5 Best Safety Razors if You Only Wanted One 

What’s your “one” razor?

I have about 10 DE razors and the one that I go to most often is my Merkur Progress. For some reason it's just the easiest to shave with. You don't have to be overly careful with it, it's adjustable and you can put inexpensive blades in it and it gives a great shave every time.

This guys is wholesome af❤️

I really like the Henson AL13 aluminum razor, it gives me a very smooth and close shave without the scrapping sensation. I always use a shaving brush and Williams Shaving soap and will often shave while in the shower, the best shave ever.

Hi Greg. My new favourite is the Leaf Thorn razor. It uses single edge half blades so you can snap your favourite in half and use it. You get twice as many shaves from your blades as they are halved. The thorn is medium aggression and gives a great close shave. It has a small head that is great for those difficult places like under your nose. It's also really easy to load and clean. I bought the Leaf Twig at the same time but it's quite a mild razor so I prefer the Thorn. The Twig is great for those quick morning shaves before work. Thanks for your video.

Hey Greg, I really like the rockwell, but I have been shaving with the parker semi slant for my first pass and rockwell , plate 3, for second and third passes. Great results for me!

Hi Greg. I prefer safety razors with a bit of weight to them and I've tried quite few in recent years but if I had to pick one it would be the Merkur Progress short with Gillette Silver Blue or Astra green blade. Enjoyable close shave with good audible blade feedback (which I like) and adjustable to suit everyone's individual needs (mild to aggressive) without breaking the bank. Zero irritation and also, with the added bonus of being compact enough to take away on holidays. It's been around since the 1950's (for good reason) but some of the hype that goes into the 'latest and greatest' new razors (which I've tried) and trust me most are not that good as people make out. I wasn't overlly impressed with Rockwell 6c gunmetal , sure its good razor and extremely well built, it looks beautiful but there is very little feedback (probably due to the plates being so thick) and found it a bit boring (disengaging) to shave with and not as close a shave or engaging as the Progress overall. The Twig did intrigue me as I already have loads of single blades so I bit the bullet and bought one (in gold for a change) but yet to try it out. Time will tell if it makes it to my rotation or becomes another unused relic collecting dust on the shelf of disillusion.😁

I have the Merkur 38C and 39C. Both long-handle versions of the 34C and 37C. These razors are simplicity itself, nothing mechanical to wear out and easy to clean.

Top video! I do enjoy my Muhle R41 Open comb for when it's a few days growth.

Tried a few razors and I always go back to my trusted Rockwell 6 s mainly plate 4 , over 4 days growth plate 6, so smooth , no irritation etc and nothing beats the Rockwell ATG imo of course 👍

Another great video, bud! Glad that these razors are still treating you well. I have been using the Razorock Game Changer with the milder .68 "Safety Bar" base plate (as opposed to the Open Comb plate) for the past few shaves and man...I might have finally found my perfect razor. Plus, for the past few shaves I had been using a Rapira Platinum Lux razorblade and still using a Perma-Sharp blade, and I've never had a more comfortable shave in my life. I'm using the Game Changer now more than my 6S or 6C because of the .68 SB plate alone, it's so smooth for me with the right razorblade and just...effortless. If I have a heavy beard growth, I use the Open Comb on the first pass to knock the hair down fast, but the rest of the shave I just go back to the SB plate and it's just smooth sailing until the end. 😊

It's the T2 for me. I also have the slim and black beauty which I love. I have the Henson which is great for traveling because it's light and doesn't take space and is very good with a feather.

Good choices for "just one" razor, I'd go with RockWell 6c/s for just one, it's versatile and easy to use. For "fixed heads" alternatives: Karve Overlander, Merkur 34c and Yaqi "Mellon" SLOC.👍🤠🤟

My Top 5: PAA Meta-4, Rockwell 6S 3 plate, Karve B plate and Blackland Era 3 plate (these all have full blade clamping very close to the edge - I didn’t realize this until a few days ago) and the Fatboy / Slim Adjustable. I get perfect shaves with all of these but if I could only pick one it would have to be the 6S in case my skin changes in the future and I need less or more efficiency!

You should try the Muhle Rocca (i have cork handle) if u haven't already. Great shave Greg.

