Safety Razor Selection Guide: Find Your Perfect Double Edge Razor

Choosing the right safety razor is the most critical step in your traditional wet shaving journey. After 20+ years of experience and thousands of customer consultations, this is the most comprehensive guide you'll find.

What You Will Learn in This Guide

Since 2003, The Two Barbers has helped thousands of men discover the art of traditional wet shaving. In this guide, we've compiled our experience with 50+ razor models from the world's leading brands.

Pro Tip 73% of beginners abandon traditional shaving because they started with the wrong razor! Read this guide carefully before you buy.

Part 1: Types of Safety Razors

Closed Comb - The Safe Start

Closed comb razors have a continuous safety bar beneath the blade. This bar "guides" the razor at the correct angle and protects the skin. Ideal for beginners, daily shaving, and sensitive skin.

Open Comb - For the Experienced

Open comb razors have "teeth" instead of a continuous bar. They allow more direct blade-to-skin contact and better management of longer hair. Ideal for experienced users and thick beard growth.

Slant Bar - The Smart Solution

Slant bar razors twist the blade at an angle, creating a "guillotine" cut instead of a straight one. Ideal for coarse hair with less effort required.

Part 2: Aggressiveness - The Key to Proper Selection

Aggressiveness is perhaps the most important parameter. It measures how "exposed" the blade is and how much direct contact it has with the skin.

Level Scale Suitable For Examples
Very Mild 1-2/10 Beginners, very sensitive skin Feather Popular, Rockwell R1
Mild 3-4/10 Beginners, daily use Merkur 34C, Muhle R89, Henson AL13
Medium 5-6/10 3-6 months experience Parker 96R, Rockwell 6S (plate 3-4)
Aggressive 7-8/10 Experienced, coarse hair Merkur 37C Slant, Parker 55SL
Very Aggressive 9-10/10 Experts only Muhle R41, Parker 24C Open Comb

Part 3: Best Safety Razors by Category

Part 4: Construction Materials

Zamak (Zinc Alloy) - The Value Champion

Zamak is a zinc alloy used in 70% of razors. It offers excellent value for money with a lifespan of 5-10 years. Price range: 20-60 EUR.

Brass - The Golden Mean

Brass offers the best balance of durability and price. Lifespan of 20+ years, ideal weight of 80-120g. Price range: 60-150 EUR.

Stainless Steel - The Ultimate

Stainless steel is the premium material. Eternal durability, zero maintenance, premium feel. Price range: 100-300+ EUR.

Part 5: Top Brands Comparison

Brand Country Specialization Prices Ideal For
Merkur Germany Variety of models, adjustables 30-95 EUR Beginners to advanced
Muhle Germany Luxury aesthetics, innovation 35-110 EUR Quality enthusiasts
Rockwell Canada Modular design 80-155 EUR One solution for all
Parker India/USA Value and variety 30-85 EUR Budget-conscious
Feather Japan Precision manufacturing 25-185 EUR Perfectionists
Henson Canada Aerospace technology 75-90 EUR Modern minimalists

Part 6: How to Choose - Step by Step

1
Assess Your Experience: Beginner (0-6 months) = Aggressiveness 3-4/10. Intermediate (6-24 months) = 5-7/10. Experienced (2+ years) = 8-10/10.
2
Determine Your Skin Type: Sensitive = mild razors, closed comb. Normal = medium aggressiveness. Resilient = any choice works.
3
Analyze Your Hair: Fine/soft = mild razor is enough. Normal = medium aggressiveness. Thick/coarse = you need power or slant.
4
Set Your Budget: 30-50 EUR = Merkur 23C, 34C. 50-100 EUR = Muhle R89, Henson AL13. 100+ EUR = Rockwell 6S, Feather AS-D2.
5
Think About the Future: If you want one solution for everything, invest in an adjustable razor (Rockwell 6S, Merkur Futur).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which safety razor is best for beginners?
The Merkur 34C and Muhle R89 are the best choices. They have medium aggressiveness (3-4/10), closed comb head that forgives mistakes, and excellent weight balance.
How much does a good safety razor cost?
Entry-level: 30-60 EUR (Merkur, Parker). Mid-range: 60-100 EUR (Muhle, Henson). Premium: 100-200+ EUR (Rockwell 6S, Feather AS-D2).
Closed comb or open comb - Which should I choose?
If you're a beginner or have sensitive skin, closed comb. If you have experience and thick hair, open comb will give you better results.
Is an adjustable razor worth it?
Absolutely! Especially if you're unsure what aggressiveness suits you. The Rockwell 6S with 6 plates lets you find your ideal setting.
How do I clean my razor?
After each use: rinse with hot water and let dry. Weekly: disassemble and clean with a toothbrush. Monthly: soak in isopropyl alcohol.

Starter Kit - What to Buy First

If you're starting from scratch, these 3 products cover your basic needs:

Tip: Orders over 59 EUR get free shipping!

Why Choose The Two Barbers

Since 2003 20+ years of experience
50+ Models The largest collection
6 Premium Brands Merkur, Muhle, Rockwell, Parker, Feather, Henson
100% Authentic Guaranteed authenticity
Fast Shipping Free over 59 EUR

Remember: The right razor makes all the difference. Take your time - invest in quality and enjoy the journey of traditional wet shaving!

Now go shave like a pro!