Want To Make A Statement? 14 Razors For The Luxury-Minded Shaver

A few years back I wrote about luxury razors. The razor market (not to mention the world) has changed since then with a number of the razors listed going the way of the Dodo. But there is still a luxury razor market and new models have replaced the ones that couldn’t survive. Here is what you can get if you want to “make a statement” (or maybe “have money to burn”). This is a major update of the original article!

What Are You Really After?

There’s something about an expensive artisan shaving razor that just feels luxurious. The razors are made with high-quality materials and attention to detail, making them some of the most interesting razors on the market. Maybe it’s the weight in your hand, or the way the blade glides over your skin. Whatever it is, there’s no denying that a high-quality razor can make shaving an incredibly luxurious experience.

Sure, you could buy a cheaper razor and get by just fine. But if you want to take your shave to another level, an artisan razor may be worth the investment.

Not only are they more effective at getting rid of hair, but they may also provide a much more comfortable shave. So if you’re looking for a luxurious shaving experience, an artisan razor is definitely worth considering.

Criteria For Expensive Razors

There are many fine razors at almost every price point. But I think there’s still some allure to holding and using a finely-crafted, luxury razor. These luxury shaving tools feature expensive materials and unique (in some cases patented) design features. Most of these razors also offer bespoke accessories (like a razor stand) that enhance the experience. What can you get for your money?

I’ll limit myself to safety razors that cost at least US $250 and generally available (and in stock!) in the US–since most Sharpologist readers are in the US.

Straight razors can be a whole different level of pricing (!) and won’t be covered here.

Note: Amazon, Geni.us, Henson, and OneBlade, links are affiliate.

Artisan/brand sales copy below are from their web pages in italics.

Timeless TIBYOR: $250*

From the Timeless website:

From the Timeless website:

…You choose the design and shave you want by choosing the cap, base plate, and finish. The handle’s design includes spiral grooves that wrap around the handle, giving you a strong grip and a sophisticated look.

…Our titanium razor is slightly heavier than others. When you hold this razor, you will understand what a high-quality instrument our Titanium razor is….

• Material: Titanium
• Handle: 14mm x 85mm, 51 Grams
• Blade Exposure: 0.95 mm blade gap: 0.002″ or 0.68 mm blade gap: zero

A double edge razor design. As the text above mentions, there are a number of ways to customize this razor: to different caps (smooth or scalloped), six different base plates (including three “dual comb” varieties), two different blade gaps (“mild” and “medium aggressive”), and two finishes (polished or matte).

* The razor does start at $225 but goes $250+ with pretty much any combination of options.

Timeless razors have a reputation of exceptional fit-and-finish and shave well. The research I did indicates the “mild” version is similar in performance to a Feather AS-D2 (see below) with little blade feel but a good shave. The “medium aggressive” version is much more aggressive/efficient with some users saying, while they need to be much more aware of their shave technique, the results are excellent.

Henson TI22: $250

Note: Henson links are affiliate.

From the Henson website:

“Made of Grade 5 Titanium, it is lighter than steel but also stronger. The skill and experience required to machine an exotic metal like Titanium to the tolerances Henson demands makes a razor like this a very rare commodity.”

A double edge razor design, the shave performance of the TI22 generally mirrors that of its more famous cousin, the AL13. However there is the availability of a third, more aggressive, head option.

Unlike some of the other artisan razors on this list that are made in small batches to maintain quality control, the Henson TI22 is being built at scale to incredibly tight tolerances.

Hommage (Mach3 Head): $255-$950

Hommage is “Mens luxury skincare, designed with ritual in mind.”

Stockholm/Chicago/Santiago: $255

These razors use Gillette Mach3 (and compatible) cartridges.

From the Hommage website:

The Stockholm handle is “precision cast” (metal not specified) with a knurled finish, the Chicago handle is a “[p]recision cast…jet black lacquer surface,” and the Santiago handle is “calf leather” surface.

Hommage Monaco: $295

“Engineered in Japan, the design combines distinctive handle ergonomics in a decadent stainless steel finish compatible with Gillette’s Mach3 blades to deliver a high-performance shave.”

This razor uses Gillette Mach3 (and compatible) cartridges.

Hommage Verona (Travel Razor): $330

“The Verona razor is the ultimate companion for the style-conscious gentleman traveller. The layers of zinc alloy, nickel, silver and chrome make up the beautiful handle design, while the rubber grip gives maximum control. The hand-stitched leather pouch protects the razor in any suitcase of the wash bag.”

This razor uses Gillette Mach3 (and compatible) cartridges.

Carbon Shaving Co. Cx-316L/Web: $279

From the Carbon Shaving website:

We have updated our Cx to include our “Web” plate design. This design allows us to use the minimal amount of material to achieve the strongest and lightest base plate. The concept of “lightening holes” is a good example of a vintage design principle used to make structures lighter.

This design feature has been used extensively in military, aerospace, marine and auto racing.

