What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about a disposable plastic razor? They seem to make life sound so easy with the simple – buy, use a couple of times and throw away regime right? However, did you know that billions of razors end up in landfills year after year? Now you’re probably thinking “what’s the big deal? Plastic can be recycled!” WRONG! Sharp objects like razors are made up of many mixed materials which makes them impossible to recycle and as we all know, plastic is not biodegradable.

So imagine the amount of non-biodegradable waste being produced when each plastic disposable razor is probably only useful for anything ranging from 3 to 7 shaves, before it is tossed in the trash. Now, body hair removal is a personal choice – while some people would rather let their body hair grow and accept it, others like to get rid of it.

Undoubtedly, shaving is the most convenient, pocket-friendly, quick and most painless solution to body hair removal, which is why razors are a popular product worldwide. However, is there no better solution to this? How do we stick to shaving while ditching the plastic completely? Reusable safety razors are the answer to this! What is a safety razor? A safety razor, also called a double-edged razor has a body built to last.

Unlike the disposable razors that are useless once the blade becomes blunt, the only part of the safety razor that requires changing is the blade. These ergonomically designed razors can be used from both sides and hence, ensure the smoothest shave possible. They ensure a closer shave as compared to disposable razors and once you get the hang of these razors, you’ll never go back to the disposable counterparts.

Advantages of using a safety razor: Close shave The safety razor allows you to change the blade whenever need be, without thinking twice. You will never compromise on using a blunt blade every again! Pocket-friendly and cost effective It’s no surprise that this superior device saves you a lot of money in the long run because the only recurring investment made with a safety razor is the blades.

Built to last, this device is a one-time investment and it can last you for a lifetime! Eco-friendly This is a no-brainer. Safety razors avoid any use of plastic in their design, making them so eco-friendly and giving you the best guilt-free shaving experience! Reduce the chance of cuts In most situations, cuts are a result of a blunt blade.

With every shave, your blade becomes blunt. Not to mention, the dead skin can get stuck between the multiple tiny blades of disposable razors. This creates friction and leads to the razor not gliding as smoothly on the skin, which can ultimately lead to cuts.

With the safety razor, the problem of the dead skin is completely eliminated because they use only a single blade. And the safety razor makes changing the blade when it becomes blunt super easy! Replacement blades are easily available The blades used in a safety razor are usually a standard size, which makes these blades easily available in any nearby store.

So even if you run out of blade refills, it’s extremely easy to procure them! With inputs from Anika Parashar, Founder & CEO of The Woman’s Company.

Are safety razors better than disposables?

Shave Quality – Keep in mind that just because it is quick and safe does not mean it will give you the soft, baby-bottom smoothness you are looking for. The number of blades in disposable cartridge razors can cause skin irritation. Using a five-blade razor is equivalent to using a single-blade razor five times, which yields five times the skin irritation of a single pass.

• Dermatologist Dr.
• Terrence Keanney agrees that multiple razor blades increase the likelihood of nicks: “with multiple blades so close to the skin, there are more tiny nicks thus more prone to being cut or injured.” 4 Shaving with a safety razor vs a cartridge razor is better for your skin because it only has one blade and is less likely to cut you.

Safety razors provide a superior shave and greater control than shaving with a cartridge razor, with the option of going up, down, beveled, or aggressive. Also, safety razors work best for wet shaving. Unlike a cartridge, shaving with a safety razor involves a barber-like lather from shaving soap or shaving cream.

Are safety razors safer than disposable razors?

Quality of The Shave-Safety Razor vs Cartridge razor system – It’s true that a traditional wet shave with a safety razor takes longer and requires more technical expertise. But the implement doesn’t have such glaring limits as its disposable counterparts, which can never really yield that closeness that a double-sided razor blade offers.

• The most popular cartridge razors have three blades.
• Sometimes they have even more blades, as many as five blades.
• The logic is that they all interact with your skin separately, so the second blade accounts for what the first one misses, and so on.
• But the reality is that an increased amount of blade contact with the face just irritates your skin.

Cartridge razors are much more likely to yield razor bumps and razor burn. The DE safety razor just has just one blade exposed on two sides that can be alternated keeping a sharp edge with every pass with or against the grain and treating your skin better.

Are safety razors better than plastic?

1. Most safety razors are plastic free – It’s as simple as that. The majority of safety razors are entirely made from metals, such as stainless steel. They’re meant to last, unlike disposable plastic razors. A mix of iron, zinc and copper provides a base to the razor that plastic just can’t compete with.

What is the difference between a razor and a safety razor?

