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To help you find the best razor, our team of grooming experts researched the market and purchased 15 top models to test side-by-side. Today's shaving marketplace is a multi-billion dollar industry with an overwhelming number of products and fancy marketing campaigns that can be downright confusing to most average consumers. That's where we come in. Three blades, four blades, five blades, disposables, safety razors, electric, rotary, or foil? We used them all in our head-to-head tests to understand the advantages or disadvantages of each style. Our razor review will help you to determine which model is the best option for you. We've also added a few of our favorite electric razors into the mix for those who might want to explore the benefits of modern razor tech.
We're here to help you stay fresh and clean. From the best beard trimmers and nose hair trimmers down to electric toothbrushes and scales, we have expert recommendations for the top-rated personal care products on the market, including basics like toilet paper (yes, we put it to the test!)
Editor's Note: On October 16, 2024, we updated this review to include additional in-depth product comparisons, new test video compilations, and a reorganization of award-winning product discussions.
Multi-pivot blade head, provides excellent low-irritation shave, easily follows contours of face and neck, rinses quickly, metal handle with quality rubber grip, eco-friendly
Eco-friendly, built to last, easy to grip, very close shave, classic design
Blade head follows facial contours, pivots in multiple directions, excellent top side precision trimmer, easy to rinse, very simple blade swap process
Excellent lubrication strip, double pivoting design, provides smooth shave, flip-top edging blade, easy-to-grip handle, reusable, easy to grip, great for sensitive skin
Durable, more eco-friendly, easy to rinse, stylish, provides a close shave
Reusable cartridge razor, metal handle, great pivoting head, trimmer blade, rinses very easily, solid and well-balanced, good shave
All metal, less waste, easy to replace blades, great style, shaves well, balanced
Inexpensive, reusable, excellent rubber grip, great top side edging blade
Unique blade head pivoting system, comfortable handle, provides above-average shave, excellent top side trimming blade, easy to rinse
Excellent handle, well built, offers decent shave, easy to grip
Above-average shave quality, comfortable handle, easy to control
Lacks top side trimmer, basic design, average shave quality, difficult to rinse, blades dull quickly
One-and-done design, very small handle, lackluster pivoting head, difficult to rinse, cheap
Bottom Line
Our favorite overall razor when considering durability, cost, design, and shave quality. In side-by-side comparison testing, this razor was simply hard to beat
This hefty classic transcends time, and transforms shaving from a must-do routine into an personalized form of art and tradition
This razor's multi-directional pivot head allows the blade to maintain near-perfect contact against the skin, delivering a smooth shave, even in hard to reach spots
A top notch cartridge razor that offers a dual pivoting system that perfectly contours the face, resulting in a close, irritation-free shave
A sleek, modern take on the traditional safety razor style, ideal for both beginner and experienced wet shavers
A solid 5-blade cartridge razor that shaves well and is built for extensive use
A very stylish safety razor that offers a unique look and a great twist open top that makes blade changing a lot quicker and easier than traditional safety razors
A dependable 4-blade cartridge razor that provides a quality shave at a reasonable price
A decently priced reusable cartridge razor that provides and above-average shave, but lacks a little in design and quality
A beefier disposable five-blade razor that is well-balanced, well-built, and capable of several close shaves before it's time to be placed in the round file
A solid 4-blade design that blurs the line between a cartridge and a disposable razor
A very affordable cartridge razor, but you may get a better quality and more comfortable shave with different model on our list
An average 3-blade razor that will save you a little money but stays firmly in its lane when it comes to producing an average shave
A basic, inexpensive disposable model that performs well in a pinch, great for beginners, and perfect for travel scenarios where size and weight are a factor
A very affordable 2-blade that is extremely compact, lightweight, and easy to pack — just don't expect a perfect shave
Multidirectional pivot keeps blades in contact with skin
Excellent hydration strip
Rinses easily
REASONS TO AVOID
Handle ergonomics needs improvement
Top precision trimmer blade is average
The Gillette ProGlide Shield is our favorite overall razor for its low friction glide and high-quality shave. The razor's proprietary FlexBall technology allows the blade head to pivot up, down, and side to side simultaneously. This multidirectional pivoting allows the razor to quickly adjust to the varying contours of the face, chin, and neck, resulting in a near-perfect shave. The ProGlide Shield's five blades are proceeded by a micro-thin, comb-like strip that divides individual whiskers and feeds them separately into the blades. The result is a very smooth glide without snagging or tugging as your stubble is guided into the blades. Our test team reports, “In side-by-side comparison testing, this razor was simply hard to beat.” The ProGlide Shield boasts some of the best lubrication strips on the market, which provide excellent coverage before and after the blades. We find this feature to be extremely effective at minimizing irritation. This is also the upgrade that sets the Shield model apart from the nearly equally high-performing Gillette ProGlide, another five-blade option that scores just as well in every metric except for this minor deficit. Additionally, a patented attachment process makes swapping out blade heads on the ProGlide Shield a breeze. This unique design also frees the blades to be completely unobstructed on both sides, facilitating an easy rinse while shaving and once again establishing the ProGlide Shield as a favorite within the lineup.
