Best Double Edge Razor Picks for a Close, Comfortable Shave

The best double edge razor for most people is the Merkur 23C, a German-made, closed-comb razor with a long brass handle that is widely described as mild and forgiving. The runner-up is the Bambaw Double Edge Safety Razor, which bundles five blades and a stand at a lower cost and suits anyone who wants a plastic-free first razor without spending much.

A double edge (DE) razor is the classic safety razor: one replaceable blade with two cutting edges, held in a metal head that exposes only a sliver of steel. Switching from cartridges usually cuts the cost per shave dramatically and reduces plastic waste, but it comes with a learning curve. This guide compares seven razors that are currently sold, explains blade gap, handle length and head design in plain language, and adds four blade packs worth knowing. It is research-based, built from manufacturer details, listings and independent shaving-community reviews. We did not personally use these razors, so we do not make claims about how close any single shave will feel for you.

Our top picks

Top pickMERKUR 23C Double Edge Safety Razor

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Also greatMERKUR 38C Double Edge Safety Razor

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Also greatMERKUR FUTUR 700 Adjustable Double Edge Safety

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Also greatMERKUR 37C Double Edge Safety Razor

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Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: Merkur 23C, a mild, long-handled German classic.
• Best Value: Bambaw Double Edge Safety Razor with five blades and a razor stand.
• Best Budget: BAILI Butterfly Open TTO razor kit, the lowest-cost entry here.
• Best Gift Set: Vikings Blade Double Edge Safety Razor with a luxury case and five Swedish steel blades.
• Best for Beginners on a Budget Handle: Wilkinson Sword Double Edge Safety Razor with a long metal handle.
• Best Traditional Butterfly: Feather Popular Double Edge Razor.
• Best Premium: Henson Shaving aluminum razor with a 30-degree angled head.

1. Merkur 23C: Best Overall for Most Shavers

• Closed-comb, three-piece double edge safety razor
• Polished chrome finish over a brass handle
• Long knurled handle for a secure, balanced grip
• Made in Germany, plastic-free
• Mild shave character according to shaving-community reviews

Best for: first-time safety razor users and daily shavers who want a forgiving, durable razor that will last for years.

Skip if: you have very coarse, dense stubble and want an aggressive razor, or you want a lightweight travel razor.

The Merkur 23C earns its place because it behaves in a predictable way. A closed-comb head keeps a bar of metal under the blade edge, which limits how much skin can bulge into the cutting edge. In practice that means fewer nicks and less irritation for people still learning the right angle. Independent reviewers regularly describe it as mild, and the commonly cited blade gap is small to medium, which is why many sellers recommend it as a first razor.

The long handle is the other half of the story. A longer handle lets you hold the razor lightly with your fingertips instead of gripping it, and a light grip is the single most important habit in safety razor shaving. Pressure causes most nicks. With a 23C you let the weight of the razor do the work and rely on short, overlapping strokes.

The trade-off is efficiency. A mild razor may need two or even three passes on thick facial hair, and it will not suit people who want a one-pass, aggressive shave. If that is you, consider a more open-comb or adjustable razor later. For almost everyone else, the 23C is the safest place to start, and it is a razor you are unlikely to outgrow because the standard threaded design lets you swap parts and handles from other makers.

Pros

• Closed comb is forgiving for beginners
• Long handle encourages light pressure
• Durable chrome-plated metal build
• Plastic-free and made in Germany

Cons

• Mild: coarse stubble may need extra passes
• Polished chrome shows water spots

2. Bambaw Double Edge Safety Razor: Best Value Starter Kit

• Double edge safety razor in stainless steel
• Sold with five double edge blades
• Razor stand included in this listing
• Marketed as plastic-free and zero-waste
• Unisex design, also sold in women’s versions

Best for: someone who wants to try a safety razor with a complete kit and minimal waste.

Skip if: you want published blade-gap specifications or a long handle for big hands.