Pros and cons of safety razors & straight razors –

I hope the table above doesn’t scare you away from using a straight razor. My goal was to set realistic expectations and share my experience learning to use both at the same time. All of the hassle and time was absolutely worth it, and given the chance I would do it all over again. Safety razors are easy and quick to use on any part of your body! The most significant difference between safety and straight razors is the effort they require. Safety razors win handily in the convenience and time category; the angle is easy to set, you’ll learn to use them quickly, there’s little to no maintenance needed, and when the blade dulls, just swap it for a new one! If your priority is efficiency, stick to using a safety razor.

Where straight razors pull ahead is in romance and precision. Straight razor shaving is an art meant to be savoured and continually refined. The attraction for many is that it requires a good half hour, making it a meditative process and much as a practical one. You must strop the blade before every shave, take your time around curved areas, and pay close attention to the angle of the edge on your face.

When I use my straight razor, I get great joy from identifying every bump and curve on my face, each change in hair direction of my beard. There is no better tool for beard trimming than an ultra-precise straight razor; I can pick off individual hairs from the edge of my moustache with laser precision until I achieve perfect balance.

If this laborious process sounds terrible, don’t get a straight razor. You’ll get quicker, but you never want to rush a straight razor shave. I reach for my straight on leisurely weekend mornings or the rare evening I have to myself, and when duty calls, I snatch up my safety razor and get the job done in a matter of minutes.

If you ask me, everyone should have both. They provide very different paths to the same result, and both are a joy to experiment with and master. Straight razors are incredibly cool and collectible, and provide an extremely satisfying shave. Regardless of your eventual goal, I would recommend everyone start with a safety razor. It’ll get you used to using a sharp, single blade and teach you a ton about your skin that you never knew: its curvature, sensitive spots, problematic areas, and which direction the hair grows in.

All vital information when using a straight razor and mistakes are less substantial if you learn with a safety first. By training this way, you’ll have a serious leg up getting started with your first straight razor, and you’ll get the hang of it much quicker. The shaving process will already be second nature, so you can focus on getting to grips (literally) with a somewhat awkward blade, perfecting your angle, and mastering the strop.

Additionally, it’s advantageous to have a safety razor handy to clean up your first several straight razor shaves – trust me, they won’t be your best. Even when you master the straight razor, the safety razor is a valuable travel companion and perfect for that inevitable last-minute shave when you have to rush out the door.

Is it worth getting a safety razor?

Easier to use – Safety razor blades are easier to use compared to traditional straight razors because of their familiar design. Unlike learning how to use a straight razor, wherein you have to balance the scales and the blade, you can similarly grip onto a safety razor as you would a cartridge razor.

But do note that you have to mind the pressure while shaving with DE razors, as their blades are much sharper than those in cartridges and disposable razors. Ultimately, safety razor blades are a great choice if you want to get a closer shave while still enjoying the familiarity and convenience of other razors.

It is perfect for getting started with wet shaving or for those who want to experience a closer shave without the intimidation of a straight razor.

Why are safety razors not allowed on planes?

The Top Five Items People Ask About: Razors, Batteries, Makeup, Shampoo & Deodorant 1. Razors – There’s a lot of confusion out there as to what types of razors are OK to pack in your carry-on baggage. So people ask us about this one all the time.

Safety Razors: Because the razor blades are so easy to remove, safety razors are not permitted in your carry-on luggage with the blade. They’re fine to pack in your carry-on without the blade. The blades must be stored in your checked luggage. The same applies for straight razors. Disposable Razors: Disposable razors come in two types. The kind that is completely disposable (handle and all), or the kind where you replace them with cartridges. These are permissible in carry-on luggage with the blade and replacement cartridges. Electric Razors: Electric razors are permitted in both checked and carry-on bags.

2. Batteries – Whether they’re for business, health reasons, or leisure, we all travel with gadgets, and gadgets need batteries! Here’s a rundown of different types of batteries and whether they’re permitted or not. If you have any additional questions about batteries,

Batteries Allowed in Carry-on Bags:

Dry cell alkaline batteries; typical AA, AAA, C, D, 9-volt, button sized cells, etc. Dry cell rechargeable batteries such as Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Nickel Cadmium (NiCad). Jump starters with lithium ion batteries. Lithium ion batteries (a.k.a.: rechargeable lithium, lithium polymer, LIPO, secondary lithium). Consumer-sized lithium ion batteries, This size covers AA, AAA, 9-volt, cell phone, PDA, camera, camcorder, Gameboy, and standard laptop computer batteries. Up to two larger lithium ion batteries (more than 8 grams, up to 25 grams of equivalent lithium content per battery) in their carry-on. This size covers larger extended-life laptop batteries. Most consumer lithium ion batteries are below this size. Lithium ion batteries that are between 101 – 160 wh are allowed in carry-on bags with airline approval. Lithium metal batteries (a.k.a.: non-rechargeable lithium, primary lithium). These batteries are often used with cameras and other small personal electronics. Consumer-sized batteries (up to 2 grams of lithium per battery) may be carried. This includes all the typical non-rechargeable batteries for personal film cameras and digital cameras (AA, AAA, 123, CR123A, CR1, CR2, CRV3, CR22, 2CR5, etc.) as well as the flat round lithium button cells.

