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Both men and women often consider shaving as a chore, but it can become a satisfying and luxurious experience with the right razor.

Cartridge razors have become popular over the years due to being highly marketed and initially inexpensive. Yet, these disposable razors can cause skin irritation and make it difficult to get a close shave. The multiple blades quickly become clogged and blunt, which can block your pores and cause acne if not replaced. 

However, double edge safety razors have been making a comeback, with many returning to traditional forms of wet shaving. DE razors were first produced in the 19th Century and revolutionised shaving by allowing men to get a clean shave at home instead of relying on barbers. 

If your current shaving routine worsens your skin and doesn’t achieve a close shave, consider investing in a DE razor for better results. For more information on this razor and why you should use one, continue reading. 

woman with smooth legs after shaving with a double edge safety razor

What is a double edge safety razor? 

A DE safety razor was given its name because you can use both sides of the blade. The safety aspect comes from the built-in protective device between the blade’s edge and the skin, which reduces cuts. 

Here are three different types of DE safety razors with alternate methods for loading a razor blade: 

  • A one-piece razor has a butterfly-style latch that you can open with a knob at the bottom of the handle, so you can replace the blade without pulling the razor apart. However, this can cause wear and tear on the moving parts.
  • Two-piece DE razors have a twist-off handle so the user can move the top of the cutting head away from the base. This process provides medium ease of removing and cleaning the razor compared to the other two options. 
  • A three-piece version consists of the handle, the base of the head, and the top of the cutting head. These models are easiest to clean but hardest to replace the blades. 

A closed comb head has a safety bar fitted which exposes less of the blade for a kinder shave, which is ideal for beginners or users with sensitive skin. 

For a closer shave, use a razor with an open comb head, which is more exposed. This style is often most popular among users with coarse hair that refuses to budge with a standard cartridge shave.

What are the benefits of using a double edge safety razor? 

  • Cost-effective

Although DE razors require a greater upfront cost than cartridge blades, you’ll save money in the long run due to the extremely cheap blades. 

  • Close shave

The DE razors have a single and much sharper blade which helps to achieve a smooth shave. 

When using a cartridge razor, you’ll likely have to go over the same area multiple times to get a clean shave due to the blades being close together. But this can cause pull on your skin and cause irritation. 

Although you’ll need to learn the proper technique for using a DE razor, once you’ve mastered it, it provides more control and requires no pressure to achieve a clean cut. As you slowly and gently glide the razor across your skin, the weight of the razor will do the work for you. A model with a longer handle also makes it easier to shave hard-to-reach areas.

  • Increased luxury 

Shaving with a DE razor is more time-consuming than with an electric or disposable razor but consider it as a deluxe shaving and skincare experience. 

Before shaving, prep the skin with a thick lather of shaving balm or cream using a soft shaving brush, and afterwards, apply a soothing aftershave to make your skin feel more comfortable.  

  • Less skin irritation

Having just one razor blade avoids bacteria build-up and dragging of the skin that often occurs with multiple blades and causes ingrown hairs, shaving bumps, and general irritation. 

If you’re struggling to get a clean shave with a DE razor, or it’s pulling on your skin, change the blade.  

  • Sustainable

The DE razors can last for years and are made from stainless steel rather than plastic. Although you’re still disposing of the blades, they’re usually recyclable and tend to last longer than cartridge razor blades. 

DE razor blades usually need replacing between five and ten shaves, while cartridge razor blades last for around three shaves. 

To prolong the lifespan of your razor, dry it after each use and store it in a dry environment. It’s tempting to keep it in the shower, but the humidity and moisture can cause rust, corrosion, and bacteria accumulation. 

While DE safety razors require a higher upfront cost than cartridge razors and take practice to learn how to use them, they produce close shaves and are much kinder on the skin.

Here are three different types of DE safety razors with alternate methods for loading a razor blade

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