Health and Fitness

What is the best double-edged safety razor for beginners?

6

Options
Considered

7

User
Recs.

Aug 28, 2017

Last
Updated

Here’s the Deal

6 Options Considered

6 Options Considered	Price	Last Updated
-- Mühle R89	$39.95	Jun 1, 2017
-- Wilkinson Classic	$9.27	Aug 28, 2017
-- Dorco PL-602	$5	Aug 3, 2016
-- Parker 24C/26C	$30	Aug 3, 2016
-- Gillette Tech	$9+	May 19, 2017

Mühle R89

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Top Pro

Compatible with all post-2010 Edwin Jagger and Mühle heads

This includes the Mühle R41 open comb, known for being one of the most aggressive razor heads that exposes a lot of the blade should you want a closer shave. Also includes the equally popular Edwin Jagger DE89, another mild safety-bar/closed-comb razor head similar to the R89. See More

Wilkinson Classic

Top Pro

Not very aggressive

This razor isn't very scary. You can confidently use it without fear of slashing yourself. See More

Top Con

Not very aggressive

You won't get a terribly close shave with this. Some people believe this teaches bad habits. See More

Top Pro

Durable delrin body

This is a big deal for people who are very allergic to nickle. This razor doesn't have exposed nickle because it has a delrin body. There's still a nice weighted internal rod so that you can draw the razor across your skin without pulling. See More

Top Con

Cheap plastic body

You're not going to post any pictures of this online for cheap internet points because it's so pretty. See More

Dorco PL-602

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Top Pro

Cheap

Made of plastic, it can be purchased new on Ebay for under $5. See More

Top Con

Fitting new blades can be cumbersome

It has a two-piece design whereby the baseplate is permanently affixed to the handle. It has two notches to place your blade on, but the blade can easily come off as you screw the head on top. It is not uncommon for blades to fall out when switching them. See More

Top Con

Lacks weight, requiring more care when shaving

New wetshavers are recommended to use the weight of the razor to cut. Unfortunately, the Dorco PL-602 has next to no weight so you will have to carefully apply a small amount of pressure. See More

Parker 24C/26C

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Top Pro

Efficient open-comb head that is not aggressive

Breaks the stereotype of open-comb heads in being comfortable, while staying efficient. See More

Gillette Tech

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Top Con

Difficult to find brand new and unused

While there are some places that offer refurbished models, for the most part it will be pretty difficult to find one that is in brand new condition. While some can still be found sealed (due to the vast quantity Gillette manufactured), they will cost quite a bit more and will need to be hunted down. This may require too much money or time for the average person who wants a new razor. See More

Top Pro

Great for a mild shave but also great for advanced users

The design of the head is slanted in a way that allows for a mild shave that should not cut ones skin. Another plus is that the head is quite small due to the three piece design, meaning it is easy to get under the chin as well as under the nose. This is great for those new to using a double edge razor as it will feel familiar in size while not being too aggressive. For those looking for a more aggressive shave, there are blades out there that are aggressive themselves and when paired with this mild razor, it makes for a good combo. See More

Top Con

Totally non adjustable

There is nothing to adjust with this razor, meaning you can not change the angle of the blade short of changing your grip angle. So good form is key here, though not always necessary due to being a mild shave to begin with. Someone starting out with DE (double edge) razors may want something that has more features, such as adjustable blade angles or quick blade removal. See More

Top Pro

Very durable

One of the reasons this razor is so easy to find, is that it was built very well. Ranging from the pre-war models all the way to the ones manufactured in the 1970's. It could be very likely your father or grandfather has one laying around (thanks to its popularity when manufactured), as they do not tend to break. At worst, the plating may be scratched or wearing off, but even then the razor still functions as intended. See More

Top Con

Blade removal may be intimidating

Some DE razors out there offer quick and easy removal and insertion of their blades. While a three piece razor isn't all that complicated, it may be intimidating to a new user or someone used to even easier methods. Being conscious of where you grip the blade when removing and replacing is key, as if the sides are gripped over grabbing from the ends, you will quickly notice you just sliced your thumb and finger. See More

Top Pro

Simple to take apart

The three piece design makes for an easy to understand razor when taking apart to remove old blades and add a new one. Simply unscrew the top from the handle, separate the two top pieces and then gingerly grip the ends of the blade to remove from whatever side it is stuck to (usually due to the wax on the blade left over from its wrapping paper), then drop a new blade on the top piece with the screw, reassemble. See More

Top Pro

Very easy to find for cheap

One of Gillettes most popular double edge razors, while not produced anymore, is quite easy to find on eBay and other resale marketplaces, even thrift stores or flea markets. On top of this, due to how many are out there still, they can be had for under $10 (though the gold plated ones may cost a bit more). See More

Edwin Jagger DE89

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Top Pro

Compatible with all post-2010 Edwin Jagger and Mühle heads

This includes the Mühle R41 open comb, known for being one of the most aggressive razor heads that exposes a lot of the blade should you want a closer shave. Also includes the equally popular Edwin Jagger DE89, another mild safety-bar/closed-comb razor head similar to the R89. See More

Top Con

Smooth handle finish can cause a looser grip

May weaken grip because of a relative lack of texture on the handle apart from the vertical bumps. See More

7 Community Recommendations

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ElatedAtargatis

Contributor for 10 months

1

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Wilkinson Classic

Recommended 10 months ago

ElatedAtargatis hasn’t added their experience, pros or cons to their recommendation.

Contributor for a year

98

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65

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Recommended a year ago

Tuncay hasn’t added their experience, pros or cons to their recommendation.

Contributor for 3 years

513

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17K

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Wilkinson Classic

Recommended a year ago

Durable delrin body

Cheap plastic body

Not very aggressive

Not very aggressive

Contributor for 4 years

2.9K

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1M

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Recommended 2 years ago

Difficult to find brand new and unused

Great for a mild shave but also great for advanced users

Contributor for 3 years

233

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14K

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Recommended 2 years ago

Contributor for 3 years

233

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14K

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Recommended 2 years ago

Efficient open-comb head that is not aggressive

Contributor for 3 years

233

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14K

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Recommended 2 years ago

Superuser hasn’t added their experience, pros or cons to their recommendation.

No highlighted recommendations.

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