The Best Safety Razor Blades in 2023
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Shape, shave, and delight every inch of skin with a safety razor blade that makes grooming as easy as ordering three Big Macs at the McDonald’s drive-thru. Yeah, it’s that easy. While there may be a few differences between rolling up to the Mickey D’s and slicing off your facial hair like a professional barber, it’s similarly challenging. Erm, we mean unchallenging.
Safety razors are an easy-to-use grooming tool with a blade and a protective device that covers the sharp blade so gents can groom without bloodshed. They’re most similar to a straight razor but offer safety features and benefits that make them more handy and convenient for men and women to shave with.
We like to think of safety razor blades as a blessing in disguise. They help you get an uber-close shave—though not quite as close as with a straight razor, tbh—and provide more comfort and safety than other options. (Safety razor blades are also known as single-edge or double-edge razor blades).
Choosing the right blade isn’t do or die, as many offer similar benefits or are made with similar materials. But using the most effective, hygienic blade that helps you shave safely without nicks, cuts, and bumps is important.
Safety razor blades are unique, so we’ll cover the key features you should know before purchasing. Let’s discover the best safety razor blades in 2023.
1. Supply Black Label Blades 
supply.co
You won’t have to experiment or test out ten different razor blades if you start with the best. Black Label Blades from Supply are the best safety razor blades in 2023. The single-edge blades are made with high-carbon stainless steel and have a chromium and PTFE coating— a fancy name for Teflon.
Black Label Blades blend two critical things: affordability and a high-quality product that helps you get closer to your skin and slice off your facial hair with a mini-samurai sword. Each blade is forged in Japan, where they join new-world technology, old-world history, and the necessary skills to create the best razor blades.
The blades are twice as thick as standard double edge blades, which means they last twice as long. Due to their powerful design, they don’t bend or chatter and provide a closer, more comfortable shave. While we prefer to think of them as little samurai swords that gracefully remove facial hair with every swipe of your razor, they’re really just high-tech blades that have been around for over 100 years.
What makes this blade better than others (other than everything)? The sharp blades come in a QuickLoad™ cartridge. The cartridge is a custom-built injector mechanism which is a fancy way of saying you’ll never have to touch the blades with your own two hands, and you can switch out the blades seamlessly.
It’s the perfect option for guys new to shaving or those who dread pulling out the razor blade and replacing it themselves. Most men get eight to twelve shaves per blade, so one pack lasts up to three months.
Not all safety razor blades are created equally, so why not use the best? With Supply’s Black Label Blades, you’re guaranteed to get a fantastic, close shave without any fuss.
2. Feather Hi-Stainless Steel Razor Blades 
amazon.com
Known for their sharp pointy edges and razor-sharp wit (just kidding, razors aren’t sentient beings), Feather’s double edge blades are a fan-favorite among men who have a hankering for really sharp blades. They’re so sharp that we recommend being extra vigilant when switching out the blades.
Feather has a cult following for its platinum-coated stainless steel works of art. (If you’re not in the cult yet, here’s your invitation, and if you are, allow us to wax poetic about your favorite blade). Guys who want up close and personal shaves—like floor seats at a concert close—typically start with this blade from Feather.
It’s manufactured in Japan by a company that also makes medical tools like scalpels (which are also pointy and sharp and capable of slicing into a man’s skin as if it’s a mere slab of butter) and is durable, safe, and doesn’t causing tugging or pulling as you shave—unless you’re using it past its due date, which is typically three shaves.
Feather Hi-Stainless blades aren’t known for their long blade life. In fact, they’re well-known for their short blade life at around three shaves per blade, but that is the price you pay for one of the thinnest and sharpest blades on the market.
If you’re ready to reach for this thin, sharp, hair-slaying beast, keep in mind that the blade is less forgiving than other razor blades. Feather Hi-Stainless Steel Razor Blades are an excellent option for men who have been shaving for a while and know what they like.
We’d quickly like to note that safety razor blades are universal and interchangeable. Meaning even if you have a safety razor from one brand, you can buy razor brands from a different one and use them together.
