Recently, not only women are striving for smooth, hair-free skin. Increasingly, men are also interested in this, and the question is no longer always about shaving only the mustache and beard. Hairy legs, arms and even the bikini area are all shaved to create an attractive appearance.
Shaving facial hair is a daily procedure for many, so providing this process with maximum comfort and eliminating negative consequences is simply necessary. In this regard, a huge number of men are in no hurry to part with such a familiar shaving device as razors. This is explained by a lot of their advantages over other methods and devices when getting rid of facial and body hair (bikini, head, arms, legs, etc.)
Advantages of razors
The machines largely outperform other depilation products in the following parameters:
- the price is reasonable;
- easy to use;
- blades are easy to clean;
- it doesn't hurt at all;
- if the machine is of high quality, it will last a long time;
- convenient to carry with you;
- You can shave not only your face, but also your legs, bikini area, hair on your head, and arms.
In addition, any razors now are not at all what they used to be. They are constantly being improved, their design is being improved, and new features are being added, so in the foreseeable future men are unlikely to give up using them.
Popular models
The rating of the best models produced in different countries, as a rule, does not include many, but these are really worthwhile razors for hair removal. Modern, convenient, durable types of razors have rightfully earned appreciation among their users. Which option is the best and which one to choose - perhaps the description of the models below will help:
- GilletteMach. Reusable men's razor with 3 blades, a floating head and vibration for a better shave (the function is battery operated, but can be turned off if desired). The blades have a diamond-like coating and the handle is comfortable and non-slip. Convenient to shave arms, legs, face and bikini. The rating of this model is always high, but the price is also noticeable.
- GilletteFusionProGlidePower. An excellent razor with vibration, a comfortable handle, a special anti-irritation strip and 6 very sharp blades. Thanks to the movable head, it is convenient to treat legs, arms, face and bikini area.
- GilletteFusion. Great razor for thick stubble with 5 blades and one beard trimmer. Built-in lubrication strip. Cassettes for this razor can be purchased separately.
- SchikXtreme 3 Sensitive. A highly rated disposable razor made in Germany, of very good quality and inexpensive. It shaves smoothly and cleanly, largely thanks to the special built-in plate for stretching the skin.
- BICSensitive. Perhaps one of the cheapest machines with a fixed head. Standard disposable, with 3 stainless steel blades and a moisturizing strip with aloe vera and vitamin E. This razor was created specifically for sensitive skin. It is relatively suitable for a bikini, but it is quite possible to treat the face, arms or legs.
- KAI. Very sharp Japanese razors with the thinnest blades (from 2 to 5). Most models are equipped with a movable head. Blade coating – anti-corrosion, set with replaceable blades. Safe, durable. Some models of this brand come with a moisturizing strip with antibacterial lubricant. It’s difficult to choose, because all the models (especially the latest ones) from this corporation are really good. A real razor for men.
- Russian-made Rapier and Voskhod razors from the Moscow plant Mostochlegmash still have their fans who are accustomed to old-style razors. These are all metal T-shaped machines with 2-sided replaceable blades (removable), with a fixed head. You can shave your face, legs, arms. The models are relatively outdated, but their rating stubbornly does not fall.
How to choose
To choose the right razor, you need to approach this issue responsibly. Their range is now rich, they are all different in some way, so there is something to compare with. Not every razor device is cheap, and not every one lasts a long time, so a smart approach to purchasing can save you from wasting money and help you purchase the most suitable device. There are certain points that you need to pay attention to first if you need to choose a really worthwhile option:
Price. Machines that are cheap are usually disposable and without many additional functions. You can choose them if after 3-4 times of using them you don’t mind throwing them away. Expensive ones, on the contrary, are equipped with trimmers for cutting overgrown hair, moisturizing strips, etc., they last a long time and look stylish.
Inexpensive BIC Sensitive machine
Skin sensitivity. Quickly dulling razors force you to go over the same area several times, which can cause irritation, so for sensitive skin you should choose razors with a floating head that accurately copies the curves of the face and any other area (for example, intimate) and does not require pressure on the skin when shaving. In this case, machines with combs that lift the bristles and facilitate the process or with a softening strip that moisturizes the skin and hair during shaving are well suited.