Multiple mornings with the same blade cartridge resulted in identical superior shaves, giving us very little to complain about. The only negatives we could find were quite minimal compared to the overwhelmingly positive results we experienced. That said, the ProGlide Shield's handle could be improved to make it a little more ergonomic; likewise, the handle's rubber accents need a more aggressive pattern to allow for a better grip. We also found the razor's precision trimmer blade to be a little less effective than we had hoped, even if it still performs adequately enough to allow for decent sculpting. Despite these minor complaints, the ProGlide Shield is built to last, performs at a very high level, and simply provides a noticeably superior shave compared to most other models in our side-by-side tests. Another popular five-blade model, the Schick Hydro Sensitive, may score just as well or even a point better in some metrics - its handle is an impressive 5 inches long while the whole razor weighs 20% less - but it ended up being a more or a hassle to clean and swap cartridges on, losing out to the ProGlide Shield by a few points overall. For a reasonably high-quality manual shave at a more affordable price, have a look at the dependable and ergonomic four-blade cartridge design of the Schick Quattro Titanium.
The top-performing ProGlide Shield features a five-blade head with integrated micro-comb and lubrication strips to reduce friction and irritation when gliding across the face, while its FlexBall technology means it can easily follow the contours of your face and neck to do the job.
Number of Blades: 4 + 1 edging blade | Style: Refillable cartridge
REASONS TO BUY
Four-blade system shaves well and glides comfortably
More affordable than most refillable cartridges
Comfortable, well-weighted handle
REASONS TO AVOID
Hair and grime get stuck more easily between blades
Another classic design that's been on the market for several years is the Schick Quattro Titanium, which has a four-blade system that glides smoothly and provides a close, comfortable shave. The simple design includes an ergonomic handle with a comfortable heft, a rubberized grip, and a four-blade cartridge that is a nice compromise between older three-blade systems and modern five-blade models. In testing, our team noted, “The Quattro shaves as well as anything comparable on the market,”, and it does so with a reasonable price tag that is much more affordable than most modern multi-blade designs. Although some five-blade options do exist at a similarly low price point, like the BIC Flex 5 Titanium, their shave quality just doesn't stand up to what the Quattro Titanium provides. You will have to spend more than double for five-blade models such as the Gillette ProGlide or Gillette ProGlide Shield in order to pick up something that will notably outperform, with distinguishing features like integrated lubrication and responsive, pivoting technology. So, for the price, we think the Schick Quattro Titanium is hard to beat.
One of the only downsides of the Schick Quattro Titanium is that the closely spaced blades and the wireframe can catch and trap hairs and grime a little easier than 3-blade or even 5-blade models with more generously spaced blades. We were able to mitigate this by rinsing the blades more frequently in between shaving strokes. Overall, this was one of our favorite models, and the affordable price makes it more attainable. Although few other top-performing cartridge models are quite so well priced, the 5-blade Harry's Truman and the Gillette Fusion5 are both going to be a bit easier to clean and perform just as well, if not a wee bit better when it comes to comfort, glide, and shave performance. Three-blade models performed less admirably across all metrics, and those we tested were all disposable in design, making them less competitive for your dollar. But, the best we saw among them was the Gillette Sensor3 Sensitive, if that's your preference.
We weren't sure how it would stack up in testing with only four blades in its cartridge, but the results are in, and the Schick Quattro Titanium achieves what all other razors claim to strive for: an excellent shave at a very reasonable cost.
