By Sander - The Beardmen Are you planning to buy a shaver or razor? Before you do, you should determine what shaving method suits you best. After all, this accessory is quite expensive.
Fundamentally, a razor (not to be confused with a classic razor or an open razor) is more pricey to use. In this blog article, I will give you the information you need in making your decision.
- Electric Shaving In A Nutshell
Nice and easy, you push the button and take the shaver across your face. Within minutes it looks sleek again. You had to spend quite a bit of money on it, but then you have something!
The Pros and Cons:
Quick & easy to use
No shaving cream needed
No nicks or cuts
No skin irritation
Expensive to buy
Less smooth result than with blades
Needs maintenance
Curious about the best shavers? I have tested several shavers and am happy to help you find the best electric shaver for yourself.
- Razor Blades In Brief
At first I thought about writing an article about the “normal” razor blades as we know them from Gillette, for example. It’s a bit confusing because you have safety razors and classic razors, also called an open razor. Good news for you! I will include them all in the comparison to a razor. After all, the word “razor” is pretty generic…
- “Normal” Disposable Razors
If anyone has the correct name for the “normal razors” I’d love to hear it. But in this case I mean the blades as sold by Gillette. Here are the pros and cons.
The Pros and Cons:
Fairly easy to use
Smoother result than with a razor
Risk of cuts is greater with a razor, but smaller than with a safety razor
Gillette actually has a monopoly on these blades, so there is little choice outside of Gillette.
It takes more time using shaving cream
Less durable
The blades are quite expensive
- Safety razors
The safety razor is actually a safe replacement for the old fashioned razor (see below). Read my blog “What is a safety razor?” should you not know what exactly this is.
The Pros and Cons:
For the smoothest shave
Shave less often
Very cheap
Very durable
Easy to apply lines for a tight beard
Takes more time using shaving cream
You need some experience
Curious about the best safety razors? Beard Man has compiled a list of the best razors.
- Open razor or the classic razor
Finally, we have the open razor or the classic razor for the true gentleman or beardman (although I don’t use one myself. Oops…). This is basically a kind of handle that you flip open before you start shaving.
The Pros and Cons:
For the smoothest shave
Shave less often
Very cheap
Very durable
You shave over a large area
It takes more time using shaving cream
You need some experience
Conclusion: Which One Suits You?
The answer to this varies from person to person. Everyone has different beard growth, budget and personal preferences. If you care about your wallet and want to be environmentally conscious, opt for an open razor or a safety razor.
Don’t feel like learning the technique of using a safety razor or a classic razor, but still want a smooth result? Then choose the “normal” razors. A big advantage is that with these methods you don’t have to shave as often as with a razor or beard trimmer.
With razors, safety razors and classic razors, you need two things besides the separate blade: time and shaving cream (at least for most men). Do you just want to get it done easily and quickly? Don’t mind spending extra money? Then go for a shaver.