Almost every man is locked into the Sisyphean grooming task of shaving. Whether you like it or not, the scrape of the blade and the cool sensation of aftershave application are a compulsory weekly ritual. However, despite indulging so regularly, many men give little care or consideration to the razor they choose to do the job.
Not all razors are made equal — some will glide across the skin, smooth like butter, while others can leave you with facial razor burn hotter than the depths of hell itself — that’s why we’ve compiled our carefully curated list of the very best on the market. How did we decide? We looked at blade quality, the many features they offer, how much they cost and what people are saying about them.
If you’re after a good razor that leaves you with a silky smooth shave without breaking the bank then look no further; just like a good suit, the right razor isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair and never should be, so we’ve included something for everyone…
What To Look Out For:
Choosing the right razor can feel a little overwhelming with so many different brands and types out there. How do you find the best? Consider these four things before your next purchase.
- Type of Razor: You gotta decide if you prefer manual or electric. Manual razors provide a close shave for that smooth finish. Electric razors are faster and safer which is great for those with sensitive skin or on-the-go lifestyles.
- Blade Quality: Opt for blades that deliver a close and clean shave. Keep an eye out for sharpness and durability. Low-quality blades might lead to irritation and ingrown hairs. Ouch!
- Features: Look out for extra features like adjustable heads, trimmers and waterproof features too. You’d be able to find one based on your shaving needs.
- Affordability: Always compare prices with the features. Good razors may seem pricey at first but they do stick around for longer, giving you more bang for your buck. Still, you probably don’t wanna go overboard on your budget.
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Feels lovely in the hand
Cons
- A bit old school
ABOUT THE BRAND
Nutbags is an Aussie brand that solves the problem of grooming for the modern gent. They proudly claim the top spot down under with products like the Nutbag groomer, Bro balls pack and the Savage balls pack.
WHY WE’RE RECOMMENDING IT
Had it with disposable razors? Meet the not-so-regular face blade. Unlike the average plastic razor, this is anything but average. It’s made with a zinc alloy head and solid brass handle for the closest shave you’ve had in a hot minute.
You get the Nutbags Face Blade itself along with five swap-out blades. We’re talking sharpness that laughs in the face of rust so you can focus on getting that perfect shave. Why settle for less than perfect?
This gem has a sharp angle that nips those bumps and nicks in the bud. The weighted handle gives you more control for a more comfortable grip. It’s a hassle-free shave session rolled up in one razor and you can cop yours for $40.
Pros
- An Australian brand
- Modern design
- Cheap for a subscription
Cons
- Looks a bit disposble
ABOUT THE BRAND
Originally from Australia, Oscar Razor is a direct-to-consumer brand that specialises in premium razors, shaving oils and gels. They’ve spent years perfecting products that help combat post-shave discomfort and irritation and they proudly give back to the community through the Beehive initiative.
WHY WE’RE RECOMMENDING IT
This starter set is an absolute steal. Crowned as a 2023 award winner on Product Review, it lives up to so much hype without pinching a hole in your wallet. Sure, the razor head might be on the chunky side but the 5 ceramic-coated blades and trimmer at the back more than compensate for this giving you an impressive shave.
Now what’s really ingenious is the aloe strip along the blade for the smoothest glide plus zero irritation. The handle weight is spot on for an easy, one-pass shave that makes the whole process a breeze.
It’s only $20 and if you’re a subscriber, you get 25% off. Like we said, a steal! The Oscar Starter Set nails that sweet spot between cost, performance and convenience. We’ll take that any day.
Pros
- The OG subscription for razors
- Delivers to Australia quickly
Cons
- Cheap, so you get what you expect
ABOUT THE BRAND
Dollar Shave Club is a customer-centric lifestyle brand that broke out in 2011. They dish out some of the most affordable grooming products to customers monthly. Launched by Mark Levine and Michael Dublin, it is now a global player under the Unilever umbrella.
WHY WE’RE RECOMMENDING IT
If you’re not exactly thrilled about shaving or just wanna up your grooming game, check this razor out. Seriously, it’s got all the bells and whistles. It sports 6 stainless steel blades for quick shaves plus a slim design for tackling those tricky spots.
There’s an in-built trimmer for fine-tuning your look and a lubricating strip for silky smooth finishes. We reckon this would be great for the ladies too.
This set does not come with a handle so you gotta get one separately. We recommend the Smooth Grip Handle for the perfect routine. If you’ve got more than a five o’clock shadow, the Club Series 6 Blade will get the job done. Pair with a good shaving cream and you’re all set.
Pros
- R&D led design
Cons
- A bit of a gimmick
- Expensive
ABOUT THE BRAND
Gillette was invented by a guy with the same name who introduced the first safety razor blade giving men barber-quality shaves at home. Selling razors at a loss but profiting on the blades made Gillette a household name. Today, it’s still about quality shaves with convenient and disposable blades.
WHY WE’RE RECOMMENDING IT
Picture turning your everyday shave into a hot towel treatment right in your own bathroom. This nifty tool warms up super quick, creating a soothing effect that lets the razor work its magic leaving baby-smooth skin behind. Thanks to the smart heat sensors, it stays in perfect contact with your skin to optimise heat.
Wanna crank up the heat to your liking, just hit a button. With the lithium-ion battery, you’re good for about six shaves on a single charge. The kit comes with the razor, two blade cartridges and a magnetic charging dock. Pretty much everything you need for that pro-level set-up, right at home.