Number of Blades: 1 + 1 | Type of Style: Double edge safety razor
REASONS TO BUY
Excellent handle has ideal heft, shape, and grip texture
Shaves very closely
Classic looking design
Built to last
Eco-friendly
REASONS TO AVOID
Slower shaving process
More aggressive shave can lead to irritation
Challenging to rinse
More exposed blade
Technique requires practice
The noticeable weight, superior shave, and durable design make The Godfather Stonehenge our hands-down favorite double-edge safety razor. If you're an experienced shaver who loves tradition or you simply want to try a more eco-friendly option, this model will not disappoint. Our testers loved its classic weathered finish and noted, “It looks and feels like a heavy-duty tool.” The substantial handle is nicely weighted and has a comfortable ergonomic shape and textured grip, providing plenty of control to let the blade gently glide across your face. Using the standard Mild DE Razor blades from Vikings Blade, we found the shave quality slightly better than other safety razors we've tested from Bevel or Vikings Blade. Meanwhile, its metal handle proved second to none when it came to ergonomics and build quality. Still, an inexperienced user may find all safety razors a little less forgiving than multi-blade options in use, as they require a more confident hand to achieve a comfortably smooth shave. Lead tester Jason Wanlass explains, “Patience is as important as the tool here, but I was happy to find the learning curve wasn't as slow as I'd first anticipated.” Allowing the 5.7-ounce weight of The Godfather Stonehenge to do all of the work is key to a smooth, nick-free shave. But, if this level of investment seems too steep for your next shave, rest assured any one of the top-scoring five-blade models will deliver a satisfying experience without the extra effort. Take a look at Gillette's ProGlide Shield and ProGlide razors or the Hydro Sensitive by Schick.
As with any safety razor, the shaving technique with the Godfather Stonehenge may take some practice and getting used to for those transitioning from a modern multi-blade design. While this model provided an excellent close shave, we sometimes experienced a little more irritation from use. Experienced shavers or anyone looking to move away from a cartridge razor and willing to trade some patience for a high-quality shave should check out this model. The only metric in which alternative safety razor options bested it was Ease of Cleaning and Blade Replacement. In fact, The Godfather Stonehenge scored among the lowest of any product in the lineup, regardless of style, on that front. Overall, we were impressed by the performance of all three of the safety razors, including the modern shape of the Bevel Safety and the ornately handled Vikings Blade Chieftain Odin. We consider them both to be close seconds to The Godfather Stonehenge, although neither handled quite as easily in testing. Keep in mind that all three sit at the top of the pile when it comes to price tag, although The Godfather Stonehenge retails at 20%+ less than the Bevel and Odin models, making it the most affordable among them.
The Godfather Stonehenge is not average by today's standards, with a highly textured and notably heavy metal handle and simple double-edge blade design. But with a little bit of technique, this safety razor delivers where it counts: a superior shave.
The BIC Flex 5 Titanium Disposable offers more features than typical run-of-the-mill throwaways, making it our favorite disposable razor. Its most identifiable attribute is an extra wide ergonomic handle surrounded by easy-to-grip rubber traction strips. The blade end of the handle is embedded with a metal ball-bearing, which adds extra weight to the razor and provides a unique finger rest during shaving. Another standout feature is the Flex 5's top-side edging blade, which rivals any cartridge razor on our list. Extra sculpting blades are generally not found on disposable razors, and we feel having a blade dedicated to edging beards and sideburns is a great added-value feature. In comparison, the four-blade disposable BIC Flex 4 Sensitive Hybrid actually scored just as well in several key metrics, but our test team didn't love it quite as much due to its flimsier construction and lack of grooming blade, leaving the Flex 5 as our preferred choice.
Added features aside, overall shave quality is where the Flex 5 Titanium lags compared to more expensive razors on our list. Its five-blade design looks impressive but leaves a lot of stubble behind, even after two or three passes. To be fair, the only disposable to score any better on this front is the BIC Flex 4 Sensitive Hybrid; so, a lackluster shave performance may be somewhat expected from single-use models. As Jason Wanlass, our lead tester, commented, “Patience is a must with this blade since several repetitions are required to achieve an acceptably smooth shave.” Additionally, this razor's head design prevents water from passing through the blades easily, making it harder to rinse clean. Despite these two negatives, the Flex 5 is still an impressive razor that performs well enough to easily be considered our favorite disposable model. Whenever you are ready to consider a reusable razor, many high-performing, low-cost options exist. You might want to start with the Quattro Titanium by Schick, which relies on a four-blade cartridge for a close shave and sells for a very similar price to the Flex 5. Or, the Gillette Fusion5 is a worthwhile, five-blade razor that retails just about double the cost. But, since it comes packaged with multiple cartridges (just as many reusable razors do), blade replacement is easy, and the overall cost won't set you back much more than your disposables.
The BIC Flex 5 Titanium offers several surprise features compared to other disposable options, including its extra wide ergonomic handle with rubber grips and metal ball-bearing and an edging blade for grooming beards and sideburns.
Run Time on Full Charge: 60 minutes | Usage Options: Wet & Dry
REASONS TO BUY
Offers a solid shave
Travel case charges the razor
Self-cleaning station
Locking pivot head
Extended battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
Pricey
Cleaning fluid requires regular maintenance
Not the best trimmer
Runs a little loud
When you are ready to upgrade from a classic handheld razor to something that offers all of the benefits of modern tech, we are here to help point you in the right direction. Among all of the electric razors we tested, we absolutely love the Braun Series 8 with PowerCase for its solid shaving performance. Our testers were quick to say, “What more do you need? It has it all and can travel easily wherever you need to go.” Wet or dry settings ensure a super smooth shave with minimal irritation, even if you prefer to put the razor to work in the shower. It has a self-cleaning base and a travel case that also serves as a charger, so you don't have to bring a cord on long trips. Its powerful motor tackles stubble quickly, and its rechargeable battery lasts 132 minutes, meaning you may only need to recharge every few weeks, depending on use. And when you do require it, it will only take you an hour to get back up to full charge.