Disposable or reusable. Disposable machines can smoothly shave the stubble several times (if it is soft), cost less, and can be selected and purchased everywhere. But at the same time, they become dull quickly, their blades are not replaceable, and as a result they will have to be thrown away. Reusable razors can have cartridges replaced with new ones, the steel of their blades is of very high quality, and the head is usually floating, which ensures ideal hair removal.
Number of blades. The more there are, the more the surface layer of the skin becomes thinner, which is undesirable for thin skin. They are easily compared to 1-blade ones in practice. And although shaving with multiple blades is much better, for some it is not only beneficial. For men with this skin type, it is better to choose a razor with no more than 3 blades and a movable head.
Additional functions. You have to be prepared that the more the chosen razor “can do,” the more expensive it is. But sometimes a trimmer is really needed to trim an excessively neglected beard or mustache, because even a good machine will not take hair that is too long. Or a softening strip that makes shaving more gentle and cares for the skin, moisturizing it. Special coatings (platinum, diamond, etc.) guarantee the strength and long-term sharpness of the blades, and if you do not want to frequently have to change razors due to their rapid unsuitability, you should pay attention to these points. And if the machine is equipped with a movable head, you won’t have to go over the same place several times (the mobility of the head plays a big role if you also need to treat the bikini area, legs and other areas).
Convenience. You need to choose a machine that is comfortable to hold. It should not slip in your hand while shaving. An angled head will ensure better removal of stubble.
For other zones. Increasingly, men use machines not only for shaving facial hair (beards, mustaches), but also for other areas (intimate, legs, head, arms, etc.). In principle, for this you can use a razor from any company that is the same as any regular facial razor (but not the same one that is already used for shaving the facial area). But it is better if, for example, a bikini razor has 2 blades and is as safe as possible, because men have many blood vessels in the groin, and the slightest cut can cause a lot of blood. To treat the bikini, chest, legs or arms, excess hair length in other areas should be trimmed with scissors or a trimmer before shaving. A machine for shaving the intimate area must be chosen of high quality and used very carefully.
How to use it correctly
Before you start shaving your hair, you need to get a new (or just sharp) and clean machine. Next - step by step:
- Wash thoroughly with hot water to soften hair and skin.
- With a dampened and wrung out towel, blot your face for about half a minute to relax the skin and further soften the ends of the hair.
- Apply shaving gel or foam to your face and distribute it evenly over your beard, cheeks, and neck.
- Start shaving from the cheeks, stretching the skin for elasticity and running the razor from top to bottom to the chin along the hair growth (for not very thin and vulnerable skin, an oblique direction is acceptable). After 1-2 passes of the machine over the skin, it needs to be rinsed.
- Next, move the razor in the direction from the neck to the chin area (from bottom to top).
- The mustache and beard area has the stiffest stubble, so it is shaved last (while shaving the cheeks and neck, they will be additionally moisturized under foam or gel).
- Shave your mustache by pressing your lip tightly against your upper teeth to tighten the skin.
- Rinse off the shaving agent and inspect your face for any remaining unshaved areas. Shave what is necessary.
- For hard-to-reach places, choose a razor with a convenient tilt angle or use a razor with a movable head.
- Wash with cool water (not cold, so that in case of micro-cuts, the pores do not have time to close before using the lotion).
- Use aftershave lotion (cream cannot be applied immediately, as this can lead to the formation of wen).
When shaving, under no circumstances should you apply forceful pressure to the razor as it slides over the skin! This will definitely lead to irritation. For the same reason, you should not go over one place more than 2 times and rub your face with a towel at the end of the procedure.
Advice: when shaving, it will be more convenient to use not an opaque foam, but a gel, through which you can clearly see how well the hair of the beard and around it is shaved.
Shaving should be approached slowly, as an art of body care, and only then can you achieve truly smooth skin and the well-deserved attention of others.
A clean, well-groomed face is traditionally a sign of neatness and respectability of a modern man, and in some services and organizations it is directly prescribed by a strict dress code. Even principled bearded men often wear “shovels” that are not at all thick and need to remove excess vegetation no less than adherents of the “smooth” style.
