In many ways, straight shavers are an embodiment of the manliest shave out there; after all, they're also known as "cutthroat" razors.
Nonetheless, in whichever way you choose to define the straight razors, the bottom line is that straight razors are an effective shaving solution and will get rid of razor burn while offering a relaxing and enjoyable shaving experience.
Some would even say that straight razors deliver an almost therapeutic feeling, a relaxing experience that will question all those times that you used other types of blades.
So, if you've been thinking of replacing your shaving tool with something with a more traditional approach, then, by all means, go for a straight razor.
To give you a better idea of what to look for, we've compiled a list of the top 5 straight razors in the market.
Quick Comparison Table & Our Pick!
PRODUCT NAME | Weight (Pounds) | Material | Shave Life/Blades? | Dimensions (Inches) | BUY NOW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0.15 | Stainless Steel Hollow Ground Blade | 300 Shaves | 5 x 5 x 1 | ||
0.60 | Stainless Steel Heat Resistant | 100 Blades | 3 x 3 x 7 | ||
0.143 | Stainless Steel Bronze Arm | 100 Blades | 3 x 2 x 1 | ||
Other Great Recommendations | |||||
- | Stainless Steel Surgical Grade | 100 Blades | All Levels | ||
0.2625 | Stainless Steel Rust Resistant | 200 Shaves | 5 x 5 x 1 | ||
Shaving process of beards in Barbershop. Master makes a haircut beard client with vintage straight razor.
DOVO Inox Straight Razor
Dovo Inox is a back to basics model that is all about cutting power, and users love this razor for its reliability and performance that makes it a rather wise long-term investment.
Though its simplicity makes it an ideal razor for the beginners, it similarly works well for the experienced shavers too.
Below are some of the features that made Inox earn our top spot in our best straight razor review.
A Long Tradition
Inox is a product of a German brand that has been producing superior blades since 1906.
As you can imagine, their stay in the manufacturing domain has allowed them to build a solid reputation.
In particular, Dovo excels in manufacturing quality, and reliable razors and the Dovo Inox is no different.
Handle
We love the aesthetically designed olive wooden handle that offers users a firm grip while ensuring the razor does not slip during operation.
And for this reason, users get better control for manoeuvring the blade for a more pleasurable and efficient shaving experience.
Blade Design
The incredible full hollow blade design on the Dovo easily achieves a sharp edge and will let users enjoy a close shave.
And if the reviews are anything to go by, users loved this wickedly sharp blade that allowed them to achieve a level of sharpness that our ancestors only dreamed about.
However, this hollow blade is far less forgiving, and if anything, they'll require you to be extra cautious to avoid nicking your skin.
Blade Material-Stainless Steel
Dovo Inox features durable and maintenance-free carbon steel blades that can retain a sharp edge for a more extended duration, meaning that you will not have to worry about oiling or sharpening the razor.
Blade Width
The blade length of 5/8 inches on the Inox is standard among many straight razors, and it gives you a perfect combination of stability, firmness, and usefulness, letting you get a picture-perfect shave.
However, despite its efficacy, the rather wide blade makes it a tad challenging for beginners since it doesn't give them more room for manoeuvring around the delicate areas of the face.
Pros
- Ideal for beginners
- Finely-crafted blade
- Strong grip
Cons
- Might require repeated strokes
Check Dovo Inox Price On Amazon
Feather Ss Japanese Straight Razor
The Japanese always look for ways to differentiate their products, and the grooming tools are one category they pride themselves in establishing a distinguished pedigree.
Feather Ss Japanese Straight Razor, for instance, is one such product that boasts of true Japanese heritage.
Offering a sweet, clean, and elegant shave, Feather Ss gives you a taste of traditional shaving and will make your fellow men want to know what makes your skin so clear of beards.
Stainless Steel Blade
We all know that a dull blade can irritate your skin, leaving your feeling itchy and uncomfortable.
With the Inox, however, the durable stainless steel blades stay sharp for extended periods and will keep your skin safe as it doesn't become dull even after a couple of shaves.
More importantly, the seemingly never-ending quest for a close shave comes to a halting end thanks to the incredible sharpness of the steel blades that will deliver an ultra-smooth skin.
Silicon Resin Handle
The silicon resin handle is probably the feature that offers the real value on this razor.
