The Ultimate Guide to Safety Razor Shaving
By Sean M., Founder, Carbon Shaving Co. ·
Quick take: Safety razors deliver a closer, less irritating shave and dramatically reduce the cost of replacement blades. When used with proper technique and care they deliver a smooth, clean and irritation free shave. This guide walks you through choosing the right razor, step-by-step shaving technique, maintenance, post-shave care, and why materials like 316L stainless and titanium matter.
What is a safety razor?
A safety razor is a shaving tool that holds and positions a single double-edge (DE) blade between a cap and base plate. The design exposes just the blade edge necessary for cutting while protecting the skin from the rest of the blade with a guard — the reason it’s called “safety.”
Compared with multi-blade cartridge systems, safety razors typically offer:
- Smoother, closer and cleaner results with less irritation
- Lower long-term cost (double edge blades are cheap)
- Far less plastic waste
Learn more: Are safety razors better for the environment?
Ergonomic handle on the Carbon Shaving Co. Cx-316L safety razor
What is the history of the safety razor?
The safety razor emerged in the late 1800s, when a safety guard was added to a "cut throat" razor and later became mainstream in the early 20th century with the invention of the disposable-edge razor blade. Over the last decade, manufacturers have been able to make the safety razor less and less expensive by casting and machining cheap material. A few artisans and small manufacturers have revived the luxury heirloom form, focusing on premium materials, precision engineering, and aesthetics — while preserving the core performance benefits.
At Carbon Shaving Co., we design razors that combine modern materials like Grade 5 titanium and 316L stainless steel along with luxury exotic materials like stainless Damascus with refined ergonomics aimed at improving the shaving experience for discerning users.
Learn more: History of safety razors
Alexander The Great was the first to recommend shaving with his soldiers
How do I choose the right safety razor?
Selecting a razor comes down to four practical factors: aggressiveness(efficiency), weight & balance, handle design, and material.
Tip: For beginners, try a milder base plate in 316L stainless. Example: Cx-316L stainless steel
What does aggressiveness(efficiency) mean in a safety razor?
A razor’s aggressiveness is determined by blade gap(space between safety bar and blade) and blade exposure. A milder razor reduces the blade’s exposure to the skin and is ideal for beginners or sensitive skin. More aggressive heads provide a closer shave with fewer passes but require a refined technique. More aggressive razors tend to have more blade exposure and a larger blade gap.
How important are weight and balance in a safety razor?
Weight will apply pressure to help guide itself: a heavier safety razor and balanced handle allow you to use less pressure. Titanium and aluminum razors will tend to be light, while stainless steel, copper and brass razors tend to be heavier.
What are the best safety razor materials?
Material changes the experience, durability, and finish. 316L stainless is durable and corrosion-resistant, Grade 5 titanium is more corrosive resistant but is also lightweight and strong. Damascus oand Mokume finishes provide a unique, collector-quality and heirloom appearance.
What about the finish of a safety razor?
A polished finish will provide a superior glide across the skin, more durability to the surface and a razor that is easier to clean. The polished surface is smoother and slicker and provides less crevices for bacteria and rust to develop. Other surface are less expensive to finish and are often cheaper. Carbon Shaving Co. talks more about surface finishes on safety razors here.
How do you shave with a safety razor? (Step-by-step)
Below is a concise step-by-step HowTo you can use on shaving days.
For a more detailed process: Beginners Guide to using a safety razor
Step 1 — Prepare your skin
Hydrate with warm water for at least 2 minutes. Use a gentle facial cleanser and, if your skin benefits, a thin layer of pre-shave oil to soften the beard and reduce friction.
Recommended: Pre-Shave Oil
Step 2 — Build a stable lather
A dense, creamy lather cushions the skin and provides slip or slickness. Use a good shaving soap or cream, a brush, and 20–40 seconds of building the lather until it’s glossy and thick. Add water as needed, if it sticks to the shower wall or mirror without sliding down, it is ready.
Recommended: Shaving Soap
Step 3 — Shave with the grain
Hold the razor handle at approximately a 45° angle(This differs for different razors). Let the weight of the razor do the work — apply almost no additional pressure. Start with a pass with the grain, rinsing the blade regularly.
Step 4 — Optional across-the-grain pass
After the first pass, re-lather and perform a light pass across the grain if you need more closeness. Avoid aggressive against-the-grain passes until you are comfortable with technique, be careful of against the grain passes in sensitive areas like the neck.