Batteries Allowed in Checked Bags:

Except for lithium batteries, all the batteries allowed in carry-on baggage are also allowed in checked baggage; however, we recommend that you pack them in your carry-on bag whenever possible. In the cabin, airline flight crews can better monitor conditions, and have access to the batteries or device if a fire does occur.

Prohibited Batteries:

Car batteries, wet batteries, or spillable batteries are prohibited from both carry-on and checked baggage unless they are being used to power a scooter or wheelchair. If you need to pack a spare battery for a scooter or wheelchair, you must advise the aircraft operator so the battery can be properly packaged for air travel. Spare lithium batteries (both lithium metal and lithium ion/polymer) are prohibited in checked baggage.

Battery Chargers:

Lithium-Ion and Lithium-Polymer batteries are the most common rechargeable cell types found in Portable Chargers. Portable chargers are allowed in carry-on bags only. External battery chargers/Power banks/Uninstalled or spare lithium ion batteries must be packed in carry-on bags.

3. Makeup For many, traveling with makeup is just as important as traveling with batteries. You’ve just gotta have it.

Makeup in a solid or powder form is allowed in carry-on and checked bags with no quantity or size limitations. However, when packed in carry-on bags, makeup in a liquid, lotion, gel, paste or creamy form, must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less. You can take as many travel-sized liquids as you can comfortably fit into one quart-sized, zip-top bag. One liquids bag is allowed per passenger in carry-on bags. We don’t limit the size or quantity of liquids in checked bags.

4 & 5. Shampoo & Deodorant You’ve got to smell nice and keep your hair shiny, so it’s not surprise that many people ask about shampoo and deodorant.

Shampoo/Conditioner and deodorant must be in containers that are 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on bags. You’re allowed to take as many travel-sized liquids as can fit into a single quart-sized, zip-top bag. One bag is allowed per passenger in carry-on. Larger containers of such items must be placed in checked bags. Solid and powder deodorant are allowed in carry-on bags and aren’t limited in size.

Have you got a question for us? We have a team of TSA employees ready to answer your questions via Twitter at or via 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET daily. If you don’t like all this newfangled technology, you can pick up a phone and call our contact center at 866-289-9673 or,

Why don’t people use safety razors anymore?

Safety razors aren’t as popular anymore for a few reasons: They don’t make as much money for Procter & Gamble. They require a bit of effort to learn. People are uncomfortable handling a naked razor blade when changing blades.

Are safety razors safe for pubes?

Pubic area – In the genital area, a safety razor can be used as well as a cartridge razor, but you should already have a little experience with traditional wet shaving. Here it is always particularly essential to tighten the skin to avoid shaving over wrinkles.

Do safety razors cut easily?

It’s likely you’ve heard the benefits of safety razors, maybe you’ve even gone out and purchased one for yourself, but now it’s sitting on your bathroom counter unused and collecting dust. Admit it, you don’t know where to start and your first shave can feel intimidating (we get it). Check out our previous blog post with a step-by-step breakdown for first-time users. The biggest reason why most consumers haven’t swapped their disposable razors for a safety razor is fear. They don’t know where to start or aren’t fully educated on using a safety razor. If you decided to read this article you’re probably wondering, are safety razors as safe as their name suggests? In short, yes.

Chances of Cutting Myself? With traditional double-edge safety razors, there’s a learning curve when switching from a cartridge razor. The Rockwell adjustable patented design makes it the easiest razor for any individual, it’s the most beginner-friendly Safety Razor that can adapt to your needs. The chance of cutting yourself with a Rockwell Razor is super low, almost impossible.

You have more chances of cutting yourself by that dull cartridge razor you’ve been using for weeks than you do a safety razor. Sharp blades make for a cleaner and less dangerous shave because they need less applied pressure to cut the hair. Cartridge razors use 3-6 blades depending on the model.

1. From previous marketing you might believe, the more the blades, the better the shave.
2. Not necessarily.
3. Dermatologists suggest using a razor with fewer blades and believe more blades are not always better,
4. Multi-blade razors are more likely to cut, irritate, or cause ingrown hairs than a single razor blade would because each blade is essentially cutting lower than the blade before it.

Safety Razors cut the hair at the skin level, resulting in less irritation and a smoother shave. While cutting yourself is highly unlikely, on the off chance you possibly nick yourself, don’t fear. Rockwell Alum Sticks can help soothe and seal your skin from minor nicks and irritations from shaving.

