When it comes to shaving with an electric razor or a razor blade, one thing we can all agree on is that the quality of the razor matters. 

Enter the Adjustable Safety razors! All safety razors appear similar from a glance, but they differ based on such things as the weight and positioning of the blades. 

The convenience of using disposable razors is undeniable since they are cheap and easy to maintain. Still, if you want a closer and comfortable shave, a safety razor should be at the top of the list. 

What Is an Adjustable Safety Razor

An Adjustable Safety Razor is a double edge razor that makes it possible to change the aggression of the razor.  

As some of the best easy-to-use cartridge razors, an adjustable razor helps the user find the best angles resulting in a close and comfortable shave. 

They are similar to the standard double edge razors in that they are sold as two-piece models compatible with even double edge blades. Adjustable safety razors have a dial located at the top of the handle or the bottom in some models where you can easily adjust the aggression of the shave. 

Benefits of Using an Adjustable Safety Razor

Just as the shaving soap’s consistency allows more precision, using an adjustable safety razor comes with many benefits that revolve around the shaving quality. 

Razor Aggression

One of the features that make the adjustable safety razors stand out is the aggression of the razor. 

Aggression when talking about a safety razor refers to how close a shave you get, whereby a very aggressive safety razor offers a very close shave than a “mild” adjustable safety razor. 

Provides a Close Shave

One of the reasons why seasoned wet shavers prefer adjustable safety razors is the close shave that only such razors can provide. 

This is all due to the design of the razors that makes it possible to adjust the aggressiveness of the razor. 

Adjustable Settings

An adjustable safety razor comes in at an advantage mainly because the razor is designed to adjust the settings based on how long the hair is when you are shaving.

The settings are also adjustable based on the type of shave that you are going for. At the end of the day, if you don’t shave every day, it is comforting to know that you can change the aggression of the razor depending on how long your facial hair has grown. 

How Do Adjustable Safety Razors Work

An adjustable safety razor is all about the freedom to adjust the settings and the aggression of the blades. 

There are certain specifications put in place when it comes to the design of the world’s best safety razor blades – the blade gap and the blade exposure.

The blade gap refers to the distance between the base plate and the blade, while the blade exposure is all about how well the blade sticks out when touching the skin when you are shaving. 

Adjustable safety razors vary in terms of the blade gap. When you are shaving, the blade gap comes with the blade exposure to either create a mild or a more aggressive shave. 

Pros and Cons of Using an Adjustable Safety Razor

Shaving is not something you want to do, but it is a necessity. There are so many types of razors on the market that you can choose from. If you choose between safety and cartridge razors, here are some pros and cons of the former that should help with your decision-making. 

Pros

• An adjustable safety razor is highly versatile in that you can adjust the settings to settle on the kind of an aggressive shave you want.
• An adjustable safety razor can be used on all hairs and whatever kind of a shave you are going for due to the adjustable settings.
• An adjustable safety razor helps you achieve a closer and comfortable shave that you don’t find when using other kinds of razors. 

Cons

• While the aggressiveness of safety razors is a plus, it can also be a challenge if you are not experienced. If you don’t know what you are doing, you might end up cutting yourself. As such, if you are new to safety razors, you are better off sticking to a mild safety razor. 
• Most adjustable safety razors feature only a single aggressiveness setting, which you have to put up with. 

How to Use an Adjustable Safety Razor 

Step 1 – Pre-shave routine

The first thing you need to do before you pick a razor is to prepare your skin for the shave. This means taking a shower first to soften your beard and open the pores. 

Step 2 – Apply shaving cream

Once you have cleaned your beard and face, you need to apply shaving cream for a comfortable shave. 

There are various natural shaving cream alternatives that you can use, although a natural homemade shaving cream would also work if you have one. 

If you have sensitive skin, you need to be careful about the shaving cream that you use. Luckily, the market is flooded with shaving gels for sensitive skin. 

Apply the cream or gel well using a shaving brush or your hands so that the razor glides effortlessly on the face. 

At this point, you might also want to bring out your premium shaving bowl before you begin shaving so that you don’t make a mess all over your bathroom counter. 

Step 3 – Start shaving

When you are shaving, always use a fresh blade. The first thing you need to do is to wet the razor with warm water. 

After that, hold the blade at a 30-degree angle on the skin to ensure that you achieve a close shave without cutting yourself.  

When you are shaving, make sure that the blade glides gently and that you are not exerting too much pressure on the skin. Let the weight of the safety razor do the work for you. 

