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What Is The Best Mild Safety Razor For 2024?

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mild lamb

No doubt about it: some shavers want to “turn it up to 11.”  They use razors with tons of exposure and high-performance blades.  They embrace the challenge.  But what if you have sensitive skin?  What if you don’t have quite the time (or the mental focus) to concentrate on your technique?  What if you’re just starting to learn your technique in the first place?  Or what if you–like me–just prefer a less aggressive razor? Then a milder, gentler razor may be for you.  Luckily there are quite a few options.

There are gentle razors across all price points, from the very inexpensive to the very luxurious; double edge (“DE”), single edge, and cartridge.  I’m a fan of mild razors so I’ve tried my fair share.

Note: The razors discussed here are currently in production (though some may be temporarily out-of-stock). Vintage razors won’t be discussed in this article.

Contents – Skip To:

Design Considerations

What Is The Best Mild Double Edge Razor?

What Is The Best Mild Single Edge Razor?

What Is The Best Mild Cartridge Razor?

So Which One Is Best?

How About Adjustable Razors?

Design Considerations – What Makes A Razor “Mild” (or “Aggressive”)?

blade head specifications

There are a number of design specifications and parameters that go into the determination of how aggressive a razor is. Some of the common ones include:

  • Blade Gap: the distance between the blade’s cutting edge and the razor head’s skin guard;
  • Blade Exposure: the distance between the blade’s cutting edge and the plane that extends from the razor’s skin guard and the razor’s top cap. Blade Exposure can actually be a negative value;
  • Span: the distance from the blade’s cutting edge to either end of the head’s shaving plane.

In addition to these parameters, the angle and the pressure that the person shaving uses on the razor factor into how “aggressive” a shave can be.

The classic double edge razor is a “simple” example. Razors with a pivot and/or additional blades complicate the matter further. Take a popular three blade razor with a pivoting head for instance:

3 blade razor head close up

Here you can see different gaps and angles between the blades, in addition to skin pretentioners (AKA “fins”) and a pivot to partly compensate for the person shaving putting too much pressure on the razor.

Taken collectively, here are some general guidelines into making a “mild” or “gentle” (some use the term “comfortable”) razor:

  • Smaller Blade Gap;
  • Smaller (or negative) Blade Exposure;
  • Smaller Cap Span;
  • Shallower blade angle;
  • Lighter razor pressure.

Related Post: How Much Razor Aggressiveness Do You Really Need?

Now that a broad informational foundation has been laid, what razors have a reputation of being “mild?” Here are some options for double edge, single edge, and cartridge razors.

What Is The Best Mild Double Edge Razor?

[Note: geni.us, OneBlade, and PAA, links are affiliate.]

The “tl;dr” in alphabetical order:

Let’s take a deeper dive into them.

Feather AS-D2

feather as-d2

In many respects the Feather AS-D2 razor couldn’t be further from the Dorco PL-602 above: the AS-D2 is a deluxe, Stainless Steel razor.  They do share one trait, though–a gentle shave.  In fact, a lot of shavers complain the AS-D2 is too gentle.  I was one of those people: when I first bought the AS-D2 I was disappointed and considered selling it off.  Then I took the advice of others who use it and tried it with a Feather blade.  The scary-sharp Feather blade, a tiger in most razors, becomes a kitten in the AS-D2.  It’s “mild” but “efficient” at the same time.  Now I enjoy using the AS-D2…as long as I use a Feather blade.

Click/tap here to read my more thorough review: A Popular Razor – A Feather AS-D2 Review

Henson AL13

henson al13

Relatively new to the market is the Henson AL13 aluminum double edge razor. According to Henson, “The Henson AL13 puts an end to shaving irritation and cuts, while also making your skin feel comfortable and smooth. We created this to give you a whole new shaving experience unlike any other. Your skin will feel amazing after using this razor.”

The design and engineering of the AL13 is exceptional. The head design is quite interesting.

The “standard” AL13 is very mild; a “Medium” version is also available for those wanting a little more aggressiveness.

