10 Best Eco-Friendly Razors in 2022 (Merkur, Vikings Blade, and More)
Luckily, all-metal, reusable razors are making a comeback, making it easy for you to get an eco-friendly shave. But it can be hard to figure out where to begin when you’re starting from scratch. In this guide, we’ll go over the major points to look for when buying an eco-friendly razor. At the end, we’ve also got a list of our 10 favorites to get you started on your search, including our top pick, Merkur's Futur Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor!
Quick List - Top Eco-Friendly Razors
Vikings Blade
Ergonomic Handle with a Mild Shave for Sensitive Skin
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How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Razor – Buying Guide
Points to Consider:
- Pick Between Cartridge and Reusable Razors
- Choose Based on What You're Shaving
- Start Out Easy With Extra Blades
Pick Between Cartridge and Reusable Razors
There are two different types of razors, cartridge and reusable, with each having its own pros and cons—especially when considering eco-friendliness. Remember, however, that eco-friendly means something different to everybody, and it’s up to you to figure out what feels best for your situation.
Cartridge Razors are Easier to Use but Not as Eco-Friendly
We’re all used to using those plastic multi-blade cartridge razors, and it can be hard to give them up since they’re so easy to use and don’t involve any scary unprotected blades.
And believe it or not, there actually are more eco-friendly options made from recycled plastics, allowing what would otherwise be single-use plastic to find new life.
However, they do involve plastics that end up back in the environment eventually, and even if you can reuse the handle, the cartridges need to be thrown away. So they may not be the best for those looking to cut down completely on waste. On top of that, cartridge razors provide fewer options and aren’t likely to work for coarser hair.
Reusable Razors are More Eco-Friendly but Have a Higher Upfront Cost
Reusable razors generally feature a sturdy handle made from metal with blades that can be replaced as they dull. Unlike cartridge razor heads which are metal and plastic, these blades are just metal and can be recycled once you’ve accumulated enough of them.
They are more expensive upfront as the quality of the handle is much higher. However, replacement blades are incredibly cheap, so the price does even out over time.
Choose Based on What You're Shaving
Safety Razors are Good for Hair Anywhere Thanks to Different Options
There are a variety of different options when it comes to safety bars and aggressiveness (the space between the blade and the safety bar), some of which are better for coarse hair and some are better for finer hair.
For coarse facial hair that can be hard to shave, look for a razor with a lot of space between the safety bar and the blade or an open comb—a razor with a comb-shaped guide instead of a safety bar. You can also look for a slant-bar razor, allowing for a gentler, closer shave. (It’s particularly good for hair on the neck.)
You can also look for a razor with a closed comb for a safe shave, and adjustable razors for different levels of coarseness.
Straight-Edge Razors are Best for Facial Hair and Great at Sharp Lines
The fact that they have unprotected, easy to see blades means that you can also get some pretty sharp lines, if you’re into that. They’re best for smaller areas where you need a lot of control, so they’re basically only recommended for facial use.
Start Out Easy With Extra Blades
Many eco-friendly razors come with extra blades, so be on the lookout for sets if you know you might get a little too lazy to look for refills as time passes.