Begin by shaving gently with the grain using short, even strokes. For an easier shave, you can hold the skin with one hand to tighten it when the razor passes over it. 

Step 4 – Clean the blade in between strokes

With a safety razor, hair and shaving cream or gel is likely to build up, which might affect the efficiency of the razor. 

To prevent that, make sure that you clean your blade in between strokes, so a shaving bowl is necessary. If you don’t have one, you can clean it under running water. 

Step 5 – Repeat the process

The first round should take care of the long facial hair. The second round will target any excess stubble and give you that close shave that safety razors are famous for. 

Before you do it, though, apply shaving cream or gel again. At this stage, you can either shave with or against the grain. 

Step 6 – Apply aftershave

Once you’ve achieved the kind of a shave you were going for, splash cold water on your face to soothe any irritation and close the pores. 

Next, apply a high-quality aftershave or a moisturizer to ensure that your skin doesn’t dry out excessively during the day. 

How to Clean an Adjustable Safety Razor 

Step 1 – Regular cleaning

This is the cleaning you do after a shave. Regular cleaning involves rinsing the razor with warm water and wiping the blades with a dry towel. 

Step 2 – Weekly or monthly cleaning

Depending on the mineral content of the water in your home, your adjustable safety razor needs a thorough cleaning once a week or monthly. 

For this type of cleaning, you need to disassemble the razor and dip the parts in warm soapy water. 

Using a rag, clean each part before rinsing with warm water. When cleaning, make sure that you don’t use abrasive cleaners or cloths since these might scratch the shiny finish of the safety razor. 

Step 3 – Deep cleaning

Once in a while, your safety razor needs to be given a deeper cleaning. Soak the razor parts for ten minutes in a diluted water and vinegar solution to dissolve the minerals as well as the scum that may have accumulated over time. 

After they have soaked, use a rag or a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean the parts. After cleaning, rinse with warm water and put somewhere to dry. 

You might want to consider adding a shaving brush stand to your grooming kit to help dry the razor parts well. 

Adjustable vs Non-Adjustable Safety Razor

If you have decided to try safety razors, you will struggle with trying to decide whether to go with an adjustable or non-adjustable safety razor. 

Both safety razors give you a comfortable and clean shave, but there are subtle differences that would make you choose one over the other.

For instance, adjustable safety razors are more prone to breaking than non-adjustable ones. They are also pricier and are trickier to use, especially for beginners.

If you are a beginner, therefore, you are better off starting with a non-adjustable safety razor so that you can perfect your technique first before moving on to the aggressive, adjustable safety razors. 

Does More Spending Mean More Quality

Just like with waterproof foil shavers, when you are buying an adjustable safety razor, more spending sometimes does mean more quality. 

High-quality safety razors are made with high-quality materials that don’t scratch or rust easily. Such razors also have a good settings range and the handles are long and comfortable to hold. 

Do’s and Don’ts With Adjustable Safety Razors

Do’s

• Do prepare your skin before you shave by cleaning it with warm water to open the pores and soften the facial hair.
• Do lather up with good shaving cream or gel to make sure that the blade glides effortlessly against the skin. 
• Do adjust the settings depending on the length of the hair and the kind of a shave you want.
• Do hold the razor at the right angle. Adjustable safety razors don’t come with a pivoting head like other disposable razors hence why you must hold the razor at a 30- or 45-degree angle.
• Do shave with the grain and use short, even strokes rather than continuous strokes. 

Don’ts

• Do not skip the aftershave once you are done. Ideally, you could also use a good-quality moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated throughout the day. 
• Do not put too much pressure on the razor when you are shaving to avoid grazing your skin in the process.

FAQ About Adjustable Safety Razors

What is a good adjustable safety razor for beginners?

One of the best adjustable safety razors for beginners is the Parker Variant Adjustable Double-Edged Razor due to its mild setting. 

What is the best adjustable safety razor for sensitive skin?

A slant safety razor is the best option for anyone with sensitive skin. Just as the name suggests, these razors shave at an angle that produces less resistance and ensures that the blades cut smoothly. 

Where can you buy adjustable safety razors?

You can buy adjustable safety razors at any physical store that carries them like Walmart or online shops like Amazon, eBay, and the likes. 

Conclusion

Adjustable safety razors are a bit hard to get used to, but once you master shaving with them, it’s hard to go back to other regular razors. They come with an adjustable setting whereby you can change the aggressiveness of the blade for a closer shave. If you decide to go for an adjustable safety razor, make sure that you choose a high-quality razor that is comfortable to shave with and one that will last you a long time since such razors are expensive.  

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