Bambaw is the brand that most people see first when they search for an eco-friendly razor. The kit in this listing includes the razor, five blades and a stand, which means you can start shaving the day it arrives. The stand matters more than it looks: letting the head air-dry helps prevent rust spots and water marks.

The listing does not publish a blade gap, so you should treat the shave character as unknown. Community comments generally describe Bambaw razors as mild, which is what you want for the first month. Because the handle is shorter than a Merkur 23C, you may find yourself gripping harder, so watch pressure on your first shaves.

If you shave your legs or underarms with a safety razor as well, Bambaw also offers a version aimed at women, which uses the same blade type. All of these razors take standard double edge blades, so you can upgrade the blades without changing the razor.

Pros

• Complete kit
• Stand included
• Low cost
• Plastic-free

Cons

• Blade gap not listed
• Shorter handle than the 23C

3. BAILI Butterfly Open TTO Razor Kit: Best Budget Entry

• Butterfly (twist-to-open) double edge razor with metal body
• Includes a platinum blade, per the listing
• Sold as a wet shaving kit for men and women
• Lowest-cost razor in this guide
• Weight and blade gap not listed

Best for: curious shavers who want to try wet shaving for a very small outlay.

Skip if: you want long-term durability or consistent quality control.

The BAILI kit exists to answer one question: do you even like safety razor shaving? For the cost of a few cartridges, you get a butterfly-style razor where the head opens like wings when you twist the handle, a design that makes changing blades simple. The listing mentions a platinum blade and a mirrored accessory, but it does not publish the details we would want for a firm recommendation, such as blade gap or weight.

At this price you should expect modest plating and tolerances, so inspect the head when it arrives: the blade should sit flat and symmetrical with an even exposure on both sides. If something looks off, return it rather than shaving with it.

If you do like the process, the usual upgrade path is a razor like the Merkur 23C, and your leftover blades will transfer straight over.

Pros

• Very low cost
• Easy blade change
• Kit format
• Good trial option

Cons

• Finish and tolerances vary at this price
• Specs not fully listed

4. Vikings Blade Double Edge Safety Razor: Best Gift Set

• Double edge safety razor sold with five Swedish steel blades
• Includes a luxury case
• Reusable and marketed as eco-friendly
• Several head variants sold under the same brand
• Weight reported higher than the 23C in independent reviews

Best for: gifts, travel, and shavers who like a heavy razor with a case.

Skip if: you want a very light razor or you are sensitive to a more aggressive head.

Vikings Blade sells a range of razors, and the models differ in how mild or aggressive they feel. Independent writers describe some heads as mild and forgiving and others as closer to medium, so check which variant the listing shows before you buy. That is why this entry is more of a gift pick than a pure performance pick.

The weight is a feature. A heavy razor does more of the work and rewards a light touch, but it also takes some getting used to if you are used to a plastic cartridge handle. The included case and five blades make the kit feel complete as a present for someone who wants to switch.

If you buy it for yourself, do a couple of practice shaves on a day when you are not in a hurry.

Pros

• Complete gift-ready kit
• Heavy, solid feel
• Swedish steel blades included
• Reusable

Cons

• Different variants feel different
• Heavier than the Merkur 23C

5. Wilkinson Sword Double Edge Safety Razor: Best Long-Handle Budget Pick

• Double edge razor with a long metal handle
• Includes five razor blades
• Listing mentions coated stainless blades
• From a long-established razor brand
• Weight and blade gap not listed

Best for: people who want a longer handle at a lower cost than the Merkur.

Skip if: you want premium plating or published head specifications.

Wilkinson Sword has been making razors for a very long time, and this double edge model sits at the budget end with a long metal handle and five blades included. A long handle helps with control, which is the point most budget razors miss.

The head design is basic, and the listing does not give a blade gap. In general, a straightforward closed-comb style like this behaves mildly, but we have not seen manufacturer data to confirm it, so treat that as an expectation rather than a fact.

Because it takes the same blades as every other DE razor, you are free to try blades from different makers and find the one that suits your skin.

