Best Straight Razors
Bring on the Barbershop Shave With These Straight Razors
The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service.
With additions by Barret Wertz.
Fashioning the vogue of the mountain man or growing out the beard for any number of reasons remains a “cool thing” to do at the moment. We get it. The so-called “recession beard” period is no more. But maybe when The New York Times claims the beard has gone mainstream, like every other style trend that’s come (and gone), it’s time to pick up a straight razor for the era of the lumberjack look might officially be done. Finished. Caput. So start thinking about shaving it off.
RELATED: The 8 Best Razors for Men
Why Straight Razors?
There’s no more manly way to bask in the satisfaction of a smooth face than by running a single-steel blade across that mug of yours. Straight razors have the one-up in several areas over electric razors, multi blade razors, and even some of the industry’s best safety razors. As far as gains:
- Using a straight or single blade razor is viewed as the more elegant and skilled way to lose the scruff
- Very low continuous costs, once you’re equipped with the right tools
- More economical, for they last close to a lifetime depending on maintenance
- They are environmentally-friendly, as blades are less frequently replaced or thrown away in comparison to plastic cartridge-based razors
- We’re talking the closest shave possible
What to Look For
The market is stocked with a lot of different options, but to tell you the truth, the majority are generally the same. Construction plays a vital role and only a handful of reputable straight razor manufacturers make the cut and prove worthy of the investment. Just a couple of pointers to take into consideration when shopping for an elite model:
- Blade quality: You want the most important component of the razor to be built from carbon or stainless steel. Carbon can be hardened to a larger extent, is more flexible, and conforms to the face easier. Stainless is resistant to rust and water damage, with the edges lasting longer.
- Handle build: Three options are afforded to you. Wood and resin handles bear a hard wooden finish, whereas celluloid, bone, and horn models are the most durable for better handling. Polymer handles come in an avoidable plastic-type form.
- Stropability: Invest in a blade designed for long-term honing and requiring the least amount of laps (strokes between the blade and strop).
- Versatility: Any blade within the 5/8 inch to 6/8 inch range is ideal for beginners looking to reduce their chances of cuts. Experienced types can work with a 9/16 inch or even 4/8 inch razor for better maneuverability and closer shaves.
Also remember when operating a straight razor to shave going with the grain in the direction your beard grows, rinsing the blade as needed. Hold it at a 90-degree angle as you take the strokes. If you don’t, you might want to stock up on Band-Aids.
Now that you’re prepped, read on for the best blades money can buy, plus all the accessories you'll need to master your new morning ritual.
Best Straight Razors
Best Overall Straight Razor
Dovo Shavette
Why we love it: The interchangeable blade holders allow use for a variety of blades.
A coveted selection by most experts, the Dovo Shavette is a versatile shaver with several convenience factors that cater to the frequent flyer who wants to maintain a clean-cut profile. For one, it supports all types of blades. Size works to its advantage with a smaller design suitable for dopp kit storage. In addition, the lightweight feel provides good balance to give you excellent maneuverability when practicing special shaving techniques. Stainless steel housing wears well against wet shaves, too. The additional travel case comes in handy to hoist the extra clear and black blade holder bundled with the package, which actually serves great for protecting users from unwanted nicks.
$60 at Amazon.com
Best Luxury Straight Razor
Feather DX Folding Wood Handle Razor
Why we love it: Supports any of the four Artist Club blades including light, professional, super, and ProGuard
Popular demand places this classic on any list. The Feather DX screams opulence, from the resinated wooden handle to the stainless steel body. Sharpness proves to be the brand’s speciality, for the device is actually treated with what’s been described as a “finishing material” that blesses the razor head and blade glide with suave stroking action against all surfaces. The end result is a smooth AF kisser, but one wrong move will result in a nasty gusher. Beware. Great weight balanced with strong grip control lets you dominate the shaving experience. The high price tag does nothing to diminish the razor’s infinite value for disposable blades over the years will equate to more than what you’ll actually drop on this vintage-inspired cutter.
