Best DE Razor: Safety Razors for a Smooth, Low-Irritation Shave

The best DE razor for most people is the Merkur 23C: a German-made, closed-comb double edge safety razor with a mild blade gap, a weighted brass handle and a long track record, which makes it forgiving for first-timers and still enjoyable for veterans. If you want something lighter and more modern, the Henson aluminum razor is the runner-up, and if you want an adjustable razor that grows with your technique, the Rockwell 6C is worth a look. A double edge (DE) razor uses a single, ultra-cheap blade in a reusable metal handle, which usually costs far less per shave than cartridge razors and produces less plastic waste. This guide covers seven real, currently sold DE razors, what separates mild from aggressive, how to shave without nicks, and the mistakes that cause irritation.

A note on how this guide was made. We did not personally use these razors. It is research-based: manufacturer descriptions, listing details and published reviews and spec comparisons from shaving publications. When we could not confirm a figure, such as a blade gap, we say “not listed.” Shaving comfort is personal, so use our picks as a shortlist, not a guarantee. This is also not medical advice: if you have a skin condition or persistent irritation, ask a doctor or dermatologist.

Our top picks

Top pickMERKUR 23C Double Edge Safety Razor

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Also greatMERKUR 33C Double Edge Safety Razor

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Also greatMERKUR FUTUR 700 Adjustable Double Edge Safety

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Also greatBambaw Double Edge Safety Razor for Men

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Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: Merkur 23C Double Edge Safety Razor, for a mild, forgiving shave.
• Best Premium Classic: MUHLE TRADITIONAL R89 (Closed Comb), a compact German razor.
• Best Lightweight Modern: Henson Shaving Aluminum Double Edge Safety Razor, with a 30 degree angled head.
• Best Adjustable: ROCKWELL RAZORS 6C, with adjustable aggressiveness.
• Best Starter Kit: VIKINGS BLADE Double Edge Safety Razor with blades and a case.
• Best Eco Option: Bambaw Double Edge Safety Razor, a metal razor with 5 blades included.
• Best Budget: Wilkinson Sword Double Edge Safety Razor with 5 blades.

DE Razors: Comparison Table

What Makes a DE Razor Mild or Aggressive?

All DE razors use the same standard blade, so the differences come from how the head holds that blade. Three things matter: blade gap (how far the edge sticks out past the safety bar), blade angle, and the head design. A smaller gap and a closed-comb head feel milder, because less blade is exposed and the comb flattens the skin. Open-comb heads and larger exposure are more aggressive and cut closer, but are easier to nick. Weight matters too: a heavier razor lets you rest it on your face and avoid pressing, while a lighter one demands more control.

For first-time DE shavers, a mild, closed-comb razor is the safest start. Once you have good technique, you can try a more aggressive razor or an adjustable one. Remember also that the blade brand matters nearly as much as the razor, so be ready to try a few different blade brands for a few shaves each.

1. Merkur 23C Double Edge Safety Razor: Best Overall

• Construction: three-piece, with a brass handle and a chrome-finished zinc head.
• Head: closed comb, straight guard.
• Blade gap: about 0.64 mm in published reviews.
• Weight: about 60 g with a blade fitted.
• Length: about 105.6 mm; the “long handle” version is widely sold.
• Made in Germany, plastic-free per the listing.

Best for: a first DE razor and anyone who wants a mild, dependable shave. Skip if: you want a very light razor, or maximum closeness in a single pass.

The 23C has been a staple of the DE shaving world for years, and independent shaving sites often list it among the most popular razors. Its strength is that it is gentle by design: a small blade gap and closed comb mean you can learn the correct angle and pressure without punishing mistakes. The weight helps, since the razor does the work if you let it glide.

Closeness is a matter of technique rather than aggression. With a mild razor you may need two passes (with the grain, then across it) to reach your preferred smoothness. Many shavers find that is a good trade for fewer nicks.

Three-piece construction means the head, handle and base plate unscrew for cleaning and for swapping blades. It also means you can swap handles on some brands, although we only cover the model as sold.