3. Parker Premium Platinum Double Edge Safety Razor Blades 
amazon.com
Parker’s is a popular shaving and personal grooming brand that makes everything you need to shave safely. Their double edge stainless steel blades are known for their blend of durability and affordability. The blade has been gracing the face of men for over 45 years and helping guys get a close shave with its precise edges and unique coating.
Each blade is coated in platinum, chromium, and tungsten to provide a smoother, more comfortable shave. The unique coating helps the sharp edges last longer, which means you get more bang for your buck. One blade typically lasts between 7 to 10+ shaves.
Worried about irritation like nicks, cut, or razor bumps and burn? Don’t be. The razor stays sharp throughout its many uses, so you don’t have to try and cover up post-shave irritation. Premium Platinum Double Edge Safety Razor Blades are the best safety razor blades in 2023 for guys who want an affordable blade that stays sharp for up to 10 shaves.
4. Merkur Double Edge Razor Blades 
amazon.com
Crack open the pack, unwrap the wax paper, and get a good look at ten double edge stainless steel blades that promise to slice off your facial hair. Merkur is a brand better known for its wide range of safety razors rather than its blades. But alongside those German-engineered safety razors, they also make blades that neatly slice through hair and give you that baby-smooth skin you’re after.
First, we have to address the elephant in the room. Merkur’s Double Edge Razor Blades aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Men who switch over from high-quality brands like Supply or Feather say that the blades are “too thin” or “not sharp enough.” But every blade is unique, and for many, Merkur’s blades are the perfect level of sharpness to cut through facial hair without causing irritation.
Guys with thicker, fuller beards or coarse, curly hair should opt for sharper blades like those from Supply and Feather. But bearded gents with fine to medium hair will likely find success with Merkur’s offerings.
5. Henson Shaving RK Shaving Stainless DE Razor Blades 
amazon.com
Tall, dark, and handsome is how we’d describe these bladed beauties from Henson Shaving. Oh wait, that’s just the box. Well, inside this tall, dark, and sexy box, you’ll find 100 razor-sharp double-edge blades that are dying to touch your face.
Each blade is made from stainless steel and fits the dimensions of Henson’s AL13 razor. But no worries, you can use it in any double-edged safety razor. Due to the box being so massive and absolutely stacked with blades, one package can last you up to two to three years of shaves. (Insert screaming emoji here).
Eek! Yes, we’re actually telling you that you can get 100 blades for less than 10 dollars, and they’ll last for two to three years. While you’re pondering what a gift life is, we’ll cover a few other important details. Men who use the blades note that it’s not the sharpest blade they’ve ever used, but they easily slice through beard hair and don’t cause irritation.
RK Shaving Stainless DE Razor Blades are the best safety razor blades in 2023 for men who want to save a bunch of cash but still get a nice shave.
6. Derby Extra Double Edge Razor Blades 
amazon.com
Derby blades are the golden standard for men who aren’t super fussy about what blade they use while shaving. They’re a popular choice because they’re extremely budget-friendly and have a forgiving nature that means guys can avoid nicks, cuts, and razor bumps or burn.
While the blades are typically sharp and ready for action, you may get a dud occasionally. But that’s not that surprising for the price. Derby’s blades aren’t the sharpest or thinnest blades available, but they’re an excellent choice for men who want an average blade at a below-average price.
We consider this safety razor blade to be one of the best picks for newbies or men who aren’t sure if they want to make the switch to wet shaving with a safety razor. They’re affordable and still provide a good shave that doesn’t irritate your face.
The Complete Guide to Safety Razor Blades
If you’ve been thrown into the world of shaving and you’d like to start using more effective grooming products (like those with blades), then you’ll need an introduction to the world of razor blades.
We cover blades from top to bottom and fill you in all the dirty little secrets of the shaving world.
What Type of Razor Blade Should I Use in My Safety Razor?
When you start wet shaving, you open the door to customizable razors and endless optimization for a closer, better shave. That said, you’ll have to do some research to find the blade(s) that suit your skin and hair type.
Each blade manufacturer produces unique products made from different materials, making them suitable for specific hair and skin types. Most men test out different blades and follow a series of trials and errors to find the best blade for their beard.
