Double Edged Safety Razors: The Smoother, Eco-Friendlier Shave

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Not only can double-edged (DE) safety razor blades give you a great shave, but they can also save you money too and are more environmentally friendly than other shaving options. The fact you’re using just a single blade, means that it’s less harsh on your skin compared to disposable and electric razors with multiple blades. You’re less likely to get shaving bumps, irritation and in-growing hairs as a result of shaving with a single, DE blade.

You can pick up a pack of Tesco 10 DE safety razor blades for around €2.85, which means one razor is around 29c and you get four to six shaves out of one DE blade. You get a nice, clean shave from these blades and I’d recommend them. I discovered that you can be paying up to €35 for an eight pack of cartridge blades in the same supermarket for an electric razor by a well-known shaving brand. That’s €4.38 per blade cartridges!

DE razor blade and a face cloth

​These cartridges and disposable razors are a scourge on the environment as they’re mainly made from plastic that is practically impossible to recycle. DE razors blades are made from metal and more environmentally friendly. I’d recommend the classic, metal handles as they are usually quite sturdy and can last you for years. Shaving.ie has a good selection of safety razors and badger hair brushes from which to choose.
I’d recommend the Merkur brand of razor as it’s reliable and you can pick one up from just over €20 and it’ll last you for years. The fact that the DE was the razor of choice for the most stylish US President to date, John F. Kennedy, it’s a good enough reason to put down your disposable or electric razors and convert to DE safety razors. 

Tips for Shaving with a DE Safety Razor

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​Put a hot towel over your face to open your pours before you shave, which will make your facial hair softer and easier to shave. Clean your face with a mixture of a facial scrub and wash before applying shaving cream. I recommend using Bulldog or Kiehl’s products. The scrub and the wash will get rid of any excess facial dirt or sweat.

Dip a badger hair shaving brush in warm water to soften the hairs. Apply shaving cream with a circular motion on your face and neck. The circular motions with the badger hair brush will make the cream more evenly spread on your face, rather than using your hands.

When shaving with a DE razor, make sure you always shave with the grain (in the direction your hair grows), to reduce the chances of irritation and razor burn. Using short strokes, let the blade glide on your skin. Don’t apply pressure with the razor as it’ll increase the chances of shaving nicks and cuts. Holding the razor at a 30-degree angle on your skin can help the razor glide with ease.

When shaving tricky areas, like your chin or above your top lip, pull your skin so that it’s flat. The razor will be able to glide with more ease as a result. Put a cold towel on your face when you’re   finished to close the pours - reducing the chances of clogging your pours.

Apply an alcohol-free aftershave balm to your face when finished, which will help to hydrate and sooth your skin. Alcohol based products can cause skin irritation. Remove any water, shaving cream or facial hair that may be on the DE razor after your shave. It’s important to keep your razor clean for hygiene purposes and to retain the blade’s sharpness.  

I’d recommend putting used DE razors in an empty, clean, metal can and dispose of it in the bin when full, to avoid workers in a recycling plant being harmed by loose DE blades.
DE safety razors are the way to go for an inexpensive and Eco-friendlier shave.