Best Double Edge Razor Blades (all Skin & Beard Types)
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In this article, we will take a look at the best safety razor blades for your razor.
Double edge safety razor blades are not designed equally as our review will show. They each have their distinguishing features. Some razor blades will work best with a certain type of razor or are best for beginners. Some are better if you have sensitive skin. If you use dull razor blades, do not expect jaw-dropping results. It is, as they say, garbage in, garbage out.
The shaving industry presents us with several types of razors. These shavers include cutthroat razors, disposable cartridges, electric shavers, and the best double edge safety razor. Each of these has its fair share and pros and cons. At face value, we could say that a safety razor is like the middle of the road; safe but nothing special. But upon taking a closer look we can quickly note the strengths of this razor type. There is more to a safety razor than meets the eyes.
Top 3 Best Razor Blades at a Glance
Last update on 2024-08-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Do not make the mistake of shrugging them off like any other razor type less than the macho ‘cut-throat’ straight blade (if you are interested in this type of razor – read our best straight razors for sensitive skin article). They are great and are a major upgrade from a disposable razor. Safety razors are a perfect entry into the world of wet shaving. Some of the best razor blades give straight razors a run for their money with regards to delivering high-quality and close shaves.
That said, it should be pointed out that like other razors, a double-edge safety razor is only as good in performance as the blade used.
Safety razor blades are not designed equally. They each have their distinguishing features. Some will work best with a certain type of safety razor or are best for beginners. Our Editors’ choice Feather Double Edge Blade might not be the pick for a beginner, but if you want the sharpest blade available – or to put it simply – the best double edge blades – that’s the one to get. This guide to finding the best razor blade for your safety razor below shows this all very clearly.
Choosing the best double-edge safety blade that fits your needs should be a top priority as this is certainly the business end of the shaving process. But understandably, finding the best safety razor blades for men is easier said than done. To make the decision-making process a tad easier for you below is some information to act as your guide. Spend your time learning about razor blades, and it will pay off in the end.
With that said, let us kick this review and buying guide off with considerations to make when purchasing one to fit your personal needs and preference.
5 Factors to Consider When Picking the Best DE Razor Blades to Fit You
You probably are eager to sink your teeth into the reviews. To know which is the best blade for your need, purchase and start shaving. This is expected. But rather than giving in to your desire, please take some time to learn what makes a great safety razor blade. Know why we chose the blades on this list. A good understanding of these seemingly simple items is a big step towards becoming a pro.
As we go through these factors, bear in mind that one man’s meat is another man’s poison. A razor blade great for your friend may not be the best one for you. Skin sensitivity varies (read our article about the best men’s razor for sensitive skin if you have skin issues) as does the texture of whiskers. What do you want to shave? A DE-razor blade that is great for coarse beards might not be the best choice if you want to shave your head (for more info about head shaving – check our best razors for head shaving article). So do not pick a brand that your friend claims to experience success with. Seek to understand yourself and the qualities of the blade.
Here are a few things to give some thought to.
1. The Sharpness of Razor Blades
Most men and some women assume that the sharper the blade, the closer the shave they get. Well, this is a classic half-truth. What this assumption forgets is that a sharp razor also predisposes the user to a higher risk of making cuts and nicks on the skin. This is especially if you are still getting the hang of your shaving technique. It is, however, true that a sharp blade, for example, the Feather will allow you to make fewer passes during a shave.
Aside from sharpness, you also need to consider the smoothness of the blade. Smoothness, in this case, refers to the blade’s cutting angle. Smooth blades do not have extreme cutting angles. As such, they require the user to apply some pressure while shaving in comparison to sharper blades. With smooth blades, there are reduced chances of cuts and nicks. On the flip side of the coin, smooth blades do increase the chances of experiencing skin irritations which may be a problem for those individuals with sensitive skin.
2. Type of Hair
Yes, the kind of hair you sport matters and has a bearing on the type of blade you should choose for your safety razor. While there are men who have similar hair (after all, there are a finite number of hair types), they are all slightly different. Also, as earlier mentioned, what works for your colleague may not necessarily work for you.
