What is a DE razor and should you use one to shave your head and face?
A double edge (DE) razor is the style of razor that came after the straight razor. The straight razor is the original style of razor used by men to shave their face. The DE razor was invented by King Camp Gillette in the early 1900s and became known as the safety razor. It was marketed as a safer option to the straight razor. Unlike the straight razor which is applied directly to the skin, the DE blade sits inside a handle, gives the user more control and is used in a similar fashion as today’s cartridge and disposable razors. The double edge blade is known for providing a close, clean shave with its single blade that can be used on both sides, hence the double edge name. The DE blade is also known to work well on men who experience ingrown hairs.
The DE style razor was the predominant style of commercially available razors for men until the 1970s. By that point, cartridge style and disposable razors were popular, a trend that continues to this day.
DE Razor Benefits
The double edge razor features a number of benefits that users enjoy.
A Close Shave
DE blades are known to give clean, close shaves with a single blade. They are also much cheaper (see below) to replace than disposables. That way you can change them quicker and not worry about the cost.
One Blade
While a cheap disposable one blade razor is something I avoid, the DE razor only has one blade and performs much better. DE blades tend to be higher quality than cheap disposables and with only one blade, there is less dragging of blades across your skin as with the 2+ blade razor varieties. This can lead to skin irritation and ingrown hairs among other things. The double edge razor is – as the name suggests – sharp on both edges. You can use both edges for shaving.
Lower Cost
A double edge razor requires the purchase of a handle. These can cost $20-$60 on average but you can find cheaper (and more expensive) ones if desired. So there is an up front cost. The razor blades themselves tend to be quite cheap, however. Whereas a decent disposable razor might cost $1 or more each – I said decent razor, not a cheap BIC Sensitive in packs of 10 for $2 – DE blades cost as little as 10 cents each in bulk on Amazon for various brands. You will pay more for respected brands like Merkur.
Over time, the higher up front cost of the DE razor product handle stands up well to the very low cost of the razor blade replacements. Certainly when compared to disposable and cartridge razors. DE blades are cheap because they have been available for so long and are so basic, there are no remaining patents. Thus they can be produced and sold cheaply.
Less Ingrown Hairs
DE blades are known for being helpful to men who suffer from ingrown hairs. Multi-blade razors use the first blade to pull up the hair and the second and subsequent blade(s) to actually cut the hair. This causes the hair to be cut underneath the skin. It provides a closer shave that lasts longer but it comes with a price. Cutting the hair beneath the skin leads to skin irritation and ingrown hairs for some men. The double edge razor is a single blade that cuts the hair on its own at skin level. There is less chance of ingrown hairs.
Good For Coarse Hair
Men who have coarse beard hair will notice a difference. DE razor blades tend to be a better choice for coarse hair. The coarser and more hair you have, the more likely it will clog the blades on a common multi-blade razor. The DE razor provides more control and only has a single blade that doesn’t clog as easily.
DE Razor Blade Reviews
MERKUR Mk34C
German company DOVO Stahlwaren produces the signature MERKUR double edge razors in Germany. DOVO began strictly as a razor manufacturer but has branched out and also makes straight razors and other men’s products. MERKUR brand is widely considered one of the best if not the best DE blades on the market. Their 34C blade is a very popular and much-discussed blade. It’s also very easy to find due to its popularity and history. Shavers have been using this blade for around 100 years. It is considered “the perfect starter razor.” Check out the DOVO Stahlwaren website to learn more about their long history producing DE blades.
Edwin Jagger DE Safety Razor
Established in the UK in 1988, Edwin Jagger has over 30 years of experience producing high end DE razors. Their shavers are considered to be appropriate for both new and experienced shavers. You can easily find Edwin Jagger blades online.
Parker 99R
Parker Safety Razor have over 40 years of manufacturing shaving and men’s accessories. This model is heavy for more control and is hand made. You can also easily find Parker blades online.
Conclusion
- What is a DE razor? A double edge (DE) razor is a single blade razor used in conjunction with a handle device. DE razors came before the disposable and cartridge razor blades commonly used today.
- A safety razor is another name for a DE razor. Double edge razors were perceived to be safer than the straight razor they replaced. We talk more about the broad safety razor sector here.
- DE razors require the purchase of a handle that may be expensive up front. But DE razor blade replacements are very cheap, often as low as 10 cents per blade in bulk.
- DE razors tend to be good for men with coarse hair and those who suffer from ingrown hairs.
- Double edge razor blades are widely available in stores and online as are the razor handles.
Have you used a double edge razor? If so, what brand/model and how was your experience?
