As a kid of the 90’s, disposable razors are what I learned to shave with. Then came along the marketing of companies like Schick selling me pretty razors with replaceable heads, and I moved away from disposable razors to razors with replaceable cartridges. Of course that was still a win by comparison (assuming that you kept each razor handle for at least a few years), but in the last year I’ve become aware that these are still going to end up in landfill as little bits of plastic.
Of course, I could just skip the shaving altogether – think of the time, water and money I’d save! Being hairy just isn’t for me though and I plan to continue shaving indefinitely. I was really keen to try a safety razor but was terrified of how much damage I would do to myself if I strayed away from the regular razors I’d grown up with. Schick Silk Effects anyone? Those super fine wires really gave me a sense of security. I cut myself anyway. So you can imagine the terror that I felt when imagining myself let loose with an old school safety razor.
First things first, I had to finish all of the razor cartridges that I had stashed in the cupboard. It’s really important to me that I finish what I have before I replace it with a more sustainable version, otherwise how sustainable am I being really? This gave me plenty of time to do some research, watch some videos and find a suitable product from a local supplier at a reasonable price. Even though the product wouldn’t likely have been made in little old New Zealand, it’s important to me to support local businesses where I can instead of ordering from overseas. I also know that local sustainable companies will make more of an effort to send items without plastic packaging. I found this butterfly razor from Dirty Hippie for an awesome price. I figured it was pretty low risk from an initial purchase cost and if it really didn’t work for me, I’d be able to pass it on to someone else to try afterwards.
I decided on a butterfly opening, primarily for safety reasons. It looked like something nice and simple to operate with minimal risk of amputation. The three piece razor is essentially the same thing, it just comes apart a little differently. It came packaged in all compostable or recyclable packaging. Thanks Dirty Hippie for the good vibes! It’s always a horrible feeling when you buy a low waste option and it arrives packaged in heaps of plastic.
For the first few weeks (or months even) I was really cautious with the razor and absolutely terrified that I’d injure myself. Now that I’ve been using it for a while, I’m super comfortable and confident. I do love the feeling of a really sharp blade and after 2 months I’m on my third blade. I did share the razor with my partner at the start though, so the blades were doing double duty. He’s since decided that it’s not for him, but I’m so stoked that he gave it a go. That’s what reducing your impact is about – finding out what changes are realistic and sustainable for you and sticking with those. It’s not about being perfect, but about making an effort where you can.
When you’re done using your razor, give it a good rinse under running water, take it apart and leave it to dry. I keep mine on a small makeup wipe on the bathroom windowsill, but if you have littlies in house you’ll want it stashed well out of reach of curious hands.
I’m still trying to find out the best ways to dispose of the used razor blades and I’m hoping to update this soon. I have seen a few suggestions to make sure that they’re thoroughly dry and store them safely in a container until you can take them to your doctor to dispose of in a sharps container. I’m doing my homework on this and hope to have some options (backed up with fact) on how to safely dispose of your razor blades soon! FineShave.co.nz offers this handy little contraption that you can collect them in and then send off for recycling together.
What are the benefits?
- The first obvious benefit is a reduction in waste. You will only have one single blade to get rid of rather than a whole disposable razor, or replaceable razor cartridge.
- A closer shave is one of the biggest touted benefits of using a safety razor. From what I’ve been reading, this is dependent on the type of blade that you use. See if you can find a sample pack, or just get a few different packs and see which blades work best for you. I’ve been using Shark razor blades because that’s what came with the razor. They seem to be really good, though they’re definitely at their best for the first few shaves. I’ll be trying the Astra blades from Dirty Hippie when I do my next order with them.
- You should notice less irritation and fewer ingrown hairs because you only have one blade going over your skin at a time. It’s not something I’ve ever had a huge issue with so it’s hard to comment on whether I notice a difference, but plenty of other people do, so it’s worth seeing if it works for you.
- The cost savings are indisputable. I used to buy the ladies Schick Quattro refill from Countdown at around $4 per blade. Now I’m looking at Shark or Astra replacement blades which will cost me $0.60 per blade (even less if you buy them in bulk). Even at a conservative estimate of 1 cartridge a month versus 1 blade a month – $48 v $7.20 – I’m looking at a saving of $40.80 in a year. That even covers the very reasonable cost of the razor for $25.
Tips
- A lot of people recommend shaving with and not against the growth direction of the hair – I just shave the same way I always have. Who knows if it’s right or wrong, but it works for me. Experiment!
- Another recommendation is that you need shaving soap, foam or oil. I’ve always just used my regular soap – surprise, surprise – it also worked fine! You may need to use these though if you have sensitive skin. Trying new things is part of the adventure so see what works for you. Get sample packs where possible if you can.
- While safety razors come in a variety of pretty colours and finishes now, I recommend going for something purely metal. Pink or black coatings will come off over time and you’ll be more likely to want to replace it if it starts to look worn – so keep it nice and simple if you can.
- Store your razor out of the shower, especially if you have a Shower Dome, so that it has the chance to dry out. Remove the blade from the razor and dry it for storage. Of course you’re going to want to keep your shiny new shaving tool as clean as possible to keep it functioning well and to help it last forever.
- Make sure that the blade is tightened securely – a loose blade will feel a lot rougher and you’ll be a lot more likely to injure yourself.
Don’t forget
- You can’t take the blade in your carry on luggage when flying. I’m holding onto my old razor that will do for “emergencies” such as short trips where I’ll just be taking a carry on. Your razor itself may also set off the sensors, so make sure that it’s stashed somewhere handy for inspection.
- If you take care of your safety razor – it should last you forever. While I simply bought the most economical option that I could find to make sure that it worked for me, it’s worth doing your homework to make sure that you make the best choice for YOU.
- You don’t need to rush into the purchase, so keep your eyes open at any op-shop or for a used razor online. You can clean and sterilise it yourself, and you will likely have something a bit different and funky, and made to last! Check out this awesome post from Prim and Prep on how to give your razor a thorough clean!
Two months in and I’m proud to report that I’m still sporting all of my limbs. In fact, I don’t think I’ve cut myself once! I’m definitely getting the hang on it and I’m a proud convert and loving my funky new razor.