Manual razors are considered the most popular attribute for effective and comfortable wet shaving. It is precisely for the sake of determining the best representatives of this class of personal hygiene items that our rating of shaving machines was created. And to make it easier to navigate, the list of competitors is divided into several relevant categories.
Types of razors
There are not so many of them:
Disposable
Budget razors that do not require blade replacement. A good travel option, but can also be used on an ongoing basis. The principle of “disposability” is quite conventional. Each machine is enough for at least several uses. However, some users also complain that the price of a cheap device (in terms of unit) is from 20 to 120 rubles. does not last as long as expensive ones, are naive and unfounded.
Reusable
The most common and convenient format, the essence of which is to preserve the base in the form of a handle with a fastening mechanism, to which new shaving heads are periodically purchased. True, due to the incredible appetites of some manufacturers, and, possibly, trade organizations, it is sometimes easier to take a complete machine assembly than to add “add-ons” to it.
As a rule, the blades in replaceable cassettes are of higher quality, sharper, “long-lasting”, but also more expensive. Plus, auxiliary elements are used to soften the skin and floating suspension systems.
Classic
The lot of conservatives. The term “Retro” is often used in relation to T-shaped razors, which is not entirely true. The classics are used not only by older gentlemen who are accustomed to them, but also by completely modern men who value an absolutely clean, shiny shaving style.
In addition, many people like the lack of connection to standard blades, the status, even premium quality of such razors. Just don’t try to appreciate the delights of using them for those with overly sensitive skin; you need to know how to use them, and the “ritual” of facial care itself does not tolerate fuss.
Despite many different commercials demonstrating the benefits of cassette razors, the T-shaped shaving machine is rapidly gaining popularity. After all, the irreplaceable classics fit any consumer requirements, but modern cassette novelties often do not meet the requirements and desires of ordinary people.
Peculiarities
Russian-made T-shaped shaving machines are not inferior to foreign leaders in quality, so the reasons for their popularity are the same:
- Economical. The operation of the product, as well as its cost, is an order of magnitude lower if we compare these indicators with cassette machines. After all, not every buyer is ready to overpay a considerable amount, but in the end get the same result.
- Regular improvements. With prolonged use, the blades tend to become dull. In this case, you do not need to immediately go out and buy a new T-shaped razor; you just need to replace the blades themselves.
Another important feature and reason for its popularity is the fact that classic T-shaped razors symbolize brutality and masculinity, and cassette razors are used not only by the stronger sex, but also by delicate female natures.
Differences from a cassette machine
In addition to the shape and cost, there are a number of features that distinguish shaving with a classic T-shape razor and the cassette version. First of all, it should be noted that the first machine has only one blade, but this does not in any way reduce the quality of shaving, but cassette razors, as a rule, have from 3 to 5 blades. The T-shaped machine does not harm the skin and does not scrape it several times, as a cassette machine constantly does. In addition, an equally important distinguishing feature is the fact that the blade of a T-shaped razor can be easily removed and cleaned of excess dirt, while a cassette razor does not allow you to do the same procedure.
Varieties
To an ignorant person, it seems that all modern T-shaped machines are very similar to each other, but in reality this is not the case. There are three main types:
- T-shaped shaving machine "Butterfly", which is an almost instantaneous loading of the blade without any extra effort. The only drawback is the inability to combine different heads.
- A razor consisting of a handle and a top cover. The main advantages include maximum precision in blade calibration, as well as durability. It’s quite difficult to find any shortcomings here.
- A razor, which consists of a handle, top cover and guard. If used carelessly, the blade may become slightly distorted, which will lead to minor injuries in the form of cuts, although this happens quite rarely.
How to use it correctly
A T-shaped shaving machine made in Russia or abroad requires special attention during shaving. This process involves the use of several important attributes (brush, foam, and so on). Many people do not like this waste of time, so they prefer electric shavers. But it is worth noting that no other razor compares to the T-shape and will not give a closer shave. In addition, classic shaving leaves behind a certain feeling of freshness and freedom that cannot be replaced by anything.
