If you’re looking at improving your odds on the dating field, you’ve probably already thought about putting your best face forward. To do that, you really do need the best straight razor for beginners. If you use a razor designed for people who haven't shaved much before, you're going to have an easier shave! And why not keep that part simple at least?
Dating can be a hard and painful experience. If you have your facial hair under control, you're going to be that much further in the dating race. When that special someone first sees your face — whether in a profile picture or in person — you do not want them disgusted by your beard! Enter the straight razor. This handy tool will keep your face at its most appealing to help you have successful dates.
In this article, we have picked out the best straight razors for beginners. These razors were chosen after due consideration of user reviews, authority websites and online forums. The three products that have finally been picked out have been divided into the following categories:
In this guide we cover:
Things to Consider Before Buying
The following are a few things that you may like to consider before buying a straight razor for yourself:
How Good Is the Shave?
The quality of the shave is very important. This is the primary reason you would choose to buy a straight razor or over a safety razor. A straight razor is meant to give you a smooth, clean shave without irritating the skin. You shouldn't have any cuts and nicks after shaving — it won't lift your skin to shave under it and irritate your face the way some multi-bladed razors do. Your razor also shouldn't leave you with nasty ingrown hairs, either.
Is It High Quality?
Things like durability, materials used and blades required lump into this category. The razor should have an appropriate coating over the stainless steel to ensure it doesn't rust. The razor should be flexible and sturdy so it doesn't nick your face. If it's not, you might pay the added price with cuts on your chin for a couple of days. The blades should lock in easily and stay secure, as well.
The three razors we selected come with at least 100 blades. After that, they typically work with single-edge blades or half of a double-edged blade. The best straight razors (reviewed below) are all good quality.
How Easy Is It to Use?
Straight razors are also simply really easy to use. You can get a cleaner and wider shave in every stroke, compared to a multi-blade or disposable razor. A good straight razor should have a steady grip, so it doesn't slip if the handle gets wet. Look for ones with a resin cover on the handle!
Your blades should be simple to replace, as well, and stay in without trouble. The blades that fit your razor should be easy to replace so you aren't struggling to keep shaving.
As you can imagine, high-quality razors tend to be easy to use . . . however, sometimes their extra features can be confusing. Make sure you read the directions that come with your razor to make sure you're willing to use it that way.
How Expensive Is It?
Price is a huge determinant in whether a razor is worth the investment or not. A good quality razor or hair clipper need not necessarily be expensive. However, if a razor does demand more money, it should be able to justify that price hike. Take your budget into consideration before selecting one of the best straight razors reviewed below.
How a good razor can impact your dating life
A good straight razor, especially for a beginner, can make life much easier. You can get a clean, smooth face without worrying about cuts and nicks. You simply cannot hold it incorrectly! Takes care of that pesky shaver’s rash issue, right? This means your face will always be date-ready.
What does that mean? That means having hair where you want it, at the length you want it, without evidence that you shaved in the first place. Cuts, razor rash, ingrown hairs or an uneven shave are all-too-common consequences of a bad shave. Taking care of your facial hair regularly using one of the best straight razors for beginners is a great way to learn and the safest way to shave your face. Cut down on the chance of messing up your shave, and therefore your chances at a really good date!
The Best Straight Razors For Men Overall
The following are some of the best straight razors in the market. As explained above, we have divided them into three categories — ‘best bang for the buck’, ‘best of the best’ and ‘best value’:
Best Bang for the Buck: Classic Samurai CS-102 Stainless Steel Professional Barber Straight Edge Razor
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The Classic Samurai CS-102 Stainless Steel Straight-Edge Razor is an efficient straight-edge razor for a smooth shave. Made with genuine surgical-grade stainless steel, the razor is durable and will last you a long time. It can even be used by a professional barber!
It has a smooth handle with a steady grip so you can shave with confidence. And, the Classic Samurai also has exchangeable blade technology so the old and rusty blades can be removed with ease. The blades are kept in a plastic pouch so they're not exposed more than required and so the razor doesn't accidentally open and injure somebody.
