Article: Which Safety Razor Should a Beginner Choose?
Which Safety Razor Should a Beginner Choose?
In short: to start with a safety razor, choose a closed comb model (also called a closed head). It exposes less of the blade, so it is more forgiving and suits sensitive skin. Keep the open comb for dense beards and experienced users. Our Essentiel Black Safety Razor is a good first razor at €50, and a pack of ten blades costs €10. The technique takes two to three weeks to learn: hold the razor at about 30°, don't press, and let the weight of the razor do the work.
A safety razor uses a single double-edged blade held between a head and a comb. It shaves close with fewer passes than a multi-blade cartridge, which limits irritation, and only the blade needs replacing. Here is how to choose one and use it well.
Closed comb or open comb: which should you choose?
| Head type | Blade contact | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Closed comb (closed head) | Gradual: a solid bar protects the skin under the edge | Beginners, sensitive skin, daily shaving |
| Open comb | More direct: teeth let hair and lather pass through | Long, dense or several-day beards, experienced users |
Most Plisson safety razors are available in both versions. You choose the head when you order.
Other things to consider
- Weight: a heavier razor, in solid brass for example, glides without you having to press. That helps you learn the right technique.
- Handle length: around 10 to 11 cm suits most hands.
- Blades: all our safety razors take standard double-edge blades, such as our pack of 10 blades.
- Handle material: steel, precious wood, lacquer, horn, or palladium and gold finishes. It is a matter of style and budget.
Which Plisson safety razor for a beginner?
- To try it out: the Essentiel Black Safety Razor (€50), with a closed comb, presented in its Plisson 1808 box.
- A first razor built to last: the Black Lacquer Safety Razor or the Matte Black Beechwood Safety Razor (€165), in the closed comb version.
- In precious wood: the Olive Wood Safety Razor or the Macassar Ebony Safety Razor, from €195 to €205.
See all models in our safety razor collection.
How to use a safety razor in 5 steps
- Prepare your skin: rinse your face with hot water to soften the hair.
- Build a lather with a shaving brush: using a shaving soap or a shaving cream. The brush lifts the hair and protects the skin. See how to choose a shaving brush.
- Find the right angle: lay the head flat on your cheek, then lower the handle until the blade touches the skin, at about 30°.
- Shave without pressing: short strokes with the grain. The weight of the razor is enough. Rinse the head often.
- Finish: rinse with cold water, then apply an aftershave balm.
Frequently asked questions
Is a safety razor dangerous for a beginner?
No, not with a closed comb. The head protects the skin and only a thin part of the edge is exposed. Small nicks in the first few days almost always come from pressing too hard or holding the razor at too wide an angle.
How much does shaving with a safety razor cost?
Once you own the razor, only the blades need replacing: €10 for ten at Plisson. A blade usually lasts several shaves depending on your beard, which is far cheaper than multi-blade cartridges.
Safety razor or multi-blade: which causes less irritation?
Usually the safety razor, because it needs fewer passes over the skin. We compare both in detail in single-blade vs multi-blade razors: which is better?
Can I fly with a safety razor?
The razor without a blade, yes. Spare blades are generally not allowed in cabin baggage: pack them in your checked luggage.
Are Plisson safety razors made in France?
Yes, our razors are made and assembled in our workshops in France.
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