Pros

• Long handle
• Blades included
• Recognizable brand
• Lower cost

Cons

• Specs are thin
• Plating is not premium

6. Feather Popular Double Edge Razor: Best Traditional Butterfly

• Traditional butterfly (twist-open) safety razor
• Metal construction
• Sold for close shaving by wet shavers and barbers, per the listing
• Takes standard double edge blades
• Weight and blade gap not listed

Best for: shavers who like the barber-style butterfly design and want a no-frills tool.

Skip if: you are a total beginner who tends to rush.

Feather is best known among enthusiasts for its blades, which many shavers consider among the sharpest on the market. The Popular razor is a straightforward butterfly design that has been used by barbers and hobbyists for years. It is light, easy to clean and simple to load.

Because a butterfly head opens like wings, it is easy to rinse thoroughly and to change blades. The learning curve is similar to any safety razor: short strokes, light pressure and a consistent angle.

The Popular is lighter than the Merkur, which suits some shavers and annoys others. If you like to feel the razor’s weight, you may prefer the 23C.

Pros

• Simple, classic design
• Easy to clean
• Barber-style tool
• Standard blade fit

Cons

• Light weight needs a careful touch
• Specs not fully listed

7. Henson Shaving Aluminum Razor: Best Premium

• Aluminum double edge safety razor
• 30-degree angled blade
• Sold with five spare blades
• Marketed by the brand for precision and low irritation
• Highest cost in this guide

Best for: experienced shavers with sensitive skin who want a lifetime razor with tight tolerances.

Skip if: you are on a tight budget or want a heavy brass razor.

Henson has built its reputation around a single design idea: a fixed 30-degree blade angle with a short, deliberately limited blade exposure. The brand’s literature argues that this gives a close shave with less irritation, because there is less room to make mistakes. Many sensitive-skin shavers on forums speak well of it, though no razor will suit everyone.

The aluminum body is lighter than brass and stainless razors and feels different in the hand. Some people love it for precision, others miss the weight of a Merkur. It is also a premium purchase, so it makes more sense for someone who already knows they enjoy wet shaving.

The shave is more efficient than a very mild razor, but it still rewards a short stroke and a light grip.

Pros

• Precision design
• Fixed 30-degree angle
• Lightweight aluminum build
• Spare blades included

Cons

• Premium cost
• Lighter feel is not for everyone

Also Consider

Astra Platinum Double Edge Blades

A very low-cost blade pack, popular with beginners because it is forgiving and easy to find.

Feather Double Edge Blades

Known among shavers as very sharp; may feel keen on sensitive skin.

Dorco ST300 Platinum Extra

A bulk blade option that is cheap per shave and works in most standard DE razors.

Derby Extra Double Edge Blades

Another low-cost bulk pack often recommended in beginner threads.

A Simple First-Week Plan

Day one, shave only the easy areas, such as the cheeks, using a thick lather and a single pass with the grain. Day two, add the neck and chin, which have tricky grain patterns, and keep strokes short. By day three you can try a second pass across the grain if your skin is calm. The aim of the first week is not a perfect shave; it is learning the angle and keeping pressure light.

Keep a small note of which blade you used and how many shaves it has done. Many first-time buyers think the razor is the problem when the blade is simply worn. If one razor-blade combination irritates you, change the blade before you change the razor. A cheap sampler pack costs less than a coffee and can save you from replacing a perfectly good razor.

After each shave, rinse the head under warm water, shake off the excess and let it air-dry on a stand or an open surface. Once a week, unscrew the head and rinse out soap residue. A little care keeps plating bright and prevents spotting, and a decent razor from this list can last for decades.

Finally, budget for aftershave care. A plain, fragrance-light balm or moisturizer after shaving calms skin that is used to cartridges, and a styptic pencil is a cheap safety net while you are still learning. These small extras make the first month far more pleasant.

How We Chose

This guide is research-based. We read manufacturer descriptions, the listing details of each razor and independent reviews from shaving communities and publications. We did not personally use these products. Where the listing did not publish a spec, such as blade gap, we say it is not listed rather than guess.