For young boys who are just learning the basics of this procedure, professionals advise using models with a closed comb, and when choosing a shaving brush, it is better to pay attention to the option with badger hair. Along with these accessories, you need to prepare regular soap or a special cream and a container where the foam will be whipped.
The soap should be placed in a previously prepared container, and then the foam should be whipped using a shaving brush. The finished foam must be carefully applied to moisturized skin, and then you can start shaving. The machine must be held at the very bottom of the handle, squeezing it with your thumb and forefinger.
You should not try to remove all the vegetation at once, as this must be done in several stages. If the stubble is very long, then you need to shave with minimal overlaps.
Do not use dull blades. There are situations when, when shaving, the skin tightens a little, which indicates the need to replace the blade. In addition, even if the razor is new and the blade is sharp, you should not touch it to areas of the skin where there is no foam. Otherwise, microtrauma or unpleasant irritation may occur.
Machine care
Regular care of your razor guarantees a long service life, so you should not neglect the basic principles of care, of which there are not so many. Among them:
- if the blades for shaving with a T-shaped machine have not been used for a long time, then before shaving it is necessary to remove them from the machine, and then rinse and dry thoroughly;
- After each shaving procedure, it is necessary to wash the machine;
- The razor itself and the blades should be stored separately to avoid rust;
- plaque on the surface of the machine can be easily removed with a weak vinegar solution;
- Alcohol is perfect for disinfection.
Undoubtedly, a good machine guarantees a beautiful appearance and the absence of cuts and minor scratches on the skin, so you should not skimp on it. Now on the market you can find both Russian-made T-shaped shaving machines and foreign models, but choosing from them can be very difficult. As a rule, beginners who have not tried a single machine yet need help. A few tips will help you make the right choice and get the desired result:
- To be on the safe side, you must have a package of disposable razors, which will come in handy if the main razor breaks down.
- Aggressiveness is determined by the size of the open part of the blade, as well as the angle of its location
- For beginners, less aggressive models with a closed comb are most suitable.
- More experienced men are better off choosing aggressive machines, but use them with extreme caution.
- Models with grooved handles are much more comfortable to hold.
- It is best to purchase a machine not on the Internet, but in a real store, where you can come in person and hold it in your hand, choosing the most suitable one.
Popular productions
As you know, T-shaped shaving machines (for men and women) are produced by many manufacturers, but their quality and cost, of course, differ. The most popular and in demand at the moment are the following companies:
- Muehle. A permanent leader that has been producing hygiene products and shaving accessories on the world market for many years.
- Weishi. Everyone knows the production, the strategy of which is aimed at the quality of products, as well as the regular introduction of innovative technologies.
Leading model
Quite often, one or another rating of T-shaped shaving machines demonstrates one interesting model that has been popular for quite a long time - WEISHI 9306-B. It is not very suitable for beginners, since before purchasing it you already need to at least a little master the technique of shaving with a machine of this type. This machine has a butterfly type mount, and its cost is about 1000 rubles, so this model will be affordable for everyone.
Equipment
The machine goes on sale in a beautiful plastic box where it can be stored. In addition, this box contains blades, as well as special brushes for cleaning the razor. Another equally pleasant addition is a mirror built into the inside of the box lid. This is very helpful when traveling when it is not possible to use a large mirror.
general information
The machine itself is made of metal, its weight is approximately 55 grams, and its length is 88 millimeters. The razor also features a chrome top coating that takes quite a long time to slide off.
The dull edge of the blade, which is not intended for shaving, protrudes slightly on one side. Some people don't like its appearance, although this protrusion does not affect the shaving process in any way and does not harm the skin.
Shaving and blades
Despite all the other parameters and features of the machine, you definitely need to understand how it works and how to shave so as not to get microtrauma.
To begin with, it is worth mentioning that the main blade is clamped into the machine by twisting the end of the handle. The petals close at the same time. The shaving process itself is quite similar to shaving with plastic razors, but the difference is that the T-shaped razor is lighter in weight, and its blade protrudes a little more.
As mentioned above, it is prohibited to drive the machine on dry skin. First, you should thoroughly lather the area where there is stubble, and then start shaving. It is not worth pressing hard with the machine and trying to complete the procedure as quickly as possible.