The rounded exposure at the end of the blade compartment ensures you don't get cuts and nicks while shaving. The straight-edge razor comes with 100 Derby single-edge blades. One purchase and you have blades for months . . . now that's value!
This is a great product to invest in if you are looking to step into the dating pool, as you will get a clean, smooth shave. This straight-edge razor harkens back to the 40s, so you know it's a gentleman’s tool.
Best of the Best: Parker SRW Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor
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Made with genuine stainless steel, the Parker SRW Straight-Edge barber razor is a gift to wet shavers. The blade arm has an excellent sense of balance and weight for the perfect shave. This includes preventing ingrown hairs and other shaving blemishes! There is a rounded exposure at the end of the blade compartment so cuts and nicks can be prevented.
The blade holder can be snapped and locked, along with all the inserts, ensuring that the blade has been inserted correctly and is secure in the blade chamber. You'll need a single-edge blade or half of a double-edged blade. The razor comes along with 100 Shark Super stainless steel half blades. The supply should last you a long time.
It's not a surprise that this razor makes our "The Best Straight Razors, Reviewed" article! Another model that can be used at a barbershop that you can have in your own home. The handle is coated with white resin, which gives you a comfortable grip too — just like a pro.
The razor has been in the market for over four decades and has demonstrated a reliable performance. This is a straight-edge razor that does not require any sharpening either. The Parker has been around for over 40 years, so they've really figured out what makes a good straight razor.
Best Value: Utopia Care Professional Barber Straight Edge Razor
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The Utopia Care Professional Barber Straight-Edge Razor is an easy-to-use razor that will give you a solid shave. The stainless steel body of the razor has a black matte finish, which protects it from rusting and allows it to last longer. It has a flippable blade cover and a metal grip to make it easy to maneuver. The blade cap can even be locked to ensure that it stays in place and doesn't come unstuck in the middle of a shave. The razor also comes with 100 premium Derby blades that should last you for several months!
The brass and chrome finish of the razor gives it a classic look and ensures you get a silky shave every time. The rounded edge at the end of the blade compartment ensures there are minimal cuts from the sharp blades.
But while the straight razor has a lot of positives to offer, it does not match up to the other two razors described above. To begin with, the Classic Samurai and the Parker straight razors can both be used by professional barbers. The Utopia Care straight razor is slightly less efficient than the other two. However, this does not take away from the fact that it is a very well-reviewed razor. In fact, if you are on a tighter budget and do not want to splurge on a Parker razor, the Utopia Care straight razor is a perfectly suitable option for you to consider.
The Best Straight Razor for Beginners
The following are some of the best straight razors for beginners:
Best Bang for the Buck: Facón Professional Vintage Straight Edge Barber Razor
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The Facón Professional Vintage Straight Edge Barber Razor is an incredible stainless steel razor with a black powder coating, making it perfectly safe and effective for a beginner. The black powder coating ensures that the razor lasts you a long time.
The razor offers a professional-grade build and can be used for personal use as well as at a fancy salon. The razor has a swing lock blade insert technology with a wooden handle, which gives it a sleek look. The wooden handle also offers an incredible grip so it does not slip from your hand when you are shaving — and, as a beginner, there may be a few instances of such accidents.
The razor is also carefully handcrafted to give you the smoothest shaving experience. It's lightweight but heavy enough to give you a steady stroke. It also works with most double- or single-edge blades. You get 100 Genuine Lord single blades with the razor so you have a steady supply of blades that will last you more than a few weeks. It also comes with a plastic pouch that is ideal for you to travel with. The razor can be securely in the pouch and there is no threat of it opening accidentally in your luggage and causing an avoidable accident.
The Facón Professional Vintage Straight Edge razor offers a quality straight-edge razor at a decent price. You lack a bit of finesse in the build of the razor, but it definitely gets the job done really well!
Best of the Best: Parker SRX Heavy Duty Professional Straight Edge Barber Razor
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The Parker SRX Heavy Duty Professional Straight Edge Barber Razor is the best straight razor for beginners. It weighs 2.3 ounces and provides you with the perfect weight to get a steady and clean shave. The end of the blade compartment has a rounded exposure that ensures minimal cuts and nicks.