I find the resin ultra-comfortable on my hand; the material offers a wonderful grip and is never cold to the touch.
Even though I don't like the short design handle, I discovered that many users find the design quite comforting, as it seamlessly fits into their hands.
Further, the material is super-engineered for superior heat resistance and can withstand temperatures up to 275-degrees Fahrenheit.
Spring Mounted Blades
Feather SS is a "replaceable blade" razor letting you replace the razor blades after use.
In most cases, users tend to put off this task because switching the blades is always a hassle.
But for the Feather SS, the switching is easier because the blades are mounted on a spring, letting you dismantle the razor using the one-touch blade removal mechanism.
Pros
High-quality materials
Replaceable blades
Provides close shave
Easy-grip
Cons
- Requires special replacement blades
Check Feather Ss Japanese Price On Amazon
Parker Srw Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor
Parker SRW straight razor is not precisely a fancy razor, and its quality cannot match what you get with a Dovo Inox or Feather SS.
However, this grooming tool is still a quality product that packs a punch and comes at a reasonable price.
Shavette Razor
Many straight razor enthusiasts admit that Parker SRW, though a Shavette-type razor performs just like a straight razor-except that there's no honing or sharpening required.
To this end, SRW features a removable and disposable blade that is easily changed out once it becomes dull, and this helps to eliminate the need for stropping, sharpening or honing.
Barbers, in particular, find this feature quite handy because it allows them to change the blade in between clients and provide them with luxury shaves that mimic a traditional straight razor.
Stainless Steel Blade
The stainless steel blades increase the durability and the service life of the razor. More importantly, however, they maintain sharpness for longer, and will, therefore, provide you with a close shave for several sessions.
The handle, on the other hand, is constructed from a plastic material. At first, the plastic construction was a massive concern for us, but we later came to find out that the plastic used is not the flimsy type, but rather the heavy-duty type that will stand up to drops and dings.
Even so, we were not impressed with the plastic material, and users complained that the plastic handle makes it look rather cheap and that the razor was too light to allow it to glide as straight razors do.
Snap Lock Holder
The proprietary "clip to close" technology keeps the razor secured in position and perfectly aligned, letting you have a clean and efficient shave since you don't have to worry about the blade wobbling during a shave.
Rounded Exposure
The rounded tip blades on the Parker SRW are safe to use, especially for beginners since users don't have to worry about nicking their skins because they do not have a point at the toe of the blade.
We were, however, concerned that we couldn't achieve a perfect line beard or goatee when using the rounded blades.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to change the blade
Cons
- Plastic handles
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Womens Shavers - Review Of Women's Models.
Bikini Razors Review - A comprehensive review of Bikini Trimmers.
Classic Samurai CS-102 Stainless Steel Razor
Classic Samurai CS-102 is a masterpiece, perfect for both pros and newbies.
This razor has a lot of playing in its favour, and with it, you enjoy a great shaving experience at a fraction cost of other open razors.
However, the low price does not mean that Classic Samurai is flimsy or skimps on performance; on the contrary, users love this razor or its professional and reliable performance.
Stainless Steel Blade
Classic Samurai boasts of genuine surgical grade steel blade construction that ensures durability.
Though the steel construction makes it a tad heavier, it will provide you with an excellent grip while shaving.
More importantly, this razor offers an excellent synthesis of weight and balance, making it a user-friendly razor, especially for the users learning the shaving technique.
Shavette Razor
Like the Parker SRW we had reviewed above, Classic Samurai is a Shavette razor too, meaning you can pop in a blade from just about any manufacturer that you can find.
This way, you can find a bespoke shave with the razor blade that best suits your shaving needs.
However, we should point out that the mechanism that holds the blades on this razor is not as good here as you'll find on some of the other high-end models on our list. Nonetheless, it does the job, and it will hold the blade in place effectively.
Rounded Exposure
The blades on this razor are designed with rounded exposure at the end, and this helps in minimizing cut that you would experience when handling straight razors.
Pros
- Comes with 100 blades
- Comes with a plastic pouch
- Budget option
Cons
- Corners of the blade might damage the skin
Check Classic Samurai CS-102 Price On Amazon
Equinox Professional Straight Edge Razor
Equinox is yet another budget option razor, and like Classic Samurai, it doesn't come with an abundance of features.
