You pay a lot for cartridge refills, and your face still gets razor burn. A safety razor is one metal handle and a cheap, replaceable double-edge blade. It's been around for about a century, and many people switch for a closer shave and less waste. Here are the 5 best safety razors in 2026, ranked by star rating and number of reviews.
We didn't test these ourselves. We read the listings and the review patterns. If you want a comparison with a similar single-blade style, see our one blade razor picks too.
What to Look For in a Safety Razor
Handle length. A long handle (about 4 inches or more) gives you more control if you have big hands or shave your head. Short handles are easier to pack.
Head style. A butterfly (twist-to-open) head makes blade changes fast. A three-piece razor is the old style and a bit more work, but it's very sturdy.
Weight and aggression. A heavier razor does the work for you, so you press lightly. Lighter ones are milder but need more care. Beginners usually want a mild head.
Blades. Most kits ship with 5 to 10 blades. Replacements cost a few cents each, and different brands feel different, so a sampler pack is worth it.
Finish. Chrome or stainless won't rust. Coated and gunmetal finishes look good but can wear with time.
The 5 Best Safety Razors in 2026
1. VIKINGS BLADE The Chieftain 'Odin' Double Edge Safety Razor
Best for: beginners who want a mild razor in a gift box.
A rose-gold and black safety razor that comes with 5 Swedish steel blades and a luxury case, per the listing. The listing calls the head smooth-glide and beginner-friendly. It has 4.5 stars from more than 17,500 reviews.
What makes it stand out: It's the best rated of the high-volume picks, and the case makes it a good gift. It's meant for people new to safety razors.
Good to know: The finish can show wear after a while, and the mild head may not satisfy someone with thick, coarse stubble. The included blades are a starting point.
2. Bambaw Double Edge Safety Razor for Men and Women
Best for: an eco-friendly, plastic-free razor for any gender.
A silver metal razor about 4.3 inches long that comes with 5 blades, according to the listing. The brand also sells 60-blade refill packs. It has 4.3 stars from more than 26,000 reviews, the most on this list.
What makes it stand out: It's popular for good reason, with a simple design and a large user base. It works for legs, face and head.
Good to know: It's the lowest rated of the five, and a few buyers mention a light feel and a learning curve. Use a gentle angle and let the weight do the work.
3. WEISHI Butterfly Open Double Edge Safety Razor with 5 Blades
Best for: people who want a long-handled, twist-to-open razor on a budget.
A long-handled butterfly razor in a gunmetal finish that comes with 5 stainless steel blades. The head twists open to swap a blade. It has 4.4 stars from nearly 15,000 reviews.
What makes it stand out: It's one of the best-known low-cost options, and the long handle gives you good control. The butterfly head makes blade changes quick.
Good to know: The finish can chip over time, and the included blades are basic. Many people swap to a sampler pack.
4. Shaving Revolution Long Handle Double Edge Safety Razor (12 Piece Set)
Best for: a starter set with extra blades and a cleaning brush.
A set with a gunmetal long-handle butterfly razor, 10 double-edge blades made from Japanese stainless steel (platinum coated, per the listing) and a cleaning brush. It has 4.4 stars from nearly 9,600 reviews.
What makes it stand out: It has the most blades of the kits here, so you won't need a refill for a while. The brush helps you keep the head clean.
Good to know: A set means more stuff to store, and the razor is the same style as cheaper butterfly razors. If you already own blades, you're mostly paying for extras.
5. MANSCAPED The Plow 2.0 Premium Single Blade Safety Face Razor
Best for: face shaving with a weighted, waterproof razor.
A weighted gunmetal razor with a zinc alloy head and brass handle, marketed as waterproof and rust resistant. It takes single double-edge blades. It has 4.5 stars from about 6,000 reviews.
What makes it stand out: It's perfectly weighted for face shaving, and it feels premium in the hand. The listing says it's good in the shower.
Good to know: It's the priciest of the group, and the brand sells blades separately. It's built for face shaving and isn't a legs razor.
How to Shave With a Safety Razor
- Wet your skin with warm water and build a thick lather with soap or cream.
- Hold the razor at about a 30-degree angle, with the handle pointing away from your face.
- Use short, light strokes with the grain of your hair. Let the weight of the razor do the work.
- Rinse the blade often, and re-lather for a second pass across the grain if you want it closer.
- Change the blade every 3 to 5 shaves, and dry the razor after use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best safety razor for beginners?
What is the best safety razor for women?
Is a safety razor better than a cartridge razor?
What is the best safety razor for sensitive skin?
Keep Reading
- One blade razors for a closer shave
- Harry's razor blades and kits
- Barber blades for straight and safety razors
Final Thoughts
For most beginners we'd start with the VIKINGS BLADE Chieftain. It has an excellent rating, a mild head and a case that makes it a good gift. If you want eco-friendly and gender-neutral, Bambaw is the one.
WEISHI is the low-cost long-handle pick, Shaving Revolution is the best value as a kit, and the MANSCAPED Plow is the weighted pick for the face. Whichever you pick, buy a blade sampler pack too.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Here's how we pick products.