The blade holder has a clip and lock technology which ensures that the blade stays within its chamber when it’s not in use. The razor is also a professional-grade razor that would be equally suitable at a barber shop or high-end salon. The company’s biggest USP is that it has been in the market for more than 40 years.
The razor works with all barber shop single-edged blades or half double-edge blades. But don't worry — the razor comes with five Shark Super Stainless Half Blades to get you started. This is a great razor for a beginner as it takes care of all the safety measures and precautions. You will get a clean, smooth shave.
It’s similar to the Facón Professional Vintage razor in terms of offering a clean and safe shave. But there are several other safety features in the Parker SRX that make it a better buy for a beginner. The rounded exposure of the blade prevents cuts and nicks, for example. The clip and lock technology allows the blade to remain firmly in the chamber, as well. For these reasons, the razor has been picked as the ‘best of the best’.
Best Value: Equinox Professional Straight Edge Razor
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The Equinox Professional Straight Edge Razor follows a classic style and mechanism that offers a fine shave. It's made with high-quality stainless steel that will last you a long time and will not tarnish or rust.
The blade guard is easy to open and it’s easy to switch out the blades, even mid-shave. Its ergonomic design allows you to hold the blade at the right angle. This is a great advantage for beginners as it will train you to shave correctly. It also comes with 100 single-edge Derby blades and each blade gives you up to three shaves so you are sure to get at least 300 shaves before you need to buy new blades.
While there are several good qualities the razor has to offer, it still doesn't meet the standards of the first two razors described above. For starters, the Parker SRX razor has a rounded exposure that ensures there are minimal cuts. It also secures the blade in the blade chamber when it’s not in use. The Facón Professional Vintage razor offers a finer finish than the Equinox, as well. So while the Equinox Professional razor has several good qualities to offer, there is better out there.
The Best Straight Razors for Sensitive Skin
We broke the categories down by budget. The first is what you should buy if you are concerned about cash but still want something that will look after your face. The second is the high-end model that will really improve your shaving experience — at a cost. The last is the cheapest we could find that still did the job decently well. Read through the reviews compiled by a ton of industry research and trials to find the best straight razor for sensitive skin like yours!
Best Bang for the Buck: Classic Samurai CS-102 Stainless Steel Professional Barber Straight Edge Razor
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The Classic Samurai CS-102 Stainless Steel Straight-Edge Razor is a straight razor that is lauded in the market for its efficiency. Regardless of the kind of skin or hair type you have, this straight razor will give you a clean, smooth shave that will leave your skin feeling great. If you suffer from sensitive skin or are vulnerable to ingrown hair and razor bumps, this straight razor will take special care of you.
The razor is efficient and can be used for personal use and even at a world-class salon by a professional barber. It's made with genuine surgical-grade stainless steel and will last you a long time. Straight razor blades also stay sharp for longer.
The exchangeable blade technology makes it extremely easy to change the old and rusty blades out quickly, even mid-shave. The plastic pouch protects the blades and steel from unnecessary exposure and rusting. The pouch also ensures that the razor does not open by accident while you are traveling and cause avoidable injuries.
The end of the blade compartment also has a rounded exposure design which makes it a safer razor to use and ensures that you do not get cuts and nicks while shaving. Apart from having a smooth shaving experience, the razor also gives you 100 Derby single-edge blades which will make it extremely convenient for you to use the razor for a long time.
If you are looking to date, a straight razor will give you the confidence of clear skin and a well-groomed look. It is great for sensitive skin as the blade remains sharp, which means you do not need to run the razor over your skin multiple times. The hair will come off in a single stroke. Clear skin and confidence will take you a long way in the dating zone. This product has been chosen as the ‘best bang for the buck’ product as it is a great option for somebody with sensitive skin to use, but it also doesn't ‘shave’ a hole in your pocket.
Best of the Best: Parker SRW Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor
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The Parker SRW Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor is one of the best razors you can use if you have sensitive skin. Like the previous razor, there is a rounded exposure at the end of the blade compartment that makes it a safe device to use. You can stop worrying about cuts and nicks!