Step 5 — Rinse, cool water, and post-shave care
Rinse with cool water, gently pat dry, and apply a soothing balm or splash formulated for post-shave recovery.
Product: Post-Shave Balm (Bisabolol + Niacinamide)
How often should you change a safety razor blade?
Blade longevity depends on hair coarseness, frequency of shaving, and blade brand. Typical ranges are:
- Fine hair: 6–8 shaves
- Medium hair: 4–5 shaves
- Coarse hair: 2–3 shaves
Signs it’s time to change the blade: tugging, increased irritation, or a drop in smoothness.
You can learn more about blades and their characteristics in this post: More about double edge razor blades
Standard double edge razor blade
How do I clean and maintain my safety razor?
Routine care preserves finish and performance — especially for lower grades stainless steel like 303 or 304 stainless. A simple maintenance routine:
- Rinse the razor head and handle thoroughly with warm water after each shave.
- Occasionally disassemble and remove soap or hair debris. Use a soft tooth brush and mild soap.
- Dry fully — pat with a soft towel or let air-dry before reassembly.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners on decorative finishes; use a microfiber cloth for polishing.
- If your razor is made with 303 or 304 grade stainless steel, remove the blade to avoid rust development on the razor
For long-term storage, remove the blade, keep the razor dry and avoid humid bathroom environments when possible.
Carbon Shaving Co. talks more about cleaning and polishing different material in this blog: Cleaning and polishing your safety razors.
Are safety razors better for sensitive skin?
Yes — for many people. A single sharp, clean blade reduces repeated irritation that multi-blade cartridges can produce. Safety razors reduce tugging and the formation of ingrown hairs when used correctly with good lather and proper blade rotation.
At Carbon Shaving Co., we recommend the milder head designs and post-shave products that contain soothing ingredients like Bisabolol and Niacinamide to calm inflammation and support skin recovery. We also recommend applying a preshave oil or conditioner prior to shaving cream or soap.
More about shaving with sensitive skin: Mens shaving for sensitive skin
What do razor materials mean for performance and finish?
Materials influence weight, durability, corrosion resistance, ability to clean and aesthetic. Here’s a summary:
| Material | Traits | When to choose |
|---|---|---|
| Polished 316L Stainless Steel | Durable, corrosion-resistant, easy to clean | Daily users who want longevity and low maintenance |
| Grade 5 Titanium | Lightweight, strong, will not corrode | Those who prefer a lighter feel with high strength |
| Stainless Damascus | Layered visual pattern, artisanal finish, heirloom and luxury | Collectors and enthusiasts who value one-of-a-kind aesthetics |
| Titanium Damascus | Light, bright colors, visual pattern, heirloom and luxury | Collectors and enthusiasts who value custom made bespoke pieces. |
| Mokume Gane | Striking mixed-metal look, heirloom quality | Collectors and enthusiasts who value patina and the development of an aged look. |
Material choice is partly practical and partly personal — select what fits your routine, budget, and aesthetic preference.
Learn more: Materials of safety razors
What matters in post-shave skin care?
Post-shave care restores hydration, calms inflammation, and protects the skin barrier. Key ingredients to look for:
- Bisabolol — natural anti-inflammatory, reduces redness
- Niacinamide — strengthens barrier, evens tone
- Aloe Vera — cools and hydrates
Use a lightweight balm or splash immediately after shaving, and avoid heavily perfumed or alcohol-heavy products if your skin is reactive.
More about post-shave skin care: Essential post care shave skin care tips and tricks
Common Safety Razor Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are safety razors difficult to use?
A: No, They require a brief learning curve, but most users naturally feel comfortable after a few shaves. Using less pressure, proper angle, and quality lather are the main adjustments.
Q: Are safety razors worth the investment?
A: Yes. A well-made safety razor will last a lifetime and lowers recurring costs because double edge blades are inexpensive compared to cartridge refills. Different blade brands are also available to refine your shave experience.
Q: What is the difference between stainless steel razors?
A: There are many differences between different stainless steel safety razors including grades and finishes. 303 and 304 stainless steel grades will rust quicker than 316L marine grade stainless. A Polished finish is easier to clean than a a bead blasted or machine finish and is less likely to rust.
Q: Which products should I use with a safety razor?
A: Start with a stable shaving soap or cream, a pre-shave oil if needed(chair conditioner will work), a quality blade, and a post-shave balm that includes soothing ingredients like Bisabolol and Niacinamide.