On the bright side, safety razor blades are available in a variety of choices. You can pick any that suits your hair type. Generally, coarse hair requires aggressive blades. The term ‘aggressive’ in this context refers to the sharpness of the blade. Dull blades will have a hard time cutting through coarse hair. And even when they manage to, you will experience some tugging, pulling, and pain in the process.
In addition to the coarseness of your hair, you need to consider its length. If it is long, then it requires aggressive blades. With all that said, if you have sensitive, rough or acne-prone skin, you should consider getting a less aggressive and smooth blade. You cannot risk irritating your skin.
3. Shaving Skill Level
Here is the beauty of using a safety razor. Beginners can learn to use a safety razor to obtain a close shave fast and with great ease. The learning curve is not as steep as with straight razors. It does, however, need some practice especially if you are advancing from cartridge razors.
As a beginner, you should start with mild blades. These will allow you the leeway to experiment and get the hang of the shaving technique without leading to cuts and nicks. Depending on your safety razor and blade, you will need time to adjust and learn the right amount of pressure to apply to yield the best results with minimal irritation to your skin.
5. Variety of Blades
Most men prefer sticking to brands that have been tried and tested. While this is the safest move for many, it does no harm to try out different blades. This is the only way you get to learn what works best for you.
Safety razor blades can also be bought in variety packs. These safety razor blade packs allow you to save some cash and still experiment and discover which brand suits you best.
Best Safety Razor Blades (Summary)
Last update on 2024-08-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Feather Razor Blades New Hi-Stainless Double Edge – Dense Beard Growth/ Tough Skin
The Feather Hi-Stainless Platinum Double Edge Razor Blade is proudly presented to you by a Japanese company that has over the years built for itself a rock-solid reputation. The sharpness of this blade is unmatched. And even better, the Feather blade is designed to fit on any safety razor (double-edged) on the market.
Now it is true that Feather is not exactly a household name like Schick and Gillette, but all the same, its products are designed and manufactured to rival those of these top-rated brands and companies. Feather, the company, and its brand have been operational since 1932. However, it was only in 1964 that they decided to take their production of safety razor blades to the next level with the introduction of replaceable stainless steel blades.
Stainless Steel Blades
It is worth pointing out that Feather is also in the business of producing medical equipment including surgical blades, safety razors like the very popular Feather AS-D2, and straight razors such as the Feather Artist Club SS Kamisori and Feather Artist Club DX. The same technology they use in the manufacture of surgical blades is used on their shaving blades. This goes to show how sharp these safety razor blades are.
Now, while the sharpness of the Feather blade is rivaled by a few other brands on the market, it is said to be perfect for beginners. Shocking right? However, caution should be exercised. Experts advise newbies to use lightweight safety razors or if they prefer the heavier kind, they should be keen not to apply too much pressure on the skin. This will help to avoid nicks and cuts even as they hone their shaving skills and techniques. Extra care has to be taken especially in the hard-to-reach areas as well as along the jawline where the skin is firm.
Every Feather blade is coated with platinum and is durable. The blades are sealed in a special piece of paper (coated). This helps to prevent you from accidentally cutting yourself and also prolonging the blade’s lifespan.
The sharpness of the Feather blade will ensure you have a smooth shave. Most reviewers who started will dull blades (the kind taunted to be newbie-friendly), were shocked at the effectiveness of the Feather blade. The closeness of the shave achieved is impressive even for shaving pros.
- It has superior sharpness
- It can fit in any double-edge safety razor
- Feather is a brand you can trust to produce quality blades
- The blades are platinum coated and durable
- Due to its sharp design, Feather Hi-Stainless Platinum Double Edge Razor Blade is more aggressive than most blades. As such, care should be exercised when using this blade to avoid accidents
- A bit expensive
2. Merkur Razor Double Edge Razor Blades (MK-911) – Great Quality & Affordable
Just like Gillette and other top safety razor blade brands, Merkur has built a name for itself over the years. They created a tradition of top quality and stuck with it for generations. The company is located in Germany and was started by Emil Hermes.
Believe it or not, the company did not start as one manufacturing shaving products. They grew into this over the years. And boy did they hone their design and manufacturing skills. Today, as pointed out above, they are the top in the industry, with products like the bestselling Merkur 34c HD, Merkur 38c, Merkur 39c, the adjustable Merkur Futur, the immensely popular Merkur 23c, high-end straight razors (under the brand name DOVO) like the DOVO Inox, quality shaving creams for men and men’s shaving brushes as well.