Shaving with the AL13 for the first time might be a little odd for the shaver who has used other double edge razors: the angle at which it is held is quite different. But once that angle is “locked in” most find the shaves excellent.

This razor is also available in a number of different colors.

Click/tap here to read my full review.

Karve Christopher Bradley – “Solid Bar” plates AA, A, or B

karve christopher bradley razor

The Christopher Bradley (“CB”) razor is described as “…constructed from solid brass and is bead blasted for a subtle matte finish. As is the case with all uncoated brass items, a patina will form over time and the surfaces will darken.

I find the “fit and finish” and ergonomics of this razor to be excellent: it seems to fit more naturally in my hand in a way that some razors don’t.  The handle’s slightly-larger-than-usual diameter combined with it’s weight, balance, and subtle texturing make it easy to hold in my hand.  The CB was originally offered in brass but now has versions in Stainless Steel and Aluminum. Handles are offered in 3, 3.5, and 4 inch lengths.

But the real attraction to the Christopher Bradley razor are the number of different base plates offered. Here are the plate specifications:

  • AA – gap = 0.47mm / exposure = negative 0.07mm
  • A – gap = 0.60mm / exposure = negative 0.02mm
  • B – gap = 0.73mm / exposure = zero
  • C – gap = 0.85mm / exposure = positive 0.09mm
  • D – gap = 0.98mm / exposure = positive 0.13mm
  • E – gap = 1.10mm / exposure = positive 0.17mm
  • F – gap = 1.23mm / exposure = positive 0.22mm
  • G – gap = 1.36mm / exposure = positive 0.25mm

I prefer mild razors so I tried the “A” plate first.  I was able to get a “darn fine shave” easily, though a “baby’s butt smooth” result was more elusive.  Switching to the “B” plate got me much closer to the BBS level.

Click/tap here to read my full review: The Karve Christopher Bradley Razor

PAA Original DOC

paa doc razor

The Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements (PAA) original “Double Open Comb” (DOC) razor is an open comb design that bucks the trend (open comb razors are typically more aggressive): it certainly looks aggressive but it is actually quite gentle. For me it does live up to the “mild but efficient” moniker.  This type of razor is also exceptionally good at “blade buffing” and other “touch & cut” finishing techniques.

Click/tap here to read: Double Open Comb And Self Lubricating Razors – What They Are And How To Use Them

Rockwell 6S/6C with plate 1 or 2

rockwell 6s razor

Rockwell pioneered the idea of offering multiple base plates on a double edge razor to provide a more customizable shave. The Stainless Steel Rockwell 6S (and it’s more value-oriented little brother, the chrome alloy 6C) features three base plates that can be flipped over to provide six different shave gap characteristics:

  • R1: 0.008″ (0.20 mm)
  • R2: 0.014” (0.35 mm)
  • R3: 0.019” (0.48 mm)
  • R4: 0.024” (0.61 mm)
  • R5: 0.027” (0.69 mm)
  • R6: 0.031” (0.79 mm)

My shaves with the 6S have been excellent. Personally I prefer plate 2 (sometimes plate 3 depending how thick my stubble is). For me the 6C works best with plate 1 but the 6C doesn’t deliver the same “experience” as the stainless steel version: I like the weight and balance of the stainless steel version better. However, performance-wise I think the 6C is certainly acceptable.

Tatara Masamune

tatara masamune razor

From the Tatara website:

The Masamune Razor was the first TATARA shaving product that we produced. It is fashioned with the look of a classic safety razor but with unique lines of the future and, due to a minimalist design, can transmit our view supported by purity, elegance, and simplicity.

From a solid piece of material, we created a simple and sophisticated double edge razor that translates our vision into a consistent and precise shave….”

“To ensure maximum performance and longevity, we machine all the pieces from solid material and machined with tolerances up to 0,02mm.

Like the Henson above, the Tatara Masamune is artisan-designed with exceptional fit-and-finish. The head design has a 0.63mm blade gap and a -0.13mm blade exposure.

