We can all agree that the never-ending cycle of buying disposable razors not only burns a hole in our pockets but also contributes significantly to environmental waste.
What if I told you there’s a sustainable and cost-effective alternative that not only benefits the planet but also saves you thousands of dollars over the years?
Dive into this post to discover the world of safety razor shaving, understand its environmental impact, and explore the top safety razors that promise a smooth, sustainable, and budget-friendly shaving experience. Plus, find out how making this simple switch can put over $4000 back into your pocket!
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5 Best Safety Razor Shaving Kits
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The Environmental Impact of Disposable Razors
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that a staggering 2 billion disposable razors are produced annually in the United States. This mind-boggling number translates to billions of razors ending in landfills yearly. It’s a problem that seems impossible for individual consumers to fix, but we can make a positive impact by making conscious choices to reduce waste in the future. But now to the critical question: how do the costs compare?
Shocking Cost of Shaving with Disposables
Most women begin shaving in their early teens and continue until their 60s, which averages around 50 years of lifetime shaving. Let’s consider one popular disposable razor, the Gillette Venus. The handle costs $11, and a set of four blades costs $20, or $5 each. According to Gillette’s recommendation, if you shave every other day, you should change your blade every 2-3 weeks. Changing blades every three weeks, 17 times yearly, at $5 per blade, is $85 per year on blades. Add the $11 cost of a fresh plastic handle each year, and that’s $96 per year. Over 50 years, that’s a staggering $4,800 for a lifetime of shaving! If you need to shave every day and follow Gilettes’s recommendation of changing the blade once a week for a daily shaver, without accounting for inflation, you’d spend 52 weeks times $5 per blade totaling $260 plus $11 for a new handle for a grand total of $271 per year. Over 50 years that comes to a whopping $13,550 on shaving!
Cost Savings of Shaving with Safety Razors
Safety razors are a game-changer when it comes to cost! Blades typically cost 20-40 cents each, and the sustainable razor ranges from $40 to $80. Let’s use an average price of $60 for the razor and $0.40 per blade. Using the same examples from disposable razers, if you shaved every other day and changed the blade every three weeks, 17 times yearly would cost $6.80. Over the first year, including the razor and 17 blade replacements, you’d spend $66.80. Since the razor is sustainable and can last a lifetime, the next 49 years would only cost you $6.80 per year for the blades, totaling $400 for 50 years of shaving. That’s $4,400 less than disposables! Even if you shave every day and change the blade weekly, you’d only spend $1,000 for 50 years with a safety razor, significantly less than the $13,000 for disposable razors!
How to Use a Safety Razor
Are safety razors better for sensitive skin? Yes, they often are! Let’s first explore what it’s like to use a safety razor and how to use it properly. Safety razors have a luxurious weighted feel to them. The switch from disposable is like going from every day to designer. So nice! Follow these steps to get started:
1. Prepare Your Skin: To achieve a smooth and irritation-free shave, it’s essential to prepare your skin correctly. Use water, soap, a shaving soap bar, or shaving cream to create a protective barrier between the razor and your skin. Never dry shave!
2. Find the Right Angle: Unlike disposables that lay flat, safety razors work best at a 20 to 30-degree angle. Experiment until you find the sweet spot for your skin.
3. Short, Gentle Strokes: Avoid applying pressure when shaving. Safety razors are sharp and efficient; let the razor’s weight do the work.
4. Shave With the Grain: Shaving with the direction of hair growth reduces the risk of irritation. Give it a try, and you’ll notice the difference.
5. Blade Replacement: Blade replacement times vary by manufacturer and how often you shave. Generally, blades are replaced when they dull. Remember, you can flip the blade to use both sides, doubling their use. Soon, you’ll shave like a pro and wonder why you didn’t switch sooner.
The Battle Against Razor Burn
Are safety razors better for sensitive skin? Absolutely! Single-blade razors provide closer shaves without causing razor burns, bumps, or ingrown hairs. Multiblade disposables with very close blades tend to push hair back into the skin, causing these issues. Switching to a safety razor can save you from the agony of razor burn.
Cleaning and Recycling
Cleaning your zero waste safety razor is simple—use warm water and gentle soap, then dry it with a towel. Store it in a dry space away from moisture. Safety razors are recyclable. You can also recycle old blades using blade safes, available for purchase, or repurpose an old metal piggy bank or glass mason jar for safe storage. When it’s time to recycle, take them to your local recycling center for stainless steel recycling.
