Best Safety Razors for Beginners in 2025 – Expert Picks & Buyer’s Guide

Choosing your first safety razor can feel overwhelming—there are dozens of models, various handle lengths, blade exposures, and materials that all affect how the razor performs. If you’re a beginner switching from cartridge razors or electric shavers, you need a mild, easy-to-control, beginner-friendly safety razor that delivers a smooth shave without the learning curve frustration.

This expert guide breaks down the 10 best safety razors for beginners in 2025, including their pros, cons, aggression levels, pricing, and who they’re best suited for. As a shaving specialist with years of testing experience, I’ve curated this list to help you get the safest, smoothest start in traditional wet shaving.

Why Beginners Should Consider a Safety Razor

Safety razors have made a major comeback in recent years because they’re more cost-effective, more sustainable, and often far gentler on the skin than cartridge razors.

Here’s why they are perfect for beginners:

• Less irritation: Only one blade touches your skin instead of multiple cartridges pulling and cutting hair at different angles.

• Lower long-term cost: Blades cost pennies compared to pricey replacement cartridges.

• Cleaner, closer shave: Classic double-edge razors cut hair cleanly at the skin level.

• Eco-friendly: No plastic cartridges—only recyclable metal blades.

• Beginner-friendly options: Many razors are specifically designed to be mild and safe for first-time users.

If you’re new to wet shaving, the key is choosing a razor with mild aggression, balanced weight, and a comfortable grip—all of which are covered in this guide.

Top 10 Best Safety Razors for Beginners in 2025

1. Merkur 34C – Best Overall Beginner Safety Razor

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The Merkur 34C is widely regarded as the gold standard for beginners, and for good reason. This German-made 2-piece razor offers perfect balance, mild aggression, and a comfortable short handle that gives new users excellent control. Its moderate weight allows the razor to glide effortlessly over the skin, eliminating the need to apply pressure—a common mistake beginners make.

The closed-comb design keeps the blade exposure mild, making cuts and razor burn far less likely. The 34C performs well with nearly any DE blade, from mild Derby blades to sharper Feather blades, giving beginners room to experiment. It’s also extremely durable thanks to its chrome-plated brass construction.

Pros: Very safe, beginner-friendly, well-balanced, premium build
Cons: Short handle may not suit those with big hands
Best for: Absolute beginners who want a reliable, no-risk safety razor that lasts decades

2. Edwin Jagger DE89 – Smoothest Shave for Beginners

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The Edwin Jagger DE89 is another top recommendation for new wet shavers. Its chrome coating, refined head geometry, and mild blade exposure produce a consistently smooth and irritation-free shave—even for sensitive skin. This razor is often recommended by barbers for clients transitioning from cartridge razors.

What sets the DE89 apart is its extremely forgiving design. Even if you don’t perfect your angle or pressure on the first few tries, the razor still delivers a clean shave without nicks or razor bumps. It feels premium in the hand, with excellent weight distribution and a comfortable non-slip handle.

Pros: Ultra-smooth results, great for sensitive skin, premium fit and finish
Cons: The Handle can get slippery if your hands are wet
Best for: Beginners wanting the smoothest possible shave with minimal technique required

3. King C. Gillette Safety Razor – Best Budget Pick

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If you want a beginner-friendly safety razor at a budget price, the King C. Gillette razor is a standout. Designed by Gillette’s modern grooming line, it offers mild aggression, a comfortable long handle, and a user-friendly closed comb—ideal for first-time wet shavers.

Unlike extremely cheap razors that feel flimsy, the King C. Gillette has solid build quality with a weight that helps the razor glide smoothly. It’s also widely available at supermarkets and online, making replacement blades and maintenance easy.

Pros: Affordable, widely available, mild aggression
Cons: Slightly lighter than high-end razors
Best for: Budget-conscious beginners who still want a high-quality, safe shaving experience

4. Muhle R89 – German Precision for New Wet Shavers

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The Muhle R89 offers precision German engineering with one of the most balanced closed-comb designs on the market. It’s often compared to the Edwin Jagger DE89 (they share similar head designs), but the R89 has a slightly more premium feel and grip.

It produces an extremely smooth shave, especially for those with light to medium beard thickness. The razor’s polished chrome finish resists corrosion, making it a durable, long-term choice.

