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Recently, I treated myself to something I’d been after for a while. On my journey to an eco-friendly home, I have been on the lookout for a new razor. I’ve tried epilating, disposables, electric shavers and various men’s razors. But either they didn’t give me the shaving experience that I wanted or they resulted in large amounts of waste.
Some internet searching lead me to the safety razor! Unfortunately, funds did not permit me to invest in one at the time so I pinned it to a Pinterest board called “Gifts for Me” and waited until I had some money to spend. Well, that day came so I took the plunge. And oh wow! Totally worth every penny. Here is my review:
What is a safety razor?
A safety razor is a traditional style razor. It has a detachable head where you place a razor blade. Traditionally used by men, this product has seen growing popularity across the genders because it is easy to use and environmentally friendly. The razor blades can be replaced easily when they become blunt meaning that you consistently get a good quality shave.
Are they eco-friendly?
Yes and no! They are made entirely from metal, although some might have a handle made from something else. Therefore you do not need to worry about plastics and other non-recyclable products. Plus with correct care your safety razor should last you forever so you’ll never be throwing it away because it doesn’t work or the blade is blunt.
However, the blades do need to be changed. I ordered some blades when I purchased my razor and was disappointed with the amount of packaging they came with. I am determined to find a different company though who is more environmentally conscious about how they package their product.
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How about saving money?
Like I said above, this should be a one time investment. I paid approximately £15 for mine and I expect it to last me a lifetime. The blades are going to need replacing but I purchased 100 for under £8 (I’ve since seen them for less than this) and I’ve been using the same once for about a month now.
Obviously, the amount of shaving you do is going to change the frequency with which they need replacing but this just gives you some idea. Also worth considering is that they don’t require any electricity to power unlike the electric shaver option so another small saving there.
How do they work?
I have been using mine in the same way that I would use a disposable razor. I apply shaving soap whilst in the shower and get to work. Initially I was worried about cutting myself but this has not been an issue at all. Actually, I used to have regular issues cutting myself with disposable razors (I always shave too fast!) but haven’t had a single issue with this. They are truly a “safety” razor!
What about shaving soap?
You don’t need anything special and in reality you can save even more by ditching your fancy aerosol. For this you just need some soap, or my favourite: whipped coconut oil, and you are good to go. If you fancy it you can buy a proper shaving soap. These usually come in refillable pots and many claim that they give a closer shave too. As an example check out this beautiful shaving soap refill.
Is there a particular brand or model you recommend?
I bought the Jagen David L5 and unless I get given a different one it is likely to be the only one I use. I chose this model for two reasons. Firstly, it was a good price and secondly it had good reviews across the internet. I had narrowed my search criteria down to a long-handled razor in the first instance. Many people were saying how they preferred this style and I agree that it a comfortable fit for me.
There you have it! What is stopping you from getting one? Take a look at the selection available on Amazon here.
Disclaimer: Remember the information you read here does not represent advice. Any ideas or suggestions are just that and may not work for you. Read the full disclaimer here.
Yes! I use a silk epil but I have one of those for some trickier spots like underarms
Underarms are such a pain. I get a headache trying to look at them after a while.
Great tips about using shaving soaps! Thanks for sharing : )
You are very welcome!
I did! It took a while for my face to get used to it but I haven’t looked back since. I must have already saved dozens of plastic-coated Gillette blades, and a heap of money.
The savings are great, aren’t they? Makes me happy thinking about the reduced waste and the money I saved.
Hmm I had not considered this, thanks for your post. I guess I don’t get through a huge amount of disposable razors but why throw them away at all when you can get a good quality durable product?
Exactly! That was my thought process too.
This is a great idea as I have to keep buying disposables . I have to covert the dollars so it is about two times more for me but I think in the long run this definitely would make sense to buy .
Definitely!
If I shaved I would for sure make the switch! My boyfriend and friend have switched to safety razors at my suggestion and they both seem to like them.
Not shaving is definitely the cheapest and most eco-friendly way to go!
I didn’t know there were long-handled versions. I’ll have to check into these.
You should! They are great!
Thanks for this! I’ve been thinking about it too! Bummer about the packaging for the blades but it’s still better than disposables I guess.
That’s the way I’m looking at it but I’m fairly sure there’s a solution to this too.
Wow! This takes me back my dad always had one of these when I was a little girl and that was a long time ago. In fact I’ve often sold a vintage shaving kit containing one of these in my ebay shop and they sell well. Less than what you paid sometimes. They are unused might be worth having a look for other sellers on eBay