We kept one razor per brand, avoided heavily gimmicky designs and chose razors that take standard double edge blades so that you can mix and match blades. We also included both closed-comb and butterfly options to cover the main styles.

Buying Guide

Closed comb, open comb or butterfly?

A closed-comb head has a solid bar under the blade edge and is the gentlest design. An open-comb head has teeth and handles thick hair or long stubble better but is more aggressive. A butterfly (twist-to-open) head opens like wings and is common among traditional razors. Beginners usually do best with closed comb. Experienced shavers who want efficiency often prefer open comb or adjustable heads.

Blade gap and aggressiveness

Blade gap is how far the blade edge extends beyond the guard. A small gap, roughly half a millimeter or less, is mild; a larger gap shaves faster but demands more skill. Many budget razors do not publish this number, so reviews from experienced shavers are your best guide. A reasonable rule: if you have sensitive skin or are a beginner, choose a mild razor and use blades known for being forgiving.

Handle length and weight

Longer handles, around four inches or more, help you hold the razor with a light grip. Heavier razors do more of the work but feel clumsy if you rush. Lighter razors are good for travel but rely more on your technique. Choose a handle you can hold with your fingertips rather than your fist.

Blades matter as much as the razor

The same razor feels different with different blades. A pack of sampler blades lets you find the right match in a few weeks. Replace the blade after about three to five shaves, sooner if it tugs. A dull blade causes more irritation than a sharp one, and the blade is the cheapest part of the system.

Technique basics

Use warm water, a lubricating lather, short strokes with the grain, and a 30-degree angle between the razor and your skin. Never press. Rinse the razor after each stroke or two. If you get irritation, stop and let your skin recover, and ask a dermatologist if problems persist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Pressing down; the weight of the razor is enough.
• Using a blade for too many shaves.
• Shaving against the grain on your first passes.
• Skipping lather or using a thin foam.
• Drying the razor in a damp, closed drawer; air-dry it instead.
• Packing a razor in carry-on luggage; safety razors with blades are not allowed in carry-on bags in many countries, so check airline rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best double edge razor for beginners?

The Merkur 23C is the most common recommendation because of its closed comb, long handle and mild character. Bambaw and Wilkinson Sword are lower-cost alternatives.

Are double edge razors cheaper than cartridges?

Usually yes. The razor is a one-time purchase and blades cost a fraction of cartridges, so the savings add up within a few months.

How many shaves does a double edge blade last?

Most shavers get about three to five shaves, depending on beard coarseness and skin. Replace it as soon as it starts to tug.

Will a double edge razor irritate sensitive skin?

It can if you press too hard or use an aggressive razor. A mild closed-comb razor and light pressure are the safest start. See a dermatologist for persistent irritation.

Can women use a double edge razor?

Yes. Several brands sell versions aimed at women, and the blades are the same. Use light pressure and a good lather.

Do all double edge blades fit all razors?

Standard double edge blades fit standard DE razors, though blade sharpness and feel differ by brand.

Can I take a safety razor on a plane?

Rules differ by country. Many airlines prohibit loose blades in carry-on bags, so check current rules and pack blades in checked luggage if required.

Which One Should You Buy?

Buy the Merkur 23C if you want a razor you can use for years. Choose Bambaw if you want an affordable all-in-one starter kit, and Wilkinson Sword or BAILI if the lowest cost matters more than refinement. The Vikings Blade kit works well as a gift, the Feather Popular suits fans of the butterfly design, and the Henson is the pick for experienced, sensitive-skin shavers.

Whichever razor you pick, buy a sampler pack of blades and give yourself a few weeks. Most irritation problems come from technique and blade choice rather than from the razor itself.

Sources

• Manufacturer pages: Merkur, Bambaw, Vikings Blade, Wilkinson Sword, Feather, Henson Shaving, BAILI
• Shaving Advisor: safety razor reviews and beginner guides
• Sharpologist: razor reviews
• Product listing details as sold

Last updated: October 2026