Pros: Precision build, smooth and gentle, long-lasting
Cons: Slightly more slippery grip
Best for: Beginners wanting premium craftsmanship and ultra-smooth performance

5. Henson AL13 Mild – Easiest to Use for Absolute Beginners

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The Henson AL13 Mild is arguably the easiest safety razor for complete beginners—almost impossible to cut yourself with. Made from aerospace-grade aluminium, it is incredibly lightweight but engineered with a head design that controls the blade with extreme precision.

Henson’s unique angle guides help new users find the correct shaving angle naturally. The razor’s low blade exposure results in a super gentle shave, ideal for people with sensitive skin or those transitioning from electric shavers.

Pros: Extremely safe, almost no learning curve, ultra-lightweight
Cons: Very lightweight, may feel unusual to some
Best for: People who want safety first with zero fear of cuts

6. Feather AS-D2 – Premium Mild Razor for Sensitive Skin

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Japan’s Feather AS-D2 is a luxury safety razor designed with unmatched precision. Its 316 stainless steel construction and extremely mild blade exposure make it one of the most forgiving razors you can buy.

Because Feather blades are incredibly sharp, pairing them with a mild razor like the AS-D2 results in an ultra-efficient yet safe shave. It’s ideal for sensitive skin, daily shaving, or anyone who wants to avoid irritation at all costs.

Pros: Premium stainless steel, super mild, built for sensitive skin
Cons: High price
Best for: Beginners who want a luxury razor that will last a lifetime

7. Parker 99R – Best Beginner Safety Razor with a Long Handle

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If you prefer razors with a long, heavy handle, the Parker 99R is a great pick. This butterfly (TTO) razor is easy to load, making it beginner-friendly, and its textured grip ensures stability even with wet hands.

Its medium-heavy weight helps beginners apply the right amount of pressure by simply letting the razor do the work. The aggression level is mild to medium, suitable for most skin types.

Pros: Long handle, easy blade loading, excellent grip
Cons: Slightly more aggressive than Merkur/Edwin Jagger
Best for: Beginners with large hands or those wanting a TTO razor

8. Rockwell 6C – Best Adjustable Option for Beginners

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The Rockwell 6C is one of the most versatile beginner-friendly safety razors thanks to its 3 reversible base plates (R1–R6). Beginners can start with the mildest settings (R1 or R2) and gradually increase aggression as their technique improves.

Made from chrome-coated alloy, this razor provides excellent control and comfort. Its customizability eliminates the need to buy multiple razors as you progress.

Pros: Adjustable, extremely beginner-friendly, smooth shave
Cons: Slightly heavier than average
Best for: Beginners who want a mild razor now and more power later

9. Vikings Blade Chieftain JR – Best Butterfly Razor for Beginners

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The Chieftain JR is an upgraded version of Viking Blade’s popular TTO design. It’s mild, easy to load, and has a compact head that navigates tight areas like under the nose. The razor feels premium and offers a bit more weight than budget models.

Its shaving performance is mild enough for beginners but efficient enough for daily shaving.

Pros: Easy blade changes, good weight, mild aggression
Cons: Butterfly mechanism needs periodic cleaning
Best for: Beginners who want a mild, easy-maintenance TTO razor

10. Weishi 9306 – Best Ultra-Budget Beginner Safety Razor

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If you’re brand new to wet shaving and unsure whether you’ll stick with it, the Weishi 9306 is the perfect entry-level razor. It’s extremely mild, forgiving, and lightweight, making it almost impossible for beginners to cut themselves.

Although the build quality isn’t as premium as the more expensive options, it performs surprisingly well for the price and is excellent for learning.

Pros: Very affordable, super mild, ideal for total beginners
Cons: Light and less durable
Best for: Budget beginners trying safety razors for the first time

Comparison Table – Best Beginner Safety Razors 2025

 

What Makes a Safety Razor “Beginner-Friendly”?

A beginner-friendly safety razor is designed to be safe, forgiving, and easy to control, allowing new users to learn proper technique without cuts, irritation, or frustration. Below are the core factors experts consider:

1. Mild Aggression (Low Blade Exposure)

The most important feature.

A mild razor keeps the blade exposure low so the blade sits safely behind the guard.
➡️ This reduces the risk of cuts, razor burn, and ingrown hairs.

Signs of a mild razor:

• Closed comb

• Low to mid blade gap

• Neutral or negative blade exposure

• Beginner-targeted or “mild” model notes from the brand

2. Closed Comb (Safety Bar) Design

Closed-comb razors offer the most protection.

They have a solid safety bar running across the bottom, which controls how much blade touches the skin.