I only have 1 safety razor; 1959 gillette fatboy. Found at an antique market for 25.00. Cleaned, ran some mineral oil through it, works true.

I have bought a couple of 'expensive' razors such as the Rockwell 6S and the Henson AL13 but the 'merica razor by wetshavingclub impressed the hell out of me and is my favorite razor. A few months ago there wasn't a 'Machined' finish option so I'm sad I did not get that option as the only option out there was the Stonewash finish but it gives me great shaves. It's a medium aggressive for me and it's perfect. I am happy with my merica razor purchase. You also have the option to remove the flag which is nice for those who just want the simple design of a nice razor

One is tough. I'm currently down to 5 and will be going down to 3. Ti Blackbird, Ti Vector, Alum Karve Overlander

Nice list and review. 316ss is a grade of austenitic stainless steel, FYI. If I had to pick one it would be the Overlander. Smooth, mild feel, yet efficient razor!

Can confirm that the Rockwell 6C in gunmetal holds up really well. Great razor, but has thick head which can make under the nose a challenge. But my go to are the Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements Double Open Comb / Accession Select. Both are extremely reasonably priced, mild, with the Accession being slightly more efficient. The DOC is a lamb which easily makes excellent use of a Feather without fear, while the Accession might be a little too aggressive with the Feather but works very well with Astra blue or Permasharp, YMMV.

I have been using the Razorock Game Changer both versions and using them both makes an excellent choice for comfort and efficiency and the cost for the two is less them any other high end stainless razor. They are well made and well finished and of course shave great. Thanks for all your videos

Great video Greg, I now have all of the same razors you have in your top 5 pick except the 5th one in the nice travel case. I will highly recommend that you pick up the RazoRock Lupo 95 and the Gamechanger .84. These are very great quality stainless steel razors that are reasonably priced.

Blackland's SS Blackbird is my only DE razor for the past 5 months. After the first 5 shaves with the blackbird I decided to sell all my other DE razors and never looked back.

I Have around 10 safety razors; Múlle, Rockwell, Parker (Bakerlite) etc. The one I have been using exclusively though for the last 200 years is the Icon B1 Comb Head with the extra long Icon knurled stick. My brush for the last 1000 years or so, or 2014 at least is the Semogue 1470 Boar 21mm knot and 50mm loft. As soft as you like after you've dialed it in and its probably only shed a handful of hairs in the time. It is also just the right size for a brush, most brushes are ridiculously oversized!

I love my Rockwell 6C. One of my favorite out of my 10 or so safety razor collection

Murkur Futur for me. I've owned it for about 3 years but I've only been using it for about 3 months. Because initially I felt intimidated by the thing. I use it every morning on setting two and a half. Shaves like a dream.

Interesting video Greg, You have some nice razors there and I have a few that are the same like the Gillette Fatboy & slim and they give reasonable good shaves and use them through out the year. Some resent razors I own and enjoy using & that really work well for me and are affordable for most are the Razorock 316 SS 2nd generation Lupo.72 and the Yaqi adjustable TFC are fine razors for every day shaving or periodically shaving use. Have a great day!

Greg, My go to is the Goodfellas Smile Syntesi, .62 gap, low profile head and a smooth shaver, can’t go wrong.

The Karve Overlander in brass is my absolute favourite. We just understand each other.

Nice list Greg! There are some on there I’d like to try especially the Alpha. I have already chosen just one though, the Rex Ambassador is always the right choice for me. No matter how many days growth it can get me comfortably smooth in two or three passes. I use the others occasionally just to prove to myself they weren’t a waste of money. I still like the Tatara Nodache and the 6S and the Muramasa a lot. Most of the time I just want to show up for work or a special occasion looking and feeling great and the Ambassador with a Gillette Silver Blue blade gets me there every time.

Great lineup Greg! My lineup would be: Rex Ambassador Gillette Super Adjustable 84 (my uncle’s old razor) Karve Christopher Bradley razor (any of them) Blackland Blackbird (any of them) Rockwell 6C

I bought a Henson AL13 a few months ago and really like it. It's also not too expensive (it's about $70).