• Disposing of Blades Once your blade has become dull and you’re looking to replace it, you can follow these simple steps,
• It’s common to want to throw your used razor blade directly into your garbage can but recycling the metal blades is far better on the environment and much less hazardous when safely concealed.

Carefully place your used razor blade into a safe disposable container, preferably one that can be 100% recycled. Check out our Blade Safe designed to store your used razor blades, you can recycle the full container once it’s been filled with your used double-edge blades.

• Because safety razors are not composed of plastic and the blades can be replaced and recycled, they have a much lower ecological impact than cartridge razors.
• Still Scared? Hopefully, you’re looking to give a safety razor a shot in your daily grooming routine.
• The benefits of switching over definitely outweigh any initial fear you might have.

As long as you take your time and learn the simple shaving techniques, you will never want to use a disposable razor again, we promise. References https://www.medicalbag.com/home/specialties/dermatology/one-blade-or-6-is-more-better/ https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/19/fashion/thursdaystyles/shaving-with-five-blades-when-maybe-two-will-do.html https://www.schweigerderm.com/skin-care-articles/men/expert-tips-shave/

Why do people buy disposable razors?

The modern disposable razor is great for someone who is short on time and needs to shave in a pinch. The extra blades allow for you to quickly shave without having to go back and re shave. Because it is so quick and only one pass is needed there is a greater likelihood for razor burn.

Are safety razors good for beginners?

Two-piece safety razor design – Two-piece safety razors are a surprise – two pieces. The body and the top of the razor head come off, allowing you to place a razor blade on the bottom of the head. Close it up and your two-piece is ready to rock and roll. Pros : It’s easy to insert the blade and keep it aligned, it’s durable Cons : Shaving gunk may build up if not cleaned regularly Beginner’s Tip : Two-pieces are an excellent option for beginners because it’s easy to keep the blade aligned.

Is it hard to learn to use a safety razor?

How to shave with a safety razor – A safety razor is very easy to use but it can take a couple of weeks to get used to using one. The technique for shaving with a safety razor differs to that when shaving with a plastic cartridge razor such as a Gillette Mach 3 / Fusion.

1. The two most important things to consider when shaving with a safety razor are maintaining zero pressure and using the correct blade angle.
2. With a safety razor the blade is exposed and directly touching the skin.
3. The idea is to use the blade to slice through the beard like a sickle rather than to drag through the beard and scrape the blade across the skin.

This means that you need to use the absolute lightest touch possible so that the blade is almost not touching the skin but is instead gliding across the surface. It also means that you need to hold the razor in such a way so that the blade is touching the skin at an angle of about 30° so that the blade is closer to being parallel with the skin than to being perpendicular.

Due to the design of most safety razors, with the blade being at a right angle to the handle, this means that you need to hold the razor handle almost perpendicular to your skin in order to get the blade angle with the skin to be about 30°. Before applying the razor to your face you need to take the time to learn the direction of your beard growth.

By shaving in the direction of your beard growth you are shaving ‘with the grain’. If you shave in the opposite direction to your beard growth you are shaving ‘against the grain’. Shaving against the grain is very aggressive on the skin and can lead to irritation, razor burn and ingrowing hairs which is why it is advised to only shave with the grain or ‘across the grain’ – at least while you are learning anyway.

1. When you are familiar with the direction of your beard growth you can begin to shave.
2. Hold the razor at the very end of the handle using only your thumb and the tips of your fingers.
3. Never grip a safety razor as this can lead to you using too much pressure.
4. Glide the razor across your skin in the same direction that your beard grows (with the grain).

Shave with slow, short and slightly overlapping strokes to start. As you become more comfortable with the razor you can increase the length of the stroke. It is very important to not go over the same area more than once. After the first stroke the skin will no longer have any protection from a lather and going over the same area again will lead to irritation.

When you have finished rinse your face with warm water. This completed process is known as a ‘pass’. The aim of a pass is to reduce the beard gradually and to repeat the process until the beard is reduced sufficiently. After you have finished your first pass, lather up your face again and begin a second pass.

The second pass can be different in that you can go a different direction if you desire. For a new shaver it is recommended to stick to a first pass with the grain and then a second pass either with or across the grain.

Are disposable razors allowed on planes?

Razors – According to the TSA, certain types of razors are permitted on board the plane while others are not. Disposable razors, replacement blades, and electric razors can go in either your carry-on or checked baggage; if you have a safety or straight razor, you can pack it in your carry-on — but you must remove the blades first and pack them in one of your checked bags.

Is a safety razor cheaper than disposable?

In most cases, using a safety razor will save you money in the long term versus using a cartridge razor.

Jack Gloop