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  4. 10 Best Eco-Friendly Razors in 2022 (Merkur, Vikings Blade, and More)
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  • 10 Best Eco-Friendly Razors in 2022 (Merkur, Vikings Blade, and More) 2
  • 10 Best Eco-Friendly Razors in 2022 (Merkur, Vikings Blade, and More) 3
  • 10 Best Eco-Friendly Razors in 2022 (Merkur, Vikings Blade, and More) 4
  • 10 Best Eco-Friendly Razors in 2022 (Merkur, Vikings Blade, and More) 5

10 Best Eco-Friendly Razors in 2022 (Merkur, Vikings Blade, and More)

It’s easy to see excessive plastic use when we go food shopping, but one area we might not pay as much attention to is in our shaving habits. Think about it: whether you use disposable razors where you throw away the whole thing or cartridge razors where the disposable blades are encased in plastic, all that waste can really add up if you shave a few times a week.

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!
Last updated 09/26/2023
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Table of Contents

How to Choose an Eco-Friendly Razor – Buying Guide

Here, we'll be introducing the following three important points to check when you choose an eco-friendly razor.

Points to Consider:

  1. Pick Between Cartridge and Reusable Razors
  2. Choose Based on What You're Shaving
  3. Start Out Easy With Extra Blades
1

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

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 are More Eco-Friendly but Have a Higher Upfront Cost
If you’re really looking for an eco-friendly razor, reusable razors with replaceable blades are likely your best bet. 

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.

2

Choose Based on What You're Shaving

Depending on what you’re shaving–back, face, arms, legs, or wherever–different razors might be better for you.

Safety Razors are Good for Hair Anywhere Thanks to Different Options

Safety Razors are Good for Hair Anywhere Thanks to Different Options
Safety razors are probably the most common type of reusable razor that you’ll find. These razors are great for nearly any kind of hair

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

Straight-Edge Razors are Best for Facial Hair and Great at Sharp Lines
Straight-edge razors are those razors that you see in all those old-timey movies and photos that look like they can take your head off. And while they are admittedly quite dangerous and do have the ability to do some damage if you’re not careful, they’re also fantastic at getting a very close shave.


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.

3

Start Out Easy With Extra Blades

Start Out Easy With Extra Blades
For first-time users of any new shaving system, having extra blades makes the transition a lot easier as you don’t have to worry about going out and finding replacements, which might be harder to locate than your standard Gillette head.


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.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Eco-Friendly Razors

Here are our 10 favorite eco-friendly razors for you to consider. ※These rankings were decided based on user reviews and popular rank lists from Amazon gathered on June 23, 2022.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Merkur

Merkur Futur Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor

Merkur Merkur Futur Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor 1

$62.50

High Mid

Our Best Pick! Adjustable Strength for a Fully Controlled Shave

2

Vikings Blade

Vikings Blade The Godfather Safety Razor

Vikings Blade Vikings Blade The Godfather Safety Razor 1

$36.97

Mid

Ergonomic Handle with a Mild Shave for Sensitive Skin

3

Weishi

Weishi Long Handle Double Edge Safety Razor

Weishi Weishi Long Handle Double Edge Safety Razor 1

$14.88

Low Mid

Affordable, Forgiving Razor Great for Beginners

4

Merkur

Merkur Classic 3-Piece Razor

Merkur Merkur Classic 3-Piece Razor 1

$28.88

Mid

Light Razor Suitable for Body or Facial Hair

5

Merkur

Merkur Slant Bar Double Edge Safety Razor

Merkur Merkur Slant Bar Double Edge Safety Razor 1

$45.51

High Mid

Slant Bar for a Close Shave

6

Bambaw

Double Edge Safety Razor with Long Natural Bamboo Handle

Bambaw Double Edge Safety Razor with Long Natural Bamboo Handle 1

$17.99

Low Mid

A Razor With a Biodegradable Bamboo Handle

7

Vikings Blade

Vikings Blade The Chieftain Safety Razor

Vikings Blade Vikings Blade The Chieftain Safety Razor 1

$42.99

High Mid

Easy-to-Use Safety Razor Great for Beards

8

Feather

Feather SS Folding Handle Razor

Feather Feather SS Folding Handle Razor 1

$65.00

High Mid

High-Quality Japanese Razor

9

Classic Samurai

Classic Samurai Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor

Classic Samurai Classic Samurai Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor 1

