Safety Razor: Gunmetal Black

Materials:

Brass alloy (for weighting), chrome plating

This Safety Razor is reusable and should last for years. When it finally reaches the end of its life, you can be confident that it is made of recyclable materials.

When used properly a safety razor promises a cleaner, smoother shave with less chance of irritation of the skin. However, it takes a little bit of practise at first, if you're not used to using one.

Prepare the skin with warm water and your choice of shaving soap or oil to soften.

Pull the skin taut and keep it tight while you shave. If you're shaving your face, you may need to also angle your neck to help achieve a tightness.

Use the razor at a 30-40 degree angle to the skin and try and maintain this. Don't press down or add extra pressure.

Notice which way your hairs grow and shave with the grain. Shaving against the hair growth can cause ingrowing hairs and irritation.

Don't drag the razor across your skin. Use short, straight strokes on one small patch, lift then resume on the next patch.

After shaving, apply cold water and then a post-shaving balm of your choice.

Reusable Safety Razors:

A Safety Razor uses a single double-edge blade.

This design of razor first became popular in the early 1900s as it allowed people to shave themselves safely at home. Before that, most had relied on professionals as razors were difficult to use and maintain. 

Today, safety razors use the same basic design as the original. The single double-edge blade is easily fitted in the head of the razor which is then screwed back on to the handle.

'Disposable' Razors

Since the 1970s these mainly plastic razors have become increasingly popular around the world. However, no parts of these razors can be reused and so they have become synonymous with our throwaway culture. In the UK in 2018 alone, some 5.5 million people were using a disposable razor - all of which were made of hard moulded plastic, and were headed for landfill where they would not biodegrade.

Yes they're disposable in that you can throw them away, but they definitely do not disappear!