The 10 Best Razors at Every Price Point

Razor marketing is ninety percent nonsense. You don't need seventeen blades, a vibrating handle, or a lubricating strip the width of a racing stripe. What you need is a sharp blade, comfortable handle, and a shave that doesn't leave you looking like you lost a fight with a cat.

At the top: the Henson AL13 single-blade safety razor. Machined from aerospace-grade aluminum, it exposes just 0.68mm of blade for an incredibly close shave with almost zero irritation. The initial investment is $75, but replacement blades cost pennies each. Long-term, nothing is cheaper.

The Merkur 34C is the traditional safety razor recommendation for beginners. The short handle provides excellent control, the chrome finish is built to last generations, and the mild blade exposure is forgiving while you learn proper technique. At around $40, it's the gateway to better shaving.

Supply's Single Edge 2.0 splits the difference between safety razor precision and cartridge convenience. The injector-style blade is easier to load than a double-edge, and the three sensitivity settings let you dial in aggression. The stainless steel construction at $75 feels premium in hand.

For cartridge loyalists, Gillette Labs with the exfoliating bar is the most innovative design in years. The bar ahead of the blades clears debris before the blades engage, reducing passes needed. It's genuinely different from their other five-blade offerings.

Harry's razors at $9 for the handle deliver surprisingly good shaves for the price. The German-engineered blades are sharp and the rubberized handle provides grip. They won't convert safety razor devotees, but they're vastly better than disposables.

The Electric option: Braun's Series 9 Pro delivers the closest electric shave currently possible. Five shaving elements work simultaneously, and the cleaning station keeps the head hygienic. At $300 it's expensive, but it saves time every single morning.