As one of the more rudimentary elements of men’s grooming, every clean cut man should know his way around a razor.
Offering a closer shave than electric shavers, their beard-trimming siblings, the razor will give you a more groomed and chiseled look for events where stubble isn’t on the guestlist. Whilst clean-shaving can take longer than buzzing your facial hair off with a trimmer, there’s a certain je ne sais quoi that comes with the ritualistic and traditional process of using a good old fashioned blade.
Although you may inflict the odd nick or cut to that handsome visage of yours to begin with, once you’ve perfected your technique, and found the right razor for you, you’ll be left with a smooth shave that could rival a young Leonardo Di Caprio.
The first rule of razors that we don’t talk about the first rule. Just kidding, this isn’t Fight Club. The first rule: they must be sharp. Taking a blunt blade to your hands will inevitably leave you looking distinctly Edward Scissorhands-ish, so it’s essential that you refresh or sharpen your razor routinely to avoid injury.
When choosing your tool of choice, your main options are a single blade or a safety razor. The former is usually best reserved for professional barbers as, if used incorrectly, they can inflict some serious damage. We’d suggest the latter if your lacking in the shaving department.
Single blades, however, are more sustainable than their counterparts, as they can last you a lifetime instead of just five to eight shaves (or three weeks if your five o’clock shadow returns at a leisurely pace), so if you’re committed to perfecting your technique, a single blade could be the one for you.
Your optimum shaving-window is post-shower, when your facial hair is at its softest and easiest to cut. Just make sure you lather up with some quality shaving cream to avoid ingrown hairs and added bumps, and if you’re feeling particularly extravagant then a shaving brush is an added bonus.
So, it’s time to go forth and groom, and invest in one of the razors below.
Best perfumes for men: 14 long-lasting fragrances to obsess over
Best men’s wash bags to pack all your essential grooming products
Best face masks for men’s skincare 2022, from 111SKIN to Aesop
Best shampoos for men tried and tested: From anti-dandruff to combatting thinning
Bolin Webb X1 Razor & Stand, Matte Graphite
If you’re looking to spruce up your bathroom counter at the same time as delving into the world of clean shaving, Bolin Webb’s award winning razor gives good reason to take the plunge. With a non-slip underside for smooth and effortless grip, a slanted stand, and a travel-case, it offers all of the tools that make for an easy, clean shave - even on the move.
Buy now £140.00, Fortnum & Mason
Gillette Labs Heated Razor With Exfoliating Bar, 1 Handle, 2 Blades, Magnetic Stand
With Gillette’s heated razor, you can give yourself a barber-worthy hot towel shave from the comfort of your own bathroom. Featuring a built-in exfoliating bar, a nifty magnetic stand for wireless charging, and Gillette’s FlexDisc technology, it will provide a comfortably close shave with every stroke.
Buy now £88.08, Amazon
Harry’s Winston Set
Comprising of a shaving gel, three blade cartridges, a weighty handle, and a travel cover, Harry’s Winston Set is a luxurious and comprehensive set for the stylish gent. Presented in a box, with the option of personalisation on the handle, it’s the perfect gift for any birthday or Christmas. With a rubber grip and flex hinge blades that boast a lubricating strip, it offers everything you need for an enjoyable shave.
Buy now £24.00, Harry’s
Philips OneBlade Hybrid Body and Face Stubble Trimmer
Multitasking is the MO of Philips’ OneBlade shaver, which can trim, edge, and shave any length of hair. Be it grooming your body or shaving your face, it’s a one stop shop with interchangeable blades that are suited to varied tasks, so it’ll have you covered whether you want to sharpen up or highlight your rugged features.
Buy now £54.74, Amazon
Baxter Of California Chrome-Plated Safety Razor
If an old school shave is more your thing but a straight razor is a touch too terrifying, Baxter Of California’s chrome plated safety razor is a safer alternative. Offering a similar look and method to a straight razor but without the danger, it’s the perfect tool to reduce ingrown hair and razor burn while relishing in the daily ritual. Coming in a sleek gift box with a pack of starter blades and an instruction card, you’ll be a professional in no time.
Buy now £57.00, Mr. Porter
Gillette Mach3 Turbo
The Gillette Mach3 Turbo will give the best shave for a very reasonable price. A basic design, it’s equipped with three blades, a lubricating strip, and skin guards, all on a well-weighted handle that feels more luxe than others in the same price range. Though it doesn’t boast the same features as some of the other more elite Gillette styles, it offers good performance for a better price.
Buy now £11.63, Amazon
D R Harris Fusion Chrome and Rewsin Three-Piece Shaving Set
Grooming British royalty and aristocracy since 1790, D.R. Harris uses the finest materials to ensure a quality shave time after time. A set to be displayed proudly on your sink, the handle and brush featuring shiny hardware and ivory resin, and it’s designed to fit with the Gillette Fusion head, combining heritage craftsmanship with innovative shaving technology.
Buy now £185.00, Mr. Porter
Grüum Premium Razor Handle
With equal parts form and function, Gruüm’s stylish handle, which comes in six bold colours, works with their osku cartridges to provide a close-cut shave - especially when used with their Precision 6 blades. The curved handle is designed for maximum comfort and grip, and will brighten up your bathroom shelves with a pop of colour. If you shave on the regs, you can save up to 50 per cent by subscribing to a delivery every one, two, or three months, which will contain all your favourite shaving products, as chosen by you.
Buy now £20.00, Gruüm
Ernest Supplies Custom Triple Blade Razor
Designed with a bottle green and high-shine chrome plated handle, Ernest Supplies’ razor befits even the suavest of gents. It’s weighted, tactile, and will look great on your bathroom sink. Compatible with most store-bought triple blade cartridges, it’s a practical choice - and it doesn’t cost the Earth either. Pair with their cooling shave cream for optimum results.
Buy now £35.00, Cult Beauty