Unsurprisingly, all of these fantastic features come at a premium, so the Series 8 will cost you more than other models out of the gate. However, comparatively, it still costs much less than some of Braun's luxury models while offering nearly all of the same features. Our testers are happy to report, “You get what you pay for, and then some.” Yet there are additional costs to keep in mind, as with any electric shaver. The Braun Series 8 will require ongoing maintenance, including self-cleaner fluid refills and blade cassette replacement on a regular basis. So, the costs will run steeper than those of more traditional manual options. If you are new to electric razors and don't want to over-invest until you see how you like the tool type, a less expensive option like the Braun Series 3 ProSkin will likely serve you quite well to start. Lastly, while the Series 8's pop-up trimmer is adequate, it was not our favorite among those we tested because it sticks and is a little thin. However, this model is unbeatable if you're looking for a top-tier daily electric razor offering a close shave. Those with the budget and taste for luxury may also want to take a look at the Braun Series 9 Pro. It is a step up from the Series 8, with a few additional features and functions. Or, if you want to stick with a classic manual razor style, we will continue to sing the praises of Gillette's ProGlide Shield, which, of course, sells at a fraction of the cost.
Our test team took an extra close look at the Braun Series 8, noting its impressive battery life as well as the super smooth shave it offers on both wet and dry settings. A self-cleaning base and a travel-charging case are added bonuses, making this a high-value option for all it offers.
Run Time on Full Charge: 50 minutes | Usage Options: Wet & Dry
REASONS TO BUY
Great pivoting foil heads
Uses USB cable to charge
Decent shave
Appealing price
Super quick cleanup
Great slip-proof grip
REASONS TO AVOID
Safety cap falls off
Trimmer arm doesn't slide well
No travel lock
The Braun Series 3 ProSkin may be a base-model razor, but it doesn't skimp on construction quality or function, making it one of our favorite good deals. If you're looking for a world-class shave on a dime, you're not going to find it with this model (we recommend an upgrade to the Braun Series 8 if that's you), but it can chop whiskers well enough for you to feel comfortable at work, on a date, or just about anywhere else you're headed. Our favorite features of the ProSkin are its run time, great grip, and the option for wet and dry use. Our testers also called attention to its USB charging cord. “This allows you to draw a charge just about anywhere, making it a very easy option to toss in a bag without worry”, noting that USB cables and charge ports are widely available these days, and one is likely to be accessible wherever you go if you really need one. Lastly, this model is super easy to clean and maintain.
During months of hands-on testing, we found very little that we didn't like about the ProSkin; however, we did notice that the trimmer arm doesn't slide into place very easily, and the plastic travel cap tends to fall off. We also didn't like that the power button doesn't have a travel lock option, and we don't think this model has enough pep to tackle heavy, dense whiskers repeatedly. However, this unit's price and overall value easily overshadow such minor dislikes. The Remington F5 Foil is also a great low-cost option and offers a decent enough shave at a reasonable price. Or, you can pick up a high-performing manual razor like Gillette's ProGlide Shield or Schick's Hydro Sensitive for a fraction of the cost and eliminate any worry about power; with these options, that's all you.
The Braun Series 3 ProSkin has a nicely balanced and comfortable grip, above-average pivoting heads, works well both wet and dry, and is super easy to clean, making it an excellent value all around.
Waterproof: Showerproof | Power Source: Rechargeable Battery
REASONS TO BUY
Precise
Compact
Good power and run time
Showerproof
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited cutting-length options
Lacks nose and ear hair-trimming attachments
Requires replacement blades
At first glance, the Philips Norelco OneBlade Face and Body Hybrid looks like a delicate grooming device, suitable only for small jobs. However, it will surprise you with its remarkable capability to handle thick beards and other body grooming needs. Our test team was equally surprised, saying “The OneBlade delivers one of the smoothest and cleanest shaves we saw in testing,” something that is normally only achievable with a disposable razor or dedicated electric razor. Its compact size and waterproof design make it convenient for use in the shower and allow it to be rinsed clean. The blade heads pivot to smoothly move and glide over the skin, with or without guards attached, and are straightforward to replace when they wear out. While we loved the Braun Series 8 for its top-in-class performance across all needs, the OneBlade was a consistent favorite of the team when it came to precision shaves and body grooming.