This double-edged razor blade is one of Merkur’s superior products. It is made from stainless steel and coated in platinum. Each blade presented to the market by this company meets all the industry standards and specifications. Additionally, this particular blade boasts of achieving a clean and close shave.
But wait. What has the platinum coating got to do with anything? Well, in this case, it helps the blades to remain sharp and free of imperfections even with constant use. The stainless steel used to make the blades help protect them from rust.
With regards to price, this blade falls right in the middle. It is not cheap, and neither is it too expensive. For the quality they provide, the price is a bargain.
Given the sharpness of the blades, they may be the best choice for newbies. But the beauty is that they do not take long to adjust. The blades are comfortable to use and provide a smooth shave each time.
- Offers a consistently smooth shave
- It has great quality
- Fetches an affordable price
- It boasts of superior craftsmanship
- It might be too aggressive for beginners – needs some bit of getting used to
3. Derby Extra Super Stainless Blades – Mild Beard Growth/ Sensitive Skin
The Derby razor blade is made in Turkey (not Sweden as claimed on web retailers’ pages and some other review sites). The blade is ground and then hardened. During its creation, platinum, chromium ceramic, and tungsten are added to the material. The resulting blade is not only durable but strong.
This manufacturing technique is referred to as sputtering. It involves the use of high-energy particles to coat the blade with a thin film of other materials. Added last is Teflon. Teflon works to reduce the friction between thick facial hair and the blade. With this blade, you are assured of getting a close and comfortable shave. You do not need to worry even when you have sensitive skin. Speaking of sensitive skin, Derby blades are great for those working on sensitive skin. Derby blades are also often included or at least recommended to use with many shavette straight razor shaving kits.
And the beauty of using Derby blades is the fact that they are all extremely uniform. Just like eating a Big Mac, no surprises from one to the next.
Make no mistake of thinking that Derby is a newcomer to the industry. If anything, it has been around for a while and has built up a solid reputation. Azmüsebat Steel Industry and Trade Corporation (the original name and mother company) was founded in 1940.
The double-edged blade can fit on any double-edged safety razor on the market. But even better, the blades feature a thin web between the two blades. This web allows you to break the two blades to form two single-edged blades for use on single-edged razors.
Last but not least, the Derby blades are well priced and are worth every penny invested in them.
- A thin layer of coating to harden the unit and make it last
- Provides a comfortable and consistent shave
- Can easily be split to form two single blades
- Beginner-friendly
- Good for sensitive skin
- It is not as sharp as some blades and therefore not good for coarse beards
4. Astra Superior Platinum Double Edge Safety Razor Blades – Normal Beard Growth/ Normal Skin
The way I see it, high-quality razor blades are nothing more than high quality if they have to be replaced every few days after use. Most often than not (too many times than most experts would like to admit), quality is wrapped in aggravation.
Luckily, this is not the case with this Astra blade. This blade is not only at the top of many best safety razor reviews, but it also is durable. The Astra Platinum Double Edge Safety Razor Blades will always provide ten shaves at the very least. While the thickness of the facial hair has some bearing as to how long a blade lasts, in the world of safety razor blades, it proves quite challenging to conquer the stamina the Astra Platinum bears.
Before 1996, when the company was bought by Gillette and production moved to Russia, these blades were manufactured in the Czech Republic. Since this buy, Astra blades have been manufactured in Russia.
Given their top rating, they have been subject to lots of reviews on online e-commerce sites. They have maintained a near-perfect 5-star rating. Needless to say, Gillette is doing something right with these. Below are some of the areas where the company is hitting a home run with the blade.
Is the Blade Sharp?
The Astra Platinum is by far one of the sharpest blades available on the market. As mentioned above, they are designed to last for a long time. Some of its previous consumers have gone on record to praise its sharpness and durability. They state that the blade can retain its sharpness for up to the 7th shave. This is better than what most blades can promise.
