Are you in search of a shaving tool that combines modern technology with old-school charm? Look no further than the world of Injector razors. These sleek and stylish grooming gadgets seem to be making a comeback, offering a shaving experience familiar to both cartridge users and safety razor aficionados alike.
TL;DR: “Best” Injector Razor For Your Circumstances
Here are the Injector style razor recommendations for new razors on the market (vintage Injector razors will take an entire other article!):
[Note: Amazon, Parker, and Supply links are affiliate.]
Best Injector Razor For Beginners: Supply SE
Best Injector Razor Overall: Parker Adjustable Injector
Best Injector Razor For Aficionados: Supply Pro
Why Trust Sharpologist?
Sharpologist specializes in getting the best, most enjoyable shave possible.
This list is based on the personal experience of Sharpologist‘s editor (me!), contributors, and readers who have actually purchased and used the products–plus over ten years of research from review sites and specialty discussion forums. “Your mileage may vary!” Generally-speaking, shaving facial hair is the primary objective.
Guide: New (Non-Vintage) Injector Razors Currently On The Market
Injector style razors have been around for a long time but the most well-known names (Schick, Eversharp, PAL, etc.) have been out of production for years. But new players have entered the market with some great products!
(Contents In alphabetical order):
Asylum Injector
From the Bullgoose Shaving website:
The idea for the Asylum injector razor has been percolating since the summer of 2012 when I met with Larry Calderon (a product engineer) in a Pasadena IHOP restaurant. The goal was to produce a more nimble version of the Asylum Rx that took injector blades.
The Asylum Injector is produced using 316L stainless steel. Approximate Dimensions:
- Overall Weight: 99g
- Handle Weight: 56g
- Head Weight: 43g
- Handle Length: 82mm
- Product of United States
This is essentially the Asylum Rx single edge razor, “slimmed down” into the Schick Injector blade format. It uses the same “tongue-in-groove’ head design as the Rx.
This is a three piece razor. If you are expecting the same ease-of-blade-replacement of the standard Injector head design I think you may be disappointed–I find changing the small Injector blade without the benefit of the Injector blade magazine and key to be a challenge.
Visually, I think it’s a gorgeous-looking razor though. And it’s hefty (but not tiring) and well-balanced in my hand.
As for the shave itself, I find the Asylum Injector, like the Asylum Rx, to be rather aggressive–maybe a seven on a one-to-ten scale.
Click/tap here to read Sharpologist’s full review of the Asylum Injector razor.
Hype X1
Highlights from the Hype website:
A premium injector-style razor that makes using a safety razor simple, simple, intuitive, and offers an irritation-free shave with a single edge blade…..
…Customize your shave experience as per your skin & hair with easy and intuitive shave settings…. include Sensitive, Comfort, and Ultra-Close….
…The X1 is built with aerospace-grade aluminum to last your lifetime.
The specifications of the Hype X1 razor is not listed on the website but my digital kitchen scale shows it weighs about 58 grams (2 oz.). The handle measures about 13 centimeters (3.5 inches) from base to blade (overall length slightly longer).
My first impression was that this was an interesting but kind of odd razor. On the one hand it seems to have taken a page out of the original Supply razor’s book, with three swappable base plates. But rather than use Supply’s ‘set screw’ style design to hold the base plate to the rest of the razor, Hype uses strong magnets.
The Hype X1 razor is a safety razor with some intriguing design elements: it uses Injector-style blades from a blade magazine, has an unusual (and possibly impairment-friendly) handle, and three shave setting base plates that are held in place by a magnet. I think the stylish look is for attracting someone who wants to move away from the modern cartridge razor for something that looks a little out of the ordinary. After a bit of a learning curve my shaves with the X1 have been excellent.
Click/tap here to read Sharpologist’s full review of the Hype X1 Injector razor.
Parker Adjustable
Now in its third revision, the Parker Adjustable Injector razor looks the same as version two: a stainless steel spine (with “Parker” etched in the metal) and a plastic belly.
Mechanically the latest version has some subtle-but-noticeable improvements. The adjustment range has been widened slightly, with the upper end of the range more symmetrical and predictable. Blade loading is even easier than the previous version (which was easy for me to begin with).
My shaves with the new Parker adjustable Injector razor have been quite smooth and predictable. There is enough blade feel to know you’re shaving but not so much as to be dangerous. I settled on the “2” setting (I prefer mild razors) and I have been getting effortless baby’s butt smooth (BBS) shaves.
Click/tap here to read Sharpologist’s full review of the Parker Adjustable Injector razor.
Shave Classic
The “Shave Classic” Injector razor has been around for a while (I got one in 2015) and can be found on Amazon (affiliate link) and some specialty barber supply outlets. The razor appears to be a copy of the Eversharp/Warner Lambert company’s “L1” Injector design, originally produced from 1965 to 1980.