Again, unlike other brands on our list, Equinox Shavette doesn't carry a rich shaving history; however, it has where it counts.
Design
Generally speaking, the design of this unit promotes comfort, ease of use, and shaving efficiency. From the word go, this Shavette features a classic design that has been in use for decades and remains among the popular models we have in the current market.
Stainless Steel Blades
The stainless steel blades are incredibly sturdy and offer a long-lasting shaving solution. Above all, the blades can maintain sharpness for an extended period, meaning you'll not need to replace them regularly.
Rounded Exposure
Ordinarily, razors are associated with nicks and cut.
But for the Equinox, you can now shave without having to worry about your skin getting damaged thanks to the rounded exposure blades.
Blade Safety
Typical of a Shavette razor, Equinox will gladly let you replace the individual blades with ease.
Also, the Equinox razor comes complete with 100 new blades, with each one individually wrapped, thus keeping them clean and ready for use.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable stainless steel
- Include more than 100 blades
Cons
- Design of the handle might be an inconvenience
FAQs
- Is it better to shave with a straight razor? If you are a traditional shaving enthusiast and like to get a deep smooth and perfect shave, there is no better razor than a cutthroat a.k.a straight razor
- What is the best straight razor for a beginner? Look at our first model, Dovo Inox, which is specifically aimed at the beginner market
- How much does an excellent straight razor cost?. These days, straight razors do not cost an area and a leg, if you are after the best razor. As with other things in life, if you move further into your wet shave or straight razor journey, there are luxury models that can cost you a penny.
- What straight razors do barbers use? Most of them use the Parker model throat cut razor due to its flexibility in changing blades between customers. Shaving with a straight razor is more fun with Parkers!
Best Straight Razors Buying Guide
Choosing the right straight razor is a crucial decision.
While straight razors have, for most of the part, come in a simple and intuitive design, there's more than meets the eye.
To avoid making a wrong purchase, we've compiled a list of the essential features that you need to consider in your next purchase.
Blade Type
Straight razor blades usually come in four different point types and are generally classified into;
Round point: Manifested in a curved design, with no sharp ends. It's a more forgiving blade, ideal for beginners.
Square point: Comes with a straight point profile and is ideal for shaving the small areas. However, it requires expertise and experience in handling
French point: Also known as an "oblique point," it resembles a quarter circle but ends up like a square point.
Blade Width
The width refers to the distance between the back of the blade and the cutting edge.
While the width of the blade doesn't affect the closeness of the shave, a larger blade offers a more "aggressive" shave, while a thinner blade makes it easier for users to strop.
Material
Most of the straight razors are constructed from carbon or stainless steel. Steel razors are inexpensive and will last for longer between sharpening.
Carbon blades, on the other hand, offer an overall higher quality, but they're quite costly.
Conclusion
For a long time, razors have been sidelined, and few men, if any, have been using this grooming tool shave their faces.
However, razors are making a comeback, and in particular, there has been a surge in the use of straight razors.
Whether it's as a result of nostalgia or simply the desire to return to the best shaving solution available, straight razors simply deliver a vastly superior shave.
If you care about your looks, you should consider adding a razor to your grooming repertoire.
FAQs
Is straight razor shaving dangerous?
A straight razor, when used carefully, is not dangerous. However, the razor can result in paper cuts that will bleed normally and not cause an alarm. Before you start using the razor of your choice, ensure you check through the guideline on the safe way of using the razor for your shaving. Therefore, you don't need to be afraid of using the straight razor for shaving.
How many shaves do I make to change my razor?
In most cases, you'll need around 6 to 7 shaves to change the Razor. This will prevent you from the injuries that come with the overuse of the razor. Changing the razor is easy and less costly and will improve the efficiency of your razor.
Are the straight razors durable?
Yes, straight razors will take you through years of usage. All you need is to change the razor and continue using the shaver. The durable shavers come from quality materials to take you through years of good usage.
Is a straight razor good for the skin?
A straight razor is considered safe for the skin when shaving because you'll not need pressure on your skin. This means it slides smoothly while removing the hair. Additionally, the tool is durable and will take you through years of use.
Current Best Selling Cut Throat Razors!