It also has other safety features, like a snap-and-lock technology for the blade holder which ensures the blade doesn't slip out when it's not required. Whether you use the razor for personal use or have a professional barber give you a shave, the razor stands the test of quality.
It can be used with a barbershop single-edge blade or with half of a double-edged blade. The razor also comes along with 100 Shark Super stainless steel half blades so you are settled for a few weeks at least and do not need to scramble to buy new blades.
It has a white resin handle that gives you a firm grip and does not slip away during a wet shave. The stainless steel handle and blade arm make the razor extremely durable. The resin handle provides an incredible grip and the snap-and-lock mechanism is an easier way of securing the blade than squeezing it into a pouch. The razor has also seen patronage from the people for over forty years so it's surely doing something right.
Best Value: Utopia Care Professional Barber Straight Edge Razor
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The Utopia Care Professional Barber is a long-lasting straight razor that will give you the smooth shave your sensitive skin needs. The razor has a stainless steel body with a black matte finish looks good and keeps your razor from rusting. You can use the device with ease, thanks to the flippable blade cover and metal grip. You can also lock the blade cap so you know that the blade stays securely in its chamber when not in use. Additionally, you get 100 premium Derby blades complimentary with this razor which makes life much easier.
Like the other two razors, the rounded edge of the blade compartment ensures minimal cuts. But having said that, apart from all the good qualities and features the razor has to offer, it doesn't have the same user experience as the Parker SRW Stainless Steel razor or even the Classic Samurai razor. The first two can actually be used in professional barbershops, so the shave is that much higher quality. However, if you find the Parker razor too expensive, this is a reasonably priced alternative!
The Best Straight Razor to Prevent Ingrown Hairs and Razor Bumps
To help you pick out the right straight razor for your sensitive skin, we’ve compiled this list. It contains three suggestions at drastically different price points because everyone has a different budget. Of course, with the difference in price points comes a variety of different features. These choices should help you pick out the right straight razor for you.
Best Bang for the Buck: Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor 
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Considering how relatively affordable this is, its durability will exceed your expectations! The Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor is made with a stainless steel blade and a silicon resin body. It’s also heat-resistant, extremely lightweight and easy to handle – even for beginners!
Despite its lightweight frame, the Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor can still give you a supremely close shave. You may need to exert a little pressure against your skin, but you can control this with a bit of practice. Because you can control how the blade glides against your skin, you can opt for light, gentle strokes that won’t give you ingrown hairs or razor bumps.
Of course, no straight razor is too good to be true. The only downside to this is that you need to buy the blades separately. Crazy, right? But the good thing is that you can choose which blade to buy: the 4/8” one or the 5/8” one. Picking the blade for you is mostly a matter of preference and comfort. But we'd still say it's a strong contender for the best straight razor to prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
Best of the Best: DOVO Bizmark Straight Razor with Ebony Wood Handle
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Our pick for the best of the best straight razor to prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps is the DOVO Bizmark Straight Razor with Ebony Wood Handle. Just reading that name clues you into how upmarket this razor is.
It has a lofty price point because it’s one of the most recommended straight razors by veteran shavers. It uses a half-hollow 5/8” blade that’s made of carbon steel – durable and strong yet lightweight. But the ebony wood handle isn’t just to make it look fancy – it’s there to give you the best grip while you’re shaving.
The sharp blade of this straight razor ensures that you’ll only need to glide the blade against your skin once to get a clean, close shave. And if there’s anything that triggers ingrown hairs and razor bumps, it’s repeatedly scraping the same area without properly cutting the hair.
The very obvious downside to this straight razor is its price. You can buy 3 Feather Japanese SS Straight Razors or 7 Black Widow ones. However, if you’re looking for a durable and reliable straight razor that will give you a great shave without irritating your skin, the DOVO Straight Razor is the top choice.
