There is a lot of renewed interest in the double edge safety razor. But did you know that there are a number of varieties of double edge razors? Understanding what they are and their capabilities can be useful. Here is what you should know, illustrated and explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m starting with common questions about double edge razors I see on search engines. Like the Shaving Brush FAQ article here, this article will be a “living document” with regular updates and expansions as other questions come in!
DE razors are typically constructed in one of three ways. Three piece are the “classic” (and easiest to manufacture) type, consisting of a handle, a base plate, and a top cap. Two piece have the base plate permanently mounted to the handle. A one piece “twist to open” (TTO) razor is the type most common just before the ascent of modern cartridge razors: the Gillette SuperSpeed is the “classic” TTO.
Double edge razors have heads that can be divided into two general groups: Open Comb and Safety Bar. Open Comb’s have obvious “teeth” that help guide heavy stubble and shaving cream into channels. Safety Bars have a solid (or scalloped) bar that provides some additional protection to the skin from the blade’s edge.
An adjustable safety razor can change distance the blade gap between the razor blade’s edge and the razor head’s base plate. The blade gap changes the exposure of the razor blade to the skin to create a milder or a more aggressive shave. 
A slant-bar razor (“slant” for short) is a double-edged (DE) safety razor whose blade is mounted to strike the stubble at a slant, since a slanted blade cuts more easily than a straight-on chop—thus the slanted blade of the guillotine and a kitchen mandoline slicer.
Many people find that using a double edge razor can be equal to, or better than, a multi-blade cartridge razor, after they have learned how to use it properly (shave technique is slightly different compared to a cartridge razor).
It depends what you are looking for in a razor. Read What Is The Best Double Edge Razor for extensive discussion and suggestions.
Beginners have a slightly different set of requirements for a razor. Read What Is The Best Safety Razor For Beginners for recommendations.
Those with sensitive skin must take additional variables into account in addition to the razor. Read Shaving 101 – Finding the Right Razor/Blade Combination for discussion and recommendations.
While the basics are the same (good preparation, using a good cream or soap lubricant, shaving in passes, etc.), shaving with a double edge razor is a little different than shaving with a modern cartridge razor. While the angle of the blade edge against the skin is set by the manufacturer in a cartridge razor, the shaver must set the angle “manually” by subtle adjustments to the way the razor is held against the skin, with very little pressure on the razor.
As long as you keep it from getting really dirty in the first place, you won’t have to put much effort into cleaning your razor. Read How to Clean and Care for Your Favorite Double Edged Safety Razor for details and instructions.
A good double edge razor will cost more than the typical plastic cartridge razor “up front.” The real savings comes from replacement blades. Most modern razor cartridges cost US $3-4 per cartridge, while double edge razor blades cost a fraction of that. Purchased in bulk many double edge razor blades cost less than $0.25 per blade so the significant saving comes over the life of the shaver.
In the United States a double edge razor can be packed in carry-on luggage as long as there are no blades with it. Blades must be packed in checked luggage or purchased at the destination. Other regulations vary by country.
Conclusion
Double edge razor are fascinating, useful tools for the shaver but all the variables can sometimes be confusing. Feel free to add your question in the comments below and I will do my best to keep this FAQ up to date!
Aha. Thank you! I’ve been wondering about those. Looks a little “slantier” than I’d expect a “semi-slant” to be.
Nicely done. Helping shavers get good info to get
started, hopefully that makes it a good experience for them.
Since a bad one could turn them off to the whole idea. Your effort in this area has been excellent.
Mark,
Great update article. While reading the article, I thought about dads, uncles and grand -dads teaching young men how to “DE SHAVE”. Maybe you can start an article on the best ways to introduce a son, nephew, a grandson or a young friend how to get in touch with the DE trend! I bet the article could stimulate and teach important ideas about shaving. When I was a young man, some centuries ago, I sure wish I had some direction.
Dartan
Hi Mark,
What slants are those? I don’t recognize the scalloped bar. I like slants a lot — have a few. My fave is the ATT S2, an all-stainless open comb slant with impeccable manners.
Oh, and RAD…heh…there’s a fine line between trying a number of razors to see what you prefer when you’re starting out; and going down the rabbit hole to collect one of everything in however many areas you’re interested.
Chuck, those are Parker “Semi Slant” razors (same head, different handles).
I started using about 9yrs ago to save money, maybe I have. But I now have about ten different razors and $50 worth the shave soap at a time. But it does last for months. After a while a guy gets curious and wants to try a new razor or soap and it just keeps growing. “Just one more”. It really has changed shaving for me now I actually look forward to it.
Really nice overview for the beginner, Mark.
If I was going to pick one nit, it might be your omission of mentioning the potential cost of RAD and becoming a hobbyist to those who are susceptible. Yes, using a DE instead of a cartridge should save you money, it actually may save you money Then again….. Ha!
I was cured of RAD after a very short bout. I know others who dove in head first. They are still on the hunt!
Interesting thought. I should probably add something about RAD. 🙂
RAD?
RAD: “Razor Acquisition Disorder,” a humorous description of how some people start collecting different double edge razors.
Bravo!
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