Smooth Shave
In comparison to numerous double-edged blades on the market, the Astra Platinum trumps them all in smoothness. Do not let that make you forget what you are shaving with. This blade is sharp and using it, you run the risk of cutting and nicking yourself. But in all fairness, the same risk is available on all sharp blades.
Nonetheless, this blade is marketed to provide clean shaves while causing minimal irritation in comparison to blades in its category. Some pros even argue that this is one of the best blades available for shaving sensitive skin.
Astra – Expensive, Right?
With all that it has going for itself, the Astra Platinum is expected to be worth a fortune. But surprisingly, it is relatively inexpensive for the features it sports; its high quality and durability.
When purchasing the 100-pack, the cost for each blade is estimated to be about a dime. So yes, this is the best blade money can buy.
- Has a great price
- It is super durable
- It causes less irritation courtesy of its smooth design
- Its sharp design predisposes it to make nicks and some cuts, especially in the hands of a newbie
5. Gillette 7 0’clock Super Stainless Safety Razor Blades – Good All-round Performer
Gillette is the go-to brand for many professionals in the shaving industry. Being a newcomer, you might be wondering why this is so. What has Gillette got that other brands lack? Is the brand as good as it is touted to be or does it fall short of the hype? To say the least, Gillette delivers on every promise it makes, especially when it comes to its blades. The Gillette 7 o’clock blade is no exception.
At this point, it is worth pointing out that Gillette holds several patents on the double edge safety razors. Gillette is the leading safety razor brand – everyone knows about it. And unlike some other brands, the company produces products with impressive quality.
With the 7 o’clock blade, what is there not to like? Like all other Gillette blades, its life starts in Russia. In comparison to other blades on the market, the Gillette 7 o’clock is not as sharp. However, the double-edged blade provides a close and baby smooth shave. It is sharp enough for you to apply slight pressure on the head and get impressive results.
Indeed, this blade is not the longest-lasting on this list. Nonetheless, it provides about five shaves before it gets too dull to achieve a close shave. If your hair is not too coarse, you might get a week of shaving with this blade.
Last but not least, this blade is affordable. You will only spend a few cents purchasing this unit.
Full disclosure – it should be noted that some 7 o’clock blades are also manufactured in India. This variation in place of manufacture has caused some confusion among professionals. Some are firm in their belief that the place of manufacture makes a great difference in the level of quality the blade features. Most shavers prefer the ones manufactured in Russia.
But here is the thing. All blades regardless of their place of manufacture all come in green boxes. However, the ones from Russia are labeled Super Stainless (Russia), and those from India are labeled Permasharp Stainless Blade (India) on the boxes.
Additionally, there are blades from India that come in black boxes and others from Russia that come in yellow boxes. These blades are known as Super Platinum and Sharp edge respectively.
But just so that we are on the same page, in this review, we are referring to those blades from Russia that come in a green box.
At the end of the day, whether the blades are from India or Russia, what matters I that they are of high quality and perform as described.
- The blade is sharp but is not too aggressive
- It is affordable
- The blades are of high quality
- They last for five days
- There is some slight confusion regarding the packaging and place of manufacture
6. Wilkinson Sword Classic Double Edge Razor Blades – Perfect for Beginners
Admittedly, the word “sword” in the name of this blade does not exactly instill confidence in its smoothness and ability to provide nick-free shaves. However, the team of experts behind the manufacture of this blade has done a great job.
Wilkinson Sword coats the blade through a 3-step coating process. The layers help to reduce irritations to very low levels. The blade is smooth enough to be considered perfect for beginners in the game.
The three-step coating process includes chromium, ceramic, and PTFE. These materials are designed to prevent corrosion, increase durability and reduce irritation respectively. The company claims that its blades last longer than blades made from stainless steel. Using this blade, you get about six close shaves.
Wilkinson is a brand that has been in the industry for quite some time. It was first created in 1772. Back then it was a company dedicated to the manufacture of daggers, knives, and swords (now you know where the term “Sword” came from). The company first created a razor blade close to 2 centuries later. Currently, the Wilkinson blades are made in Germany.
