Razor Blade Guide: All Brands Reviewed 2026
Find the perfect blade for your skin type and hair texture. From mild blades for beginners to ultra-sharp for experts - we analyze 25+ brands based on 20 years of experience and thousands of tests.
Contents
What You'll Learn in This Guide
Razor blades are the heart of traditional shaving. A wrong choice can lead to irritation, redness, and cuts - the right choice transforms shaving into a pleasant experience with flawless results.
Since 2003, The Two Barbers has tested literally every blade on the market. In this guide, we share our experience with 25+ top brands to help you find the perfect blade for you.
Why Blade Selection Is Critical
The blade is the only part of the razor that touches your skin. Each blade has unique characteristics that affect its performance:
- Sharpness: How easily it cuts through hair
- Smoothness: How smoothly it glides on skin
- Longevity: How many shaves it lasts
- Coating: Affects glide and durability
The secret is finding the balance that suits your needs. Learn more in our post-shave skincare guide.
Understanding Blade Aggressiveness
Aggressiveness determines how "strongly" the blade cuts and how intensely you feel it. Aggressive blades aren't bad - they just require more careful technique:
| Level | Rating | Characteristics | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Mild | 2-3/10 | Forgiving, extremely smooth | Beginners, very sensitive skin |
| Mild | 4-5/10 | Balanced, safe | Daily use, sensitive skin |
| Medium | 6-7/10 | Good cutting, moderate feel | Experienced users, normal skin |
| Aggressive | 8-9/10 | Very sharp, intense feel | Advanced users, coarse hair |
| Very Aggressive | 10/10 | Extremely sharp | Experts, very coarse hair |
Best Blades by Category
After extensive research and analysis of thousands of reviews worldwide, these are the top blades for each category:
Best for Beginners
Mild blades that forgive mistakes and provide comfortable shaves without irritation. Ideal for learning proper technique.
Best for Daily Use
Medium aggressiveness blades with consistent performance. Ideal for experienced users who shave regularly.
View All Blades
Best for Coarse Hair
Aggressive blades with exceptional cutting power. Require proper technique but deliver baby-smooth results.
Premium Choices
Top-tier quality from renowned manufacturers. For those who want the best possible shave.
Best Budget Options
Excellent value for money. Reliable blades without breaking the bank.
Blade Coatings: What Each One Offers
Modern blades feature advanced coatings that dramatically improve performance:
| Coating | Benefits | Ideal For | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum | +20-30% longevity, anti-corrosive | All skin types | Astra SP, Feather, Perma-Sharp |
| Teflon/PTFE | -40% friction, excellent glide | Sensitive skin | Shark, Dorco STP |
| Chrome | Harder surface, clean cut | Coarse hair | BIC Chrome, Lord Chrome |
| Ceramic | Ultra-smooth surface, zero oxidation | Premium use | Derby Premium |
How to Test and Choose the Right Blade
Finding the perfect blade is a personal journey. Follow these steps:
Usage and Maintenance Tips
Secrets for Maximum Performance
Do This
- Rinse the new blade with hot water before first use
- Position the blade perfectly aligned in the razor
- Rinse every 2-3 passes with strong water flow
- Dry with a towel (pat dry) after shaving
- Store in a dry place, away from moisture
Avoid This
- Don't tap the razor on the sink - it damages the edge
- Don't leave the blade wet - it will rust
- Don't store in the bathroom if it's humid
- Don't continue with a blade that tugs instead of cuts
- Don't rub the blade - just pat dry
When to Change the Blade
Signs that indicate the blade is "done":
- Tugging instead of cutting: The first and clearest sign
- Need more passes: Going from 2 to 3-4
- Sudden irritation: Without changing anything else
- Visible damage: Rust, spots, irregularities
Frequently Asked Questions
Starter Kit - What to Buy First
If you're just starting with traditional shaving, these 3 blades cover all your needs:
Tip: Free shipping on orders over 59 EUR!
Why Choose The Two Barbers
Remember: The perfect blade is the one that suits YOUR skin and hair. Experiment, keep notes, and you'll find it!
Happy shaving!