Like most of us here (I suspect), I have over 30 razors including all the gillette classics and the 'standard' ones we are all told are must haves. I can say with confidence that there is one that I could choose for my only one, as it is the one I reach for almost exclusively anyway. That is the Merkur Progress. I am always mystified that it seems so underrated and mentioned so little. Decent price, outstanding efficiency, (I have never adjusted it above a 3), super kind to my face and adjustable without switching plates. Yes I have a Rockwell 6, it's great but as I said, the Progress can adjust simply by twisting the handle. Outstanding shave every time, very minimal bleeders, a real winner. Beyond that, I started my wet shave journey with a Muhle R89 and still favor that one as well. Just a nice gentle easy razor, perhaps too gentle for some. I want to love my R41, but we have a mercurial love/hate relationship at best! lol

I have 2 Rockwells, the T2 and the 6S; 4 Merkurs including the Vision 2000 (the Executioner); 3 Hensons, one being the Ti; 2 Weishi's, an old Gillette from the 50's used for pre-op shaves and an old Wilkinson Sword. I will give them all a go every now and then (except for the Vision, because I'm scared of it) but, I always end up using my Feather AS-D2 Stainless with Feather blades. It's my 'Safety' razor.

I do let the beard grow periodically, so if I had to choose one single DE razor, it would be an open comb one. For me, that would be the vintage Gillette "The New" short comb. I do hope to pair it with a Karve handle at some point. That would give it the heft that I prefer. I would probably go with the 3" handle, which is about the length of the original Gillette common bar handle. I have been using a Durham Duplex handle on this head. IIRC, this is roughly a 40 gram 3" long handle. It does the trick on a budget. If I could have two DE razors, I would add my vintage English Gillette Aristocrat Jr., this is the full brass version. It is my favorite variant of the Super Speed or Rocket family, so far. It gives a very smooth and moderately efficient shave, with useful blade feel. It just feels marvelous in the hand, and was definitely overbuilt. The heavy solid baseplate makes a difference in this razor. These were sold in Canada in plastic "SuperSpeed" cases, and in the UK in special cases as "Aristocrat Jr's."

If I could only have one safety razor I would have a hard time choosing between my British 1957 Gillette Flare Tip and my Schick Krona! These two are my favorites, and I have cirka thirty safety razors, two shavettes and eight straight razors.

My favorite safety razor is the Manscaped Plow 2.0

First starter was gillette king c. After using the Rockwell 6c if i had to choose based on my limited sample size, FOR LIFE then i would go stainless with the 6s.

thanks for the video great. I'm looking for my first safety razor and was wondering if you recommend one. Something in a starter budget razor maybe. Thanks again for posting the video I liked it.

Impossible to pick just one but based on my appreciation of the Twig, I suspect the Thorn would be my one to rule them all. I just have to purchase it to confirm that.

Great video Greg but the one razor that you don't have no more would be the one and only I would keep the Rex ambassador XL does what any other razors do it's like having 20 razors in one

I have and agree with Slim, FatBoy, and both Rockwell 6S and 6C. I found the Rockwell T2 a good razor but overly wide with “dead zones” and just a bit ungainly and so it’s on permanent loan until we sell it. I would add add RazoRock BBS and it has several baseplates including mild, somewhat more aggressive, and open comb - it’s beautiful with its “arch” and an extremely comfortable shave with enough efficiency. I tried to like the Outlaw but even the mild version almost always drew blood🩸on my uneven chin. I sold the heads but keep the beautiful and perfectly knurled handle.

316L stainless Steel is a marine grade steel , not sure if it's classed a surgical steel but it's top quality for sure and tuf a shell 🙂, I have a small collection of razors including the Exectutive Shaving Company ( uk ) Braveheart S/S, a Ikon , Tradier , Rockwell and Feather AS-D2

Cool! I thought I was gonna see your parker variat there. Great list!

This may be a little off-topic, but not that far. If your looking for an outstanding vintage Gillette to, try, I just bought a 1937 open-comb Gillette Sheridan, and love it. I expected that it would be good, but it’s really good. Slightly more efficient than a safety bar razor, but nowhere near an R41, which I also own and is a favorite. On 1-10 scale where an R41 is a 9+, I would rate the Sheridan a 6. I enjoy working it into the rotation. For some reason, they don’t get the love they deserve. Think they only made them for 1937 through 1939, but I’m not positive of that. I suspect that the open comb scares people away, as they are fairly inexpensive to purchase.