Despite the outstanding performance and portability of the Philips Norelco OneBlade Face and Body Hybrid, it does have a couple of limitations. Primarily, it lacks larger guard sizes suitable for trimming longer, thick beards as a clipper does. Its benefits focus more on precision work, close shaves, and shorter beard styles. The second significant drawback is standard fare with any electric razor: while its replaceable blades are low maintenance, you will need to factor those costs into the device's upkeep. Also, there are a lot of small plastic parts in its construction, things that could be easily lost or broken and require replacement. For less expensive precision options, you may want to stick with the more traditional approach to your daily shave: a manual razor. Maybe now is the time to dip your toe into the world of safety razors. The Godfather Stonehenge by Vikings Blade, when wielded properly, delivers exceptional results and can reduce associated waste and long-term blade costs. Alternatively, several multi-blade options like the Gillette ProGlide also include a superior topside grooming blade, which could serve such precision needs well. If cost is not an issue, a variety of electric razors like the Braun Series 7 come with more comprehensive grooming tools, broadening their utility. We particularly like the Braun 9-in-1 Trimmer as a highly capable choice for beard trimming and full-body grooming in the shower.
Highly capable at a budget price, the Philips Norelco OneBlade surprised us with its clean lines and the reliably high-quality beard and mustache trims it delivered, all packaged in a nicely compact, easy-to-transport, waterproof design.
Credit: GearLab Staff
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That's a wrap! Putting our razors away after a day of side-by-side testing.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How We Test Razors
Understanding today's grooming marketplace can be daunting, with so many different products and so much confusing marketing jargon. After scouring the market, we paid retail prices for the most promising and popular products for our side-by-side testing. We tested 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-blade designs, simple disposable styles, cartridge models, and traditional double-edge safety razors. We tested each product through several shaves, using the same skin preparation routine and shaving gel each time. With the double-edge safety razors we tested, we took our shaving routine up a notch by adding a high-quality shave soap and using a badger hair shaving brush to complete the traditional shaving ritual. Throughout the testing process, we even compared products directly against each other on how they shaved, rinsed, contoured, and how they felt in our hands. We even shaved one-half of our faces with different products simultaneously. Our in-depth analysis aims to help you find the right product for your shaving needs.
Our razor testing is divided across five different metrics:
Shave Quality (25% of overall score weighting)
Glide and Comfort (25% weighting)
Handle Ergonomics (20% weighting)
Build and Durability (20% weighting)
Ease of Cleaning and Blade Replacement (10% weighting)
All of our testing is based on side-by-side comparisons of how each product competes against the other.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Why Trust GearLab
This in-depth review is brought to you by Jason Wanlass and Nick Bruckbauer. Leveraging his nearly seven years of experience at GearLab, Jason, a former journalist and outdoor enthusiast, meticulously analyzes all the products on our list. With a keen eye for detail and a user-centric approach honed from his own daily shaving routine, Jason excels at finding hidden features that elevate a product from good to great. His background in journalism translates into insightful reviews that cover everything from camping gear to home appliances.
Nick is a civil engineer with a B.S. Degree from Purdue University who enthusiastically uses research, objective testing, and data to solve real-world problems. In recent years, he's turned his analytical mind to evaluating a wide range of home and outdoor products so that he can share his expertise with others. With coarse, dark hair and soft, sensitive skin, Nick has also been on a lifelong journey to optimize his shaving ritual to mitigate his constant struggle with bumps, irritation, and frequent ingrown hairs.
Testing this razor's ability to glide smoothly, contour evenly, and shave cleanly.
Testing this model's ability to rinse clean on the first try.
Our testing included side-by-side use of different models for ultimate comparison.
The largest portion of our testing time was spent actually using the razors hands-on over several months.
How to Pick the Best Razor
Trying to decide on the right razor? We put together four key considerations, including blade type, budget, and lifestyle, to help narrow the selection process.
Electric or Manual?
The choice between the two is ultimately a personal preference, but it's still a good idea to consider how each style performs. An electric razor offers convenience and is generally less irritating on the skin. A manual razor offers a closer shave and provides more precision in your routine to achieve certain lines and shapes. If you are on the fence, consider how often you shave, how much time you have, and how close of a shave you prefer.
The Gillette Sensor2 Pivot is one of the most basic razors in our lineup.
For those on a time crunch, electric razors are great for their ease of use and versatility, whether in the shower, traveling, or just needing a quick touch-up.
Manual and electric razors both have their pros and cons. While electric razors are kinder to the skin, they tend to be much more expensive than manual razors.
What About Blade Type?