At $179 the GilletteLabs Starter Kit might be a bit of a splurge but trust us, it’s worth every cent. Give it a try if you’re looking for THE ultimate shave.
Pros
- Really elegant design
- Made in Germany
Cons
- A bit overpriced
ABOUT THE BRAND
Wahl has been killing it in the grooming world since 1911. Props to Leo J. Wahl, the genius who had invented an electromagnetic motor for a medical massager. Fast forward to now and they’ve got an impressive range of blades, clippers and accessories.
WHY WE’RE RECOMMENDING IT
For the gentlest daily shaves, Wahl is a solid pick. It has a simple design that fits right at home without taking too much space. The handle feels really comfy, kinda like your trusty Bic razor but without any of the bulkiness.
One key feature here is the smartly designed head that requires fewer passes for a close shave. It doesn’t just speed up your shave, it also cuts down on razor burns and irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin. Plus, the double-blade design handles even the toughest hairs easily.
Crafted in Solingen, Germany, it also comes with a flexible silicone grip handle for control and a shiny chrome-plated shaving head that’s gonna last you a while. It’s nothing flashy but the matte finish adds a cool touch that we totally dig.
As with any razor, prepping or wetting the skin before shaving is key for the best results. To get that smooth shave, apply a warm towel or shave right after a hot shower. This opens up your pores and helps prevent nicks and ingrown hairs. At $69 the 4 Edge Razor is a fair deal.
Pros
- Old school design loved by barbers
- Faux ivory handle
Cons
- Not cheap
ABOUT THE BRAND
Since its inception in 1805, Truefitt and Hill have been grooming British royalty starting with King George III. With over 200 years of expertise and a superior product line, they’ve succeeded in blending tradition with practical grooming essentials. Cause every man deserves the finest.
WHY WE’RE RECOMMENDING IT
There’s something pretty awesome about getting a razor from a brand that’s been crushing it in the barber business for over 2 centuries. These guys really know their stuff and we’ll tell you, they nailed it with this one.
This razor is a mix of vintage vibes and high efficiency. If you’re into that classic shaving style, this DE razor is spot on. This bad boy has got you covered with a three-piece design that pairs perfectly with any double-edge blade for a smooth and safe shaving experience. Each piece is crafted by hand with just the right weight to fit snugly in your hand.
The TrueFitt and Hill Wellington Razor comes in Faux Ivory, Faux Horn, Faux Porcelain and Faux Ebony with a sleek chrome finish. Yeah, it’s going for $230 but man, for this performance, it’s hard to grumble. We’ll throw in a little tip, get the Pre-shave Oil to hydrate your skin before going to town on that stubble. Shaving at its finest.
Pros
- Old school design
- Very affordable
Cons
- Not for everybody
ABOUT THE BRAND
Based in Sheffield, Edwin Jagger started out as a grooming brand in 1988. From classic razors to shaving sets, brushes, creams and even soaps, they make each product with the best materials. As a proud Gillette partner, their lineup is dedicated to giving men an optimal experience.
WHY WE’RE RECOMMENDING IT
This baby is designed so well, that you’d swear they read your mind. It may not be number 1 on this list but it lands in a sweet spot when it comes to weight and balance. With plenty of handle designs, you’re sure to find the one.
We’ve all heard the buzz about the DE89, it’s a winner when it comes to safety razors, gentle as a lamb and super effective at doing what it’s meant to do. It delivers a close shave without turning your face into a danger zone. This razor caters to everyone – rookies, seasoned pros and even those with fragile skin types.
The attention to detail is impressive and the durable, chrome finish makes it a great bargain at just under 60 bucks. Edwin Jagger DE89 Razor will give you great results while being light on your wallet.
Pros
- For design lovers
- The perfect set
- Makes a great gift
Cons
- Expensive, but worth it
ABOUT THE BRAND
Bolin Webb, started by Derrick Webb during a ski trip, brings a unique touch to men’s shaving. Known for premium razor sets, their reach has expanded over the last decade. Their acclaimed X1 Matte range was crowned GQ grooming’s best razor in 2020.
WHY WE’RE RECOMMENDING IT
The Bolin Webb Matte Black Razor comes with a Gillette Mach3 blade that does not mess around. The R1 handle has a simple and ergonomic design that features both metal and rubber materials for superior grip and durability. It’s surprisingly heavier than we thought it’d be but we’re not worried about construction.
The Mach3 blades are sharp and always dependable, never had an issue with it. The open design makes cleaning a piece of cake. The micro fins and strips make this razor both stylish and functional.
$160 is definitely a chunk but this set right here is on par with the Fusion ProGlide. It’s not a bad investment if you want a luxury shaving experience.
Pros
- Pure luxury
- The perfect gift
Cons
- Very very expensive
ABOUT THE BRAND
Celine is a prominent French luxury label known for that Parisian chic vibe. They’ve been on the fashion stage since 1945, earning their stripes with some of the best leather products. Now part of the elite LVMH luxury group, Celine has everything from leather works to accessories and gifts.
WHY WE’RE RECOMMENDING IT
This razor is what you get when luxury meets personal grooming. Dressed in a triomphe canvas with silver accents and high-quality brass construction, you can immediately feel the luxury and richness.
The single razor compartment may seem basic, but it’s mostly about functionality. The razor slips in and out effortlessly, neatly packed in a lined calfskin pouch. When the blade hits your skin, it glides pretty easily and gives a consistently smooth shave.
Now, luxury does not come cheap. At A$870, the Celine Brass Razor does more than shave, it’s more of a statement piece. Makes for a great gift too!