$253 at Amazon.com
Best Budget Straight Razor
Equinox Professional Straight Edge Razor
Why we love it: It's the No. 1 best seller on Amazon for a reason
Made from top notch, quality stainless steel, this affordable straight edge razor is designed to last you a long time. Guaranteed, in fact. It will never rust or tarnish after all the uses you’ll give it, since it will obviously be a regular part of your new shaving routine. Built with an easy-open blade guard, you can exchange each blade after a could shaves with ease. Built with comfort and stability in mind, the Equinox Professional Straight Edge Razor provides the right holding angle and does one hell of a good job shaving. Pro tip: Be sure to gently squeeze the protection cap before closing it to ensure a tight and secure grip so your blade will not fall out.
$16.97 at Amazon.com
More Great Straight Razors
Parker SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Razor
Why we love it: No holders are required for use. None. Perfect for barber kits.
This Amazon favorite has the customer reviews to solidify its shaving prowess. Parker’s stainless steel slicer has the prestige of a premium razor, only at a far more affordable rate and backed by a large community of seasoned barbers. The genuine stainless steel housing gives it a swank look most costly razors fail to emulate. Then comes the rounded edge on the blade compartment that works amazingly to reduce lesions when paired with a grade-A shaving soap. A snap-lock mechanism holds the blade in place so no discomfort or wiggling is present when skimming facial surfaces. Plus the fact that it accepts single-edge or one half double-edge blades favors its placement.
$19.99 at Amazon.com
Utopia Care Professional Barber Straight Edge Razor
This sleek and stylish stainless steel straight blade is covered in a black matte finish giving it a stealth look while also helping prevent rust for long-lasting performance. Featuring easy-flip blade cover and comfortable metal grip allowing for easy maneuvering and a close shave, this razor comes stocked with enough blades — 100 premium derby blades to be precise — to get you through the year, if not more.
$19.99 at Amazon.com
Facón Professional Classic Straight Edge Barber Razor
Another affordable option that doesn’t skimp on quality, the Facón Professional Straight Edge Barber Razor is a safe bet for those experienced and novice alike. This 100% genuine Japanese stainless steel razor has a unique black powder coating and comes in 20% heavier and more balanced than similarly-styled razors, allowing for a more ergonomic design for better articulated control. What’s more, the adjustable screws mean extra comfort and flexible maneuvering. All that, and it’s guaranteed for life.
$19.95 at Amazon.com
Accessories
Cremo 100% Cruelty-Free Shave Brush
To create a rich, creamy lather, nothing beats a good shave brush. The premium bristles of a facial sweeper soak up shaving cream or soap incredibly well to create a nice lubrication surface that lifts the whiskers and spreads delicately across your grille. Cremo offers a budget-friendly, cruelty-free option made from horse hair that makes for a sweet addition to any straight razor set with a vintage off white acrylic handle for great grip. This prevents any slippage when venturing into wet shaves.
$19.33 at Amazon.com
Proraso Refreshing Shaving Soap
Listen. The shaving cream market is an overpopulated one with tons of great options that benefit every style of shave. But if you want our professional opinion, Proraso offers an amazing shaving solution that works well with a straight blade. The combination of natural glycerin and coconut oil delivers a slickness that keeps the skin taut, providing the steadiest of strokes. Lather build-up is incredibly generous to where only a dollop is necessary to generate a nice and thick froth that won’t damage the quality of your blades. You can’t go wrong here. Then again, every man has his own taste. For more expert suggestions, check out AskMen’s roundup of the best shaving creams.
$10 at Amazon.com
Baxter of California After Shave Balm
Even the smoothest of cuts can result in a minor nick, or several -- not to mention some inflammation depending on your skin sensitivity. The answer is as clear as an aftershave balm. Baxter’s remains an AskMen favorite for the lotion-cool sensation it leaves on the face. It’s deeply enriched in glycerin that produces enough hydration to replace your everyday moisturizer, while other key ingredients like allantoin treat irritations after completing a straight shave. The subtle yet zesty aroma of lime and mint is a fitting fragrance that completes the sophisticated grooming task.
$19 at Amazon.com
Arkansas Knife Sharpening Stone
Blade sharpening is a critical technique for straight razor shaving. A sharpening stone will definitely get the job done and provide that shear cutting edge you desire when stroking with the grain. This one in particular is requested by knifesmen of multiple trades including chefs, craftsmen, and professional barbers. The stone shows unnoticeable wear and tear after a year, still producing an exceptional taper of the blade. It also carries special properties that bless the cutter with a polish after each sharpening. Commit to a few minutes of sharpening for every session to get the razor-sharp results you desire.
$56.95 at Amazon.com
Product photos from retailer site.
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