- It is perfect for beginners
- It is made through a strong and efficient three-step coating process
- It is durable
- It is not susceptible to corrosion
- It is not great for coarse facial hair
7. Stainless Steel Double Edge Safety Razor Blades from Kai Cutlery – Great for Sensitive Skin & Beginners
The KAI Corporation has built a solid reputation for itself over the years. It is considered one of the top cutlery manufacturers in Japan. They build high-quality and durable safety razor replacement blades.
With the KAI safety razor blades, you will have an easier time achieving a close and consistent shave.
You’ll always be ready for that important date/meeting. And while they are sharp, they aren’t nearly as sharp as some quality blades they compete with. But before you write it off, its sharpness is still useful, especially for men who have sensitive skin. Or men who have just started on their wet shaving journey and are yet to master the technique.
The KAI blade is made from surgical-grade stainless steel. As such, it is durable and can cut through whisker-length hair. It’s also worth noting that the blades feature thicker steel than most blades. The thickness contributes greatly to its longevity.
Every order of KAI safety razor blades includes ten packages of 5 blades that are wrapped individually.
- Durable blade
- Best for sensitive skin
- Consistently close shaves
- Great for wet shaving beginners
- Not ideal for thick hair
8. Personna Double Edge Safety Razor Blades – Good Mix of Quality & Price
Though Personna razor blades may not be as popular as Gillette blades, they do have their place in the industry. And quite frankly, these blades made it to this review/guide for a reason. At the top of the list of reasons is that they are coated with a dual coating material which improves their quality and provides an even smoother shave. But is the coating the only thing these blades have going for them?
No. The blades have been made from stainless steel, and the coating material is a mix of Platinum and Chrome. The coating makes the blades glide over the skin while retaining their aggressive nature.
The razor blades come wrapped in parchment paper, just like in the good old days.
These blades are 75% aggressive. Agreeably, they are not the most aggressive blades on the market, but they are not the worst either. Because of this, it is perfect for intermediate and beginner shavers who want to have the luxury of using a blade with high cutting power but is at the same time forgiving & fair priced.
Each blade in the pack will give you a maximum of three shaves. However, if you have a rough beard, the number of shaves reduces to one. But overall, these are high-quality shaving blades that will not break your bank. They will get the job done without crippling your finances.
- They are aggressive but not the most aggressive blades
- They are coated with platinum and chrome
- The blades are forged from stainless steel
- The blades have a short life span
9. Double Edge Razor Blade Sample Pack (2x each) – Starter Pack to Help You Find the Best Blades for Safety Razor
For those who cherish the option of having variety, then this is the pack for you. The Double Edge Razor Blade Sample Pack is a variety pack for razors. The pack includes a range of razor blade brands all with different materials and perfect for different cuts. Though some of the razor blades included in the pack are premium and individually cost a lot, as a pack, the blades are very reasonably priced.
This pack is ideal for men who are looking to test out the various selection of blades – a man looking for the best blade that will fit his personal preferences. Many beardless men don’t know the struggle involved in shaving their facial hair every morning. Using the wrong blade means struggling for an entire week with irritations and ingrown hair causing unsightly bumps on the skin. For the most part, it’s a game of trial and error trying to find the blades that will work wonders on your face. This pack is a practical way of spreading your wings and trying out new products without wasting a lot of time in the process.
The sampler pack includes 2 blades from each brand/ or model for a total of 30 blades:
1. Astra Superior Platinum, 2. Bic Chrome Platinum, 3. Derby Extra, 4. Dorco St 301 Stainless, 5. Feather Hi-Stainless, 6. Gillette Platinum, 7. Gillette Silver Blue, 8. Merkur Super Platinum, 9. Personna Platinum, 10. Bolzano Superinox, 11. Shark Super Stainless, 12. SuperMax Super Stainless, 13. Treet Platinum, 14. Voskhod Teflon Coated, 15. Wilkinson Sword
Now, we should point out that this is not the most cost-effective method of buying razor blades. But what do you expect from a pack containing some of the best brands in the world? The selling point here is that you get to try a range of blades at a go which helps to give you a fresh perspective of every razor blade you use. This way, you get to make a great choice since your experience is still fresh.