While not as heavy as some other razors out there (it’s about 83 grams) I think the Tatara Masamune has a nice “heft” (it actually “feels” heavier than it is to me). And it’s balanced just the way I like–more towards the head than the bottom of the handle.

I think this razor has a generous “sweet spot” and finding that just-right angle for shaving is easy and intuitive. Lather clogging and rinsing is a non-issue. I get just a bit of blade feel: enough to know it’s cutting but in no way harsh or irritating.

Click/tap here to read my full review: My Golf Ball Razor – Tatara Masamune Razor Review

What Is The Best Mild Single Edge Razor?

[Note: Supply and OneBlade links are affiliate.]

While this article concentrates on double edge razors, there are also a few good single edge razors as well.

Supply SE

I find the Supply SE razor to be forgiving, drama-free and very effective. 

The Supply SE razor is very comfortable on the skin. Combined with a very generous blade angle window (Supply suggests a 15 degree angle but I’ve found just about any “natural” angle on the razor–like you might have with a mass-market cartridge razor–works fine) the Supply borders on the “stupid easy” and it’s almost like I’m just wiping away the stubble.

As most other reviewers have said, I find the Supply SE razor to be efficient and exceptionally comfortable. I’m getting Baby’s Butt Smooth (BBS) shaves from the Supply SE.

Click/tap here to read my full report on the Supply SE razor.

OneBlade

oneblade genesis razor

I make no secret that the OneBlade Genesis is one of my favorite razors–certainly my favorite non-DE razor.  Though it is a single edge design (vs. the double edge design of the rest of the razors on this list) and definitely in the “luxury tool” category, it uses a pivoting head design and a stiff Feather SE blade to great effectiveness.  It’s almost as if the stubble is simply wiped away. The Genesis model is “least mild” while the “Hybrid” and “Core” models are milder still.

The OneBlade Genesis gives me the closest, cleanest, most consistent shaves I have ever had.  Areas that I had to “work at” a little more to get superior results with a regular razor (like directly under my chin) just aren’t a problem with the Genesis.  It’s like the best of both shaving worlds–the consistency of a modern pivot razor with the comfort and simplicity of the single blade of an “old school” razor.  For me it’s a truly great shave with less effort.

Click/tap here to read my extensive review and coverage of OneBlade Genesis razor.

Blackland Sabre

blackland sabre razor

The Blackland Sabre razor uses GEM-type single edge blades. Unlike vintage GEM razors that use a “flip top” razor head, the Sabre is a three-piece design similar to many double edge razors. Like the other artisan-made razors mentioned in this article, fit-and-finish is exceptional.

The “Level 1” model is designed to be relatively gemtle (“4/10” according to Blackland). The Blade Gap is 0.6mm.

I don’t have a Sabre of my own but I did borrow one for a while. Personally I found the three-piece design a bit fussy when it came time to change blades and the shave was probably the “least mild” of the razors in this roundup. But the over-all experience was very good.

What Is The Best Mild Cartridge Razor?

[Note: Amazon links are affiliate.]

Multi-blade cartridge razors can be a challenge when it comes to a “mild” design: the very fact that there is more than one blade edge can complicate things considerably. However, I think there is a cartridge razor worth mentioning.

Gillette SkinGuard

gillette skinguard razor

The Gillette SkinGuard is specifically designed for men with sensitive skin and prone to razor bumps. The Gillette SkinGuard uses a two blade cartridge with the blades are spaced too far apart for the “hysteresis” (e.g. “lift & cut”) effect.

The main differentiator is the Gillette SkinGuard cartridge, a plastic strip in place of the middle three blades of the typical Fusion cartridge, essentially providing a skin-flattening surface while the strip’s thickness raises the blade level slightly (in relation to the skin).

For more coverage on the SkinGuard click/tap here to read The Gillette SkinGuard Razor – Is This 2 Blade Cartridge Razor A Retreat From The Razor Blade Wars?

So Which Is Best?

All these razors provide a consistently gentle shave so it would be hard to go wrong with any of them from a performance perspective.

