To shave with a double edge safety razor, lather the skin well, hold the razor so the blade meets the skin at about 30 degrees, and make short strokes in the direction the hair grows using no pressure at all. The weight of the razor does the cutting. That last point is the one beginners find hardest, because cartridge razors teach you to press.
What is a double edge safety razor?
A safety razor holds a single flat blade with two sharpened edges, clamped in a metal head so that only a small part of each edge is exposed. When one side fills with lather, you flip the razor and use the other. The handle and head last for years. Only the thin blade is replaced.
Safety razor vs cartridge razor
| Point | Safety razor | Cartridge razor |
|---|---|---|
| Blades | One blade, two edges | Several blades in a plastic head |
| Head | Fixed. You set the angle | Pivots to follow the skin |
| Pressure | None | Light |
| What you replace | The blade only | The whole cartridge |
| Learning curve | A few shaves to get the angle | Almost none |
What do you need?
- A safety razor and a fresh double edge blade
- Shaving cream, soap or gel that makes a slick lather
- Warm water
- A clean towel
- A plain moisturizer or aftershave balm
How do you load the blade?
Designs differ. Some razors unscrew into three pieces, some into two, and some open at the top with a twist of the handle. Follow the instructions for yours. Whatever the design, handle the blade by its short ends, never by the sharp long edges, seat it on the posts or bar so it sits evenly, and tighten the razor fully before use. An unevenly seated blade is a common cause of nicks.
How to shave, step by step
- Soften the hair. Shave after a warm shower, or hold a warm, wet cloth on the area for a minute.
- Lather well. Cover the area with a slick, even layer. Never shave dry with a safety razor.
- Find the angle. Rest the top of the razor head flat on your skin with the handle sticking straight out. Lower the handle slowly until the blade edge just touches. That is about 30 degrees.
- Use no pressure. Hold the handle lightly near the end and let the razor rest on the skin.
- Take short strokes with the grain. Move two or three centimeters at a time in the direction the hair grows.
- Keep the skin flat. Stretch it gently with your free hand, especially over curves and bony areas.
- Rinse the razor often. Swish it in warm water, and flip to the other edge when one side is loaded.
- Re-lather for a second pass. For a closer result, lather again and shave across the grain. Leave shaving against the grain until you are confident.
- Rinse with cool water and pat dry. Then moisturize.
Does the technique change for legs, underarms and face?
- Face and neck. Hair changes direction, particularly on the neck. Run a hand over the stubble to feel which way it grows before you start.
- Legs. Use longer, slow strokes on the shin and calf, and go very gently over the knees, ankles and shin bone, where skin sits close to bone.
- Underarms. Raise the arm to flatten the hollow and use very short strokes in more than one direction, re-lathering between passes.
A razor for women and men
The Uexim double edge safety razor with storage box is a stainless steel razor described as suitable for women and men, and it comes with a storage box. A 10-piece replacement blade pack is available as a separate option on the same listing, so check which option you are choosing when you order.
Common beginner mistakes
- Pressing. It causes most cuts and razor burn.
- Too steep an angle. The blade scrapes instead of cutting.
- Long strokes. The angle drifts as your wrist moves. Keep strokes short.
- Thin or drying lather. Re-apply whenever the skin is no longer slick.
- Rushing. Allow extra time for the first few shaves.
- Using a blade too long. A dull blade tugs. Change it at the first sign of pulling.
How do you care for the razor and blades?
After shaving, loosen the head, rinse away lather and hair, shake off the water and let the razor air dry before putting it away. Do not wipe the blade edge with a towel. Many people change the blade after roughly three to six shaves, though this depends on your hair and how large an area you shave. Used blades are still sharp: collect them in a sealed blade bank or a tin, and follow your local guidance for disposal. Keep razor and blades out of the reach of children.
Frequently asked questions
Is a safety razor hard to use?
It takes a few shaves to learn the angle and the light touch. After that it becomes routine.
Can women use a safety razor on their legs?
Yes. The technique is the same: plenty of lather, no pressure, and care around knees and ankles.
How often should you change the blade?
When it starts to tug or feel rough. For many people that is after three to six shaves.
What should you do if you cut yourself?
Rinse with cold water and press a clean tissue on the spot until it stops. Check your angle and pressure before continuing.
The bottom line
A good lather, a shallow angle, short strokes and no pressure. Give yourself a handful of unhurried shaves to learn it.
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