Best Value: Black Widow Professional Barber Straight Edge Razor
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If you drive a hard bargain and absolutely refuse to spend more than $30 on a razor, the Black Widow Professional Barber Straight Edge Razor is for you. Of course, it’s not the cheapest straight razor on the market. But it is the cheapest one that can hold a candle to the two options above.
The Black Widow Straight Edge Razor is a hefty piece that weighs 2.6 oz. This weight gives it a bit of stability when you’re shaving, especially since it’s an evenly distributed weight. Its blade is the standard stainless steel blade that’s tough on even the coarsest hairs but gentle on sensitive skin. It’s perfect for achieving a clean, accurate shave that won’t make you go over any areas twice. That’s a great way to prevent ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
Now if you’re a beginner who’s looking for his first straight razor, forget this one. Its weight makes it a little tricky to handle for guys who aren’t used to shaving with a straight razor. If you’re a professional barber or a veteran straight razor shaver, however, you’ll love this.
The Best Straight Razors for Black Men
The following are the best straight razors for black men:
Best Bang for the Buck: Straight Razor by Classic Necessity
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Classic Necessity makes an efficient straight razor that offers an incredibly smooth shave, especially for those with sensitive skin. The benefit of using a straight razor over a multi-blade razor, especially for black men, is that the razor cuts only at the surface of the skin. Your hair won't be pulled and tugged unnecessarily, avoiding the inflamed follicles that lead to ingrown hairs and razor bumps.
The razor is also made with high-quality stainless steel that will last you a long time. With this razor, you will enjoy a shave as if it has been given to you by a professional! You may have noticed that when you get a shave at a barber shop, you get a cleaner shave and fewer ingrown hair. More than the barber’s skills, it's the fact that they are using a straight razor which is gentler on sensitive skin.
The blades also stay sharp so you don't need to keep running the razor over your skin repeatedly, causing it to irritate your skin. And these razors come with 50 double-edged blades already! What a great start for your supply of blades. You'll have at least 100 shaves before you need to buy new blades.
The straight razor by Classic Necessity does its job without demanding a hefty sum, thus has been chosen as the ‘best bang for the buck’ product.
Best of the Best: Parker SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor
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The Parker SR1 Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor is a professional-quality razor that will serve you extremely well if you are a man of African descent. The razor is especially useful if you suffer from an ingrown hair and from razor bumps. It also has a rounded exposure at the end of the blade compartment to prevent cuts while shaving. The snap/lock mechanism ensures that the blade is secured inside the chamber and does not slip out by mistake.
While you may never build up a shaving kit quite like in the old days, this is a great compromise. The Parker SR1 has been in the market for over forty years and was probably your grandfather’s favorite too! This razor is a classic. It never cuts underneath the surface, so you have a smooth, cut-free shaving experience.
The razor also accepts all barber shop single-edged blades and half of the double-edged blades. When you buy the razor, you get five Shark Super Stainless Half-Blades free. That'll keep you going for a while so you can enjoy a perfectly smooth face every day.
If you're serious about dating and taking charge of your face, you need the best straight razor for black men. The grip, materials used and quality of shave make the Parker SR1 the best. While the razor is close to the Classic Necessity razor described above, the Parker still has a few more things to offer. For its legacy in the market and all the safety measures it has taken, the Parker has been chosen as the ‘best of the best’ product.
Best Value: MACS Professional Barber Straight Edge Razor
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The MACS Professional Barber Straight-Edge Razor is perfect for wet shaving. This razor is also modeled on vintage varieties that your grandfather’s generation and beyond swore by. This razor, as is the case with any good straight razor, does not cut below the surface of the skin. It's also cheaper than repeatedly buying razor cartridges for a multi-blade razor. You only need to replace the blades and, luckily for you, MACS Pro comes with 100 half Derby blades! The razor is so versatile, it can be used by women too!
But while it offers several great features and qualities, it's definitely the cheapest of the best straight razors for black men. The Parker SR1 has a legacy in the market and also takes all the safety measures required to give you a clean and smooth shave. The Classic Necessity razor is also a professional-grade razor that is good enough to be used in a high-end salon. The MACS razor fails on some of these accounts, but is a solid choice for its price point!
