6 Best Budget Safety Razors: Protective Comfort in 2024

You can’t take a bulky electric shaver everywhere you go, and sometimes all you need is a quick fix.

That’s where safety razors come in. They’re built compact, sturdy, easy to use, and most importantly, affordable. The best ones will even come with replaceable blades and knurled handles, while also having waterproof and rust-resistant properties.

A sharp, premium razor edge will also cut clean and prevent ingrown hairs.

I searched high and low for the best budget safety razors that’ll suit any of your needs, whether you need to shave while traveling abroad or you just need to look polished for a business meeting.

Keep reading to finally find the solution you’ve been waiting for.

Key Takeaways

To uncover the best budget safety razors, I searched through hundreds of brands, Amazon listings, and customer reviews. The six below are my top picks based on material, skin type, handle style, and length.

My number one choice as best affordable safety razor is the MANSCAPED® The Plow™ 2.0 because of its stylish build on top of its ability to perform a clean shave. It’s followed by the budget-friendly BULIMICA Matte Black Double Edge Safety Razor for Men, which is beginner-focused and environmentally safe.

Why it’s great: The MANSCAPED® The Plow™ 2.0 is a premium single-blade safety razor that provides a close, comfortable shave. You can get rid of long stubbles from the neck up, and you’ll leave the bathroom as smooth as a baby.  It’s beautifully crafted with a brass handle a zinc alloy head, and finished with a gunmetal coating.

The wide, weighted handle also ensures a comfortable shave, and it boasts an optimized cutting angle to reduce burns. It’s also designed with waterproof and rust-resistant features. The Plow™ 2.0 is an excellent shaving tool you can use with or without fancy shaving cream.

Who is this for? One of the best budget safety razors, it’s for anyone who is looking for a high-performance single-blade razor will enjoy using The Plow™ 2.0.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The weighted handle may take some time to get used to.

Length: 100 mm | Handle style: Knurled | Material: Brass, Zinc, Metal | Skin type: Acne Prone

Why it’s great: The MERKUR Mk34c Double Edge Razor is one of the popular shaving tools men prefer to have. Sold for over 80 years, it’s one of the most convenient double-edged razors to use for all skin types. The two-piece head unscrews easily for blade replacement, and the chrome-plate die-casted zinc ensures it won’t break down.

It also feels smooth on your skin when you glide the razor. The Mk34c weighs 77 grams with a length of three inches max. The short structure and even weight distribution give you ample control while shaving. The diamond-patterned handle also prevents slipping, lessening accidental cuts in the process.

Who is this for? People looking for a sturdy, easy-to-use double-edge razor and don’t mind spending a bit more will love the Merkur Mk34c.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The short handle may not suit guys with big hands.

Length: 71 mm | Handle style: Knurled | Material: Brass, Zinc | Skin type: All

Why it’s great: At around $10, the BULIMICA Matte Black Double Edge Safety Razor is equipped with platinum-coated stainless steel blades for a precise, clean shave. They’re rust-resistant and sharp enough to help you avoid burns. You can use a single edge about five to 15 times before replacing it.

On the same note, replace the blades by unscrewing the top of the razor clockwise and installing the new one. The simple textured, knurled grip makes your shaving sessions more comfortable.

When buying the Bulimica razor, you’ll get 10 extra blades along with it. Each one is wrapped in wax paper for safer handling, and the set comes in a disposable bag. Drop your used edges into that bag for recycling, and you’ll have a hand in saving the planet.

All of that makes this one of the best budget safety razors you can find.

Who is this for? Guys searching for a beginner-friendly safety razor will appreciate how affordable this is.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: Replacing the blades may require multiple realignments before it seats perfectly into the handle.

Length: 103.12 mm | Handle style: Knurled | Material: Metal | Skin type: All

Why it’s great: The Van Der Hagen® Men’s Traditional Safety Razor Kit is another three-inch, solid-brass and chrome-plated razor. The stainless steel, non-stick blades allow for a smooth glide while effectively trimming hairs off your sensitive skin. They’re also flexible enough to cut at any angle.

The short handle provides easy gripping and lets you reach difficult shaving spots. The kit includes five replacement blades so you can easily replace them when one is dull and worn down.

Who is this for? Guys who want one of the best budget safety razors that’s also heavy-duty will find this product more than enough.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: The blades get serrated and dull quite easily.