Specifications:

• R2 Handle – 316L Stainless Steel – Total razor weight ~91 grams
• Your choice of a base plate, see base plate notes below
• All 3 Parts Precision CNC Machined
• Positive blade exposure
• ~92 mm handle length (3.6 inches) – 13 mm handle diameter (.5 inches)
• High Polish Finish – Some machine marks are visible. Some scratches also exist. These can be seen under the cap, on critical dimensions and when magnified.
• Designed, Made and Finished in the USA

Base Plate Options:

• All base plates have positive blade exposure

Original Base Plate – This was our first design configuration, what makes this plate unique is the added blade exposure. It’s still my personal favorite and has a .68mm with positive blade exposure. This design offers a lot of user control with the positive blade exposure. For a milder shave, you can change the angle or “ride the cap” for sensitive parts like the neck. For other areas, you can still have a good amount of efficiency.

– Base Plate – This is our newest base plate. If you have sensitive skin, prefer less blade feel, have fine hair or just enjoy a mild shave, this is the one. Head shavers have enjoyed this one. This plate has our least blade exposure and a .71mm, our smallest blade gap.

+ Base Plate – We reduced the blade exposure from the original but increased the gap to .88mm. This is a nice option if you prefer less blade feel, yet still enjoy a higher efficiency in a razor. This plate is also a nice option if you only shave every 2-3 days…

++ Base Plate – This one is for those who like a very efficient option. This plate is still with positive blade exposure, but has less exposure than the + Base Plate. This razor has a larger 1.08mm gap. If you have thick hair and shave every 4-5 days or just like an efficient razor, this would be the one.

Rex Supply Ambassador: $295-$500

From the Rex website:

…This product was developed by wet shaving enthusiasts to deliver a fully customizable shaving experience. Whether this is your first double edge safety razor or you’re a long time-wet shaver looking for an elevated experience, The Ambassador delivers a clean, close shave without the tugging, pulling and skin irritations commonly found with multi-blade razors.

…This double edge safety razor is manufactured from marine-grade stainless steel for maximum durability and ease-of-use. It is perfectly weighted and balanced and features a “Sure Grip” handle that makes the razor easy to hold, even when wet.

The Ambassador is infinitely adjustable, making it easy to find the best possible blade exposure for your skin. Just turn the integrated dial up or down to adjust the amount of blade gap for a milder or more aggressive shave….

…The Ambassador razor is Made in the USA and designed for a lifetime of use. Each razor features an individual serial number and a manufacturing code that adheres to the classic Gillette® product dating system. This razor comes with a lifetime warranty.

I’m a huge fan of adjustable razors and I bought one of the very first Ambassadors. It has performed up to my high expectations!

Blackland Blackbird Titanium $320

From the Blackland website:

Meet the featherweight version of our flagship double-edge safety razor, the Blackbird. We took the same beloved design that put us on the map and machined it entirely from solid titanium. The result is the smoothest Blackbird ever made and quite possibly the best combination of comfort and efficiency of any razor on the market.

• Billet Grade V Titanium
• Weight: 54g
• Handle Length: 85mm

Three piece safety bar design.

Blackland Vector Titanium $340

From the Blackland website:

Since its debut, the Vector has set the standard for single-edge razors with its unmatched maneuverability, compact head design, and a shave that perfectly blends comfort and closeness. We took that same design to a new level by machining it from solid billet titanium, making the Vector Titanium even smoother, even more maneuverable, and every bit as innovative as its stainless counterpart.

• Billet Grade V Titanium
• Weight: 44.5g
• Handle Length: 92mm

A single edge razor design that uses “Artist Club” style blades.

Rex Konsul Adjustable Slant $350

From the Rex website:

Feather WS-D1S: $395-$600

I think the Feather AS-D2 “All Stainless” razor was the first “luxury” double edge razor, at least in the modern sense. When the Feather All Stainless was released there was a “sticker shock” reaction from much of the traditional wet shaving community (myself included). Now the AS-D2 is at the low end of the “luxury” range.

Feather also offers the WS-D1S razor, a limited edition wood handle double edge razor that is similar in form factor to the AS-D2 but the mid-section of the handle is made of a bold wax-infused wood that’s water repellent and easy to grip when wet. Made in Japan the weight is 2.3 oz (66 g) and the length is 4.3 inches (110 mm). Availability is not as widespread as the AS-D2 but it can be found on Amazon, and Fendrihan in North America.

Hommage offers a special version of the Feather WS-D1S for US $950.

The Ws-D1S razor head may be just a bit more aggressive than the AS-D2 but reviews have not been uniform in this regard: some say “mild” while others say “moderate.” It shares the same head as the AS-D2, but this head is “smoked” in a graphite-baking process which may have changed the shave characteristic a bit.

Tatara Muramasa Adjustable Razor ~$400

From the Tatara website (affiliate link):

For my review click/tap here to read: Tatara Muramasa Adjustable Razor: Shogun Or Ronin?

Conclusion

These certainly aren’t the only luxury razors available: Pils in Germany and Rocnel in Turkey come to mind (though they are difficult to get in the US), as does “unobtainium” like the Zafirro Gold (US $18,000) and the Zafirro Iridium (US $100,000). Other razor artisans are constantly testing the market. But the razors listed here represent some of the most sophisticated, luxurious products available in the US.

How do you feel about luxury razors? Have you tried any of these? Did I miss any? Leave a comment below.

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