Are you at an intermediate stage of your shaving interest, looking to expand your horizon with something a little different–but still unwilling to go back to cartridges or “dive into the deep end” with something like a straight razor just yet? Here are seven razors for you consider.
Double Edge Variants
You have your shave technique with a regular double edge (DE) razor down pat. Are you now wanting to try another razor but still not stray too far out of your comfort zone? Here are some alternatives that still use a standard DE blade.
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An Adjustable DE Razor
Options for continuously adjustable DE razors have really expanded over the past couple of years. Once the domain of just a single manufacturer with a couple models (the Merkur Progress and the Merkur Futur), there are now adjustable razors in all the price tiers, from low-cost to premium.
I think a great over-all pick for an adjustable is the Parker Variant. If you’re looking for a low-cost model just to dip your toes into, take a look at the Weishi Nostalgic Adjustable.
A Slant Bar Razor
Slant razors angle the blade edge slightly (either by torquing the blade inside the razor head or skewing the entire head) so that it meets the hair from an angle instead of straight-on (ever see a road grader moving dirt?). Otherwise they behave like a regular DE razor, though most are on the “aggressive” side with lots of blade exposure.
I like to call the Parker Semi Slant razor a “kinder, gentler slant” because it torques the blade less dramatically (here is my review). It still provides a great shave but I don’t think it requires the focus on technique that may be needed for many other slants.
The Switch Razor
New to the market, and perhaps the DE razor furthest out of the comfort zone is the Razorock Switch. In its “traditional” configuration it’s a typical lightweight, middle-of-the-road DE razor. But you can unscrew the handle from the bottom of the razor head and install it on the side, making it work like a barber’s straight razor. If you’ve ever been curious about “shavette” or “barber straight” razors but are unwilling to dive into them in a full-tilt boogie, the Switch can give you a feel for it while still being usable as a regular DE razor should you find the experiment unsuccessful.
Single Edge Razors
Double edge razors get a lot of the buzz, but single edge razors work very similarly (you just can’t give ’em a quick flip to present the other side so you rinse the razor twice as often). And since there is no reason to flip the razor it does not have to have a symmetrical design, which can make single edge razors more ergonomic to handle. But, unlike double edge blades, there is no single blade design standard. You’ll see references like “barber blade,” FHS or Autostrop, GEM, and Injector to denote these different blade designs.
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OneBlade Razors
OK, full disclosure: I’m a huge fan of OneBlade (though that’s not a secret to anyone who’s been reading Sharpologist for a while). I’ve been involved with them since they launched and I might as well be their unofficial “brand ambassador” (actually, we’ve been talking about me becoming their official brand ambassador!).
Although it may not be a panacea (some say the razor is too mild for them and others bemoan the lack of blade alternatives but I am not among those people!) I think OneBlade razors offer the best of both worlds (old school razors and modern cartridges): a single, high-performance blade on a modern, pivoting head.
So if you’re at that intermediate plateau of your shaving learning curve, a OneBlade razor can offer you two alternatives: a way to “return to your roots” of shaving, without having to “return to the dark side” of cartridges; or you can explore subtleties of shave technique by adjusting hand grip and razor angle without the danger of getting into trouble.
The OneBlade design is available in three models at three price points. The entry Core model is resin-based material with a stainless steel core in the handle for weight and balance. The price was recently reduced to just $49!
At the other end is the all-stainless Genesis model, a premium razor and a luxury experience.
In between in the recently introduced Element, with a resin handle like the Core and a alloy head.
“Barber Blade” Razors
Razors that accept barber blades (you may see references to “Shavette,” “Artist Club”or AC, Pro Guard, or KAI. They are branded names but the blade design is the same) have been the blade-of-choice for small batch razor artisans. Personally, I always wondered why they are so popular with the artisans: I’ve found that changing out one of these blades can be very fussy.
Still, if you’re willing to put up with the design quirks, a “barber blade” single edge razor can provide an intermediate-level shaver with an interesting alternative to a DE razor that’s still not too far-afield.