This machine is not too aggressive and shaves very well. In addition, despite the small length of the handle, it is comfortable to hold in your hand.
Many people also like the ability to adjust the angle of attack of the blade. That is, the handle can be screwed either all the way, or the last couple of turns can’t be screwed in, which will help change the angle of the blade. Many people think that if they do not tighten the handle all the way, the machine will not do its job properly. In fact, this is a wrong opinion. On the contrary, the machine will work much better if the handle is not screwed in all the way.
Dorco blades are ideal for this razor. They are not aggressive, but they hold an edge much longer than products of this type from other popular manufacturers. After 3 or 5 shaves, the blade will still not feel dull, so it can be left in place for a long time.
A T-shaped machine is a tool that can be used to quickly and safely remove stubble. It goes by many names: safety razor, Double Edge Safety Razor, DE Rezor. There are other options, as we have named the most common names.
Since its invention, the T-shaped machine has occupied an important place among the offered devices. Modern shaving devices have not been able to replace their predecessors. This is not surprising because the T-shaped razor does its job perfectly.
How to choose a good shaving tool?
There is a wide selection of T-shaped machines on sale. They successfully combine stylish design, beauty and reliability. Shaving devices last for several decades. For this reason, money is saved. These are ritual instruments that are preferred by connoisseurs of quality and comfort.
How to choose a T-shaped razor if the razors are very similar to each other? It just seems that way. There are differences between them, which we will look at.
Few companies produce razors with high performance characteristics. These include:
MUEHLE MERKUR Edwin Jagger Parker
These are companies whose products deserve close attention from consumers. After purchasing a quality shaving tool, men do not have any questions. This is a reasonable phenomenon, because manufacturers think through everything to the smallest detail: the center of gravity, balancing of the head and handle.
Also, good T-shaped machines are manufactured under the trademarks ikon, Tradere, Feather. There are several new projects on the market, but they are not very popular. Therefore, we will not consider them.
Of course, you can take a chance and purchase a safety razor for under $20. It's a lottery. Maybe you'll get lucky.
What is a T-shaped machine? This is a device consisting of three or two parts. There are also non-separable instruments. They use a butterfly lock system.
Which design is more practical?
Let's highlight the key points:
Classic 3 and 2 pieces
Razors made of two and three parts - with proper use, the machines last a long time. They can be combined with different heads. The main disadvantage is the lengthy preparation of the tool for working condition;
Razor lock system
Butterfly is a locking system that is reliable and easy to use. The blade loads easily and quickly. The disadvantages include the inability to combine different heads. There is a myth that a razor with such a locking system will not last long. This is an unconfirmed rumor. If a man does not hammer nails with a machine, the shaving tool will last for decades.
What types of T-shape razors are on sale?
Let's cover this point in more detail:
Closed comb
The best option for beginners. This is a closed comb head razor. This model is the most common because it is the safest.
Open comb
Design that ensures blade-to-skin contact. A razor with an open comb head has a significant advantage. This is the dream of a man who enjoys a close shave with a minimum number of passes.
Open/Closed
Combined option. A man can experiment and use an open or closed comb.
Slant bar
A special type of razor. Its main difference is the oblique cut. Representatives of the stronger sex who have experience and dexterity can use such a machine.
What does the razor head look like with the blade loaded?
How to determine the degree of aggressiveness of a razor?
Blade overhang is a fundamental parameter. But there are other criteria that you need to pay attention to:
- Weight of the “head” of a T-shaped razor;
- The length of the handle is an important parameter. A machine with a short handle is more maneuverable.
If the razor has a long and heavy handle, a man can adjust the angle between the skin and the blade.
There are various models of T-shaped machines on sale. Alternatively, you can choose a razor with an adjustable blade angle. This is an excellent choice because the machines last a long time and never fail. Their disadvantages are high cost and complex cleaning process.
In any case, how to shave is up to you. Choose from a huge selection of T-bar machines and enjoy them for years to come. Happy shaving!
