A stainless steel razor can last a lifetime. Although it might be a bit of an investment up-front, a stainless razor will cost less in the long run. “They’re made of high-quality materials that should not rust or tarnish over time,” said supervising editor Tracy Vence, who edited our guides to the best men’s razors (for any face) and women’s razors (for every body).
For facial shaving, we like this all-metal single-blade razor with replaceable blades.
We like this all-metal single-blade razor for shaving facial and leg hair.
There are literally thousands of stainless single-blade safety razors to choose from. The single blade and weighted shave may take some getting used to. Our guide to the best facial razors suggests starting with the Parker Variant Adjustable Safety Razor, which offers easy customizability. The adjustable dial allows you to modify how much of the blade is exposed, so you can calibrate the closeness of your shave.
You might also consider the Merkur Safety Razor 34C, which is a staff favorite for its solid construction, weighted feel, and ease of use. This razor is included in our guide to facial razors, but you can also use it to shave body hair.
Associate copy editor Hailey Briggs and sustainability editor Katie Okamoto are both fans of the Merkur razor and can attest to its durability. Hailey has used hers for seven years and buys her preferred blades in bulk. Katie also said she finds shaving with the single-blade razor less irritating than using a multi-blade cartridge razor, and she said it’s equally effective.
This starter kit offers a range of blades from brands from around the world, for only a few cents per blade. And they can help you dial in your perfect old-school shave.
You can customize safety razors with blades of your liking. Tracy said you can “experiment with different blades and settings on the razor itself, so you can sort of ‘dial in’ your own personal best shave.” A sampler pack of blades will get you started; you’ll receive a variety from top shaving brands, for only a few cents per blade, so you can determine your new go-to setup.
For body shaving, we like this all-metal razor with replaceable blades. It has a lifetime warranty and a generous, 60-day return window.
If you want a razor with a pivoting head, for more maneuverability (and more blade-configuration options), we recommend the all-metal Leaf Razor in our guide to the best women’s razors (for every body). It has a flexible head for navigating curves, and you can use it with one, two, or up to three blades for an ultra-close shave. Just note that loading it is a bit more complicated than loading a single-blade safety razor.
Our testers found that the weighty handle provides good stability and control, and it doesn’t get too slippery when wet. Editor Marguerite Preston is a Leaf Razor fan, and she said her three-blade setup speeds up her shaving. But she noted that she still uses a disposable razor for small spots and tight corners.
Leaf also sells a single-blade razor, if the triple-blade isn’t for you, as well as plastic-free dermaplaners and a recycling tin for stowing spent blades.
