If you’re reading this, chances are you’re at that stage in your life where you have to shop for a razor. Many college-bound guys, who are beginning their transition to manhood, make a mistake by failing to select one that gives a very close shave and delivers a pleasant shaving experience.
While college is certainly a safe place for beards, it’s worth remembering that many of those who fail to get their grooming rituals right and grow scraggly beards are out of the dating game.
Take my word for it: shaving matters in college. At least until your beard starts to grow evenly. A good razor will help you to fix a patchy beard and look great every day. After all, the college dating game is lots of fun and you don’t want to ruin everything by not looking your best, right?
So to help you with choosing a razor that will be a great match for your shaving needs, I’ve compiled a concise list of tips and options that provide optimal control and safety. Amazon links are affiliate.
Important Considerations
[Ed. note: Amazon links are Sharpologist affiliate.]
There are some things you want to look at when selecting a razor for you, including:
Handle
It is important to have a handle that is easy and comfortable to hold to ensure an appropriate shaving experience. Razors with a short handle are easier to manipulate, so they should be a good option for you.
Aggressiveness
The more aggressive the razor is, the easier it is to get cut yourself shaving with it. If you have a sensitive skin and a thin beard, go for a mild or middle aggressiveness.
Head
The head can be a solid bar, which is typically at some angle or curve, or an open comb, which provides more exposure of the skin. The latter option is better if you have a thick beard. For beginners, a straight bar razor is safer because it offers additional protection.
To summarize, a great option for a beginner like you would be the one with a straight bar, non-aggressive blade, and a short handle with a textured grip for comfort.
Materials
College life can be a little rough-and-tumble, so you will want to consider a razor that can take a little abuse.
Below, you’ll find four great options I’ve picked up based on these characteristics. These will keep you fresh, good-looking, and ready for the dating game.
Merkur 34c Heavy Duty
One of the most popular shaving products of all time, this chrome finished 2-piece razor with a closed comb has a medium level of aggressiveness and an easy-to-operate 3-inch textured handle.
The Merkur 34C, like all the razors in this article, uses the good old standard double edge blades, so you won’t have any problems finding a replacement.
This product is made in Germany by a company called DOVO Solingen. They’ve been producing razors since 1904, so the quality of their products is superb.
Overall, Merkur 34 is a great product, but keep looking if you have large hands. The short handle can be a real problem.
Click here to check out the price on Amazon.
Parker 91 R
This razor also has excellent reviews, and for a good reason. It’s a three-piece, nickel/chrome-finished product with a medium aggressiveness that has a great grip thanks to a 4-inch textured handle.
The weight of this model (3 ounces) comes from a high-quality brass frame and eliminates the need to apply any pressure to your face, thus reducing the risk of cuts. Simply put, the only thing you have to do is guide it.
This is a great first razor because of the following reasons. First, buying it won’t burn a hole in your pocket because for about $30 you’ll get a product that’ll last for years. Second, it’s very easy to clean thanks to the three-piece design. Third, it has been known to cause less skin irritation.
Click here to check out the price on Amazon.
Seki Edge Feather AS-D2
If your college budget allows you to spend big bucks on a razor, you should definitely take a look at this Japanese-made product. This stainless steel razor is quite costly but it offers an unmatched quality and the guarantee of many years of use.
The razor feels great in hand because the handle and the weight of the head are well balanced. This means that you’ll quickly adapt to using this product.
The head has a straight bar with a bit of a curve. This ensures maximum protection because the gap between the blade and the bar is very small. AS-D2 also uses blades with mild aggressiveness, so if have to speed up to begin writing a professional essay or another assignment which is due tomorrow, you’ll still expose yourself to a low risk of skin irritation.
Click here to check the price on Amazon.
Edwin Jagger DE89
Edwin Jagger is a British brand known for an excellent quality and unique design. This particular model comes with a straight bar head, a short handle (just 3.4 inches), and a good-looking chrome finish.
In terms of aggressiveness, the DE89’s blade is somewhere in the middle, which is perfect for beginners. The product is also perfectly balanced and has a weight of 2.2 ounces.
The manufacturer provides three handles of different sizes (short, regular, and long) to suit the needs of all users.
Click here to check out the price for different versions on Amazon.
Make a Great Choice
The choice of the best razor ultimately depends on your personal preferences and characteristics, but it’s critically important to know what’s available to you to avoid suffering from skin irritation and pain.
About the author:
Tom Jager is professional blogger. He works at A-writer. He has degree in Law and English literature. Tom has written numerous articles/online journals. You can reach him at G+ or Facebook.