Choosing between cartridge and safety blades is also a personal preference, each having strengths and weaknesses. If you value convenience and ease of use, a cartridge razor fits the bill. In contrast, a safety razor requires practice and precision but creates a great shave and works well with sensitive skin. Both require the replacement of blades, but in most instances, a cartridge is easier to change.
How Much Time Do You Have?
Those who value their time before work know how important saving a few extra minutes is in the morning. Finding a razor that is efficient and quick can be one of the most important aspects when looking for a razor. If you know you're tight on time, electric razors are by far the most efficient option. If you absolutely prefer handheld razors, then cartridge-style razors are the route to go over safety razors. Other features, such as quick rinsing and well-designed pivot heads, also make a difference in your shave's overall time and quality.
Does the Handle Matter?
Finding a razor with a quality handle can improve your shaving experience and avoid unwanted knicks and slips. Additionally, a good razor handle helps improve the maneuverability around your face and can make shaving smoother and require fewer strokes. Look for a well-designed, ergonomic handle if you plan to use your razor in the shower.
No one razor is designed the same. Handle design and blade type can greatly impact the functionality of each razor.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
How Much Does it Cost to Replace the Blade?
When considering the lifetime cost of a razor, one needs to consider not only the initial purchase price of the product but also the future costs associated with replacement blades. Many razors are sold as a part of bundled packages that include blades in varied quantities as a part of the initial purchase. Similarly, replacement blades are often sold as a secondary purchase option, and these bundles, too, can vary considerably in price and quantity. Some replacement blades may also be sold as part of a regular subscription service and mailed out at a discounted rate. And finally, it is not uncommon to see package price adjustments made frequently by manufacturers and retailers, including discounted rates. This variation can make it quite challenging to pin down a true cost-per-blade price comparison across a lineup of diverse products over time.
Our best advice is always to double-check the cost of replacement blades when selecting the razor that suits your specific use and performance needs best. Generally, no matter the product, the higher the number of replacement blades in your bundle, the lower the cost per blade will be. Disposable razors tend to be among the least expensive razors in the lot overall, even if the full razor must be replaced rather than the individual blade. Options that rely on refillable cartridges to deliver a quality shave tend to fall mid-range when it comes to replacement costs, even if some of our top performers push into the upper end of the spectrum. Surprisingly, while many safety blades may come at a steep cost upfront, that investment can become a bit more competitive over time if replacement blades are purchased in volume.
A well-designed handle improves the ergonomics and precision of each stroke.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Analysis and Test Results
Much more goes into a comfortable, high-quality shave than just the blade quality of your preferred tool. To find the best products, we evaluated each product across five performance metrics: shave quality, glide and comfort, handle ergonomics, build quality and durability, and ease of cleaning and blade replacement. We recommend taking note of the high performers in whichever metrics you prioritize for your personal needs.
What's the Best Value?
In addition to our primary testing metrics, we also delve into value. In our years of testing thousands of products, we have often found that the most expensive products aren't necessarily worth the investment and that price doesn't always equate to performance. If you're on a tight budget, we found the Schick Quattro Titanium to offer suitable performance for most hair and skin types. The Gillette ProGlide scores a few points higher in our overall assessment but doesn't cost much more than the Quattro Titanium. Upping the price tag a bit, the GillettePro Glide Shield is one of our all-time favorites. If you're willing to invest a bit more for a razor that will add some class and style to your bathroom counter or shower, the Godfather Stonehenge by Vikings Blade offers one of the best shaves, but it is also one of the most expensive models we've seen. It should be noted that the Godfather Stonehenge does not include a blade, and this must be purchased separately. While the upfront cost of this razor is higher than others, the price per replacement blade tends to be lower than most, especially when purchased in a larger bundle.
Shave Quality
For our first performance metric, we rated each product's shave quality simply by evaluating how well and easily the blades cut our hair and how smooth our faces were after shaving. The potential tradeoff with a close shave is that sharper blades with a more aggressive cut can lead to increased skin irritation, bumps, or ingrown hairs. We assess those side effects further in our glide and comfort ratings, but for now, we'll only focus on shave closeness and quality.
Two Gillette 5-blade cartridge razors tied for the top score for this metric, with very similar and almost indistinguishable shave qualities. The Gillette ProGlide Shield and Gillette ProGlide both provide close, smooth shaves with ease. Additionally, we were highly impressed with the equally performing Schick Hydro Sensitive. What separated their overall rankings was their smoothness and glide, which we'll get into later, but each left our faces feeling smooth and fresh.
The ProGlide Shield's 5-blade design obliterates nearly every whisker on its first pass.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Similarly, the Schick Quattro Titanium provided excellent shave quality. It is our favorite 4-blade design and one that we'd highly recommend with its affordable price and excellent value. The Quattro has similar shave quality as its 5-blade competitors but causes slightly less irritation due to having one fewer blades.
