If you’re a fella who’s partial to a freshly shorn face or a precise beard line, investing in the right razor is essential.
Without a doubt, the classic straight razor remains one of the best close-shave options on the planet. Okay, Sweeny Todd may have put a dampener on straight razors slightly (questionable looking pie, anyone?), but with the right technique and a little practice, you’ll be more than impressed with the results.
The best straight razor products on the market are safe, epic looking, and offer a precise shave with minimal effort. But with so many choices out there, how do you know which ones to trust? The last thing you want to do is buy a dodgy shaving blade. Well, I’m going to tell you right now.
Read on to discover the best straight edge razors money can buy.
Key Takeaways
When you’re looking for the best men’s straight edge razor, it’s vital that you take your time and read through your fair share of customer reviews. Or take my word on one of my personal favorites, the DOVO.
One of the key points to mull over straight off the bat (it will make shortlisting your favorites easier) is whether you want a classic folding straight edge razor or one with a fixed handle. For an iconic folding-style razor, the Cambridge Cutthroat is the perfect lightweight and user-friendly option. If a simple yet precise fixed-handle razor is more your thing, the Facón will get the job done.
Once you’ve made your choice, consider the look, materials, and dimensions, then consider which design or style will help you achieve the best close shave possible. Happy browsing.
DOVO Shavette with Olivewood Handle at Amazon
The Cambridge Cutthroat at Amazon
Dolirox shaving kit at Amazon
Equinox Professional Straight Edge Razor at Amazon
Facón Japanese Cut Throat Shavette at Amazon
Better Barber Macho at Amazon
SHARPY Cut Throat Razor at Amazon
1. Best overall straight razor: DOVO Shavette with Olivewood Handle
Handle: Folding | Material: Aluminum & Olivewood | Dimensions: 0.75 x 7 x 2.25in
Behold, the DOVO. An absolute stunner of a straight razor with a slick olivewood handle and crisp coated steel blade. The DOVO’s delicate handle is designed for a clean, slick close shave time after time. I should know. I have one to shape the edges of my beard and shave my neck, and it is a great product.
As the overall best straight edge razor, this bad boy ticks all of the shaving boxes—its lightweight design even makes it the perfect face-grooming travel companion.
2. Best straight razor for beginners: The Cambridge Cutthroat
Handle: Folding | Material: Stainless Steel & Missanda Wood | Dimensions: 5.1 x 4.7 x 2in
Made with a high-quality Missanda wood handle that’s easy to grip from every angle, the Cambridge Cutthroat is ideal for cut throat shaving newbies, as well as teens. This lightweight piece of shaving kit is built for handheld comfort, and its mid-sized stainless steel razor is designed to prevent you from going too deep with your cut (perfect for fellas who are perfecting their shaving technique).
All in all, this is great value for money, especially if you’re just dipping your toes into the straight razor shaving water. Oh, and it comes with a cool faux leather carry pouch, so you can take it on the road.
3. Best straight razor kit: Dolirox shaving kit
Handle: Folding | Material: Stainless Steel | Dimensions: Not Specified
Okay, this may well be a gift set, but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself. Yes, this top-notch straight razor shaving kit from Dolirox comes complete with a lightweight steel razor, replacement blades, a shaving brush and bowl, a beard bib, and a selection of lavish sandalwood creams and balms. Everything you need for a barbershop quality close shave (at a very reasonable price point, too).
4. Best barber straight razor: Equinox Professional Straight Edge Razor
Handle: Folding | Material: Stainless Steel | Dimensions: 5.1 inches x 5.1in
The mighty Equinox is a top-quality barber-style razor with real edge. With a black coating and slimline design, this razor is a sight to behold. Its easy-grip handle is designed for pure shaving precision, and its rust-proof handle means this slick face groomer is built to last.
With a slimmer 0.5 blade, this cutting companion also minimizes unnecessary contact with the skin, reducing the risk of nicks and cuts (no toilet paper face plugs required). Once you’ve got your hands on this barbershop-style beauty, you’ll need to choose a fresh haircut to go with your slick new look.
5. Best Japanese straight razor: Facón Japanese Cut Throat Shavette
Handle: Fixed | Material: 100% Genuine Japanese Stainless Steel, Metal, Resin | Dimensions: Not Specified
Japan is a nation known for its craftspersonship and innovation—this neat straight razor from renowned brand Facon proves it. With a non-folding design, a solid grip handle, and a classic fixed blade, this fine handmade addition to our best men’s straight razor list will get the job done.
