useful. But they’re actually miles better than the average cartridge razor, in several ways more than one. Here’s a quick look at them.
- A Smoother Shave – Safety razors are designed in a way that helps deliver a close, efficient and smooth shave that is like none other. Cartridge razors tend to cut your hair a little below the actual follicle, which is not only more irritating for the skin but can make hair growth more painful, with a higher chance of ingrown hairs. On top of that, hair can also get stuck between the blades, or pass through them, which can ruin the shaving experience and even leave stray hair behind.
- An Irritation-Free Shave – Compared to cartridge razors, which have multiple blades embedded in the plastic, safety razors have only one double-edged blade that grazes over a patch of skin only once. Due to the presence of multiple blades, cartridge razors can irritate your skin immensely, especially when you have to graze it over your skin numerous times. But safety razors have only one blade, which keeps your skin from getting too irritated. On top of that, residue from hair and products like shaving cream can remain stuck between the blades, which can increase the risk of irritation and infections as well.
- Safer For The Environment – Safety razors are much safer for the environment, compared to cartridge razors which are created with tons of plastic and are non-recyclable. Disposable razors are one of the leading reasons behind pollution in landfills, with over 2 billion razors going to the dumps everywhere. However, safety razors are made of recyclable, biodegradable metals like steel. Not just that, they also last much longer and can last for years if properly taken care of and maintained, whereas disposable razors, as well as the blades, have to be changed every month or so.
- Cost-Saving – Like we just mentioned above, cartridge razors need to be changed and switched very frequently, at least once a month, and maybe even earlier depending on how frequently you use them. Now, though they have a lower up-front cost, the constant buying will stack up over time. But safety razors, once bought, last a long time. Though this object might have a marginally higher up-front cost, it needs to be replaced only once in a while. The only recurring cost with safety razors is the blades, which are very cheap and available anywhere.
- Aesthetic Value – Now this might seem frivolous, but as people who appreciate the art of shaving, we had to mention this. Due to the sleek yet rugged design of the safety razor, they add a special aesthetic value to the bathroom. If well taken care of and maintained properly, the metallic shine of your razor will last a long time. If you are someone who appreciates the art and aesthetic of grooming and beauty like us, then you’d definitely love the one-of-a-kind visuals of a well-made razor, such as one of the best long handle safety razor: Merkur 23C, that delivers efficient use and a great shave, along with a chrome exterior that is simply stunning.
What To Remember When You’re Buying A Safety Razor?
Before you actually head on to buy a safety razor, here are a few tips that will help you out, if you keep them in mind.
- Safety razors are segregated into a variety of styles and categories, based on several differentiating factors including how many parts they consist of (one-piece, two-piece, and three-piece razors), the design of the head (open-comb, closed-comb, and adjustable) as well as the handle (short or long-handle). Make sure that you look through the various types of razors available, and the features of each, to know which one will suit you the best.
- As a corollary to the first point, a major determinant of what kind of razor you should go for is prior experience. Compared to cartridge razors, safety razors can be a bit more complicated to use and require some getting used to. Not only is their design entirely different, but they are also heavier. So, if you’re a beginner, make sure that you buy a model that is appropriate for your level and gradually switch over time. We suggest that you stick to a closed-comb, long-handle razor that is much safer and easier to grip and use. If you’re looking for a good model that fits the criteria and is a dream to use, then we have to recommend the best long-handle safety razor: Merkur 23C that dazzled us with its features, style, and durability.
- Unlike what many people think, safety razors aren’t that expensive. Price can also fluctuate a lot between safety razors, depending on the brand, country of origin, material use, features present, etc. So make sure that you have a budget in mind that is comfortable for your pocket and buy according to that. Don’t skimp out, or else you’ll end up with a sub-par tool but you don’t have to spend tons either. Just find a comfortable middle ground.
Also Read: How to Eat Healthy as an Older Person
