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

From heritage grooming houses to innovative modern brands, these are the best safety razors for your bathroom cabinet

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…

Floris Chrome & Rose Gold Plate Razor

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 Chrome & Rose Gold Plate Razor

£60.00

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D.R. Harris 3 Piece Safety Razor

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. 

D.R. Harris 3 Piece Safety Razor

£66.00

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Baxter of California Chrome-Plated Safety Razor

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.  

Baxter of California Chrome-Plated Safety Razor

£57.00

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Truefitt & Hill Wellington Razor

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. 

Truefitt & Hill Wellington Razor

£69.00

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Mühle Kosmos Safety Razor

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.

Mühle Kosmos Safety Razor

£65.00

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

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