10 Best Eco-Friendly Razors
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Merkur Futur | | Streamlined Adjustable Razor Made of German Steel | |
2 | Vikings Blade Vikings Blade The Godfather Safety Razor | | Ergonomic Handle with a Mild Shave for Sensitive Skin | |
3 | Weishi Weishi Long Handle Double Edge Safety Razor | | Affordable, Forgiving Razor Great for Beginners | |
4 | Merkur Merkur Classic 3-Piece Razor | | Light Razor Suitable for Body or Facial Hair | |
5 | Merkur Merkur Slant Bar Double Edge Safety Razor | | Slant Bar for a Close Shave | |
6 | Bambaw Double Edge Safety Razor with Long Natural Bamboo Handle | | A Razor With a Biodegradable Bamboo Handle | |
7 | Vikings Blade The Chieftain Safety Razor | | AChrome-Plated Twist-To-Open Razor With a Heavily Textured Grip | |
8 | Feather Feather SS Folding Handle Razor | | High-Quality Japanese Razor | |
9 | Classic Samurai Classic Samurai Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor | | Beginner Straight Edge With Replaceable Blades | |
10 | Preserve Preserve Shave 5 Five Blade Refillable Razor | | Recycled Plastic Razor with Disposable Cartridges |
MerkurFutur
Streamlined Adjustable Razor Made of German Steel
Despite its name and modern appearance, this razor entered production nearly four decades ago. Its stainless steel construction allows for a considerable amount of weight as well as corrosion resistance. The brass internals have a similar weight and corrosion resistance but provide lower friction for the adjustment mechanism. Speaking of which, the standout feature of this razor is the adjustment mechanism: twist the handle to take the razor from mild to aggressive and anywhere in between. Many users appreciate the ability to modify the shave to suit their preferences and blades of choice. Some users had reservations about the large head, which can sometimes make shaving in tight places, such as under the nose, a bit more challenging.
Ergonomic Handle with a Mild Shave for Sensitive Skin
- carry case included
- made from Swedish alloy
- designed to last long-term and for mild and gentle shaving
- ergonomic, comfortable for safety razor novices and pros alike
- built-in safety features to ensure you’re loading the blade properly
- mild shave that’s easy on sensitive skin
Recommended for:
- a great quality razor that takes a little adjustment to get used to, but provides a smooth, easy shave
This razor would make a great gift as it comes with extra blades as well as a carrying case. On top of that, the company is extremely responsive and quick to reply to any questions or concerns. And if you need replacement blades, check them out here.
A couple of reviewers were unhappy that the screw connecting the head to the handle wears down over time, which means that these razors do not last forever. Men and women both reviewed the product, though the razor is advertised for men. Reviewers liked the long handle, aesthetics, and smooth shave.
Affordable, Forgiving Razor Great for Beginners
- easy-to-change blade with a butterfly opening
- safety razor
- long, non-slip handle
- easy to use for beginners
- blade exposure is low, which makes for a safer shave
Recommended for:
- men and women with sensitive skin looking for a mid-range, affordable safety razor
The handle length on this razor is comparable to that of a normal disposable razor, which makes switching over much easier than a shorter, heavier handle would. Also, this product can be used on both men and women.
However, reviewers complain that they still got razor burn after using this product and they didn't like the blades that came with the Weishi. Luckily, this can be easily fixed by buying your preferred blades and inserting them into the mechanism. Reviewers were happy with the price point and the butterfly mechanism.
Light Razor Suitable for Body or Facial Hair
- closed comb design is more forgiving to mistakes
- longer than average, non-slip handle
- includes one replaceable blade
- easy to grip with its slimmer, slightly longer than average profile
Recommended for:
- wet shaving beginners who want a lightweight razor with affordable options for replacement blades
As this razor is on the lighter, more forgiving side, it might take a couple passes to get as smooth of a shave as you’re looking for and isn’t best for very coarse hair. Reviewers found it hard to change the blade and felt they had to swipe too many times to shave off all the hair in the area they were working on.
On the other hand, reviewers love that the range of options and affordability of the replacement blads you could buy for this razor. They also like how gentle it was and that they could shave with significantly fewer nicks than a regular disposable blade.
Slant Bar for a Close Shave
- short, heavy handle
- very aggressive, close shave
- slant bar design offers a closer, more aggressive shave
- more exposed blade that's great for those with coarse hair
- thick handle with grooves for a secure grip
- aggressive enough to get the job done in one pass
Recommended for:
- experienced shavers with coarse hair who want an extremely close shave
Reviewers say that the new model of this slant bar razor is not as good as the previous one and doesn't give you as aggressive of a shave anymore. And although the slanted blade takes some getting used to, reviewers claim it is the perfect angle to get a closer shave and liked that you don't need to apply any pressure to shave.