Pros:

• Mild, forgiving blade gap.
• Solid brass handle with good balance.
• Long-standing reputation and made in Germany.
• Works with most standard DE blades.

Cons:

• Not the closest shave in one pass.
• Handle length and weight are not for everyone.

2. MUHLE TRADITIONAL R89 Double Edge Safety Razor: Best Premium Classic

• Head: closed comb, three-piece design.
• Handle: chrome, about 3.7 inches long per reviews.
• Marketed as barbershop quality for everyday use.
• Weight and exact blade gap: not listed in the sources we found.

Best for: shavers with smaller hands or who want a compact, traditional look. Skip if: you prefer a long handle.

Muhle is a well-known German shaving maker, and the R89 is its classic closed-comb razor. The shorter handle gives a nimble feel, which some shavers find gives better control around the jaw and upper lip. It is mild in character, as a closed-comb design should be, and suits sensitive-feeling skin.

Because we could not find reliable weight or gap figures, we are not claiming exact numbers. Check the manufacturer’s site if those figures matter to you. In practice, the key point is that it is a mild, classic razor from a respected brand and is likely to appeal to those who like the look and feel of traditional equipment.

Pros:

• Closed-comb design suitable for newer shavers.
• Compact and well made.
• Respected German brand.

Cons:

• Short handle may feel small for large hands.
• Key specs not widely published.

3. Henson Shaving Aluminum Double Edge Safety Razor: Best Lightweight Modern

• Body: machined aluminum.
• Weight: roughly 37 to 38 g in reviews.
• Head angle: 30 degree angled precision, per the listing.
• Included: 5 spare blades.
• Blade exposure: described as mild in the models that carry that name; exact gap not listed.

Best for: shavers who want a light, precise razor and a modern design. Skip if: you like a heavy razor that does the work for you.

The Henson razor takes a different approach from the traditional heavy brass razors. It is much lighter, so you must resist the urge to press, but it is also precise, and the angled head is designed to guide the blade to a consistent angle. Many shavers like this because it cuts down on guesswork.

It sits in a higher price tier than the traditional options, which reflects the machined aluminum construction. Check the specific model you are buying, as Henson sells several versions with different finishes and blade exposure. If you pick the milder version, it can serve a new shaver well. Care is simple: rinse and dry after use, and avoid leaving it wet, which can mar finishes.

Pros:

• Very light and well machined.
• Angled head helps maintain a consistent blade angle.
• Comes with spare blades.

Cons:

• Premium price tier.
• Lightness means technique matters more.

4. ROCKWELL RAZORS 6C: Best Adjustable

• Adjustability: 6 settings, per the listing.
• Finish: white chrome.
• Marketed for sensitive skin, reducing razor burn and irritation.
• Exact blade gap range: not listed.

Best for: people who want to find their own best aggressiveness. Skip if: you prefer a simple fixed razor.

The 6C lets you change the blade exposure by turning a dial on the handle’s base. You can start on a low setting while you learn, then increase it for tougher areas like the neck, or for a closer final pass. That means one razor can serve both as a learner’s tool and a more experienced shaver’s tool.

The marketing around sensitive skin should be read as a design intent, not a medical claim. An adjustable razor does not remove the need for good prep, light pressure and a sharp blade, all of which have a bigger effect on irritation than the razor itself. The extra moving parts also need a bit more cleaning to avoid buildup.

Pros:

• Six aggressiveness settings in one razor.
• Useful for learning and for varied areas.
• Well regarded in the adjustable category.

Cons:

• Premium price tier.
• More parts to clean.

5. VIKINGS BLADE Double Edge Safety Razor: Best Starter Kit

• Included: 5 Swedish steel blades and a luxury case.
• Marketed as reusable and eco-friendly.
• Several finishes are sold under the same name.
• Blade gap and weight: not listed.

Best for: gifts and buyers who want a razor, blades and a case in one purchase. Skip if: you want published specs before buying.

A kit is attractive because everything is in one box, and a case is handy for travel. The listing for this razor is clear about what you get, but it does not state the blade gap or the weight, so we cannot rank its mildness. Treat it as a straightforward starter razor and judge it by how comfortable you find it over several shaves.

