Stuck in an expensive shaving routine?

How to get more for your money

Written by Gents barber Simon Klaren

You may feel that you spend unnecessary time and money on your daily shave — a routine that only needs to be done in the morning and still never quite feels worth the cost. But don’t despair — there are alternatives that make shaving more enjoyable, more efficient and more economical!

*You’ll find our calculation model at the end of the article.

Are you tired of how much money you spend every week on razor blades and shaving lather? Does your shave do nothing but create a big hole in your wallet? Perhaps you use the same shaving method and tools out of pure habit and routine without considering that there are other alternatives? Then this article is for you!

razors

Modern cartridge razors such as Gillette have long been standard in men’s bathroom cabinets because the razors and blades are available everywhere and are simple and practical to use. However, they become very expensive over time and, considering what they cost, they are not the most effective option on the market. The razor itself does not ruin your wallet, but the blades certainly do, and they wear out quickly because a lot of debris collects between the blades and clogs them up. It is also common for razors to have different fittings, which means you cannot vary between razor blades but are locked into a certain blade type. Even so-called disposable razors are not particularly cheap in relation to shaving quality, and they are not kind to your skin either.

There is quite a lot of money to save simply by changing your morning routine and enjoying a quality shave with a classic safety razor.
Quality always pays off!"

If you want a closer shave that cuts significantly deeper while also avoiding stress and irritation to the skin, then an old-fashioned safety razor with sharp classic “double-edge blades” is preferred according to most shaving enthusiasts. Safety razors are often made of steel and chrome and are therefore heavier than rubber cartridge razors, and they may cost a little more upfront — but on the other hand, you will have one for a long time.

razor blades

The blades, on the other hand (and this is where the savings are!), are so extremely cheap that you quickly earn back the cost of the razor! In addition, all double-edge blades fit all safety razors, so you do not need to replace the razor to adjust your shaving experience.

While a six-pack of Gillette Mach3 can cost almost SEK 150 (and is also used up quickly), a five-pack of sharp double-edge blades from, for example, Sailor's costs between SEK 15–25 per pack, and they retain their sharpness much longer than cartridge blades! A major win in terms of money, efficiency and for your skin. Plus, it’s more fun!

shaving lather

Many people are perfectly happy with shaving foam in an aerosol can or gel, but these are often used up quickly and can become expensive. If you use a safety razor, foam or gel is not recommended either, because the skin needs better protection for a close shave. If you still do not want to give up the convenience of bottled shaving lather, you should look at Proraso, the budget brand from Italy that has achieved cult status in shaving communities. Since 1948, they have produced some of the world’s best canned shaving foams (and other shaving products as well). They last a long time, are economical and provide fantastic glide.

Otherwise, shaving cream worked up with warm water gives a much richer lather than most ready-made shaving foams in a can. Shaving cream has a high density and also becomes considerably cheaper in the long run because a tub can last up to a year and a tube for several months, while an aerosol can of foam costing between SEK 50–100 runs out quickly and has to be replaced again and again. Quite simply, it pays to spend a little more on a long-lasting shaving cream. One tip is to try Benjamin Barber’s Shaving Cream in the masculine Black Oak scent, which delivers a rich lather and great glide.

If you use shaving soap (which gives the same lather as shaving cream and lasts just as long as a jar of cream), it offers the same financial advantage and is just as economical. Just keep in mind that a shaving brush is essential here, since the soap has a hard consistency.

There is quite a lot of money to save simply by changing your morning routine and enjoying a quality shave with a classic safety razor. Quality always pays off! We have put together some great starter kits for those of you who have decided to change your routine for the better — and at a lower cost.

how we calculated