Traveling with a Safety Razor
If you’re worried about traveling with a safety razor, rest assured. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) classifies safety razor blades as potential weapons, so be sure to pack them in your checked luggage to avoid any issues at airport security.
The Best Safety Razors for a Sustainable and Smooth Shave
Now that you’ve learned about the benefits of safety razor shaving for both your wallet and the environment, let’s explore some top-notch safety razors that are perfect for your eco-conscious grooming routine. These razors are not only designed to provide a superior shave but are also committed to sustainability.
1. Eco Roots Safety Razor
Eco Roots takes sustainability to the next level with their zero-waste safety razor, available in rose gold or black.
- Eco Packaging: All packaging is either recycled or upcyclable, reducing waste.
- Material: Made from zinc alloy and stainless steel, this razor can be recycled when its time is up.
- Blades Included: You’ll get 5 blades to start, each lasting 4-6 uses.
- Giving Back: Eco Roots donates a portion of every sale to the Ocean Conservancy.
- Global Consciousness: Designed in the USA and consciously manufactured in China.
2. Leaf Shave The Leaf Razor
Leaf Shave is on a mission to eliminate plastic waste in shaving, and The Leaf Razor is their groundbreaking solution.
- Eco Packaging: The Leaf Razor comes in plastic-free packaging and is carbon neutral.
- Material: Its all-metal handle is finished for rust resistance and is available in eight stunning colors.
- Blades Included: You’ll receive a 10-blade starter pack.
- Unique Design: The Leaf Razor features a unique 3-blade pivoting head that’s spaced further apart than plastic cartridges, providing an irritation-free shave.
- Versatile: It works with standard safety razor blades, and Leaf blades come as single edges ready to load. You can even snap any double edge standard blade in half to make two single edge blades.
DEAL: Ethical Bliss readers get 10% off Leaf Shave with our link and promo code ETHICALBLISS10
3. Hanni Weighted Razor
Hanni is designed to revolutionize your shaving experience with its eco-friendly materials, premium blades, and thoughtful design.
- Materials: This razor is plastic free and 100% powder coated metal.
- Blades Included: It comes with five blades to get you started.
- Design: Has an extra-long 5″ handle designed for body shaving.
- Sustainability: Hanni uses all paper boxes printed with vegetable-based or soy ink on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) paper.
4. Rockwell Razors 6C Double Edged Safety Razor
Rockwell Razors is making waves in the shaving world by not only providing an excellent shaving experience but also prioritizing sustainability. The Rockwell 6C Double Edged Safety Razor is a prime example of their commitment.
- Material and Finish: Crafted from durable chromed alloy, it’s available in rose gold, gunmetal chrome, or white chrome finish.
- Blades Included: You’ll receive 5 Rockwell Swedish Stainless Steel Blades, which provide a one-month supply.
- Blade Lifespan: Each blade lasts for an impressive 4-7 shaves, making this a cost-effective choice.
- Beginner-Friendly: With 6 levels of blade settings and Rockwell’s patented adjustable design, it’s perfect for beginners who are worried about nicks and cuts.
- Eco-Friendly: The 6C razor is nickel-free and comes with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.
5. Merkur DE Safety Razor 34C HD
Merkur has been a trusted name in shaving for 80 years, and their DE Safety Razor 34C HD showcases their commitment to quality and durability.
- Materials: This razor features a brass handle, die-cast zinc razor head, and electroplated surfaces in bright chrome.
- Blade Included: It comes with one blade to get you started.
- Time-Tested: Manufactured for 80 years, Merkur’s reputation speaks for itself.
6. Bonus: King C. Gillette Safety Razor Models
Gillette needs no introduction as the most recognized name in shaving. There are two Gillette safety razor models to choose from. The first features the razor and 15 blades.
- Materials: This razor is chrome-plated for long-lasting durability.
- Blade Included: Platinum-coated stainless steel blade count depends on which of the Gillette safety razor models you choose, either 15 or 5.
- Historic Feature: Closed comb head, perfected a century ago, for the best control.
In the world of grooming, where sustainability meets savings, safety razor shaving emerges as a triumphant choice. It’s not just about a smooth shave; it’s a pledge to a greener planet and a thicker wallet. Disposable razors might seem economical at first, but over the course of 50 years, the numbers don’t lie. So, why wait? Make the switch to safety razor shaving, and you’ll enjoy a smoother, more sustainable, and budget-friendly shaving experience for years to come. Your skin and your planet will thank you.