As with any starter, pair it with the technique below: short strokes, a 30-degree angle and no pressure. If you find yourself tugging, switch the blade brand before blaming the razor.

Pros:

• Complete kit with blades and case.
• Convenient gift option.
• Moderate price tier.

Cons:

• Specs not published in the listing.
• Several variants can be confusing.

6. Bambaw Double Edge Safety Razor: Best Eco Option

• Material: metal razor, marketed as eco-friendly and zero waste.
• Included: 5 double edge blades.
• Some versions include a razor stand.
• Blade gap and weight: not listed.

Best for: people switching from cartridge razors who want less plastic waste. Skip if: you want a heavyweight traditional razor.

Bambaw sells several variants of its safety razor, including versions marketed for men and for women. The appeal is straightforward: a reusable metal handle and cheap metal blades replace a stream of plastic cartridges. Many households find the cost savings add up over a year, particularly if they would otherwise buy premium cartridge refills.

Since there are many listings under the same brand, make sure the one you order matches what you want: razor only, razor with stand, or razor with extra blades. And remember blades are sharp, so store them safely and dispose of used blades in a sealed container such as a blade bank or an old tin.

Pros:

• Reusable metal razor with blades included.
• Low-waste approach.
• Low to moderate price tier.

Cons:

• Specs vary between variants.
• Mildness not published.

7. Wilkinson Sword Double Edge Safety Razor: Best Budget

• Handle: metal, described as a premium long handle.
• Included: 5 razor blades.
• Blades are described as triple-coated stainless steel.

Best for: trying DE shaving for the lowest cost. Skip if: you want a heavy, polished razor that will last decades.

Wilkinson Sword is a historic British razor name, and this model is one of the cheapest ways to start. It is a good test: if you try DE shaving and dislike it, you have not spent much. If you enjoy it, you can upgrade to a Merkur or Muhle later and keep this one as a travel razor.

At this tier, expect a lighter feel and simpler finish. Technique matters more with a light razor, so use no pressure and short strokes.

Pros:

• Lowest price tier.
• Comes with blades.
• Known brand name.

Cons:

• Basic build.
• Mildness not published.

Also Consider

Feather Popular Double Edge Razor

A traditional butterfly-style razor from a Japanese blade maker. Butterfly razors open their head with a twist handle and are a classic design, but they are a little more fiddly than a three-piece razor.

King C. Gillette Safety Razor

A chrome-plated razor with 5 platinum-coated blade refills, from a household name. A decent entry-level option.

BAILI Butterfly Open TTO Safety Razor Kit

A low-cost wet-shaving kit with a butterfly head and mirrored tray. Consider it if you want a kit at the cheapest tier.

Astra Platinum Double Edge Blades (100 pack)

Not a razor, but a popular blade pack. Blades are cheap, so buying a sampler of different brands is the quickest way to find what suits your skin.

How We Chose

This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these razors. We started with real, currently sold DE razors from an online product catalogue and then compared manufacturer descriptions, listing details and published shaving reviews. Our criteria were mildness and forgiveness for new users, build quality, weight, adjustability, what is included in the box, and clarity of published specs. We limited each brand to one razor in the main list and spread the picks across mild, adjustable, modern and budget categories.

Published specs for razors are surprisingly inconsistent, with some makers not stating a blade gap at all. Where figures came from reviewers, such as the Merkur 23C’s 0.64 mm gap or the Henson’s weight, we attribute them to published reviews and note that measurements can differ slightly. Where we found nothing reliable, we say “not listed.” We also avoid claims about eliminating razor burn, since technique, prep and skin type matter more than any razor.

Buying Guide

Start mild, then adjust

A closed-comb razor with a small blade gap, like the Merkur 23C or Muhle R89, is the lowest-risk way to begin. If you later want more closeness in fewer passes, consider an adjustable razor like the Rockwell 6C or a more aggressive head.

Think about weight

Heavier razors, around 60 g, do some of the work through their own weight. Light razors, around 37 g, demand a lighter hand. If you tend to press hard, a heavier razor may help you learn the right touch.

