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10 Best Metal Razors
Published 11/12/2026
A metal razor, often called a safety razor, holds replaceable steel blades in an all-metal head, so you stop buying plastic cartridges and pay pennies per blade. These ten razors run from about $22 to $150, from classic double-edge designs to adjustable and pivoting heads. Dermaplaning razors handle facial peach fuzz.
Our top picks
Swipe →Compare the best metal razors
The table compares each razor's build, head type and blade setup, and how it feels in use. Heavier brass and steel razors glide with less pressure, while adjustable heads let you change how bold the shave feels.
| Pick | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | First-time safety razor users | Dialing in a custom shave | Traditional wet shavers | Cartridge users switching over | Men with coarse beards | Growing into bolder shaves | Daily with-the-grain shaves | Men prone to razor burn | A gift for a wet shaver | Trying a metal razor cheaply |
| Material | Aircraft aluminum | 316L stainless steel | Chrome-plated brass | All-metal body | Solid metal, Japanese blade | Graphite-finish metal | Chrome-plated metal | Chrome-plated metal | Triple-plated brass | Metal alloy |
| Shape | Double edge, fixed | Double edge, 6 plates | Double edge, short handle | Pivoting, two blades | Single edge, pivoting | Double edge, adjustable | Double edge, closed comb | Double edge, weighted | Double edge, classic | Double edge, light |
| Feel | Mild, light | Heavy, smooth | Heavy, controlled | Easy, close | Rigid, close | Hefty, versatile | Smooth, mild | Weighted, classic | Balanced, smooth | Light, simple |
|
Edyt score
Methodology: The Edyt Score reflects a comprehensive analysis of ingredient profiles, concentration levels, and formulation standards. It is an objective technical evaluation of the product's composition, separate from crowd-sourced user reviews. | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.3 |
| Notes | Aerospace made · Mild shave | 6 settings · 316L steel | Brass handle · Closed comb | Pivoting head · Two blades | Single edge · Japanese blade | 5 settings · Long handle | Closed comb · Plastic free | Chrome plated · Starter blades | Solid brass · Sheffield made | Budget · 5 blades |
| $ / size | $94.45 | $150.00 | $50.00 | $109.00 | $59.00 | $67.77 | $48.00 | $75.00 | $36.42 | $21.75 |
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Our picks, explained
Best overall
Henson Shaving AL13 Aluminum Safety Razor
Aerospace machining holds the blade rigid at a 30-degree angle for a mild shave.
Henson comes from an aerospace machine shop, and its AL13 head clamps the blade close to the edge so it barely flexes, which cuts down on nicks. The 30-degree angle and mild aggression make it forgiving for beginners. Wide open channels rinse lather clean, and the box includes five spare blades.
Why it makes the list
- Rigid blade support reduces chatter and nicks.
- Mild blade exposure is gentle while you learn the technique.
- The light aluminum body resists corrosion in a wet bathroom.
What to keep in mind
- Light aluminum gives less built-in weight than brass razors.
Best splurge
Rockwell Razors 6S Adjustable Stainless Steel Safety Razor
Solid 316L stainless steel with six blade gaps from three reversible plates.
Rockwell machines the 6S from solid 316L stainless steel, about three times the weight of a cartridge razor, so it glides with no extra pressure. Three double-sided base plates give six blade gaps, from 1 for the neck to 6 for a week of growth. Five Swedish blades come with it.
Why it makes the list
- Six settings adapt the shave from sensitive necks to heavy stubble.
- Solid stainless steel will not chip, flake, or rust.
What to keep in mind
- At $150, it costs more than double the 6C version.
- Swapping base plates takes a minute between settings.
Best classic
Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Safety Razor
A heavy brass German classic with a closed comb and a short, grippy handle.
Merkur has made razors in Germany for over 100 years, and the 34C is one of its most popular, a two-piece design with a chrome-plated brass handle. The closed comb guards the skin from nicks, while a generous blade gap lets soap and hair drain. Its short, heavy handle gives good control.
Why it makes the list
- Brass weight lets the razor do the work without pressure.
- The two-piece twist design makes blade changes quick.
What to keep in mind
- The short handle can feel cramped in large hands.
Best pivoting head
Leaf Shave Leaf Two Pivoting Safety Razor
A spring-loaded pivoting head with two single-edge blades and magnetic loading.
Leaf Shave gives its all-metal razor a spring-loaded pivoting head that follows the face, body, and scalp, so it feels closer to a cartridge than a classic safety razor. Two guarded single-edge blades load with a magnetic assist. The kit includes a stand, 50 blades, a recycling tin, and a silicone grip sleeve.
Why it makes the list
- The pivoting head keeps the angle for you on curves.
- The recycling tin makes spent blades easy to store safely.
- A silicone sleeve adds grip in the shower.
What to keep in mind
- Two blades can irritate very sensitive skin more than one.
Best single edge
Supply Single Edge MAX Pivoting Safety Razor
A thick Japanese single-edge blade on a pivoting head, loaded magnetically.
Supply's MAX holds one thick Japanese steel blade, made in Seki City and about twice the thickness of a standard edge, on a pivoting head that keeps the cutting angle along the jaw. The magnetic SwitchBlade system loads blades without touching an edge. Most men learn the technique within five to ten shaves.
Why it makes the list
- The thick blade stays rigid on coarse, dense beards.