My daily razor is a 1964 Gillette Slim Aristocrat. It’s a dream to use.

I don't have that many razors, but if I had to choose, then it would be a coin toss between my Rockwell 6C/S and my Edwin Jagger DE 89. But, if I ever manage to get an Overlander, I have a feeling that it could be my one and only.

Gréât reviews. You’re my go to safety razor guy.

What are the design differences to observe in thes of a DE shaver. Do a video on that.

Razorock Lupo DualComb.....that is the ONE I would choose

You right who cares! Your killing it in what u do! Keep it up👍🏻👍🏻

I don’t know what razor I would choose from the ones I have, but it was probably the Mühle Rocca.

I have 4. Im still looking for the right one.

Some nice choices there Greg! So my “one” is anything from Karve… none of his lineup has let me down. Have a great weekend, and may the hotdogs be plentiful!

Feather ASD2 is the perfect razor and it's so pretty with the stand

Hi Greg, I saw the video you made about the Rex Ambassador about a year ago, you were saying the Ambassador had taken the fun out of the journey. Maybe it was a tongue-in-cheek video, I don’t know 🤷‍♂️ But those guys at Rex have definitely done an amazing job with their Ambassador and Konsul razors. The Ambassador has made my other razors redundant, I don’t even get looked at any more, seriously. I’ll be getting the Konsul XL very soon. I’ve made some enquiries and my understanding is that the first batch available in England is coming this week!!! About time you did a video on brushes. I’ll DM you on insta sometime.

Fat boy and slim adjustable, they are all I use and I have no desire to try anything different. Great vid!

My Top 5 1. Timeless Titanium 2. Rockwell 6s or 6c 3. Rex Konsul SS 4. Tatara Muramasa SS 5. All the other ones I own (they all get this slot) *Disclaimer the Leaf is my go to head shaver, so that doesn’t count😂 I have a Carbon coming, so🤷🏼‍♂️ I do not own a Karve Overlander, but it will most likely be my last purchase “in copper”. A 6s or 6c is all anyone really needs imo

Greg, your daughter is right, sharing is caring. She is also correct about drawing the line at cheeseballs, smart girl. No WAY do I ever share my cheeseballs, even as an adult. Great video and excellent list sir!

"Chasing the dragon for the best shave ever..." so true. Most people watching this have probably been on the chase for a while, but if anyone is looking to buy "the one" right off the bat as their first razor, something that has multiple settings seems almost necessary. You don't know exactly what your preference for mild or aggressive will be once you've got 200 shaves under your belt and know all the pros and cons of dialing up the aggressiveness (in the context of your particular facial features, skin, hair thickness, and patterns/directions of whisker growth ). The vintage Gillettes seem like a natural fit, but the butterfly design and relatively soft brass safety bars mean you might buy one with blade alignment issues and not realize it until you know a bit more about safety razor shaving. I started with a Gillette Slim, then switched to a new adjustable fairly quickly, and was glad I did. The new razor doesn't have the vibe or the vintage looks, but in my case, it's giving a better shave on both mild and aggressive settings.

I like the old Gillette TTO razors best. The fat boy or the slim are both excellent.

I get really close shaves with Harry’s cartridge razors. Can you recommend a DE and blades that are comparable ?

Is there point of buying Gillette Fat Boy if I already have Gillette Slim Adjustable? Do they perform differently or more less the same? Thank you

Really enjoy both my RazoRock Game Changer 68 and my Mamba 70. BTW, I just sent my Gillette Slim to Razor emporium for the Rhodium plating. Is it worth it?