Performance-wise of the “mild” DE razors here, the Tatara Masamune is the stand-out for me.

If you’re looking to try a mild DE razor relatively inexpensively, the PAA Original DOC is in a category usually reserved for the more assertive crowd.

For single blade razors the OneBlade Genesis stands out to me as a terrific razor for someone looking for a luxury shaving tool that is also forgiving on the face.

For a cartridge razor I think the Gillette Skinguard is a good compromise between getting a forgiving shave and its wide availability in “brick and mortar” stores.

How About An Adjustable Razor?

As I mentioned in the introduction, a razor’s “mildness” is based on a number of design specifications.  But if you are worried about the razor’s aggressiveness, why not consider a razor that can change the blade gap?  There are actually a number of adjustable safety razors that can be, well, adjusted, from mild to wild.  So like Goldilocks you can find a setting that’s juuuuust right.

If you want to know more about fully adjustable double edge razors, click/tap here to read Is The Adjustable Razor Finally Catching On? What Is The Best Adjustable Razor?

Is there a mild razor that you recommend?  Leave a comment below! (Did you find this article useful?  Please share it!)

Author

Shave tutor and co-founder of sharpologist. Also check out my content on Youtube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!View Author posts

48 thoughts on “What Is The Best Mild Safety Razor For 2024?”

  1. Thanks for the info about razors. I am looking for a new razor. I’ll consider this info as I shop for a razor.

  2. Great list! I think the only one missing is Razorocks Gamechanger .68 which is potentially the best value “high end” DE on the market. The performance is somewhere between Karve A-B plate. But $60 for a CNC machined stainless steel razor is unmatched.

  3. For those wondering what constitutes a “mild” razor, I offer a description as a 24 hour razor.

    I suspect the aggressive ones are for those with 2 or more days of beard growth.

    I like the Gillette King, vintage Gillette Tech, and Weishi (Q-Shave) Adjustable in my rotation for daily shaves. Heck, even a Super Speed is great.

    With the crazy razor marketplace competition, there’s no reason to pay $249 or $400 for a close, comfortable shave. None.

  4. Slant razors are often rated as aggressive razors so I wasn’t too surprised not to see any slant razors on your list of mild razors. But are there really no relatively mild slant razors? I’ve used a number of conventional double-edge razors, but all the razors that I use on a regular basis are slant razors.

    I started with a Merkur 37c which was one of the only two slant razor in production when I started using a slant (the other was the Merkur 39c). It did take a bit of practice to get the hang of using it, but by now I almost never nick myself with it. I can use it with any type of blade, top notch, average or poor quality, with good results, the main difference being the number of good shaves per blade.

    With the proliferation of new and resurrected slant designs, I’ve tried quite a few other slant razors.

    You do need to be sure that you have the blade centered evenly when you install the blade in any slant razor but, if you do that, once you get used to using it, you can get excellent, very close shaves.

    The very inexpensive Italian Barber “RazoRock German 37 Slant Razor – Torsionshobel” is almost a clone of the Merkur 37c and seems to work just as well and might even be a bit milder – it’s a good choice for someone who wants to try a slant razor without spending more money.

  5. I’m also a fan of mild razors, Mark, especially paired with very sharp blades. Of those you mentioned, I own or have owned the Dorco, Feather, PAA, and Rockwell (6C). I think the RazoRock Mamba 53 definitely qualifies as a quality mild razor. (Maybe the Mamba 70 too, but I haven’t used it.) RR’s recently released BBS is also a very fine mild razor. Personally, I like the Mamba better than the Feather. And I like the BBS better than any other razor I’ve used. (The Tatara is on my wishlist.)

    Feather blades are the sharpest I’ve used … for the first shave. After that, they fall quickly in the rankings. Although I like them, I prefer Bic Chrome Platinum, Dorco Platinum Prime, and 7 O’clock Super Platinum blades — all sharper than Feather after the first use, and all smoother IMO. As always, of course, YMMV. One thing I’ve found that really helps with all these super-sharp blades is stropping (I palm-strop) to ensure the smoothest possible edge.