Why it’s beginner-friendly:

• More stability

• Less chance of “biting” the skin

• Smooth gliding, even with imperfect technique

Avoid open comb when starting out.

3. Easy Blade Loading

Beginners need a razor that makes blade insertion simple and safe.

Best designs for beginners:

• Two-piece (easiest, safest)

• TTO (Twist-to-Open / Butterfly)

These reduce the chance of misalignment or touching sharp edges.

4. Balanced Weight (Let the Razor Do the Work)

A good beginner razor should be balanced—not too heavy, not too light.

Why this matters:

• If too light → beginners apply pressure → irritation

• If too heavy → harder to control for new users

A medium weight lets the razor’s gravity do the shaving.

5. Comfortable, Anti-Slip Grip

Since beginners shave slower, they need a handle that:

• Won’t slip when wet

• Has deep knurling

• Feels stable even with soap or steam

This improves control and reduces accidents.

6. Forgiving Shaving Angle

The right head geometry helps new shavers find the correct angle automatically (≈ 30°).

Some razors (like Henson AL13) are engineered to guide the angle for you.

This reduces the learning curve dramatically.

7. Not Too Aggressive, But Still Efficient

A razor shouldn’t be so mild that it requires many passes to get results—this can also cause irritation.

The ideal beginner razor is:
Mild + Efficient → comfortable daily shave with minimal passes.

8. Compatibility with Mild Blades

Beginner-friendly razors pair well with mild blades like:

• Astra Green

• Derby Extra

• Voskhod

• Personna

Aggressive razors often require sharper blades—not ideal for beginners.

How to Choose the Best Beginner Safety Razor

Choosing the right safety razor as a beginner will set you up for a safe, smooth, and enjoyable wet-shaving experience. Here are the key criteria to evaluate — plus practical advice — so you pick a razor that fits your skin, beard, and long-term goals.

1. Assess Your Skin Type

• Sensitive or reactive skin: Look for razors with very mild aggression (low blade exposure) and a closed comb design. Models like the Henson AL13 Mild or Feather AS-D2 are great picks.

• Normal to oily skin: You have more flexibility to choose mild-to-medium razors. Merkur 34C or Edwin Jagger DE89 can give a clean, efficient shave without irritation.

• Acne-prone or sensitive areas: Go for forgiving heads, non-aggressive geometry, and perhaps consider a softer blade.

2. Evaluate Your Beard Growth / Thickness

• Light beard: A mild razor will do just fine. You don’t need aggressive exposure.

• Medium beard: A medium-weight, balanced razor is ideal — it provides enough cutting power without being too harsh.

• Coarse beard: If you plan to stick with a safety razor long-term, an adjustable razor (like Rockwell 6C) gives you flexibility to step up aggression as needed.

3. Consider Handle Length & Weight

• Short handle: Gives more control, especially for new users shaving the face.

• Long handle: Better for reach (neck, under chin) or if you have larger hands.

• Weight: A medium-weight razor (around 80–110 g) is ideal: heavy enough to do the work, but not so heavy that it’s unwieldy.

4. Choose Head Design

• Closed comb: Most beginner-friendly, protects skin better, very forgiving.

• Open comb: More aggressive, higher blade exposure — not recommended for first-time users.

• Adjustable heads: Models like the Rockwell 6C offer different base plates so you can start mild and increase aggression when you’re ready.

5. Loading Mechanism

• Two-piece razors: You unscrew the head to replace blades — simple and safe.

• Three-piece razors: Even more control, but slightly more steps.

• TTO (Butterfly / Twist-to-Open): Open the head by twisting the handle — very quick and convenient, but make sure the mechanism is sturdy and well-aligned.

6. Material & Build Quality

• Stainless steel: Durable, often heavier, resistant to corrosion (e.g., Feather AS-D2).

• Brass (chrome-plated): Classic feel, good weight, and widely used for well-known models (Merkur, Edwin Jagger).

• Aluminum: Lightweight, rust-resistant, and easy to wield (e.g., Henson AL13).

7. Grip & Handle Texture

• Look for a knurled or textured handle that offers good traction, especially when wet.

• A well-designed grip improves control, reduces slipping, and makes it safer for beginner strokes.

8. Blade Compatibility & Cost

• Verify which double-edge (DE) blades the razor supports.

• Pick a razor that is friendly to mild blades (Astra, Derby, Voskhod) — these are ideal for beginners.

• Consider the blade cost: cheap, mass-produced blades make experimentation less risky.

9. Budget & Long-Term Value

• A quality safety razor is an investment — many last for decades.