The Schick Hydro 5 Sense easily gobbles up whiskers because its pivoting system allows its blades to maintain constant contact with the face, chin, and neck.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
We also tested two top double-edge safety razors and felt The Godfather provided the closest high-quality shave, followed closely by the Bevel Safety. The Godfather gets the nod here with a slightly more aggressive blade that shaves more closely than the Bevel.
Rounding the learning curve takes a little time when mastering the Vikings Blade. Slow and steady is the key to success.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Glide and Comfort
While most shaving tools will do a decent job of closely trimming your hair, what separates the highest-performing products from the pack is how smoothly they glide and how comfortably they leave your skin afterward. Sometimes, the additional blades in modern designs that help achieve a smooth, close shave can also stretch and tug at your skin and make it feel depleted. Products that pull or tug at the skin too much can also lead to bumps and ingrown hairs.
Two products stood out in this metric for their smooth, comfortable performance. The Gillette ProGlide Shield and the Schick Hydro Sensitive glide smoothly across the skin with less irritation than others and do an excellent job of balancing a close shave with reduced tugging and irritation. Both razors offer different multidirectional pivoting features, which allow the razor to more effectively track and adjust to the contours of the face, neck, and chin.
Testing the Schick Hydro 5 Sense's double-jointed pivots. Both the blade head and the handle neck independently move.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Gillette ProGlide, Gillette Fusion5 , and Harry's Truman also do an excellent job at balancing comfort with a high-quality shave but have a little more friction and don't seem to glide quite as smoothly as our top two models.
Up, down, and side to side. The Gillette ProGlide and ProGlide Shield have the most dynamic pivoting systems on the market.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Our safety razors, the Vikings Blade, Bevel Safety, and Vikings Blade Chieftain Odin, also stand out in this metric for their smooth, comfortable glide. Each is a good option for those inexperienced with a double-edge safety model but looking to transition. This type of tool requires more patience and finesse than modern multi-blade cartridges, but these models have a mild enough blade to balance a close shave with a smooth glide and limited irritation. One potential drawback to these types of razors is they lack pivoting heads, which requires the user to actively adjust for the contours of the face and neck.
Testing our Bevel Safety Razor against a week's worth of whisker growth.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Handle Ergonomics
Any tool is only as useful as the person operating it, and razors are no different. It doesn't matter how well the blades work if you don't have confident, precise control over them. A product's handle ergonomics is an essential piece of the shaving experience. A handle with a curved, ergonomic shape, some kind of textured grip, and a little bit of an added weight tend to allow you to operate the most efficiently.
The standout performer in this category is the Vikings Blade The Godfather Stonehenge. This razor's heavily weighted metal handle offers a nicely curved shape and textured grooves for added grip. The handle inspires confidence in the task at hand, and its heavier weight allows you to use gentle grip pressure to still achieve a close shave. This product is much heavier than anything else in our lineup and gives the perception that it's built to last a long time.
It's weighted, solid, textured, and flared, which is why the Vikings Blade's metal handle is so easy to hold.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Next is the Schick Hydro Sensitive, which has our favorite handle for a refillable cartridge design. The handle feels slightly heavier than most other cartridge designs and has a soft rubberized texture to provide a confident, no-slip grip. The upper moisturizing pods also flip away to allow more control and precision for trimming around sensitive areas like below your nose.
The upper hydrating strip flips away to provide more precise control over the blades.
Flipping the hydrating strip out of the way makes it easier to reach tight spaces like underneath the nose.
The Schick Hydro Sensitive has a soft handle but is heavy enough to feel confident in hand.
Eight other models on our list, including the Amazon Basics 5-Blade MotionSphere, BIC Flex 4 Sensitive Hybrid, Harry's Truman, and several models from Gillette and Schick, earned respectable honorable mentions in this category, thanks to their simple handle designs with a nicely curved shape and large rubber inserts. They also include an additional single precision-trimming blade for edging along beards or sideburns.
The Solimo has a comfortable, nicely weighted handle with a rubberized grip.
With its simple, ergonomic design, the Quattro Titanium has a comfortable and useful handle.
The Quattro Titanium has a smooth rubberized grip that makes it easy to hold and comfortable.
Build Quality and Durability
In this metric, we evaluated the overall build quality of each product, including the handle materials, the initial blade quality, and the connection points between the handles and the blades or cartridges. We won't discuss blade sharpness or long-term durability since there are so many variables, including hair and skin coarseness, shaving cream type, and rinsing and storing habits, that can vary from person to person. We focus on each model's initial quality and durability for a handful of shaves throughout our testing period.
