Safety razors have become a preferred choice for those looking to improve their shaving experience while reducing environmental impact. In this guide, we’ll answer common questions about the sustainability, function, and history of safety razors, and how Carbon Shaving Co is helping redefine the modern wet shave.
Can Safety Razor Blades Be Recycled?
Yes—but with care. Safety razor blades are made from stainless steel and are recyclable, but they must be properly contained due to their sharpness.
Local Recycling Options
Contact your local recycling center to confirm if they accept blades. Never toss loose blades into curbside recycling—they pose serious safety risks to workers. Instead, use a secure container like a tin can with a slit or a blade bank.
Blade Take-Back Programs
Some brands offer take-back programs—mostly cartridge razor companies promoting sustainability during Earth Day promotions. These programs often suffer from low participation and questionable follow-through.
Blade Banks
We recommend a blade bank: a small, secure container for storing used blades. Once full, it can be taken to a metal recycling facility. A reused beer can works well and lasts years. It’s not only safer—it keeps blades out of landfills.
Are Safety Razor Blades Single-Use?
Not at all. Most users get 3–5 quality shaves per blade depending on hair thickness and shaving frequency. In fact, the second or third shave is often the smoothest.
Extend Blade Life
- Rinse and dry blades after each shave
- Store in a dry, ventilated area
- Use minimal pressure to reduce wear
Always dispose of blades safely in a blade bank to avoid injury and contamination.
When Was the Safety Razor Invented?
The concept dates back to 1762 France, when a guard was added to straight razors. But the modern safety razor—with a replaceable, double-edged blade—was patented by King C. Gillette in 1901. This design, paired with mass-produced blades, changed grooming forever. I talk in-depth about the history here.
Where Was the Safety Razor Invented?
Versions emerged in France, England, Germany, and the U.S. throughout the 19th century. Gillette's U.S. patent, paired with a military contract during WWI, helped popularize the safety razor worldwide. Luxury gold-plated razors and early limited editions were soon replaced with stainless steel versions as machining advanced. I talk more about the early history of shaving here.
Did Gillette Invent the Safety Razor?
Gillette didn’t invent the safety razor, but he perfected it. His real innovation was the mass production of sharp, affordable blades—a business model that made shaving safer and more accessible. Years later, Gillette introduced the Trac II in 1975: the first plastic disposable cartridge razor. This system allowed entire blade cartridges to be replaced, ushering in an era of convenience—and plastic waste.
When Was the First Plastic Disposable Razor Invented?
In 1974, French company Bic introduced the world’s first all-plastic disposable razor. It was lightweight, inexpensive, and entirely meant to be discarded. While revolutionary for convenience, it marked the beginning of single-use shaving culture and plastic waste.
How Does a Safety Razor Work?
Safety razors use a single, sharp blade held at a precise angle. Here’s the general process:
- Prep: Wash with warm water and apply shaving soap or cream to soften hair.
- Load: Insert a blade into the razor and tighten it securely.
- Shave: Hold at a 30-degree angle. Shave with the grain using light pressure.
- Rinse: Rinse often to remove buildup. After shaving, rinse your face and dry the razor.
Many users follow up with a second pass or touch-up in tricky areas. Proper blade angle, prep, and technique are key for an ultra-smooth result.
Why Wet Shaving Matters for Your Skin and the Environment
Wet shaving isn’t just nostalgic—it’s smarter for your skin. It minimizes irritation, allows for a more mindful grooming experience, and dramatically cuts down on plastic waste. With proper gear and technique, it's a gentler, cleaner, and more rewarding ritual.
At Carbon Shaving Co, our razors are designed with smooth finishes and efficient flow paths to reduce bacteria buildup. They're engineered to be easier to clean and better for sensitive skin. We believe in shaving gear that lasts—without the landfill impact of plastic cartridges.
And yes—wet shaving works great for women, too.
Final Thoughts
Safety razors offer an elegant, effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable razors. They reflect craftsmanship, sustainability, and performance. Whether you're new to wet shaving or returning to it, Carbon Shaving Co has a razor designed to meet your routine—and elevate it.