• Consider paying a little more for better craftsmanship: better razors feel better, shave better, and often have better resale/longevity.

• But if you only want to try wet shaving, an ultra-budget razor (like Weishi 9306) is acceptable for first experiments.

10. Adjustability (Optional)

• Beginners who value long-term flexibility should strongly consider adjustable razors (such as Rockwell 6C or other multi-plate models).

• With adjustability, you can start very mild and increase aggressiveness later as your confidence and skill grow — instead of buying multiple razors.

11. Ergonomics & Aesthetics

• A razor should feel natural in your hand.

• Consider design aesthetics: finishing (chrome, black, stainless), handle shape, and brand reputation.

• A razor you enjoy holding encourages consistent use and learning.

12. User Reviews & Expert Opinions

• Read user reviews specifically from other beginners: how many passes they needed, how often they nicked, what blades worked.

• Look for expert reviews (like from shaving blogs or grooming YouTube creators) that rate safety for novices, not just performance.

Beginner Shaving Tips for the Smoothest, Safest Shave

Shaving with a safety razor isn’t difficult — but it is different from using a cartridge. With the right technique, you’ll get a closer, smoother shave with less irritation than ever before. Here are the essential beginner tips to help you master your first DE shave safely and confidently.

1. Prep Your Skin Properly

Good prep is half the shave.

• Wash your face with warm water or shave right after a shower.

• Use a gentle cleanser to remove oils and soften facial hair.

• For extra-soft whiskers, apply a warm towel for 1–2 minutes.

Why it matters: Softer hair cuts more easily, reducing tugging and irritation.

2. Use a Quality Shaving Cream or Soap

Skip canned foam. Choose a proper shaving cream or soap that creates a protective, slick lather.

• Apply with a shaving brush for best hydration and lift.

• Let the lather sit on your face for 30 seconds before shaving.

Goal: Maximum glide, minimum friction.

3. Hold the Razor at the Right Angle (30 Degrees)

Your razor doesn’t pivot — you control the angle.

• Aim for a 30° angle between blade and skin.

• Too steep = harsh, irritating.

• Too shallow = ineffective, won’t cut cleanly.

Tip: Start shallow and slowly tilt until you feel the blade engage.

4. Use Zero Pressure — Let the Razor’s Weight Work

This is the #1 mistake beginners make.

• Don’t press as you do with cartridge razors.

• Light touch + razor weight = clean, safe shave.

Think: “Guide the razor, don’t push it.”

5. Shave With the Grain First (WTG)

Always start with the direction your hair grows.

• Avoid going across or against the grain until technique improves.

• Map your beard growth beforehand for best results.

Result: Significantly fewer cuts and less irritation.

6. Use Short, Controlled Strokes

Never drag the razor in long passes like a cartridge.

• Keep strokes about 2–3 cm.

• Rinse after every few strokes to keep the blade clean.

Short strokes = stability, control, and fewer mistakes.

7. Don’t Over-Shave an Area

Beginners tend to re-shave the same spot repeatedly.

• Only re-pass after re-lathering.

• Dry shaving irritates the skin and causes razor burn.

If a spot isn’t smooth, save it for the next pass.

8. Let the Razor Guide You Around Curves

On tricky areas like the jawline or the chin:

• Stretch your skin gently with your free hand.

• Slow down and lighten your pressure even more.

• Adjust angle constantly — these areas curve.

9. Use a Fresh, Beginner-Friendly Blade

Dull blades tug and cause irritation.
For beginners, mild blades work best:
Astra Green, Derby Extra, Gillette Platinum, Personna Comfort.

Replace blades every 3–5 shaves.

10. Rinse With Cold Water + Apply Aftershave

Cold water closes pores and calms the skin.
Use a gentle, alcohol-free post-shave balm to reduce redness and hydrate.

11. Clean and Dry Your Razor After Every Shave

Prevents rust, extends razor life, and keeps things hygienic.

12. Be Patient — Technique Improves Fast

Your first shave may not be perfect. After 3–5 shaves, the angle becomes natural, your touch becomes lighter, and the results improve dramatically.

FAQs – Beginner Safety Razors

Is a safety razor hard to use?
No—mild razors make learning easy.

Should beginners use open comb razors?
No, closed combs are safer.

Can women use safety razors?
Yes, safety razors work for all genders.

Which blade is best for beginners?
Astra Green, Derby Extra, and Voskhod.

Will a safety razor reduce irritation?
Yes, because only one blade touches the skin.