The 5 best double-edged razors for a smooth, close shave

There’s nothing wrong with a straight razor. There’s nothing wrong with a cartridge razor. Come to think of it, there’s not even anything wrong with an electric razor. It’s just that there’s something particularly right about a double-edged razor. 

Shaving the fine line between tradition and practicality, the double-edged safety razor is the perfect option for the modern man. It’s simple and easy enough to use that you can shave in a hurry — but still demands a certain skill and artistry to get it right. And that’s before we come to how they look; elegant, shiny works of sink-side art, with handles crafted from exotic woods and precious metals. Below, we’ve rounded up five of the best…

The founder of this London-based grooming brand, Juan Famenias Floris, started his trade as a barber. In the 1730s, he made his way from Menorca to the British capital; becoming the resident barber at the St James’s Hotel. Suffice to say, the brand — with almost three centuries of experience under its razor strop — knows a little something about shaving hardware.

That much is clear with this chrome model; a traditional, double-edged safety razor with a touch of 14 carat rose gold for a contemporary, luxurious touch. Floris have perfectly balanced the piece, expertly designed and crafted it in England — and created a shaving tool that would have made Juan Famenias proud.

Floris may have the longer history, but D.R. Harris (a brand also founded in St. James’s, but a little later, in 1790) has the traditional look. This classically-styled safety razor could pass as an antique — with its curved, off-white handle hewn from high-quality imitation ivory.

At the business end, things are similarly authentic. The safety razor head fitting has a closed-comb for increased comfort and is compatible with all types of standard double-edged blades. If you’re a traditionalist, this is the razor for you. 

As its name suggests, Baxter of California was not established in 18th century St. James’s. Rather, this thoroughly modern marque was whipped up in 1960s Los Angeles — and this razor has the glitz, glamour and high-shine to prove it.

Chrome-plated and with a subtle nod to the ‘barber stripe’ snaking up the handle, this double-edged safety razor is sleek, stylish — and was designed to help those suffering from ingrown hairs and razor burn. It arrives looking like the latest smartphone (in a matte black gift box). But, unlike the odious obsolescence built into your iPhone, this’ll do the job for years to come.  

Another heritage St. James’s shaving brand; another tip-top traditional razor. Truefitt & Hill’s ‘Wellington’ couldn’t be more British if it tried — taking the Napoleon-defeating Duke’s name and imbuing his tenacity, stamina and style into this handsome double-edged razor.

Like Floris’ above, the handle has been specially weighted and ergonomically crafted to ensure the silkiest, smoothest shave possible. And, with multiple finishes available — from ‘Ivory’ and ‘Porcelain’ to ‘Opal’ and ‘Ebony’ — there’s an option to fit into any bathroom cabinet. We’d go for ‘Horn’; equal parts elegant and classic. 

And, finally, a more modern option. From Saxony-based brand Mühle, this mid-century safety razor is the equivalent of an Eames Chair for your bathroom. It’s an iconic, slick and effective design — with closed comb and classic blade — and benefits from chrome-plated detailing and an olive wood handle.

That honey-coloured handle, guaranteed to last a lifetime, has been sealed with oil and polished to a satin finish — giving it a longevity and reliability to rival the corrosion-resistant chrome. And, paired with the brand’s matching Silvertip Fibre Shaving Brush, it offers the simplest, most modern shaving set on this list.

Looking for more top grooming tools? These gentleman’s combs will banish bad hair days for good…

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