Choosing the ideal razor, like the ideal woman, is quite difficult for a man in real life. It’s stupid to rely on advertising; advice from friends can have a significant range in price and quality, and testing the dozens of models of shaving machines offered in a store is impractical.
One of the ways is independent expert ratings published in leading publications. The latest such publications include a study by Dan Koeppel, an American author and journalist for The SweetHome.com.
Last summer, by order of the editors, Dan bought more than a hundred different razors: almost everything that was available among the modern men's models on sale. From the cheapest disposable to. With replaceable razor cartridges and solid ones, with a different number of blades, including classic T-sharers with flat blades. The razors distributed throughout the country “by subscription” - the Dollar Shave Club and Harry models - were not forgotten either.
At the same time, traveling a lot around the country, Koppel interviewed several dozen barbers - specialists who professionally provide shaving services in hairdressers and beauty salons. And found out their preferences.
And finally, he gathered a group of ten men who agreed to test various methods on themselves. The “test subjects” had predominantly coarse, sometimes curly facial hair that required serious tools to remove it.
The study took into account the recommendations of professional men's shaving practitioners, the results of testing by an experienced group - and, of course, the personal opinion of Dan Koppel. Who tried to find an option that was optimal in terms of price, convenience, speed and quality of shaving.
And if a machine, by most measures, removed stubble only “a little better,” but cost twice as much as the closest competitor in testing, it was removed from the competition. However, omitting the author’s numerous details regarding the research plan, we present the results obtained. So,
the best men's razor in The SweetHome rating
1. Gillette Mach3 Sensitive Power Razor. Part of the decade-old Mach3 line, the three-blade shaver shaves as well as the latest models from Gillette and other competing brands. At the same time, it easily bypasses them in the combination of cost, speed and quality of shaving.
Machine shaves even sensitive skin without irritation, copes well with any type of stubble. And the comfortable handle holds firmly even in a soapy hand. The vibration mode provided by the replaceable battery in the handle of the machine also contributes. If micropulses seem unnecessary, they can be easily turned off.
The model is compatible with three types of cartridges: standard, Turbo and Sensitive, which also expands the choice. And the location of the blades in them makes it easy to rinse, cleaning the surface while shaving.
The price of the men's Gillette Mach3 Sensitive Power razor on Amazon and eBay ranges from $9 to $14 on average. A set of 4 replacement cassettes costs $10 - 11, of 8 - $20 - 23. That is. usually less than $3 per copy.
In domestic stores, the Mach3 Sensitive Power shaving machine can be purchased for mid-February at a price of 360-500 rubles. A set of 4 replacement cassettes will cost an average of 650 - 850 rubles, of 8 - 1300 - 1500 rubles.
2. BiC Hybrid Advance 4. Conventionally disposable machine, sold in a set of a handle and four replaceable cartridges. Good choice for travel- it’s relatively not a pity to lose. At the same time, the shaving results with complete four-blade cartridges are comparable in quality to Mach3, the handle has a comfortable ergonomic shape, and the price of the set is on average $7 on the foreign market.
3. Merkur HD Slant Safety Razor 37C. The best T-shaving machine among the tested models. Produced by a German manufacturer based in Zollinger. It found itself in third place in the ranking because it is significantly inferior to the two previous models in terms of shaving speed: the procedure using it takes at least 15-20 minutes.
It requires certain skills to use: when switching from machines with cartridges to the Merkur 37C you need to get used to it. At the same time, the price - and on Amazon.com, for example, it is $40 - 45 - is quickly compensated by the cheapness of the blades as consumables.
By the way, it was the classic T-barbers in The SweetHome study that became the choice of barbers who professionally remove stubble from men’s faces.
4. Gillette Fusion Proglide Power. A machine with good shaving quality was only in fourth place due to the high price of consumables compared to the Mach3 Sensitive Power. The result of testing: there is no point in overpaying double the price for cartridges.
In conclusion, we note that the shaving process as a whole is a unique and very personal ritual. Largely depending on skin type and the coarseness of facial hair, lifestyle, income level and, of course, habits. Therefore, it is hardly worth considering the results of the rating as the only correct decision.
Based on materials from: thesweethome.com/reviews/best-manual-razor/
