Methodology
How we test safety razors
A razor is a simple object, which makes it easy to check properly. Here are the five things we look at, and what we do about each one.
Our criteria
- The full range of the dial. We shave at every setting, not just the middle one. A dial is only worth having if the lowest number is genuinely forgiving and the highest one is genuinely close.
- Weight and where it sits. 81 grams is the figure. What matters more is where those grams sit: a razor that is head-heavy drops into the stroke on its own, which is the point.
- Grip with wet, soapy hands. Knurling that works dry and slips wet is knurling that failed. We hold it under the tap, with lather on, and see whether the pattern still bites.
- Changing the blade. Three pieces, one thread. We count how long a change takes and whether you ever have to put a finger near an edge to do it.
- Finish after a month in a bathroom. Steam, soap and splashes, every day. We look at the plating around the dial and the base of the handle, which is where wear shows first.
What happens if it is not right for you
Shaving preference is personal, and a dial only narrows the gap so far. So the decision stays reversible for a month. Every order carries a 30-day money-back guarantee, so the risk is on us, not you.