BambawDouble Edge Safety Razor with Long Natural Bamboo Handle
A Razor With a Biodegradable Bamboo Handle
- bamboo and stainless steel construct
- digital user manual included
- bamboo handle is fully biodegradable
- leaving a very small ecological footprint while maintaining a great shave
The handle of this razor might be a bit thick for those with smaller hands, and no blades are included, although it fits any double-edged razor blade, which are easy to find. Switching out blades can be scary, though, so check out this easy tool to dispose of used ones.
Reviewers talk about the varying issues with the quality of the device. After a few uses, the handle would split, or the screws would start having issues. You should oil the handle occasionally to maintain its condition. On the other hand, reviewers like the in-depth user manual, the weight of the device, and the ease of use.
Vikings BladeThe Chieftain Safety Razor
AChrome-Plated Twist-To-Open Razor With a Heavily Textured Grip
High-Quality Japanese Razor
- unique design with a folding handle
- heat-resistant, disinfectant-resistant
- single-edged blade
- even weight, secure blade exposure, and a grippy resin handle
- can be heated up to 275ºF for sterilization
Recommended for:
- users who want a new professional, slower, and controlled shaving experience
This high-quality straight edge razor doesn’t come with replacement blades, and you’ll have to order them online when you need them. The instructions are also only in Japanese, so this may not be best for straight edge beginners.
Since the product only includes the razor and no blades, reviewers were disappointed. It also takes more time to shave with this type of razor than traditional double-edged blades. However, reviewers were generally pleased with the product, saying that it is a forgiving tool that allows more control over your final shave.
Classic SamuraiClassic Samurai Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor
Beginner Straight Edge With Replaceable Blades
- comes with 100 blades
- made completely from surgical grade stainless steel
- compatible with other brands of single-blades
- replaceable blade and is great for beginners
- nice weight to the handle which allows you to comfortably back off on applying too much pressure
Recommended for:
- people looking for an economical straight-edged razor that is easy to maintain
Some reviewers note that there may be some inconsistencies in the blade grip, so there’s a possibility that you might have to do an exchange. Also, despite being great for beginners, it’s still a straight-edge razor, and there is a learning curve. Reviewers liked how this is low maintenance, good for trimming facial hair, and the blades are easy to replace.
PreservePreserve Shave 5 Five Blade Refillable Razor
Recycled Plastic Razor with Disposable Cartridges
- made from recycled plastics
- 5-blade cartridges that are ceramic coated and nickel-free
- moisturizing strip in the cartridge with aloe and cocoa butter
- comes with a traveling case
- cruelty-free and 90% made in the USA
Recommended for:
- sensitive skin folks who love disposable quality razors but want an eco-friendly, vegan option
Some reviewers note that the blades rust pretty quickly, leading them to have to change cartridges more often thereby producing more waste. So, these are best only for those who really can’t give up the ease of disposable razors.
Most reviewers were happy that this product is eco-friendly and cruelty-free. People with sensitive skin like Preserve for its gentle shave and nickel-free design. And if you're looking for more eco-friendly products, check out their toothbrushes here.
How to Prep Your Skin for the Closest Shave Possible
Shave in or just after a shower. There are two reasons for this–one, the warm water and steam will help to soften your skin and open up your pores to allow you to shave closer to the bottom of the hair. And two, when you shave just after giving your skin a gentle exfoliating scrub, you prevent your razor from getting overloaded with dead skin cells.
But make sure your shower isn’t too hot. Hotter water means softer skin, but if your skin is too soft when you shave, you risk cutting yourself. So if you like hot showers, allow your skin a few minutes to cool down before you shave.
Finish up Your Skincare Routine with These Products!
For most people, grooming doesn't stop at shaving. Here are more great products to help you finish the job.
Top 5 Eco-Friendly Razors
No. 1: Merkur｜Futur
No. 2: Vikings Blade｜Vikings Blade The Godfather Safety Razor
No. 3: Weishi｜Weishi Long Handle Double Edge Safety Razor
No. 4: Merkur｜Merkur Classic 3-Piece Razor
No. 5: Merkur｜Merkur Slant Bar Double Edge Safety Razor
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.