Safety razors – the advantages and disadvantages

The safety razor is slowly returning to our bathrooms. Here we show the advantages and disadvantages of this wet razor!

Epilation, sugaring or shaving – if you want to get rid of body hair, you have different options. Next Sugar paste, High-tech equipment in cosmetic studios and System razorsit seems Safety razor to have fallen from another time – no wonder, because the plane shave was common until around the 1970s, when the system razors slowly found their way into the bathroom.

But: Precisely because the safety razor is interesting for the plastic-free bathroom and cheaper in the long term, this method is becoming increasingly important again. A safety razor is suitable for that Beard shave, but also for others parts of the bodysuch as B. the legs. We explain here what women and men should pay attention to before buying and using.

Safety razors and system razors – that's what differentiates them

Both razors are used for Wet shaving used. However, they differ in material and partly in structure. The safety razor consists of a handle and an immobile head in which a razor blade is inserted.

The system razor, on the other hand, has a movable razor head that adapts to the body shape more easily. The head often contains three or five razor blades, which are usually enclosed in a plastic frame. The multiple blades should ensure a close shave. After the recommended period of use, the entire head is disposed of and a new one is put on, while with the safety razor only the blade is replaced.

Safety razors – this is what you should watch out for

Safety razors are available in different designs, e.g. B. with chrome-plated handle or with bamboo, but there are not only differences in the material, but also in the closure and the comb.

Clasp

  • Screw cap: The head is connected to the handle via a screw cap that can be loosened by turning it accordingly. The head can then be divided into two parts, in the middle of which the razor blade is placed.
  • Butterfly clasp: The blade holder can be opened by pressing (or turning) so that it can be removed and a new one inserted.

Comb

  • Open comb: The bracket has clearly visible teeth on which the blade rests. The blade gap is larger here, so longer and thicker hair should be better captured. This variant is especially interesting for men with wiry or thick beard hair. The disadvantage: Practice is required here, because it makes it easier for you to cut yourself. The advantage: the shave is closer. Safety Razor Open Comb Pin
  • Closed comb: The bracket is continuous and not a real comb. The blade is less exposed. Disadvantage with this model: The shave is not as thorough as with an open comb. Advantage: Shaving is much safer. Safety Razor Closed Comb Pin

The shave with the plane

It is best to be careful with the first shave, because the razor is usually heavier than the usual system or disposable razors and lies differently in the hand. Work with little pressure when shaving. The head of the safety razor cannot move, so you should pay special attention to areas like ankles or knees and there Shave gently and slowlyuntil you are a little more practiced. Otherwise, you can use your usual shaving foam or, if you want to avoid even more plastic waste, use shaving soap.

The cleaning

Cleaning the safety razor is very easy. You dismantle the head (if possible) and clean the parts under running water. Be careful with the blade! Then you dry everything off – it is ready for the next shave again.

The advantages and disadvantages of the safety razor

A disadvantage could be the handling at the beginning, but with a practiced hand the shave runs just as easily as with a disposable or system razor.

The safety razor usually costs more to buy, as a system razor. The cheapest are available from around 20 euros, more expensive models can be 90 euros or more. However, since only the razor blades are regularly replaced, a pack of 10 is often available from 2.50 euros the planer is cheaper in the long term be. In comparison, razor blades from common brand system shavers can cost 12.95 euros for 6 pieces. This means that one blade costs 2.16 euros, while the others are in the cent range (0.25 euros).

The safety razor is also ideal for everyone who wants to avoid plastic waste! If you are afraid of the costs, you might want the good piece for Christmas … Here are even more ideas for sustainable gifts!

Tip! Here are more tips on grooming and shaving your legs – or if you're thinking of a permanent solution – information about permanent hair removal.

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