    1. I agree with Razorock Mamba .53 or .70 (if 2 or 3 day beard) and also recommend BBS (regular SS) or Baby Smooth (aluminum). These two are very similar except for the extra blade flex for the BBS/Baby Smooth.

  6. Great rundown, Mark. Can’t wait to see your Henson review.

    Two razors I’d add are (1) the Fatip Gentile and (2) the RazoRock Game Changer .68. I wonder why (1) isn’t on more mild lists. It’s one I reach for whenever I’m in a skittish mood. And though I got (2) just yesterday, with both a safety bar and an open comb plate, what I CAN say is that after just one SB shave I decided to use the OC tomorrow. It’s got barely positive blade exposure and Masamune-level blade gap and blade control.

    One thing I’m curious about: Why is the Rex Ambassador in your rotation? I’ve always admired its workmanship but heard it’s aggressive. Is this untrue, or is it to your liking notwithstanding?

  7. A little surprised not to see Supply in the SE section – I find their one-dot shave setting to be on a par with my OneBlade Hybrid for mildness, but much easier to handle due to the smaller head. Supply does take a bit more practice to get it right, but the results are well worth the effort.

    1. Hi Dave– Yes, I was kind of conflicted on the Supply razor. It’s an excellent razor and the ‘mild’ plate is what I use but I don’t find it “as mild” as others in this round-up. My opinion my change for future updates of this article. 🙂

  8. For me the OneBlade Core ranges from extremely mild to completely ineffective, a bit of a disappointment.

    1. I’d agree – the Core is ineffectual at best. At least it’s virtually impossible to nick yourself with it 🙂

  9. best mild razor(s) and blade(s) are
    King Gillette’s razor
    ” ” blades
    Bevel razor
    ” blades
    Gillette’s Nacet blades

  10. Last year’s King Gillette is a mild razor. Pared with a sharp blade (e.g. Silver Blue), it’s a comfortable and effective razor. I like it so much I bought two in case one breaks. I disagree with the commenter about the Merkur 34C. It’s much more of a medium-mild than a pure mild like these.

  11. Excellent list.
    I will add the Feather popular (with feather blade), the Gillette Tech (or his clones,Baili,Razorock tech) and Above the tie Calypso aluminum with M1 plate (love the look of this last one)

  12. I own and have tried numbers of well-known DE razors. My collection includes: iKon DLC, Shavecraft 102 Slant, Gillette Fat Boy, Merkur Progress, Above the Tie Single Edge and SE2, Merkur Future, Phoenix Artisan, Goodfella, Merkur Slant, Asylum RX, OneBlade Core, Rocnel Adjustable, Rockwell 6S, and more recently the Rex Ambassador Adjustable. While I have liked and continue to use some of the razors listed, the Rex is far and above my favorite. The razor is superbly designed. The 1 through 6 settings are continuous rather than discrete. This razor gives me A BBS shave every time if I pay attention to my technique and use light pressure and a careful angle. At $249, it’s a tad pricey, but not for what you get for your dollars.

  13. Pretend you know little to nothing about razors and then came across this article. After reading the first paragraph as it currently stands (end of April 2017), you will understand that a “mild razor” provides a relatively safe shave. However, beyond that, it is not explained what “mild” means.
    Consider that most people are probably aware (from tv and movies, especially) that some men choose to shave or be shaved with a knife-like straight blade – and that their reaction to that might be “Ooh, dangerous!”. The natural question that follows is: does doing that (“turning it up to 11”) actually give a closer, longer-lasting shave than an electric razor, a Mach5, or a so-called aggressive DE razor? Or, for that matter, a mild DE/SE razor?
    And depending on that answer, if a mild DE/SE razor can actually provide similar closeness, does it require more passes than an aggressive razor of the same style to get there, or would that only be if, as mild razors go, it is not an efficient razor?
    What does “too mild”, as stated in the AS-D2 paragraph above, actually mean? Especially when “mild = safe” is the take away from the first paragraph. How does one measure that? Not enough blood shed?!
    Given that the title of the article is “Which is the Best Mild Safety Razor”, the lack of defining criteria is surprising, if not disappointing.
    I’ve been DE shaving for 16 months with 3 razors in regular rotation, all, I believe, on the aggressive side of the scale, so I currently don’t actually have any experience with a mild razor. But having looked it up in the past and again just now to remind me, I was surprised at the answers I found.
    Mantic: I expect that you have likely addressed the whole topic previously, but I’m just trying to point out that readers who’ve just come across this article via Google or other search engine query or external link may have come here with these questions, or may now have them as a result of reading the article. Am not trying to be rude, am just trying to help you create the best content possible.

