It’s no secret that we at shavingroom prefer a classic safety razor to more modern system or multi-blade planers. But why do we actually do it? What is it that makes us think that everyone should shave with a classic safety razor? Let us explain.
Of course, we would like to point out that it is ultimately up to each and every one of them what they choose to shave with, there is absolutely no right or wrong anywhere. But we still think that a classic wet shave with a safety razor is the best option. The most important thing is always your health and well-being.
But let’s still give our main arguments for why you should shave with a safety razor?
- A classic tradition
- Cost-effective shaving
- Gentle on the skin
- Climate-smart
A classic tradition
The modern safety planers were developed and patented in the early 1900s. In short, it is a classic razor with a long tradition. Until then, most people had shaved with a razor, something they had done for over 150 years, but it was both a complicated and time-consuming task.
Please read more in this post: A modern safety razor, 250 years of design and development
Shaving with a razor actually requires that you learn two crafts, firstly the craft of shaving and also taking care of your razor. For many, this can be both too time-consuming and simply not something enjoyable. Of course, we think wet shaving should be enjoyable. Safety razors were found to be a much easier and more efficient way to shave.
When safety razors became equipment for some American soldiers during the First World War to shave, it became popular and something the soldiers came to do even after the war. It simply became both cheaper and easier to do it yourself instead of going to the barber and paying him for the service.
Since then, generations of men around the world have shaved with safety razors. Not just men by the way, there are also plenty of women, and they are just getting more and more people who see the benefits. For example, legs are a common place many people use a safety razor to shave.
Despite more modern types and product developments, the classic safety razor has its place as a shaving tool today in the same way as it had over 100 years ago. In the last ten to fifteen years, it has also become very popular again. Many people have realized the benefits of classic wet shaving. For example, it is a long-standing classical tradition. Something you want to be part of and in.
Cost-effective shaving
A new modern system or multi-blade planer costs about SEK 130. They last on average about 2 years before they need to be replaced. In 10 years, there will be 5 planers, SEK 650.
Safety planers cost an average of about SEK 700 but have a significantly longer life expectancy. At least 10 years. In two years, that cost will then be SEK 140. In 10 years, the cost will be SEK 70. In other words, it costs almost only a tenth in ten years to shave with a classic safety razor instead of a modern system or multi-blade razor. In short, an excellent reason.
A pack of double razor blades with 10 blades costs an average of SEK 50. A double razor blade is enough for about 5 shaves. 10 double razor blades are thus enough for about 50 shaves. For SEK 390, you get about 8 packs of double razor blades, where each pack contains 10 razor blades. That will be about 400 shaves, that is, 100 shaves more than the price for 10 pieces of system blades / multi-blades. On average, 2 packs of 10 blades each in comparison give you free shaving equivalent to multi-blades. In one year, the cost is SEK 343.
10 pieces of system blades / multi-blades cost 390 SEK. One system blade/multi-blade is enough for about 30 shaves. 10 system blades are thus enough for 300 shaves. In one year, that cost is about SEK 475.
In addition, system blades / multi-blade systems contain both plastic and metal, which makes them impossible to sort in a good way. Double razor blades contain only metal and can therefore be sorted as metal waste. Preferably collected in a metal can where you then throw away the entire metal can.
50 SEK for 10 double razor blades is also a fairly high cost. The average price of the razor blades we recommend for a beginner is SEK 35. 50 shaves for 35 SEK, 400 shaves for 280 SEK. In one year, the cost is SEK 246. In other words, almost half the price of what it would cost to use system sheets or multi-blades for a year.
Of course, it should be said that these figures are approximate and should be seen as an example of the difference financially to shave in different ways. Ultimately, the most important thing is that you choose to shave in the way that suits you best.
In one year, the cost of a modern system planer + razor blade is SEK 413.
In one year, the cost of a safety razor + razor blade was SEK 316.
The cost of shaving with a classic safety razor + razor blade is thus about SEK 100 less per year. In addition, as mentioned, you also save on the climate when you choose a safety planer instead of a modern multi-blade planer.
Gentle on the skin
A multi-blade or system razor works more or less in the following way: The first blade has the task of lifting up the beard hair, the second blade has the task of cutting off the hair just under the skin, the remaining blade has the task of taking care of beard hairs that are not cut off at once.
One more thing that happens is that the first blade also brings the shaving foam that acts as a protective layer when shaving. Which means that the other leaves meet the skin without a protective layer that also increases friction.
Then, when the damaged skin is repaired, it can heal over the hair follicles and pores where the beard grows. The beard can have difficulty growing out and there will be ingrown beard hairs. In addition, the skin can be damaged in other ways and become irritated. Razor pimples can also occur when the skin becomes dehydrated.
Double razor blades cut off the beard hairs just above the skin instead. In addition, the skin is much better protected as there are no additional blades that can come into contact with the skin without being protected by shaving foam.
The strain on the skin is much less, which means that things such as ingrown hairs, razor pimples and irritated skin can be avoided.
Of course, there may be other reasons why this occurs. If you are unsure, always ask a dermatologist for medical expertise.
A climate-smart choice
A multi-blade or system planer made of plastic lasts for two years before it needs to be disposed of as combustible waste and leads to increased waste and emissions.
Safety planers are mostly made of metal, possibly with other durable materials, and they can last for at least ten years before they may need to be replaced. Many are also made of all-metal and can therefore be sorted at source.
A metal safety planer can be sorted as metal.
Multi-blades or system sheet heads cannot be sorted as plastic or metal as they contain both. Something that means that they are sorted as combustible.
Safety planers with double blades made of metal can be sorted as metal. Feel free to sort the double leaves in a metal container and then dispose of the entire metal container in metal packaging.
More information
We have a blog post, “What is a safety razor? We give you the answer” where we tell you more about what a Safety Razor or safety razor is, what parts it consists of and what can be good to think about when buying your first safety razor.
Blog post: What is a safety razor? We give you the answer
Do you want a more detailed guide or guidance on what you should consider when buying your first safety razor? We have that too.
Blog post: What to consider when buying your first safety razor
Feel free to check out our guide to safety razors where we go through more of the safety razor’s different parts such as the shaving head and handle.
