The Best Mens’ Razors in 2018 – Reviews & Comparisons

Have you ever experienced what it is like to shave with a real razor?

Despite all of the dubious life hacks out there on how to keep cheap, sometimes even disposable, razors lasting forever the truth is, people who use cheap razors are struggling with a daily chore that is a thousand times easier, and in fact pleasant, if you are using the right tools.

By using a great razor, not only can you take a lot of the pain out of your daily shaving, but you can also stop from having to do it quite so often. A good quality razor will simply cut away more hair, allowing your face to feel softer for longer.

The only problem with finding a great razor is that razor companies are the experts in marketing, and sometimes it can be very hard to cut through the lies and actually find a decent product for yourself. This is why we’ve written this honest, impartial guide to help you on your way to shaving nirvana.

Gillette Fusion Proglide

The first brand name many people think of when they think of razors, Gillette have been making razors for over a hundred years. The Gillette Fusion Proglide razor is possibly one of their most innovative products yet.

Coming in at about $11.50, the Gillette Fusion Proglide is actually a pretty cheap way to get yourself acquainted with the joys of easy shaving.

The head on this razor is attached to a ball on the handle. What this means is that when you are shaving, the blades will actually move around to meet all of the contours of your face.

This means that you can perfectly get all of the areas that you need to, not missing a single hair. And, unlike a normal razor that doesn’t pivot on all of it’s axes, you can do so with a great range of ease and comfort.

The Gillette Fusion ProGlide comes in two different varieties. There is the normal version, and the Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power. The Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power comes with a space for a triple AAA battery, allowing you to also make the blade vibrate.

This is a feature that you don’t really need, as even without battery power the Gillette Fusion ProGlide is amazing at clearing every last speck of hair from your face.

In fact, for comfort, it can actually be a lot better to use the normal version of the Gillette Fusion Proglide, as without the extra bulk in the handle, the razor is actually a lot easier to hold and manipulate.

Another useful feature of the Gillette Fusion Proglide is the use of the “Lubastrip” at the top of the razor head. This strip has been designed by Gillette to allow the razor to go smoothly over all types of skin and glide effortlessly through whatever shaving products you use. With the Gillette Fusion Proglide, you are guaranteed a smooth shave every time.

Merkur Long Handle

If you are looking for a safety razor, and have a spare $28, then the Merkur Long Handle is a great choice for you.

One common reason, especially now, for people to start using one of these is to reduce their impact on the environment. By using safety razors, you are throwing away less plastic every time you throw away a blade. Furthermore, true razor blades, such as the ones you can buy for the Merkur Long Handle, last a lot longer than any other kind.

Some people can be a little squeamish about the idea of loading up their razor with unprotected razorblades, but the Merkur Long Handle makes replacing blades a fearless prospect. With a simple twist motion, you can safely dispose of the current blade and easily insert in a new one.

Once you get the technique of using a safety razor down, as using one can be slightly different to what you are used to if you have only used disposables before, then you can benefit on days of smooth skin, without any nasty razor burn appearing straight after.

But, if you do buy this razor, you do need to be prepared for the simple fact that you will cut yourself a few times when you first start using it. This means that you really shouldn’t decide to get this if you are going to be preparing for job interviews or a date any time soon.

However, once you do get used to it, you will have found your razor for life. This is not an exaggeration. One amazing thing about the Merkur Long Handle, which separates it from other safety razors on the market, is how easy it is to clean. With just a little bit of cold water, and a wipe down with a sponge or cloth, it will be looking as shiny and new as the day you made the plunge to a new way of shaving.

Schick Hydro 5

Although you may have not heard of the brand before, the Schick series of razors are fine tools for any man, and the Schick Hydro 5 is no exception.

One feature that the Schick Hydro 5 blades have going for it is the strip found at the top of each blade. This strip actually contains an Aloe Vera and Vitamin E gel, which allows your skin to get moisturized every time you shave. In fact, of all of the razors in this article, this is the one that is the best at reducing the effects of razor burn and skin irritation. This gel only comes out of the pad when it has been activated with water, meaning that you don’t have to worry about any blades you bulk buy running out of these skin-saving oils. In fact, having this strip activate while you are shaving is far better than using many available shaving gels.