The obvious thousand-pound gorilla in this metric is the hefty Vikings Blade The Godfather Stonehenge, followed closely by the Bevel Safety The Bevel is constructed with a chromium-plated solid brass handle, while the Godfather Stonehenge is made from 304L stainless steel.
We put each product to the test through several shaves to examine their overall quality and durability.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Both products have a heavy-duty feel and inspire confidence in their durability. They are also designed to use replaceable double-edge blades that are typically affordable and can be mixed and matched to suit your skin and hair type. The Vikings Blade's shear heft and density allowed it to outscore the Bevel and the Vikings Blade Chieftain Odin in this metric.
Both the Vikings Blade model (left) and the Bevel Safety model (right) are well-constructed and are among the most durable products in our lineup.
The Vikings Blade The Godfather disassembled. All parts are high-quality and fit together nicely.
The Vikings Blade models are some of the most durable models in our lineup.
Next up are the Gillette ProGlide Shield, Gillette ProGlide, and the Vikings Blade Chieftain Odin. All three models have well-engineered metal handles that outshine the rest of the cartridge models on our list. Each is very balanced and has a hefty feel, which conveys a sense of quality not found in disposable models.
Finally, the Schick Hydro Sensitive boasts an above-average build quality. Its handle has more heft to it than most other products. It also provides an outstanding balance between shave quality and a smooth, comfortable glide. At the absolute bottom end of the spectrum, you'll find three options from Gilette: the Sensor2 Plus, Sensor3 Sensitive, and Sensor3 Smooth Shave Disposable.
The Hydro Sense 5 has a solid build quality in addition to its excellent shave and glide characteristics.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Ease of Cleaning and Blade Replacement
Though perhaps not as crucial as other performance metrics, a product's ease of cleaning and blade replacement are critical elements to its longevity and continued shave quality. Models that are difficult to rinse, easily get jammed up with hair and grime, or trap moisture can cause the blades to rust or wear prematurely, which all tend to quickly diminish the shave quality and comfort. Designs with nicely spaced, easily rinsed, and dried blades tend to last longer. Similarly, once it does come time to change to a new blade, most products have a simple button to pop the old cartridge out and a new one in, but some operate a little easier than others.
Our favorite products in this performance metric are some of the Gillette models. The Gillette ProGlide and Gillette ProGlide Shield are extremely easy to rinse clean and have exceptional blade replacement systems. Another high-scoring model for this metric is the Vikings Blade Chieftain Odin. Changing blades on the Chieftain Odin is fun and mildly addicting. More importantly, this model's twist-open design is much faster than most safety razors. It's also a little safer and makes cleaning a breeze.
Doin' the twist with our Chieftain Odin.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Harry Truman also earned high marks in this metric. This razor is easy to rinse, and its blade replacement system is quick and effective, although not as effective as the Gillette system.
Getting a thorough rinse. The backside of the Harry's Truman blade heads is almost completely open, making it a breeze to clean.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Gillette Sensor3 Smooth Shave Disposable has a similar 3-blade design as the Gillette Sensor3 Sensitive, which does an excellent job of preventing grime from building up between the blades. When either razor has reached the end of its usable lifespan, simply discard the entire disposable handle and blade and replace it with a new one.
With a smaller head and only three blades, the Sensor3 is easier to clean than most others. When the blade is worn out, simply throw it away and grab a new one.
Credit: Nick Bruckbauer
Disposable razors don't typically provide the best shave, and they're certainly a poor choice for the environment. Plastics take centuries to biodegrade, creating a huge waste stream in addition to the water and foam that we already use to shave. It's difficult to recycle plastic parts since it's so hard to separate them from metal, so most disposable razors and cartridges end up in a landfill. If you must go with disposables, consider choosing , a brand that has a recycling program that will let you mail your used razors back to them.
A generous gap between the blade and razor head, allows to the Bevel to rinse clean quickly and thoroughly.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Most 5-blade cartridges struggle in this metric because their blades are so tightly packed together, making it easy for hair, shaving cream, or moisture to get trapped between them. However, the Gillette ProGlide Shield, Gillette ProGlide, and Gillette Fusion5 all perform better than most 5-blade models in this area, thanks to a wide-open backside of the blade head. Additionally, each model makes blade replacement super easy — just push and click it into place.
Push. Click. Pull. Swapping blade cartridges on our Gillette ProGlide Shield is as easy as One. Two. Three.
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Conclusion
The shaving marketplace is filled with many similar-looking competing products. It can be daunting to sort through the nice to determine which product is right for you. We hope that our extensive head-to-head tests and attention to detail have helped you understand your options better and will help you choose the product that best suits your shaving needs. Looking for an electric model? Check out our review on electric razors. We also review the best women's razors.