You should use a razor blade that effectively slices through hair without tugging, pulling, or causing irritation like razor burn or bumps.
How to Choose Safety Razor Blades
While every blade is different, there are two main features to be aware of:
Sharpness: This seems obvious, but the sharpness of a blade is very important. Some blades are extra sharp and feel like they could slice through the air, while others may have a dull blade. Choose a blade that’s suitable for your skin and hair. For example, ultra-sharp blades may be irritating for some folks, and they may tolerate slightly dull blades better.
Coating: To help blades go the extra mile, some brands add a coating to the blade. The coating may help the edge slide across the skin more easily, slow down the dulling process, or prevent cuts and irritation.
With any foray into wet shaving, there is going to be experimentation. While you may get lucky and find the perfect blade right out the bat, it’s much more likely that you’ll have to dabble and test out a few types of blades.
The best safety razor blade will smoothly slice off the hair without causing unwanted sensations or side effects.
Top Tips and Tricks for Safety Razor Blades
Get the most from every blade with our top tips and tricks.
How to Store Razor Blades Between Uses
After shaving, give your razor blade a solid rinse and pat it dry with a towel, or shake it like a wet dog if that’s more your style. The thing to keep in mind is that your blade should be rinsed and dried thoroughly upon storage so yucky stuff doesn’t have the opportunity to grow.
There’s no need to go “full barber” and dunk your razor blade in an alcohol solution every time you shave. Although, if you prefer hygienic efficiency and love pristine products, be our guest.
When you’re in between shaves, you can leave the blade in the razor because you’ll likely only use it three to ten times before replacing it. On the other hand, if you’re an infrequent shaver or just aren’t planning on grooming for a while—we see you No Shave November—then take the blade out of the razor head. Store it with your other blades, preferably on top, where you can use it for your next shave. If you leave the blade in the razor, you risk damaging the blade and being unable to use it for your next hair-removal party.
What to Do With Used Razor Blades
Well, the good news is that used razor blades take up much less space than disposable razors or cartridges. But the bad news is that there’s no way to recycle them.
The safest and most effective way to dispose of razor blades is to keep a glass jar (or similar storage container) to fill up with your used blades. You have a few options once you’ve filled up the entire container. Call your local waste management facility to see if they’ll accept them for recycling, hop onto Google to see if your blade brand has a recycling program, or do the naughty thing and toss them in the trash—which is not recommended.
Some brands, like Gillette, have a recycling program that makes it easy to dispose of used blades. It takes the responsibility off your shoulders, and it’s easy to do the right thing.
Frequently Asked Questions Do all safety razor blades fit all safety razors?
Yes! Safety razor blades fit into any safety razor because they are universal. This allows you to customize your shave experience with your favorite safety razor and razor blade pack, even from different manufacturers.
Be aware if you need to shop for single or double-edged razor blades. While double-edge blades are more popular, as more safety razors use them, some blades, like those from Supply, use single-edge blades.
How long will a blade last before I need to replace it?
Blades typically last between 3 to 10 shaves, but it depends on your specific razor blades and hair type. Guys with full, thick beards will get fewer shaves from a blade because it will dull more quickly. Some men don’t like to risk irritation, cuts, or nicks—or not shaving as close to the skin–-and simply replace the blade after three uses.
How can you tell if your blade is past its prime? They typically won’t be able to slice cleanly through your hair, and you’ll likely feel a “tugging” sensation. Dull blades also tend to leave “patches” of hair in places you’ve already shaved, and you’ll have to re-shave the area. So basically, if you feel like a blade is not offering as good of a shave, it’s likely time to replace it.
Keep in mind that you might get a dud in your pack. Some blades may be duller than others in the pack (or slightly different in other ways, like the coating), and it’s A-okay to toss it out and use a blade in peak performance.
What’s the best safety razor blade in 2023?
Black Label Blades from Supply are the best safety razor blades in 2023. They’re the best single-edge blades for safety razors and come with the Quickload™ cartridge, so you never have to touch a sharp edge.
SOURCE: Unsplash