One other nifty feature of the Schick Hydro 5 is that the blades of the head can actually be set at a near 90 degree angle, allowing you to easily reach any problem areas, such as the jaw bone line. Although not as elegant as the Gillette Fusion Proglide, this will still help you in getting every area of your face beard-hair free.

If you have never used a five blade razor before, the Schick Hydro 5 is also a great choice, and you will quickly discover how much easier it is to shave and get rid of every bit of hair.

The other great thing about the Schick Hydro 5 is how cheap it is. The handle, with three included blades, costs only $8.50, with packs of five blades being as cheap as $6.80

Gillette Mach3

One, usually unfounded, fear with buying razors is worrying if the manufacture will stop producing blades for it. However, with the Gillette Mach3, there is virtually no worry here. This razor has been around for a very long time, and has very much always been a key part of the Gillette range of male grooming equipment.

This is a great razor to use if you have light hair, as the three blades on it allow you to get a close shave while being cut free. However, for those with stronger hair, or a substantial amount (more than the usual man), you may want to look at some of the other razors in this article with more blades.

Although not as easy to manipulate as the Gillette Fusion Proglide, the design of the Gillette Mach3 has been done in such a way that the razor will just ever so lightly press down on your skin, guaranteeing that you can get to the root of the hair for a close and soft shave.

One last thing to consider with this razor is the cost of the blades. Unlike the Schick Hydro 5, the blades for this can be pretty expensive, with a pack of eight basic, non-sensitive blades costing up to $16. The razor itself, however, is pretty good at telling you when you need to replace it. Like the other, non-safety razors in this article, each blade comes with a strip that helps to lucubrate your face for a cleaner shave. However, with the Gillette Mach3 razor, the strips will turn white when it is time to swap out the blades. This means that you will also be able to prepare yourself for buying new heads before you run out at an important time.

Schick Slim Twin

And one last choice to consider is sticking to disposable razors, but going for higher quality ones. The Schick Slim Twin are, quite simply, the best disposable razors that you can buy.

For a start, there is one amazing feature of these blades that are not found on other products. That is, there is a small button just above the head. When this is pressed, any hair stuck between the blade falls out. If you are the kind of person who shaves only for important occasions, then this can be an invaluable tool.

One thing you do need to consider when buying disposables is how many you get in a pack, as of course, you will not be using them for that long. Fortunately, despite being the best disposables around, the Schick Slim Twin razors are also quite cheap, with a pack of twelve only costing $5.

You do also have some useful features that are found in some of the more expensive razors. Each Schick Slim Twin does come with the standard moisturizing strip, meaning that you will also be able to ensure that you have a comfortable, clean shave without damaging your skin.

The only thing to consider is how thick your hair is, as this is a razor that only contains two blades. This may also increase the time you spend on your shaving routine as it is possible that you will need to take multiple passes at your skin to be able to ensure that you get every little strand of your hair gone.

So, which one?

What kind of hair, and what kind of man, are you? These will be the main drivers behind your choice.

For getting every piece of hair, and being able to shave in comfort without having to twist your arm into strange positions trying to get the hairs on your jaw or chin lines, the non-battery powered version of the Gillette Fusion Proglide is a fine choice.

If you don’t mind the time it will take to learn how to use it, and you want to enter the world of safety razors or are conscious in reducing your impact to the environment, then the Merkur Long Handle is an amazing choice, while allowing you to, with enough practice, get the closest shave of your life.

Only just thinking about moving away from disposable razors? Then the Schick Hydro 5 is a great choice due to its combination of cheap price, and the extra comfortable gel strip found on each blade head.

Do you want security in always being able to buy razor blades, and don’t mind paying slightly extra for this? And do you have hair that isn’t that coarse? Then you should try out the Gillette Mach3

And, lastly, if you are looking for a disposable razor that is comfortable to use while still providing you with an amazing shave, you do only have one choice: The Schick Slim Twin.