Q: “I really enjoyed reading your guide on traditional wet shaving. But I was wondering, do you really save money using a safety razor as opposed to a normal catridge razor?” – Jeff M.
A: Yes, while you’ll spend a little more initially acquiring the supplies, you’ll save in the long-term primarily because the costs of replacement blades for a double-edge safety razor are significantly cheaper (not to mention, you’ll get a far superior shaving experience!). Let’s get visual and let the numbers do the talking:
What do these numbers add up to in 10, 20, 30 years? In suits?
So as you can see, the savings add up. The question is whether you want to be left with a bunch of worn cartridges and a mediocre shave or a closet full of finely-crafted custom suits and a impeccably groomed face to boot.
Just don’t be like this guy and catch R.A.D. – Razor Acquisition Disorder. That’s another chart altogether.
Hope this inspires you to give wet shaving a try! If you have any questions, leave a comment below!
15 comments
Italics says:
Feb 19, 2013
Can you do a cost comparison between a safety razor and straight razor?
Black Lapel says:
Feb 20, 2013
Hey Jared, you’ll be happy to know that we have a straight razor post in the works! We’ll be sure to address the associated costs that come with a straight razor shave. Stay tuned!
John says:
Feb 21, 2013
I got furious at the cost of razor replacements one day and switched to the safety razor. I find it very satisfying. I find the rituals of working up a lather with the shave soap, changing the blades in the razor and dealing with the pleasantly weighty and well-designed tool that is the Merkur razor very pleasant. After a few shaves, I feel like the results are comparable to any other method.
Black Lapel says:
Feb 21, 2013
Agreed, a proper wet shave in the morning can be a really meditative ritual/treat that sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Nick says:
Mar 13, 2013
A cartridge per week sounds excessive, how often are you assuming someone shaves for that to happen?
Black Lapel says:
Mar 13, 2013
Great question Nick. The cartridge per week number is based on someone who’s shaving every day and looking to keep his blades sharp enough for that optimal cartridge shave.
Salik says:
Apr 10, 2013
Before I made the transition to a DE razor, my cartridge shaves gave me the appearance of a man twice my age, shaving with a rusty spoon! Now the cut of my suit appears even sharper thanks to the quality of the perfect (with practice) shaves I am achieving. So thank you Black Lapel for this article which nudged me into making that change, my peers no longer mistake a recent shave for yesterday’s effort and I can feel every bit the dapper 20 year old I seek to be! Fantastic work across the board with your branding and the high quality advice provided. It would be incredibly useful if you were to follow up with a piece on the most effective DE blades (I currently use an entry level Edwin Jagger).
Black Lapel says:
Apr 10, 2013
Salik, we’re loving every bit of this! This is exactly what we try to achieve with The Compass–nudge our readers to try something that we’ve fallen in love with, whether it be a sharper shave or smarter suit! We’re glad you gave our advice a test and experienced the better shave for yourself! And thanks for the kind words. We’ll definitely be passing along your DE razor comparison topic suggestion to our editorial team!
Aaron DeHart says:
Apr 30, 2013
Hi everyone, I just recently received my first wet shave kit in the mail via Amazon. I purchased the Merkur safety razor. I was typically a Mach 3 guy for many years. I am loving the wet shave however I seem to be having problems finding the proper angle for the safety razor and don’t seem to be getting as close as a shave as I should. Anyone else having these problems? Any suggestions? Thanks a bunch fellow shavers!
Black Lapel says:
May 1, 2013
Glad you’re enjoying your foray into the wet shave world! Have you tried doing multiple passes, including with the grain and against the grain? It’s a bit of a learning curve to get that perfect angle. If you’re looking for some visual guidance, “Geofatboy” has a great youtube tutorial on shaving with a Merkur safety razor. Hope that helps in achieving that closer shave!
Aaron DeHart says:
May 1, 2013
Awesome!!! Thank you Black Lapel! I will check it out, I know it is an art form that I am venturing into.
SDBeachLaw says:
May 2, 2013
I just last month switched to wet shave with a Merkur safety razor…. its amazing. I never looked forward to shaving before. I find it relaxing, and calming to wet shave. And it looks and feels fantastic
Black Lapel says:
May 2, 2013
We can’t agree more. It’s a moment of old world calm in the mornings before you step into the urban jungle that is New York!
NJDark says:
Jun 8, 2013
Here, here! A straight or safety razor is the way to go. Shaving with either will just make you feel more respectful of yourself, the clean sharp look it gives us all just makes you feel like a million.
Black Lapel says:
Jun 10, 2013
Our thoughts exactly!