5 Best Razors
With a monthly cost under SEK 30
Written by Simon Klaren, barber
Sometimes it can be difficult to keep track of how much money you spend on shaving, and what it actually costs over a longer period. Here we have put together an overview of the cost of using five of our best safety razors in different categories, with matching blades, over a ten-year period. Compare this with what you spend on your shave every month. It does not get more cost-effective than this!
A safety razor is, thanks to its affordable blades, efficiency and solid quality, one of the most economical shaving tools you can use. In that respect, it is also unbeatable compared with other types of shaving systems. Even though safety razors are generally meant to last a lifetime, we have based this calculation on a ten-year lifespan and divided it by twelve months to get the monthly cost, along with an average use of four blades per month (one per week). For simplicity, we have set the upper limit at a monthly cost of SEK 30, but every option comes in below that – most of them significantly lower. A good shave really pays off!
Merkur 34C
A great standard razor in German quality with a short handle for those who want a safety razor with a little less weight and do not have overly large hands.
Over a ten-year period, the cost of the razor together with four Derby Premium blades (SEK 29 per 5-pack) comes to around SEK 27.20/month.
Merkur 15C
This razor is perfect for those with slightly more sensitive skin and who may not shave as frequently. Believe it or not, Merkur’s open comb design is the mildest the company offers. That said, the design allows stubble and lather to pass through the razor more easily, resulting in a very smooth and comfortable shave, even with longer and coarser stubble.
Over a ten-year period, the cost of the razor together with four Derby Premium blades (SEK 29 per 5-pack) comes to around SEK 26.70/month.
Sailor's 99R or 98R
Our most affordable safety razors, especially suitable for beginners who want a great entry point with good quality for the money. Available both as a butterfly model (99R) and a traditional three-piece version where you unscrew the head (98R).
Over a ten-year period, the cost of the razor together with four Derby Premium blades (SEK 29 per 5-pack) comes to around SEK 25.70 per month.
Merkur Progress
An adjustable razor for those who want a more aggressive shave and the ability to adapt the blade angle to the coarseness of the beard. This razor is a favourite among enthusiasts as well as beginners. It is perfect for anyone who prefers a more efficient razor that lets you increase or reduce the aggression at any time during the shave or on different parts of the face and neck. The Progress allows you to adjust the razor’s efficiency simply by turning a dial whenever needed during the shave.
In addition to how easy it is to adjust the razor’s efficiency, the design of the head angles the blade quite sharply downward, which means the blade cuts through the hairs more easily with less risk of tugging and pulling on the stubble.
Over a ten-year period, the cost of the razor together with four sharp Japanese Feather blades (SEK 49 per 10-pack) comes to around SEK 26.70/month.
Merkur Slant Bar Long 39C
One of our best German razors for those with very coarse beard growth who need that little extra. The unique construction and special angle of the head make shaving highly efficient while also being gentler on the skin thanks to its virtually friction-free design. Just like adjustable razors, this razor performs best with the sharpest blades.
The only difference between the 39C and the 37C is the length of the handle.
Over a ten-year period, the cost of the razor together with four sharp Japanese Feather blades (SEK 49 per 10-pack) comes to around SEK 25.20/month.