- It has a range of brand blades
- The blades are of high quality
- The pack makes for a good gift for men who are new to safety razors and wet shaving
- This pack is not a long-term option. It’s only good for testing blades and discovering which works best for you
Steps to Follow When Changing a Safety Razor Blade
While the process is simple, it should be treated with the attention that it deserves. If you have just crossed over from using disposable blades, you will find classic safety razors a bit tedious and a challenge with all the changing needed. However, once you get used to the process, you will wonder why you did not cross over sooner.
I. First Step – What Kind of Safety Razor Do You Use
Before anything else, you should consider the safety razor type you use. Is it a single piece, a two-piece, or a three-piece safety razor? Is it a Twist-to-Open safety razor?
Next, you will need to consider how your blades are packed. Some are individually wrapped while others are unwrapped. Learn how to keep a safety razor blade sharp in this article.
II. Unwrapping the Razor Blade
The wrapped types of blades are divided into two major categories. Some have a single wrapper while others feature a double wrapper. Some wrappers have a small adhesive dot sticking to the blade. To retrieve the blade, hold it by the end and pull.
III. Dismantle the Safety Razor
This step is for the two and three-piece safety razors. The process of dismantling the razor often requires you to unscrew the handle. Set the different parts safely to the side before handling the blade.
If your razor is a twist-to-open type, you will need to do exactly that – twist the handle to open the head of your razor.
IV. The position of the Blade
This step involves mounting the blade on the razor’s cap. If yours is a three-piece razor, you will need a mounting plate. Ensure the razor’s mounting plate is positioned properly. If you have it upside down, you will experience problems shaving.
The last step is to replace the top and screw it in place.
V. Screw the Handle in Place
Once the top is in place, it is time to replace the handle. Do this while holding the razor head and blade in place. As you screw, you will notice the pieces getting close together and the blade taking a 30-degree arch.
And with that, you now know the steps to becoming a pro blade replacer.
FAQ Double-Edge Razor Blades
What Is The Sharpest Safety Razor Blade?
In our tests, we have found the Feather Double Edge Hi-Stainless Steel blade to be the sharpest, but as we all know, everyone has their own opinions on what is best. It is made by a reputable Japanese company and trumps all other blades on this front. With its sharpness it offers the closest shave yet.
Is Shaving With A Safety Razor Better?
In comparison to electric and cartridge razors, yes it is. Shaving with safety razors means reduced shave bumps, little to no skin irritation, and no ingrown hairs. This is because, with safety razors, only one blade is on your skin when shaving.
How Do You Dispose Of Double Edge Razor Blades?
You can dispose of double edge razor blades by putting the blade in its wrapper, and snapping it along its length before throwing it in the trash. You could also slide it into the blade disposal on the blade packaging or purchase a razor blade disposal bank.
Are Feather Blades Good For Sensitive Skin?
Yes, they are because they are sharp. However, you should pair them with non-aggressive razors. Moreover, you should apply minimal pressure to avoid nicks and cuts.
When Should I Change My Safety Razor Blade?
How many times you can use a safety razor blade depends on the blade and the coarseness of your beard. Though it varies, you are expected to change safety blade razors each week. This means each blade gives between five and six shaves (+/- several shaves). It all depends on the razor quality and how coarse your beard is.
Are Shark Razor Blades Any Good?
Shark Razor Blades have received good reviews and feedback. I recommend them if you need a mild shave, or shave every day. However, if you have thick, coarse facial hair, I have found them to be not sharp enough.
How we Made the List – Picking the Best Double Edge Razor Blades for Safety Razor for You
As with all other reviews, our process of putting together this best razor blade for safety razor list involved a lot of research coupled with objectivity. Your search for the best safety razor blade might not be as easy a task when you can’t try every blade in person. Fortunately, customer reviews and personal experience make it easier to find a good option that matches your needs.
While other double-edge blades might have been great for this list, we believe that those above listed will not disappoint. We have looked at safety razor blades for those who need the best safety razor blades for sensitive skin, coarse beards, and also the price. They have the best combination of quality and value.
Conclusion
As we bring this to an end, we encourage you to share your experiences and opinions with us. Have you used any of our best blades for the safety razor listed above? What is your experience with our number 1 pick the Feather Hi-Stainless Platinum Double Edge Razor Blade? If so, what are your thoughts? Which bestsellers or brands did we leave out that you strongly feel should have been represented?