Whether you’re going for that super groomed beard or smooth as baby’s butt cheeks look, this premium steel has you covered. And it comes with 100 blades, too. Not too shabby.
6. Best disposable straight edge razor: Better Barber Macho
Handle: Folding | Material: Stainless Steel & Plastic | Dimensions: 5.7 x 4.5 x 1.8in
Looking for a disposable straight razor that’s safe, secure, and offers a premium quality precision shave? These professional little cutters from Better Barber are the ones you want.
The patented straight razor barber handle gives you a clean, close shave every time. Oh, did I mention it also comes with a 100-pack of disposable straight blades? That means you’ll never have to worry about running out of blades. And the safety lock means you can shave with confidence every time. Apparently, disposable confidence does exist.
7. Best straight razor on Amazon: SHARPY Cut Throat Razor
Handle: Folding | Material: Stainless Steel | Dimensions: 5.1 x 5.3in
Finally, in our best straight edge razor list we arrive at the slimline SHARPY razor. This eye-catching shaving wonder is a dainty folding straight razor with a luscious wooden handle.
It’s a top-reviewed straight edge razor on Amazon, and it’s perfect for reaching every contour of your face while creating head-turning beard or sideburn lines. Its swing lock armature holds the blade safely in place as you shave, and with a lightweight design, the SHARPY is easy to hold for long periods of time (which is great if you have stubborn bristles). A solid choice considering its very reasonable price.
What To Look For In The Best Straight Razors
Material
First of all, when choosing a straight razor that suits your specific needs, you should look at the material. Considering the blade and handle material will help you make a solid choice. Most of the best men’s straight razor products have a coated wood or high-quality plastic or bamboo handle that’s built to last.
The lion’s share of quality straight razor blades are crafted from treated aluminum, steel, or stainless steel. Avoid any unusual blade materials or low-grade plastic handles, and you’ll end up with a straight razor that will offer a lavish close shave time after time.
Handle design
Straight razors come in a mix of designs. Many of the best straight edge razor products come with foldable handles that are slightly curved to make the shaving process easier and more accurate. Some handles have subtle grips on them to avoid the razor slipping, while others are narrower for a former hand grip.
Choose your handle design based on what you believe will feel most comfortable, as well as your hand size.
Weight
Depending on the design and materials, each straight razor will have a different weight. You should choose a razor with a weight that you feel comfortable holding for extended periods as well as your lifestyle needs. If you’re on the road a lot, for example, a compact and lightweight razor will suit you best.
Blades
Last but certainly not least, it’s always worth examining blades before buying. In addition to looking at the material of the blade, check the razor’s shape, length, and width. If you’re looking to achieve that slick straight edged beard look, going for a stubbier razor will suit you better. If you like that classic clean-shaven vibe and you have a round face, a longer, more robust blade will get the job done.
Final verdict
The DOVO came out on top of the best straight edge razor product picks because it’s made from high-quality, largely sustainable materials, it looks incredible, and it offers a professional barbershop finish at a decent price point.
But while the DOVO emerged victorious overall, each and every additional best shaving companion on the list is known for its solid safety standards and excellent face grooming capabilities. Work through my ‘what to look for’ guide, weigh up your options, and you’ll have your dream razor in hand before you know it.
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- How do I hold a straight razor?
Once you’ve unfolded or unboxed your razor, grip it in your dominant hand between your thumb and index, middle, and ring finger. Hold the razor firmly but not too tight, as a rigid grip will make it tougher for the blade to glide over the contours of your skin.
When you start to shave your face, always cut from top to bottom gently, going with the grain where possible. Using top-quality shaving cream will also help the razor glide across your skin effortlessly.
- How do I sharpen a straight razor?
To sharpen your straight razor successfully, work slowly and methodically. You can buy a sharpening block or strop to make the process as effective and straightforward as possible.
Whether you use a leather strop or a block, you should work from top to bottom with your blade at a 180-degree angle to the sharpening surface in smooth, consistent movements (a little like you’re striking a giant match with caution). Oh, and make sure you sharpen both sides.
- How to put a blade on a straight razor
The way you change a blade will depend on the design of your straight razor. But, in most cases, to change a foldable straight edge razor, you will need to loosen the joint to remove the original blade before loading your new one.
For safety, you should always research exactly how to change a blade according to your razor’s specific manufacturer.
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