Double Edge Safety Razors

If you're thinking about moving away from disposable cartridges towards a closer, more traditional shave, a double edge safety razor is usually where that journey starts. At Shaving Time we stock double edge safety razors from well established names in traditional wet shaving, covering a range of styles, weights and finishes. Whether you're buying your first razor or adding another to an existing collection, this guide will help you understand the main types available and what to look for before you choose.

What Is a Double Edge Safety Razor?

A double edge (DE) safety razor is a traditional razor that uses a single blade with two sharp edges, held between a top cap and a base plate. Unlike multi-blade cartridge razors, it exposes only one cutting edge per side, which many experienced wet shavers find gives a cleaner cut with fewer passes. Because the blade sits in a fixed, guarded position, the quality of the shave depends more on technique — blade angle and light pressure — than on the razor doing the work for you.

Why Choose a Double Edge Safety Razor?

Moving from cartridges to a safety razor is usually about control, cost and routine. A well looked after razor can last for years, and replacement blades are generally inexpensive compared with multi-blade cartridge refills. Many shavers also prefer the slower, more deliberate pace of a traditional shave, paired with a shaving brush and soap or cream.

That said, safety razors do have a learning curve. If you're new to wet shaving, it's worth reading up on technique before your first shave — see our guide on how to use a safety razor, linked below.

Types of Double Edge Safety Razor

Not all safety razors behave the same way. The main differences come down to comb style, construction and adjustability.

Closed Comb Razors

Closed comb (or "safety bar") razors have a solid bar beneath the blade, offering more protection against nicks. They're a sensible starting point for most beginners.

Open Comb Razors

Open comb razors have individual teeth beneath the blade rather than a solid bar, exposing a little more of the blade. They're often favoured by shavers with coarser or denser stubble, but typically require a lighter touch.

Butterfly (Twist-to-Open) Razors

Butterfly razors open at the top like a flower when you twist the handle, making blade changes quick and tool-free. Parker in particular is known for this style.

Adjustable Razors

Adjustable razors let you dial the blade exposure or gap up or down, effectively giving you several razors in one. Rockwell is a well known name here. These suit shavers who want to fine-tune aggressiveness as their technique develops.

One-Piece vs Three-Piece Construction

Three-piece razors separate into a top cap, base plate and handle, making blade changes straightforward and allowing some mixing and matching of parts. One-piece razors, often butterfly-opening, keep everything in a single unit. Neither is inherently better — it largely comes down to personal preference.

How to Choose the Right Safety Razor

A few practical factors are worth thinking through before you buy:

• Experience level — if this is your first safety razor, a closed comb, mild to medium razor is usually the safer starting point.
• Weight and balance — heavier razors can let the weight of the head do more of the work, while lighter razors ask more of your technique.
• Blade exposure and angle — often described as mild, medium or aggressive, this affects how much blade reaches the skin and how forgiving the razor is.
• Material and finish — most razors are chrome-plated brass, stainless steel, or coated zinc alloy; finish affects both durability and price.
• Handle length and grip — a longer or textured handle can help with control, particularly once your hands are wet and soapy.

Specific weights, dimensions and finishes vary between models, so always check the individual product page for exact specifications before buying.

Popular Safety Razor Brands We Stock

We carry double edge safety razors from a number of well established names in traditional shaving, including Edwin Jagger, Merkur, Parker, RazoRock, Rockwell, Tatara, Dreadnought and Henson Razor Co. Each brand tends to have its own character:

• RazoRock - is recognised around the world for producing high-quality traditional wet shaving products

• Merkur — German-engineered razors spanning a range of weights and finishes.
• Parker — a wide range including butterfly open models, generally aimed at good value.
• HENSON— best known for adjustable razors suited to shavers who want flexibility.
  OLIWORK - Our razors and accessories are CNC-machined for tight tolerances, exacting balance, and reliable alignment. When you place a blade in an OliWorks razor, you know what performance to expect — smooth, controlled, and consistent.  

Exact models, weights and prices are subject to change, so please check current stock and specifications on each individual product page.

Caring for Your Safety Razor

A safety razor needs very little maintenance, but a few habits help it last:

• Rinse the head thoroughly after each shave to clear hair and soap residue.
• Dry the razor properly, particularly if it isn't stainless steel, to help avoid corrosion.
• Change the blade regularly — a dull blade tends to pull rather than cut, which increases irritation.
• Store the razor somewhere it can dry fully between shaves, ideally on a stand.

Building a Complete Wet Shaving Kit

A safety razor is usually one part of a wider traditional shaving routine. Many customers pair their razor with a shaving brush, a shaving soap or cream, and a stand to keep everything tidy and dry between shaves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a double edge safety razor?

It's a traditional razor that holds a single double-sided blade between a top cap and base plate, exposing one cutting edge per side rather than the multiple blades used in cartridge razors.

Are double edge safety razors good for beginners?

Yes, with the right choice. A closed comb, mild to medium razor is generally considered a sensible starting point, as it's more forgiving while you learn blade angle and pressure.

What's the difference between open comb and closed comb razors?

Closed comb razors have a solid bar beneath the blade for more protection, while open comb razors have individual teeth that expose more of the blade — often preferred by shavers with coarser stubble, but requiring a lighter touch.

How often should I change my safety razor blade?

This varies by skin and beard type, but most wet shavers replace blades every few shaves once they notice the blade starting to pull rather than cut cleanly.

Do safety razors give a closer shave than cartridge razors?

Many experienced wet shavers feel they do, largely because of the single, precisely angled blade and the slower, more deliberate technique involved, though results depend heavily on technique and prep.

Can women use double edge safety razors?

Yes. Safety razors aren't gender specific and are used by many people for leg, underarm and facial shaving; choice of razor and blade still comes down to personal preference and skin sensitivity.

Choosing a double edge safety razor comes down to matching the razor's style, weight and blade exposure to your experience and skin. Beginners are generally best served by a closed comb, mild to medium razor, while more experienced shavers may prefer an open comb or adjustable model. Browse our full range below, and check individual product pages for exact weights, finishes and current availability before you buy.