What are the best razor blades?
Customers regularly ask us: 'What are the best razor blades?' We can be very brief about this: 'The best razor blades do not exist.' Every skin and beard differs from man to man. The choice is of course very personal. Ever since men started shaving, they are always looking for the most optimal razor blade. Men like to test and try. It is our eternal search for the perfect shave. The modern man has tried various blades during his shaving life. Each man has an average of 2 different types of razors on his shelf. In this blog we talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of razor blades.
What's a razor supposed to do?
What are the most important aspects of the razor and its razor blades? In other words: 'What should a razor blade do and what should you pay attention to when choosing the right razor blade?' We have listed it briefly:
- sharp;
- comfort;
- sustainability;
- hygiene;
- applicability;
- price.
Sharp
Initially, the blade must of course be sharp enough to split the beard hairs in half. That makes sense. But you have sharp and sharp. And of course this is also personal. This depends on the type of beard and skin. Mildly sharp blades have difficulty with coarse or heavy beard growth. But they may be more suitable for flaxen beards or sensitive skin. Very sharp blades are suitable for heavy beards but less suitable for sensitive skin. Which razor suits you is your choice.
Comfort
We always say here: 'Your skin is not made to be run over with a knife.' The razor should glide comfortably over your skin. Actually, you shouldn't feel it while shaving. This also depends on the correct shaving technique. Of course, a good protective shaving foam also helps with this.
A shave is only perfect if the razor provides an efficient, smooth shave without any irritation.
Sustainability
Of course, it is of no use if you have to throw it away after one use. Use once and throw it away immediately is a waste, expensive and of course not environmentally friendly.
After each use the blade will become duller and duller. At a certain point it no longer cuts but pulls the beard hairs. As soon as the blade starts to pull, it is no longer usable. Continuing for too long causes a painful shave and a greater risk of irritation. How long you can shave with one blade varies per type or brand. How long you can shave also depends on the type of beard hair and shaving technique.
Hygiene
By this we mean to what extent you can easily and thoroughly clean the blade during and after use. This keeps the blade sharp for longer, provides a more comfortable shave and is of course more hygienic to use. It is of no use if you cannot clean the blade properly after use. It's just not fresh.
Applicability
Each application has its own tools. Men either shave their entire face or just the beard contours. Many men also regularly shave their scalp. Some blades are more suitable for shaving the face. Other blades are slightly more suitable for a close shave of the beard edges.
Price
In 2013, the TV program 'De Rekenkamer' investigated the actual production and material costs of one cartridge multi-balde blade. It concerned the cost of, for example, a Gillette or Wilkinson razor. To everyone's surprise, it turned out that the cost for a blade was approximately 10 euro cents. While these modern blades cost 4 to 5 Euro each in the drugstore or supermarket. There are many complaints about the overpriced shaving products from these well-known brands. In short, the price of a knife is super important.
Which razor blades should you buy?
The choice is huge. There are various types of razor blades. Which one is best for you? That's up to you. This depends on your skin and beard. Do you have normal firm skin or very dry and sensitive skin? Do you have a thin flaxen beard or stiff beard growth with crackling beard stubble? Do you shave daily or a few times a month? Finally, do you shave your entire face or do you have a beard and is it all about the beard contours?
Below is a list of the different types of razor blades:
- Multi-blade cartridge razor: Gillette Mach3 and Fusion
- Double edge razor blade
- Single edge razor blade
- Mustache and beard razor
The advantages and disadvantages of a multi-blade cartridge razor
Our experience is that these blades are averagely sharp. That makes sense because after all, there are 3 to 5 blades in the razor and it must of course be suitable for every type of skin and beard. The major manufacturers ensure that as many men as possible use these multi-blades.
Because there are many blades, you have a consistent, even pressure distribution on the skin. This allows the multi-blades to shave comfortably and smoothly. A frequently heard complaint is that too many blades over your skin at the same time can lead to shaving irritation.