Consider the Occams razor from Classic Shaving (somewhat confusingly, a DE razor that is called Occam’s Safety Razor is also available). It has friendlier design elements that an intermediate shaver might appreciate: the blade can be changed by hand or with a small tool that comes with it, and it is available with three different base plates to provide more control over how aggressive you want the shave to be. And it is available for as low as US $49 (for the “Barebones” model). Alternatively, the Blackland Vector has proven very popular in the enthusiast community (though it is more expensive and I find it a bit fussy to maintain, it performs very well).
Injector Razors
The barber blade’s older (but slightly smaller) brother is the Injector blade. The Schick (later PAL) Injector single edge razor was the perennial “number two” competitor to Gillette’s double edge razors, back in the day. The Injector features a blade magazine with a “hands-off” loading mechanism. A tab is inserted into the razor head, which opens the head enough to slide in another blade, ejecting the used blade at the same time. Schick exited the Injector from the US market in the early ’80’s (though they were produced and distributed in other parts of the world until 2001).
If you don’t mind vintage razors, classic Schick/Pal Injector models are easily found on internet auction sites and shave forum buy/sell/trade boards. If you’re looking for a new Injector razor design, the Supply SE razor, the Parker Adjustable Injector, and the Hype razor are available.
A Razor That’s Difficult To “Pigeonhole”
Then there are some razors that can’t be described in either of the above categories. The Leaf razor uses DE blades snapped in half and it can accommodate one, two, or three edges, on a pivoting head. It’s large razor head can make shaving in tight areas a challenge but it can make for an interesting diversion for the intermediate shaver who may want to cover large areas like the skull or legs.
Is there another razor you think would “stretch” the intermediate shaver without going too far? Leave a comment here!
For single edge I like the Starling V2 with Persona Single Edge PTFE coated blades from Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements.
I also like the Orignal DOC safety Razor also from Phoenix.
The Leaf razor does an excellent job. I get 5-6 shaves with Derby blades. A good glycerine soap to try for sensitive skin is “Skindicinal” by Em’s Place. The secrete is to build a good lather.
-Daryl
Thanks for another well written and interesting article.
I have early Gillette 3 piece razors i started with, US & UK made models which worked ok then progressed to a Feather DS-2 model with Feather blades. A mild shaver but the blades were deadly and easy to nick or cut your self. One cut was a beauty and still hasn’t healed in 3 months. I bought a Rockwell S6 after reading a lot of positive reviews. Since buying one I’ve never looked back and must say with all the plate packages it comes with its an outstanding performing razor. Its even safe to run Feather blades in it but I stick with the Astra’s as that combo works well for me. I would like to try a single blade or some other high end razor but the prices in Australia plus the exchange rate make it unviable to by any.
May I ask a question regarding slant and straight razors?
If I give my wrist a very light twist (completely comfortable) the straight razor glides down my face at the same angle as a slant. I may also increase or decrease the angle of the tilt.
I find it is very versatile. I can use this tactic on any razor without limitation. From GEM and Schick to twin edge and cartridge.
I have not tried it on a straight because I have not yet mastered those cutthroats.
I would appreciate any comments or criticism.
Brother Mickey,
You may be describing the J-Hook or the Gillette Slide techniques, or a combination thereof. They have been around for a long time, and some guys like those methods to enhance their shaves.
Thank you, Steve.
I am familiare with the J hook thanks to Geofatboy.
Geofatboy has an excellent demonstration of it in his programme about how to remove whisker tough spots.
The difference is that the J hook travels on an imaginary axel and moves in a circle. It really can not be used for buffing but it works very well, indeed.
The “no name” that I suggest moves in a straight line, hence, it may buff no matter what angle it is set at.
Mickey
Geofatboy and tough spots.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThH3EWRHUZI
Mickey
Go to 8:55
Mickey
I think you have about covered it Mark. I too think the One Blade is about as good a shave as I can get but I can’t help shaving with other DE and single blade razors for the fun of it. Shaving used to be a chore with the cartridge razors I used and I had lots of problems with ingrowns. Almost not a problem now but I do have to be aware of not shaving so close as to be completely baby smooth. Somehow just not seeing the whiskers seems good enough and after all whiskers/hair always seems to grow back quickly. Except on my old head of course!!! How about coming up with a solution for that problem???
Very good and informative article, keep em coming. Best
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