The complete safety razor buying guide

Quick answer

Start with the Ever Eco Safety Razor in Australia or a Merkur 34C globally. Add a blade sampler pack. Total spend to convert for life: under $60.

Why safety razors

A cartridge shave costs 60–90c per blade cycle. Safety-razor blades cost 5–15c, deliver a closer shave, and are made of one recyclable material (stainless steel). One handle replaces a lifetime of plastic cartridges. Full stop.

What to look for

• Weight — a 90–110g handle does the work for you. Skip the featherweights.
• Aggressiveness — beginners want a mild head (Merkur 34C, Ever Eco). Move up as you learn.
• Blade compatibility — every safety razor takes universal double-edge blades. Buy a Feather / Astra / Derby sampler.

Learning the angle

Rest the head flat on your cheek. Lower the handle slightly until you feel the blade catch. That is your angle. Let the weight do the work — you should never press. Two shallow passes beat one hard one.

Disposing of blades

Buy a blade bank (a $5 tin) and drop used blades in. When it is full, close it and put it in kerbside metal recycling in most councils. Do not put loose blades in yellow-lid bins.