    1. Hi Daniel– Thanks for your comments–they’re completely relevant. I’ll update the post soon to better reflect what “mild” means.

      1. Thanks. I have to say I found the following thread helpful: https://www.badgerandblade.com/forum/threads/does-a-more-aggressive-razor-necessarily-mean-a-closer-shave.312791/
        … and also LeisureGuy’s 2013 article here on Sharpologist about rethinking the terms we tend to use to describe our razors: https://sharpologist.com/2013/05/mild-or-comfortable-aggressive-or-efficient.html
        I have an adjustable on order so in the not to distant future, I’ll finally get to experience a mild shave for myself!

  14. Kind of surprised not to see Merkur’s 34C on this list. One of my favorites (Merkur Progress is still my all time favorite) and I think quite a mild shave, especially when paired with a good blade for more sensitive skin like a Pol Silver. That is my recommendation for anyone thinking of getting into wet shaving.

    1. I didn’t try my Merkur 34C with Pol Silver, but I did try it with a bunch of other quality blades (Feather, Wilkinson, Astra, Personna and Gillette 7 o’clock Russian) with various degree of irritation. I’m glad it works for you, but since I’ve got the $16 Feather Razor, my Merkur’s sole purpose is decorating the bathroom.

  15. Gillette offers three mild models, from years ago. The Superspeed – Blue Tip was made specifically to be a mild shave. And don’t forget you can dial your mild shave in with the Fat Boy and Slim adjustables.

  16. Brian Fiori (AKA The Dean)

    For what it’s worth, the two mild razors I like to use, are a pre WW2 Gillette Tech and a Merkur 42C. I typically pair both with a Feather, but the Merkur shaves nice with many blades.

  17. A year ago, I stopped into a 99 cent store out of curiosity. While there I noticed a two-piece double edged razor called the Dorco PL602. From the shape of the head, I figured it must be a very gentle razor. My face is extremely sensitive and I had trouble finding a double edge that doesn’t produce many cuts and weepers.
    The Dorco was very gentle and I found that I got a lot of shaves from each blade (I used the company’s ST300 blades). If you have sensitive skin and a soft beard, the Dorco is impossible to beat, both for cost and for the good shaves that it gives. My best shaves usually come after the first ten with each blade (in one case I got 55 shaves from one blade). Also, in spite of the plastic construction, the razors are very tough.

    1. With a light beard and sensitive skin, the Lord L6 head is the perfect fit for me. The base plate angle adds just enough clearance to give me a little more aggressive shave than a Merkur 33c. I adapted the Maggard MR1 handle to it and it’s a razor that has just the right weight, cut and feel for consistently perfect shaves.

  18. I use Phoenix double open comb. Very mild, so much so I use it with feather blades. Great shave with little irritation. It’s the only razor I use now.

  19. I really like the Muhle R89 Twist and the Ikon X3 for mild shaves, both very smooth and safe, just not very efficient.

  20. You say “what if you’re just starting to learn your technique in the first place?” This suggest a beginner might wish to consider the models you’ve presented. A beginner doesn’t want to plunk down the kind of cash some of your suggestions demand if they will be moving on to something else once their technique reaches an acceptable level.
    I suggest therefore that a cheaper selection would be more appropriate. I have one to suggest right away:
    The RazoRock Teck II. Only 8 bucks (US) and it clamps the blade accurately and firmly for a smooth yet fairly efficient shave. I have well over 50 DE razors (1908 through 2016) and this one is definitely in my regular rotation (especially on a day when, as you say, I “don’t have quite the time or the mental focus to concentrate on [my] technique”.