$13.95

Low Mid

Beginner Straight Edge With Replaceable Blades

10

Preserve

Preserve Shave 5 Five Blade Refillable Razor

Preserve Preserve Shave 5 Five Blade Refillable Razor 1

$12.99

Low Mid

Recycled Plastic Razor with Disposable Cartridges

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

MerkurMerkur Futur Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor

Merkur Futur Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$62.50
High Mid
Reference price
$62.50
High Mid

Our Best Pick! Adjustable Strength for a Fully Controlled Shave

Features:
  • adjustable-gap blade for a closer shave
  • elegant design with a matte finish
  • snap on safety cap
  • 6 settings for a mild to an extremely aggressive shave
  • beautifully designed razor that lasts forever
Recommended for:
  • great for those who shave multiple parts of their body or those who may need to shave twice in a day and don’t want to worry about irritation or razor burn

Reviewers—even those who love the Futur—mention that this razor is not for the inexperienced. It's harder to use, bulkier, and very sharp. You must be very careful when using it and especially when changing the blade.


Other reviewers like the heft of the product and claim it should last a lifetime, making it a good investment. It also gives a very close shave that people liked.

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

Vikings BladeVikings Blade The Godfather Safety Razor

Vikings Blade The Godfather Safety Razor 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$36.97
Mid
Reference price
$36.97
Mid

Ergonomic Handle with a Mild Shave for Sensitive Skin

Features:
  • 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.

No.3

WeishiWeishi Long Handle Double Edge Safety Razor

Weishi Long Handle Double Edge Safety Razor 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$14.88
Low Mid
Reference price
$14.88
Low Mid

Affordable, Forgiving Razor Great for Beginners

Features:
  • 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. 

No.4

MerkurMerkur Classic 3-Piece Razor

Merkur Classic 3-Piece Razor 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$28.88
Mid
Reference price
$28.88
Mid

Light Razor Suitable for Body or Facial Hair

Features:
  • 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.

No.5

MerkurMerkur Slant Bar Double Edge Safety Razor

Merkur Slant Bar Double Edge Safety Razor 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$45.51
High Mid
Reference price
$45.51
High Mid

Slant Bar for a Close Shave

Features:
  • 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.

No.6

BambawDouble Edge Safety Razor with Long Natural Bamboo Handle

Double Edge Safety Razor with Long Natural Bamboo Handle 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$17.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$17.99
Low Mid

A Razor With a Biodegradable Bamboo Handle

Features:
  • bamboo and stainless steel construct
  • digital user manual included
  • bamboo handle is fully biodegradable
Recommended for:
  • 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.

No.7

Vikings BladeVikings Blade The Chieftain Safety Razor

Vikings Blade The Chieftain Safety Razor 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$42.99
High Mid
Reference price
$42.99
High Mid

Easy-to-Use Safety Razor Great for Beards

Features:
  • vintage design and color
  • short handle for more precise control and heavy
  • carry case included
  • great for facial hair
  • optimized to make short, light strokes easier and more intuitive

Recommended for:

  • an aesthetically pleasing razor that functions reliably with minimal razor burn

The razor does not come with blades, as the company claims blade selection is subjective. This is also probably not the best choice for those with coarse hair. If you want something gentle and want some freedom for customization, though, this is a great choice!


Quite a few reviewers cut themselves on this blade and felt it was not a good blade for beginners. However, most reviewers felt that this razor produced great results and reliability.

No.8

FeatherFeather SS Folding Handle Razor

Feather SS Folding Handle Razor 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$65.00
High Mid
Reference price
$65.00
High Mid

High-Quality Japanese Razor

Features:
  • 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.

No.9

Classic SamuraiClassic Samurai Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor

Classic Samurai Stainless Steel Straight Edge Razor 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$13.95
Low Mid
Reference price
$13.95
Low Mid

Beginner Straight Edge With Replaceable Blades

Features:
  • 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.

No.10

PreservePreserve Shave 5 Five Blade Refillable Razor

Preserve Shave 5 Five Blade Refillable Razor 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$12.99
Low Mid
Reference price
$12.99
Low Mid

Recycled Plastic Razor with Disposable Cartridges

Features:
  • 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

How to Prep Your Skin for the Closest Shave Possible
Getting a close shave goes beyond having a good razor and some shaving cream. It’s equally important to prepare your skin ahead of time. No matter what body part you’re targeting, here are some pointers to get the closest shave of your life.


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: MerkurMerkur Futur Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor

No. 2: Vikings BladeVikings Blade The Godfather Safety Razor

No. 3: WeishiWeishi Long Handle Double Edge Safety Razor

No. 4: MerkurMerkur Classic 3-Piece Razor

No. 5: MerkurMerkur Slant Bar Double Edge Safety Razor

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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