Read time: 7 minutes

When you’ve chosen your safety razor, the next step is to pair it with a double edge razor blade of your choice. And yes, there are many to choose from!

While all of them guarantee a smooth shave, there are slight–but important–differences between the performance of each brand. As such, once you’ve found the brand that works best for your needs, we recommend sticking to it for consistency.

It will take some experimenting to find the right double edge razor blade for your particular razor, stubble and skin combination. We'll guide you through what you need to consider when choosing a razor blade, plus the brands that work best for certain circumstances to help make your decision a little easier.

SHARPNESS

While all blades follow a standard design to fit into safety razors, what differentiates the blades is their sharpness. In short, some blades are sharper than others. Sharper blades mean will slice through stubble more easily, but when paired with an aggressive razor, can cause irritation for those with sensitive skin. For beginners, we recommend starting with a slightly less sharp brand while you perfect your technique.

SKIN TYPE

If you’re prone to common skin sensitivities such as breakouts or irritation, sharper razor blades may be too aggressive for you. A duller blade is generally recommended, however, a sharper blade can mean fewer passes to achieve the same smooth result–reducing irritation. This case-by-case uncertainty is exactly why experimentation is encouraged.

COST PER SHAVE

In other words, the durability. If you shave daily, a razor blade will typically last around one week or 5-7 shaves

As a rule of thumb, we recommend changing to a new fresh blade after 3-5 shaves to ensure the best possible experience. Razor blades dull over time, and a dull blade will tug on hair rather than slice it smoothly. Constant tugging then leads to irritation, redness and even breakouts.

HAIR TYPE

Run your hands through the areas of your face that will be shaved. Is the hair soft or coarse? This is important to consider because the coarseness of the hair provides a good idea of how sharp the blade needs to be.

For example, if you’re shaving soft hairs, chances are you won’t need an incredibly sharp razor blade. On the other hand, if the hair is coarse and tough, a sharper razor blade is essential to obtain a smooth shave without needing to apply excessive pressure.

SO WHICH ONE SHOULD I CHOOSE?

Now that we’ve talked about what to consider, you're likely wondering which brand will suit your needs best. To make your decision-making easier, below is a rundown of popular brands to choose from, starting from sharpest to least sharp. Remember to take into consideration the things we mentioned above too!

Feather Hi-Stainless Double Edge Blades:

Sharpness: 10/10

Best for: Advanced shavers

The lowdown: One of the sharpest blades on the market, Feather is ideal for men well-versed in the art of wet shaving with a safety razor. Designed in Japan, you can get 5-10 shaves off a single blade making them an ideal choice if you shave daily. Available in 100 and 200 packs which also makes them cost efficient.

Astra Superior Platinum Double Edge Blades:

Sharpness: 9/10

Best for: Medium to Advanced shavers

The lowdown: Astra is a classic choice and the blade of choice for many barbers. The platinum coat ensures extra glide and comfort. Though not as sharp as Feather blades, they still offer a smooth shave, making it a good choice for who comfortable with double edge shaving.

Merkur Super Platinum Double Edge Blades:

Sharpness: 8/10

Best for: Medium to Advanced shavers, Sensitive skin

The lowdown: Merkur is a popular choice. What makes them so appealing is that they can offer a very close shave without being as aggressive as other brands. Coated in platinum, they are rust resistant and one blade can typically last between 3-7 shaves.

Rockwell Double Edge Blades:

Sharpness: 8/10

Best for: Medium shavers

The lowdown: Made from stainless steel, Rockwell blades are a good option for men who are ready to jump from the beginner stage. These blades offer moderate comfort and longevity. A single blade can last about 4-6 shaves.

Wilkinson Sword Double Edge Blades:

Sharpness: 8/10

Best for: Medium to Advanced shavers

The lowdown: Wilkinson Sword has long been a popular choice since the 1950’s. These nifty blades are now manufactured using a new triple coating process of chromium to resist corrosion, ceramic for added durability, and PTFE for less irritation - making it truly versatile.

Derby Extra Double Edge Blades:

Sharpness: 7/10

Best for: Beginner to Medium shavers, Sensitive skin

The lowdown: Derby is a good starting point for men who are new to wet shaving. The blades feature a chromium ceramic platinum tungsten and polymer coat, ensuring extreme comfort and longevity. That said, if you have very coarse hair, you may need a sharper blade for a smoother shave. Derby also offers the premium double edge blade, which is slightly sharper.

Parker Premium Platinum Double Edge Razor Blades:

Sharpness: 7/10

Best for: Beginner shavers, Sensitive skin

The lowdown: Parker blades have a less aggressive edge compared to its competitors, making them a great starting point for beginners who are still fine tuning their technique. Men with sensitive skin will also appreciate the medium sharpness, as it’s less likely to irritate skin. Lasts for about 1-3 shaves per blade.

Muhle Stainless Steel Double Edge Blades:

Sharpness: 6/10

Best for: Beginner shavers, Sensitive skin

The lowdown: Muhle blades work for all skin types, especially sensitive skin due to its blade sharpness. The sharpness is also a good option for those new to wet shaving, as the medium level sharpness reduces the likelihood of cuts caused by accidental pressure. Made with stainless steel, it offers a comfortable shave and a single blade will last about 3-4 shaves.

Still can't decide?

We understand, it’s a tough call to make. If you aren’t settled on one brand and prefer to try a few at the same time, have a look at our own curated razor blade kits below.

WHAT'S NEXT?

Once you've chosen your safety razor and a razor blade, now it's time for the best part - learning how to shave with a safety razor.