It’s quite light–less than an ounce–and about 4.5 inches long (end-to-end). It has a plastic handle with a metal head.
At under US $25 this is the least expensive razor on this list, and I think it falls into the “you get what you pay for” category. Although it gets good marks in Amazon reviews, my shaves with this razor do not rise to the quality and performance of the other Injector razors on this list. I cannot recommend it unless price is your only concern.
Supply Pro
From the Supply website:
The Single Edge Pro puts unrivaled customization in your practiced hands. Our shave dial lets you effortlessly adjust between 6 main settings and 30 micro-settings with a flick of your thumb. That’s less than 1mm of adjustment, allowing you to clean up stubble or mow down a thick, wiry beard with the expert precision you’ve been waiting for.
Single Edge Pro: Designed to give you the most customized single edge shave. Made for the wet shaving pro who’s ready to dial in their shave. Suitable for all skin types. Available in multiple Alloy finishes.
I don’t see any specifications on the Supply website for the Supply Pro but my “kitchen table” measurements say it’s 115 mm long and 93 grams heavy.
I think the Supply Single Edge Pro adjustable safety razor can be a little tricky to get the hang of at first but the Pro is a great option for the wet shaving aficionado looking for an adjustable safety razor: it is well-made and provides a close, comfortable shave.
Click/tap here to read Sharpologist’s full review of the Supply Pro adjustable Injector razor.
Supply SE
From the Supply website:
Single Edge SE: Engineered to be the safe, easy Single Edge shave you’ve been searching for. Easy for beginners. Suitable for all skin types. Available in multiple Alloy finishes.
Nickstop™ Technology: Constructed with 16 precision fins perfectly placed along the safety bar, this new setting protects your skin from nicks and cuts while providing a close, comfortable shave.
Razor dimensions are not listed on Supply’s web page but my “kitchen table” measurements say the razor is about 110mm long and weighs about 90 grams.
I think the Supply SE razor is aimed squarely at the wider consumer razor market and might be the best razor for men who are unhappy with mass-market, multi-blade razors but also a little reluctant to dive head-first into niche’ safety razors because they’ve been lead to believe they require more “work” and are less “safe.”
The Supply SE razor is quite suitable for a good, drama-free shave, whether you’re a consumer-oriented type of shaver or a “enthusiast” type of shaver.
Click/tap here to read Sharpologist’s full review of the Supply SE Injector razor.
What Is An Injector Razor?
An injector razor is a type of safety razor that was popular in the mid-20th century. It is characterized by a design that allows for the easy replacement of razor blades. The name “injector” comes from the mechanism used to load a new razor blade into the razor.
The key features of an injector razor typically include:
- Loading Mechanism: Injector razors have a hinged head that opens to allow the user to insert a new razor blade. The blade is loaded into the razor by pushing a blade magazine or dispenser that pushes a single blade into position.
- Single-Edge Blades: Injector razors use single-edge razor blades, which are longer and narrower than the double-edged blades used in other safety razors.
- Blade Disposal: After the blade has become dull, it can be easily removed from the razor by opening the head with the blade magazine key and ejecting it.
- Precision Shaving: Injector razors are known for their precise shaving, making them popular among individuals who prefer a close and clean shave.
- Durability: Injector razors are often well-built and can last for many years with proper care.
While injector razors are less common today, they have a dedicated following among shaving enthusiasts and collectors. Some people still prefer the design and shaving experience of injector razors, and vintage models are sometimes sought after for their craftsmanship and unique style.
Summing Up
Injector razors offer a convenient and efficient way to achieve a close shave. Their design allows for easy blade replacement, especially compared to the typical double edge razor. Additionally, the affordability and reasonable availability of Injector blades makes them a cost-effective choice for long-term use. Whether you are new to shaving or a seasoned pro, investing in an Injector razor can enhance your shave routine.
I have used Schick injector razors most of my life. In my view none of the modern razors are up to the standard and quality of shave as the original Schick’s. I have not tried the Hype razor. The Schick blades from China in my view are also not as good as the Made in USA blades but I would say they are acceptable.
Currently I get the best shave with a Gillette Injector Razor and the Japanese made Schick B-20 blades. The Gillette razor is a very mild razor but the B-20 blades have a large radius on the ends of the blade which allows the blade to sit lower on the blade stops which makes the razor slightly more aggressive and a perfect shave for me. The B-20 injector cartridge does not have a key so I manually load the blades into a used cartridge with a key. This is an extra step to load the blade but well worth it in my opinion. I get seven excellent shaves with these blades and they are very low cost.
It’s the strangest thing. Injectors are my absolute favorite shave but only vintage Schicks. I have tried all the modern options and none of them work nearly as well as say the Schick M1 adjustable. I don’t know if it’s the geometry or handle designs or what but they just aren’t as good for my face. I do appreciate that the modern options exist since I think injectors, and SE razors in general, provide some of the best shaves available.