  21. The Parker 92 struck me as being rather aggressive, far more so than an EJ 89.
    Rockwell is also bringing out an adjustable butterfly model later this year, the “Model T” I believe.
    Finally, the Ikon 101 has proven to be very easy to live with, despite its half and half comb design. Both sides are efficient and gentle, and the split approach is an ideal way to sample the feel of an open comb design while still having the safety bar half to fall back on if needed.

  22. Having tried several DE razors I have found the Bevel to be a quality and mild razor. It will not tame a Feather blade though. I do not like their marketing strategy and have sent several e mails to the company on this, all unanswered, but I still believe it is a good razor for sensitive skin.

  23. I recently bought a Van Der Hagen “safety” DE from Bed Bath & Beyond. After laborious lab ratting, I finally teamed it with Merkur blades. Having a porcupine/ hedgehog beard, it requires several passes, but still offers smooth operation, & minimal irritation. Teamed with Barbasol Sensitive Skin shaving cream, this combo offers the least debilitating shaves after almost 50 years of trying manuals, electrics,
    clamshells, a straight razor, etc.

  24. I, too, am a big fan of mild razors. Mild razors offer a close, comfortable shave with less irritation. I love that they are forgiving of minor lapses in attention. Could I find a closer shave? Perhaps — but at what cost in convenience and comfort?
    I agree that the Feather AS D2 with a Feather blade provides a close comfortable shave, but you neglected to mention the Above-the-Tie M1. It has the same blade gap as the Feather, but has a slightly smaller top cap to expose more blade. I find that it shaves a bit closer than the Feather with no additional discomfort.
    The choice comes down to expectations. Anyone who puts a high value on comfort, and who doesn’t feel the need to shave all the toughest places on his face down to baby bottom smooth, or to test his skills against a badass razor should be happy with either of these choices.

  25. IMO the old Gillette Tech and Long Comb / Short Comb New Razors are relatively mild but efficient razors and readily available at good prices on both Ebay and Etsy. All brass construction except for later Tech models and many have lasted for up to 80+ years so far.

  26. Some addictions? Agioco Shaving Razors (any of them; they only differs from the handle but the head is a Gillette Tech clone) paired with a Kai or a Feather are very efficient; Standard Razors paired with a Derby or an Astra blade; Giesen & Forsthoff 42097 both with open and closed comb plates paired with a Red Personna blade.

  27. The Maggard V3 may be a clone of this, but I’d say the Muhle R89/EJ is the best trade off between mild and efficient I’ve found outside of the Baby Smooth. I’ve tried milder razors like the Dorco but they are less efficient and require more pressure and/or passes, adding to the odds of irritation. Like Leisureguy, I believe there’s a downside to a razor being too mild to be efficient. I learned with the R89 and despite having more expensive and rare razors, it’s still one of my best, especially with a feather in it. I’m one of those who believes in a mild razor/sharp blade combo.

  28. I would also add the Parker 24c and 26c open comb razors to the “mild yet efficient” category. The shaves mine provides is always effortless and comfortable.

      1. For sure the Merkur is milder. The 24/26c is definitely on the upper end of “mild;” but is in now way harsh (at least in my experience).

  29. I would add to the list the Fatip Testina Gentile, a very comfortable (“mild” in that sense) razor that is also quite efficient (“aggressive” in that sense). Also, the Maggard V2 open-comb head is, IMO, more comfortable (“milder”) than the V3 head and also more efficient (more “aggressive”).
    I definitely would not recommend the Weishi to a beginner. Not only is it overpriced for what it is, it is “mild” in both senses: it is quite comfortable and also quite inefficient, which leads to a habit of using too much pressure in an effort to get a good shave. It’s much better to get a razor that is “mild” in comfort and “aggressive” in efficiency.

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