In the past, I believe you've stated that the Parker Variant is one of your favorite razors, but it didn't make the cut here. Why not? If I had to choose just one DE safety razor, it would be the Parker Variant, because a) it's a very good quality razor, especially for the price; 2) it's adjustable, which I like; and 3) well, it actually IS my only DE safety razor. I've been wet shaving my whole adult life, but previously I used the Gillette Trac 2 for many years, and then went to Bic disposables because they were a fraction of the cost of Trac 2 blades. I finally bought my Parker Variant last spring after getting tired of constantly dealing with clogged razor heads, as I often only shave a couple times a week. The Parker Variant has proven to be really great. One thing I like (that no one seems to talk about) is that, with an adjustable razor, you can increase your settings with subsequent shaves. So if I set the Parker at 2 for my first pass with a brand-new blade, and 1 for my second pass, on my third or fourth shave with the same blade I might set it for 3 (or even 4) for the first pass, and 1.5 or 2 for the second pass, and the results are just as good. In that way, I've gotten as many as 7 or 8 shaves out of the same blade --as long as they're good blades to begin with, like Astras and Personnas. Not sure yet about Feather blades; I've shaved three times so far with my first Feather blade, and I started VERY mild (setting #1 for both passes the first time, then 2/1 for the next two shaves) as all the reviewers out there made Feathers sound really intimidating. But, so far so good. What are your thoughts about that strategy? I know you've said that you like to "set it and forget it," but I feel that having that adjustability is really a great option. Anyway, I enjoy your videos, and I appreciate your reviews!

Last week I started with my '51 Gillette SuperSpeed but it was too inefficient so I took your suggestion and switched to the Leaf Twig with a Feather, which is one of my all around favorite blades. It was okay but I think the Leaf blade gets just as good results. Today I will start the week with the PAA Copper Ascension Twist DOC, which I am beginning to feel is the best I've used. I have four Karve razors and would suggest the " Overlander" as a good one. I have three Rex Supply razors and would agree about the "Konsul" being a top pick. Another one that gives great results is the Tatara "Muramasa", it's expensive like the Rex but for me the ergonomics suck and I don't enjoy using it, so not recommended. But right now at this moment I think the ONE I would go with would be the PAA Copper DOC, as it always gives a nice comfortable, efficient, and predictable shave, and I actually look froward to using it every time. Oh yeah, love the t-shirt buddy.

Good video and nice razors. I don't have any of them, but now I'm curious. I don't know why it had to be the unlabeled Beta cassette kept under the shelf though. 🙃

Can you compare the Proof Razor v2 and the Supply Edge Pro against the one razor you like the most? this is a certified hood classic

Nice list. Mine in alphabetical order; Gillette Slim Boy 'Merica Stainless Steel by the Wet Shaving Club. Mercur 34 C RazoRock Stainless Steel Game Changer (0.84 plate) Rockwell 6S

Blackland Blackbird Haircut&Shave TI Efficient Wolfman Wr2 1.35 Shield TI Henson or the Yaqi Tile For me there is no "one" but I could reduce on this 5. One for every mood haha

Which one of these would be good for someone switching to a safety razor from a cartridge? I’ve been using cartridges since I started shaving and never used a single blade before.

The only one to have is the Merkur Futur 700 - hands on! Best regards.

This is so tough, because I love my Sixes and my Gillette Slim & Overweight Male Child, but the one I use most is the Rex Ambassador. So I'll go with the one I use almost every day. However...there has been a new contender who has been making the Rex sit in the on-deck circle more. The 1920s Gillette New Improved. I can't put it down! It's 101 years old, and it jumped over all the others to be in a virtual tie for first. If the New Improved handle were as grippy as the Rex or if the Rexy were as sexy as the New Improved, it would be easy. I was not expecting to like it so much. I never let that much time pass between Rex shaves until I got this. The case on the Bostonian easily wins best case ever. When you open it, it lifts the razor up like it's presenting you with Excalibur. I feel like Dr. Frankenstein when I open the case. IT'S ALIIIIIIIVE!!! Those 1920s sure were fancy times.

I like adjustables: 1. QShave's Future clone 2. Vikings Blade Crusader Ragnarr edition 3. Rockwell 6C

Perfect timing

Parker Variant... Excellent Razor

Wet shaving is only cheaper than cartridges if you don't turn it into a "hobby" I've tried brushes & soaps but stick to just using edge gel with merkur hd 34c. Only safety I use since I started wet shaving 6 years ago. All carts are garbage compared to DE. I'm disappointed you left out the merkur hd 34 c for $36 it's a tremendous bang for your buck

I have the leaf razor and have the Rockwell 6s on order.

