Want To Make A Statement? 10 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 a sample of what you can get if you want to consider a premium razor. 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. 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, Blackland, Geni.us, Henson, OneBlade, and Tatara links are affiliate.

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

Timeless TIBYOR: $275

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).

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: $300

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.

Rex Supply Ambassador: $295-$395

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 $340

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.

Blackland Osprey ($350)

From the Blackland website:

With its huge adjustment range and the ability to change the razor’s weight, the Osprey perfectly adapts to your routine – no matter your beard type, skin sensitivity, or experience level. Its three-piece lightweight design provides the solid dependability and compactness of a traditional safety razor with adaptability that is anything but traditional.…

• Designed and fully CNC-machined in the USAThree-piece adjustable design
• Includes five (5) Personna Lab Blue DE Blades
• Billet 303 stainless steel construction
• Fully hollow handle with removable brass insert
• Weight: 105g with insert, 88g without insert
• Handle length: 82mm. Handle + knob: 90mm

As I mentioned earlier, I’m a big fan of adjustable razors. The Osprey has a unique removeable insert that changes the razor’s weight and balance, depending on whether it’s in or out. 

Read my full review of the Blackland Osprey here.

Rex Konsul Adjustable Slant $295-450

From the Rex website:

Feather WS-D2S: $450-600

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-D2S 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.

The Ws-D2S 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 are “unobtainium” like the Wolfman WR1/WR2. 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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