Choose blades deliberately

The razor holds the blade, but the blade does the cutting. Packs are cheap, so buy a sampler of several brands and use each for a few shaves. A blade that is perfect for one person can tug on another. Replace the blade after a handful of shaves, or sooner if it starts to pull.

Prep and technique

Wash your face with warm water, apply a cream or soap with a brush, and hold the razor at about 30 degrees to your skin. Use short, light strokes in the direction hair grows, let the weight of the razor do the work and rinse often. Do not press. If you want a closer finish, re-lather and make a second pass across the grain, not against it.

Plan for blade safety and travel

Blades are very sharp. Store spares in their wrapper or a case, dispose of used blades in a sealed container, and never put a loose blade in the bin. Note that some airlines do not allow safety razors with blades in carry-on bags, so check current rules before you travel.

Your First Week with a DE Razor

Expect a learning curve of a few shaves. On day one, shave only with the grain, which is the direction your hair grows, and stop after one pass even if you are not perfectly smooth. Smoothness comes from technique, and nicks come from rushing. On days two and three, try a second pass across the grain on the easier areas such as the cheeks, and keep the neck and upper lip for last, since the skin there is more awkward to shave.

Pay attention to angle. The head of the razor should rest flat on your skin, then tilt the handle until the blade just starts to cut, which is usually near 30 degrees. If you hear a scraping sound or feel tugging, the angle is probably too steep or the blade is dull. Stretch the skin gently with your free hand on curved areas, and keep strokes short, about two to three inches.

Afterward, rinse with cool water, pat dry and apply a plain, fragrance-free moisturizer or aftershave balm if your skin likes it. Rinse the razor under warm water, shake out the water, and let it dry in the open air. Do not leave a wet blade in a closed case, because moisture dulls and rusts it. Many shavers find that by the end of the first week they have settled on a blade, a lather and a routine, and the shave takes about the same time as cartridges but feels far better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Pressing down, which causes nicks and irritation.
• Using too steep an angle.
• Keeping a dull blade for weeks.
• Shaving dry or with no lubricant.
• Judging a razor after one shave.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best DE razor for beginners?

The Merkur 23C is a reliable choice for beginners because it is mild, closed-comb and well balanced. The Muhle R89 is a similar alternative.

Is a DE razor cheaper than cartridges?

Usually, yes. Blades cost far less than cartridge refills, so the razor pays for itself over time. Prices vary, so compare your own usage.

Will a DE razor cause razor burn?

Poor technique, pressure or a dull blade can cause irritation with any razor. A mild razor, good prep and light strokes reduce the risk. If you have a skin condition or ongoing irritation, ask a doctor or dermatologist.

How often should I change the blade?

Many shavers change after about three to six shaves, but it depends on your beard and the blade. Replace it as soon as it feels like it is pulling.

Are DE razors safe to carry on a plane?

Rules vary by airline and country, and loose blades are often restricted. Check the current rules before flying and pack blades in checked luggage if in doubt.

Can women use DE razors?

Yes. Razors are not gender specific. Some brands, such as Bambaw, sell versions marketed for women, and the technique is the same on legs and underarms.

What is the difference between a closed comb and an open comb razor?

A closed comb has a solid bar with small teeth that lie flat against the skin and tends to be milder. An open comb has separate teeth and can be more aggressive and better for long hair.

Which One Should You Buy?

Buy the Merkur 23C if you want one dependable, mild razor to start and probably stay with. Choose the Muhle R89 for a compact classic, the Henson aluminum razor for a modern lightweight build, or the Rockwell 6C if you like to experiment with aggressiveness. If you are not sure DE shaving is for you, the Wilkinson Sword, Bambaw or Vikings Blade options let you try it without spending much. Whatever you pick, buy a blade sampler, use light pressure and give yourself several shaves to adjust.

Sources

• Merkur product information
• Muhle product information
• Henson Shaving product information
• Independent shaving publications comparing safety razors
• Retail product listing details for each named razor

Last updated: October 2026