10 Best Straight Razors 2022
The art of shaving is still appreciated by men across the globe, and although there have been many advancements in technology and shaving accessories, sometimes the classic, “old school” way of approaching a shave is the best way.
Those of you who prefer to shave with a straight razor also have quite a few options. The blade material, the sharpness of the blade and the handle materials come in a variety of options, so in order to help you find the best straight razor for your whisker removal, have a look at our list below.
You Might Want to Consider
Here are a few things you might want to consider before you select a straight razor.
- Experience Level. Just like a driver at a stop light who shouldn’t shift from first to fifth, you shouldn’t jump into straight razor shaving without preparing yourself. We’ll discuss more tips for beginners below, so keep reading if you are new to this type of shaving!
- Disposable or Traditional Blade. Some razors some with disposable blades that you’ll have to attach to the razor while others are traditional blades that need to be stropped (we’ll explain stropping more in detail below).
If you like the idea of straight shaving but want a quick and simple way to use the razor, opt for one with disposable blades. If not, then you’ll want to stick with the old-fashioned way: one blade that you will sharpen and maintain after each shave. Eventually you will need to replace these blades, as well, but they will last you much longer than the disposable ones.
- Shaving Cream. They type of shaving cream you use for straight razors makes a big difference, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Avoid cheap brands that are filled with chemicals. These will only irritate your skin during and after the shave. Look for quality shave creams or soaps and decide whether or not you want a scented one.
- Tools. If you’ve already decided to approach shaving in the traditional way, then you need the traditional tools to go along with it.
You’ll need a brush that will help you work up a good lather and a scuttle mug or a bowl to work up a lather and a strop. Again, we’ll tell you all about the strop below!
Top 10 Straight Razors Complete Table
| Picture | Name | Blade Type | Price | Rating (1-5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor | Traditional | $$$ | 4.9 |
 | 2. Velvet Forge Straight Razor | Traditional | $$$ | 4.4 |
 | 3. Classic Samurai CS-102 Stainless Steel Professional Barber Straight Edge Razor | Disposable | $ | 4.4 |
 | 4. Equinox Professional Barber Straight Edge Razor Safety | Disposable | $ | 4.3 |
 | 5. Utopia Care Straight Edge Barber Razor | Disposable | $ | 4.3 |
 | 6. The Shave Network Straight Razor (6/8” GD) | Traditional | $$ | 4.1 |
 | 7. Parker SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor | Disposable | $$ | 4.1 |
 | 8. Parker SRW Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor | Disposable | $$ | 4.1 |
 | 9. Dovo Best Quality 5/8" Straight Razor | Traditional | $$$$ | 4.0 |
 | 10. Whetstone 10.5 inch Straight Razors | Traditional | $ | 3.8 |
For Beginners
So you’re new to straight razor shaving? Welcome!
There are some things you need to know about this ancient form of shaving and we’ll help you get started here:
- You’ll need to strop the blade on a strap of leather or canvas. This will re-align the indentations on the blade without removing any of the metal. Removing the metal is what you do when you hone a knife blade, but for razor blades you don’t want to do this.
Get yourself a quality strop, preferably leather, or a quality synthetic one if leather is too expensive.
- Shave-ready razors are probably your best place to start. You can use them “right off the shelf” and won’t need to worry about stropping them before you use.
Look for a kit that comes with all of the tools you need to get started.
- Don’t spend too much on your first razor. It would be a pity to buy the crème-de-la-crème of razors only to find out that it isn’t the type of shaving style that you want after all.
- And speaking of such, we suggest that you be as patient as possible while you learn. Really It’s going to take time to get the hang of straight edge shaving (we’re talking a few weeks or even months), so if your determined to master the technique, it will take time. There are plenty of good online resources and tutorials that will show you how to get started.
Stropping
As we mentioned, you’ll need to strop the blade, that is, remove the indentations, before you use it.
It will take between 40-60 laps, or strokes, across the strop before the blade is ready for use, and learning how to properly strop the blade takes quite a bit of practice.
Since you’ll be using your razor at home, it’s worth it to have a professional, perhaps at a barbershop or a shave specialty store, teach you the proper technique.
Top 5 Best Straight Razor Reviews
1. Feather Straight ACS-NB
This is a top-of-the-line straight razor that an experienced man will love.
You may have started out with the disposable, less expensive brands, but now you’re ready for the real deal, and the Feather SS doesn’t disappoint.
It features a stainless steel body that is heat-resistant with a soft, silicone resin handle that is also heat-resistant up to 135° F.
The shave is smooth and the blade is extremely sharp and the handle provides excellent grip so you won’t slip and slide all over your face as you shave.
It is definitely the best straight razor on our list in terms of quality, but the next one is also pretty darn good. See for yourself!
2. Velvet Forge Straight Razor
This give the previous razor a bit of competition. It has a 4-inch stainless steel blade so you will cover plenty of surface area as you sweep it across your face, and the grip is comfortable, making it easy for you to handle as you shave.
This is another one that the beginner will probably want to wait for, but if you are an experienced straight shaver looking for some serious equipment, try a Velvet Forge blade.
3. Classic Samurai CS-102
The classic Samurai is the affordable way for a newbie to enter into the world of straight razor shaving.
It comes with 100 disposable Derby blades, is made of surgical stainless steel and it comes with the pouch for easy storage once you’re done using it.
Beginners love using this razor to learn with, so give it a try if you don’t want to invest too much but are still interested in straight razor shaving.
4. Equinox Professional Straight Edge Razor
To be honest there isn’t much of a difference between the previous razor.
They are very similar in design, they both come with derby razors (100-count) and this is made from genuine surgical steel.
This one, it seems is slightly heavier than the previous one, which gives it a slight advantage when shaving.
As a beginner you could really go with either one (either the Samurai above or this Equinox). Get both so you have a little variety and get to know the tools. Small investment, big learning experience!
5. Utopia Care Straight Edge Barber Razor
Finally we have the Utopia Care Straight Edge Razor.
It has chrome plating over the brass body, which help prevent rust from forming and to prevent it from tarnishing.
It, too, comes with 100 disposable Derby blades but unlike the other two it has an adjustable blade cover that you can flip up and no-slip comfortable handle that will make it easy for you to maneuver over your face.
Another great beginner razor for the new guys!