Good things, so they say, come to those who wait. And that’s exactly what using a double edge razor is all about. A smooth, irritation-free face comes to the man with time, patience, and dedication to the craft of shaving. Unlike the regular and more common cartridge razor – which usually has five blades or, in some recent models, a whopping seven – double edge razors have a single, replaceable blade. That means, in short, that when the blade is no longer sharp enough, you can switch it for a fresh one.

The razor handle itself can come in different styles: a one piece, which opens like a butterfly so you can extract and replace the blade, or two and three piece versions, which you can unscrew at the head. Unlike with cartridge razors, double edge razors are fuss-free and built to last. Their beauty comes in their simplicity and ergonomic design – there is only one blade to worry about – but they are also a joy to use.

The blades are surgical steel, so generally much sharper than your average cartridge razor, but being able to switch blades also means you can customise your shave by finding one that best suits your skin type and facial hair style. “Razor blades come from many different manufacturers,” says Oran Lasocki, shaving educator with Ruffians barbers. “Some provide longevity by being a little thicker, but they may not be as sharp as another razor blade that is thinner. Choosing the right blade comes down to practice and discovering which type is the best for you.”

What Are The Benefits Of Double Edge Razors?

Practice is key when it comes to double edge razors. They “can offer as good a shave as any cartridge,” says Paul Chessell, from top safety razor brand MÜHLE. “With practice, one might argue, a double edge blade can offer an even closer shave without irritation. To achieve this one must invest more time when shaving with a double edge razor as the sharp blade allows and encourages you to be precise and to enjoy the ritual of shaving from beginning to end. Coupled with a great shaving cream you can enjoy lovely, soft and smooth skin post-shave. And don’t be discouraged by small cuts or grazes, once you have familiarised yourself with a double edge razor they will rarely occur.”