Length: 85 mm | Handle style: Knurled | Material: Stainless Steel, Chrome | Skin type: All

Why it’s great: The King C Gillette Safety Razor combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to fit modern needs. (It’s a newer luxury line from Gillette, the world’s largest razor brand.) It’s designed for edging sideburns and strong beard lines to help you achieve the stylish look you want.

The closed comb head allows for optimal control as you glide for a close, clean shave. Its classy, chrome-plated handle ensures the razor is built to last while providing enough grip for a clean, smooth shaving session. The King C Gillete’s anti-friction coating also guards your skin from irritation.

Priced roughly around $25, it’s one of the most affordable premium razors that’s built to use daily.

Who is this for? The ideal choice for guys who want a tried-and-tested safety razor that’s built to last.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: This one of the best budget safety razors you can get. Know, though, that the handle is quite slippery when wet shaving.

Length: 95.25 mm | Handle style: Knurled | Material: Stainless Steel | Skin type: All

Why it’s great: The Viking Revolution Luxury Safety Razor Shaving kit is the perfect gift you can give to first-time shavers. Along with the razor, it comes with the brand’s top-quality grooming products like a shaving brush, a shaving bowl, soap, pre-shave oil, and aftershave balm.

The safety stand ensures that you can neatly store them while looking aesthetically pleasant. The package comes with 10 replacement blades, so you won’t have to deal with buying new edges when the current one gets dull.

This luxury shaving kit is everything you need for a thick, smooth shaving session… or if you just want to trim and style your beard.

Who is this for? Great for anyone who wants a complete shaving kit at a reasonable price.

Flaws but not deal-breakers: It’s best used as an entry-level shaving set.

Length: 120.65 mm | Handle style: Knurled | Material: Stainless Steel | Skin type: Dry

Buying Considerations for the Best Budget Safety Razors

Skin Type

Some safety razors come with a heavy coating that might irritate the skin. You’ll want to buy options that are perfect for your skin type. If your skin is sensitive and wounds easily, then consider buying a single-blade razor with a closed comb head for easier control and safety.

Shaving tools made of stainless steel, titanium, or copper are less likely to cause a reaction too. If you have healthy skin and want a close shave, then adjustable razors benefit you the most.

Material

Checking the material of your chosen cheap safety razor is a smart move. A weighted option may feel great for guys who want to feel every stroke. On the other hand lightweight razors are a good choice for people who want a smoother glide.

In terms of materials, chrome-plated shaving tools are sturdier than stainless steel ones, but both are waterproof and have rust resistance.

Handle Style and Length

The handle style and length will determine how comfortable your shaving session will be. Three-inch razors will feel awkward for people with big hands, but they can provide you with an even shave.

Longer options will leave you with more room for error, but you might have trouble reaching certain places and might incur nicks more. Knurled handles also provide great grip and traction, preventing accidental slips.

How We Chose

You have a lot of options when it comes to safety razors. There’s cheap, expensive, and in between. With this in mind, I read through customer experiences and material descriptions to find the best budget safety razors based on these factors:

Purpose: Do they provide a close shave? Will the blade glide smoothly across the skin even without shaving cream? I searched for razors that served the right purpose, not the ones that claimed to be the only solution for everything.

Customer Reviews: If men have previously bought the razor and say good things about it after actually using it, that’s a good sign that it’s worth your money and a good recommendation.

Price: Razors can be all across the pricing spectrum. I included some “higher-end” options along with some extremely affordable models.

Why Trust Us?

Joe Niehaus is an experienced product reviewer, researcher, and tester at sites like Business Insider, Men’s Health, and more. He’s covered similar categories like finding the best shaving creams for sensitive skin, so he has a strong familiarity with what men need for a comfortable, clean shave.

Joe’s approach to finding the best cheap safety razors includes in-depth research, material analysis, and reviewing customer testimonials. His readers get valuable first-hand experience and tailored recommendations that help them make informed buying decisions.

Final Verdict 

The best budget safety razors are made with quality and convenience in mind. They provide users with a close shave while also protecting their skin from nicks and cuts.

The MANSCAPED® The Plow™ 2.0 can easily trim long stubbles without the risk of ingrown hair and skin damage occurring. The sleek, gunmetal-coated design is stylish enough that it adds aesthetic appeal when you store it. It’s backed by over 4,930 positive global ratings on Amazon, so it’s a must-try.