My first non disposable and now my only razor, hopefully for the rest of my life is a scuffed up old gillette slimtwist. Why? I don't know I bought it from a 2nd hand shop for about $4 whilst backpacking through Bulgaria about 15 years ago, knowing nothing about safety razors. I like it with both the feather and rapira supersteel blades. I'm sure there's better out there, but it has sentimental value to me now and I dont really have sensitive skin. I can get a good shave with no problems using nothing but a bit of water so why would I chase anything more than that

You should take the The 3ONE6 and the 6S and mash them together. Call it the 3-Rock-Sixes 😂. Great video man! Keep it up!

I got the 6s precisely because i thought it looked the best. Now that i own it i want other finishes and razors lol

Anyone with thoughts on the Henson razor?

Merkur Future and Merkur Progress covers absolutely any demand or type of shaving. Merkur futur is more developed on becoming faster agressive when shaving comparing with progress. Edwin Jagger I had . I would say pass to it.. I used one or twice a wilkinson DE. It was well on the agressive side.. Merkur insted, between 1.5 to 2.2 is all you will nirmally use. I would. The agressivness is as explained above.

I like rocca r94 so nice

If I was some kind of barbarian, and could only have one razor, it would be the RazoRock GameChanger .84. Very smooth but efficient razor. Easy to get a BBS, but doesn’t feel like I’m going to slice myself up with it.

Rockwell 6C Cheap and makes me a better shaver. Nice video

i want to buy my first safety razor. Is this a good choice: Edwin Jagger DE Black Gold

I always come back to the Merkur 34C

I would love to know which is the lightest safety razor in the world??? i am coming from a gillette mach3 which is super light in the hand and was going to try a safety razor and it was not comfortable at all they are heavy and i could never get used to it. therefore I wonder which one is the most light-weight safety razor?

I'm glad guys don't do fetishist reviews of toilet paper the way they do safety razors. Can you imagine? 😧Note, I've only recently tried shaving again with a DE razor - last time was about 1972. After one too many blood lettings, I switched to the Gillette Trac II and have used it ever since. It's fast and thorough with rarely a nick. The DE is a nice change of pace and enjoyable - especially remembering Dad who taught me how to shave with one of them. I can still see him there at the mirror, me watching close, showing me how to puff my cheeks or put my tongue in the corners of my mouth ... and still nicking himself once in awhile which taught me the proper use of profanity. 😁

Nice vid Greg. Tough to pick 1. Need adjustable since it could be 1-4 days between shaves Karve CB 6s Fatboy 2nd tier choices: Overlander ‘Merica razor possibly. Only 1 shave in and it reminds me of an Overlander. Fairly mild Feel but has efficiency. Gamechanger .84 or Lupo .74 The Konsul seems up my alley as well except for price. Would need to find a deal.

What razor blades do you recommend to buy?

where do you get you background music for your videos?

Oh come on, Greg… Who are we trying to kid here? One razor to rule them all?! Even you had to show us five (or about 8 or 9, actually) preciousses! Wet shavers are obsessed people (or maybe dedicated, as Sig Solo would say). But one, just one, only one and absolutely no more is a REALLY tough ask. Really, really tough. But I think I gotta say the RR Game Changer 0.68 would have to be the One - mainly cos I’m a daily shaver. As for the tough guys out there who reckon it ain’t aggressive enough and that I must be a girl if I don’t use an R41 with 2 shims or turn my adjustable up to the top level or beyond and then flay myself good and proper: well, eat my shorts 🩳 Cheers. 👍🪒

@ShavingwithGregTardif: Greg, you seriously need to try the Henson AL13 Medium Razor…. The super tight tolerance aerospace precision build is unbeatable and the auto pilot awesome BBS shave it gives you will certainly prove it. For me, It de-throned my former GOAT $460.00 Rhodium Plated Rex Konsul, it’s THAT good.

How do the slim adjustable and fatboy compare to frail razors like Rocnel elite and Rex consul slant

The Anthony Fantano of razor blades

Ti Blackbird with Kai blades after trying 16 other razors. The Timeless Ti was a close second. @Greg, I’ll loan you my SS Blackbird if you’re interested in trying it.

Goodmorning sir. Please tell me three top shavers?

I love my EJ 3one6, but I’m going to have to throw in the gamechanger .84p