- Magnetic loading keeps fingers away from the edge.
What to keep in mind
- It only takes Supply MAX blades, not standard ones.
- Brand blades cost more than generic double-edge refills.
Best adjustable value
Parker Variant Adjustable Safety Razor
A dial with five settings adjusts blade exposure from mild to aggressive.
Parker's Variant uses a knob on the base to set blade exposure across five settings, so you can start mild and turn it up as your skill improves. The closed-comb head sits on a long 4-inch handle that weighs about 110 grams. Five Parker platinum blades come in the box.
Why it makes the list
- Five dial settings suit beginners and experienced shavers alike.
- The long handle gives room for large hands.
What to keep in mind
- The adjustable mechanism takes more cleaning than a fixed head.
Best everyday shave
Mühle R89 Closed Comb Safety Razor
A German closed-comb head with a foam gap that prevents lather build-up.
Mühle's R89 head pairs a closed-tooth comb with a gap behind the edge that stops lather from building up, and its blade angle is set for a close, smooth pass. The chrome handle comes in plastic-free packaging from a member of Saxony's Environmental Alliance. It suits daily shaving with the grain.
Why it makes the list
- The foam gap keeps the head clear during a full shave.
- Plastic-free packaging suits a low-waste bathroom routine.
What to keep in mind
- Its mild head may need extra passes on a week of growth.
Best for razor burn
Baxter of California Double Edge Safety Razor
A weighted, chrome-plated German razor designed to reduce razor burn and ingrowns.
Baxter of California, the men's grooming brand, sells this chrome-plated traditional razor made in Germany with a weighted metal handle. One blade per pass means less dragging over the skin than multi-blade cartridges, which helps with razor burn and ingrown hairs. A pack of starter blades is included.
Why it makes the list
- The weighted handle helps the blade glide without pressing.
- It is made in Germany with a classic chrome finish.
What to keep in mind
- It costs more than similar German razors from Merkur.
Best British craftsmanship
Edwin Jagger DE89 Chrome Safety Razor
A solid brass, triple-plated Sheffield razor with the well-regarded DE8 head.
Edwin Jagger machines the DE89 from solid brass in Sheffield, England, then triple plates and hand polishes it in chrome. Its DE8 head gives a smooth, comfortable shave that many wet shavers treat as a benchmark. Smart presentation packaging and a care booklet make it an easy gift.
Why it makes the list
- Solid brass gives a balanced, weighty feel.
- Gift packaging and a care booklet come with it.
What to keep in mind
- Blades are not included, so buy a pack separately.
- Chrome plating can wear with years of hard use.
Best budget
Bambaw Silver Double Edge Safety Razor
A low-cost reusable razor with five stainless steel blades included.
Bambaw keeps the price near $22 for a reusable metal razor that comes with five stainless steel blades, each wrapped in wax paper. It works for men and women on the face, legs, and underarms. Replacing only the blade cuts plastic waste and long-term cost.
Why it makes the list
- The low price makes it easy to try safety shaving.
- Five blades come with the razor for the first month.
What to keep in mind
- The lighter build gives less glide than brass or steel razors.
How we made this list
We kept all-metal safety razors that take replaceable blades and left out plastic cartridge razors, disposables, straight razors, and electric shavers. Head design, blade type, adjustability, weight, and price set the order, with one razor per brand and our splurge pick placed second for anyone shopping at the top. Rankings come from each brand's published specs, not our own testing.
- Required all-metal builds. Every razor has a metal head and handle that takes replaceable steel blades.
- Compared the heads. Closed combs, pivoting heads, and adjustable gaps each earned credit for different skin and beards.
- Weighed the cost. Blade price and availability mattered, since brand-only blades cost more over time.
- Kept one per brand. Each brand appears once, so prices run from about $22 to $150.
FAQ
What is the best metal razor?
The Henson AL13 is the best all-round metal razor, with an aerospace-machined head that holds the blade rigid at a mild 30-degree angle, which keeps nicks rare for beginners. It costs about $95 with five spare blades. For a lifetime splurge with six adjustable settings, the Rockwell 6S in solid stainless steel is the pick.
Are metal safety razors better for sensitive skin?
Many people with sensitive skin find a single sharp blade gentler than a cartridge, since one blade passes over the skin once and does not tug hair below the surface. The key is technique, with no pressure, a shallow angle, and short strokes. Adjustable razors like the Rockwell 6S and Parker Variant let you start on a mild setting.
How often should you change a safety razor blade?
Most people change a double-edge blade every five to seven shaves, or sooner with a coarse beard or if it starts to tug. Blades are cheap, often well under a dollar each, so swapping often keeps every shave comfortable. Drop used blades into a blade bank or tin rather than loose in the trash.
How did Edyt Beauty pick these?
We kept all-metal safety razors that take standard or brand blades, then compared the head design, blade type, adjustability, weight, and price, with one razor per brand. The Henson AL13 leads because its rigid, mild head makes the switch from cartridges easier than any other razor here.
What should you put on your skin after a safety razor shave?
Rinse with cool water to clear away leftover lather, then pat the skin dry. A fragrance-free balm or one of the moisturizers for razor burn calms redness along the neck and jaw. If bumps appear a day or two later, ingrown hair treatments with salicylic or glycolic acid help free trapped hairs.
This is general beauty guidance, not medical advice. Patch-test new products if you have sensitive skin or known allergies.
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