9 Zero Waste Razors S(h)aving The Earth

How We Found The Best Zero Waste Razors (And How They Work)

Let’s cut to the chase: disposable razors have got to go.  

And we don’t mean to the landfill, where 2 billion of them end up every year (in the US alone). 

Some traditional razor companies are attempting to reduce their impact.

Schick operates with zero-landfill production and offers a razor recycling program and Gillette razors are now recyclable nationwide in the US. 

But how many actually get recycled?

Not many. Which is why a zero waste razor (in whatever form it may take) is the only sustainable alternative.

Since biodegradable razors aren’t yet an option, reusable safety razors are the best bet.

What is a safety razor?

“Safety” razor may seem like a misnomer; they don’t look very safe. With no guards, plastic bumpers, or plastic of any kind, admittedly they’re intimidating. 

A safety razor is an all-metal, plastic-free razor (usually stainless steel or chrome) with a double-sided blade. Instead of throwing away the whole head to change the blade, the blade alone is removable and replaceable.

There are two types of blade access:

• Standard: screw off the whole head
• Butterfly: twist the bottom of the handle to open the blade compartment like a butterfly’s wings

How to use a safety razor?

Safety razors utilize the now somewhat dying art of wet shaving, which, as the name implies, means water is involved. Disposable razors bypass this requirement due to integrated strips of lubricated gel.

Wet shaving is better for your skin and reduces nicks, razor burns, and ingrown hairs when done properly:

• Step 1: Prep your skin with hot water or a hot towel. If you shave in the shower, you’re already ahead of the game. Apply shaving soap for thorough coverage.
• Step 2: Gently press the flat head of your razor against your skin and tilt it to a 30° angle until one side of the blade rests against your skin. Maintain this angle (anything more will be too harsh) and make short, feathering strokes with the grain of your hair.
• Step 3: After one full pass, re-lather and go again, this time against the grain.

Pro tip: Do not apply pressure. There’s a reason safety razors feel weighty; their own weight is designed to apply all the pressure the blade needs. For more wrinkled, contoured areas, keep the skin as taut as possible.

Gentleman, for a humorous how-to, check out this tutorial video and use this handy shave map to learn how to shave your face like a pro.

Ladies, make no mistake: safety razors aren’t just for guys. They work on legs, armpits, and more, erm… sensitive areas, too. 

Once you get over the scare factor and get a little practice, you’ll wonder how you ever shaved without one—if you’re like us, anyway.

What’s the difference between a zero waste straight razor and a safety razor?

Coming at you from the 1800s, straight razors are for those who really want to get into the art of shaving. 

These are similar to reusable safety razors, as they’re both wet shave methods that rely on the angle of blade for effectiveness.

A straight razor, however, is more suited for male facial hair, as the wide blade isn’t friendly to smaller, contoured areas.

Because of the offset grip placement, straight razors have a slightly higher learning curve but give you the closest shave possible. 

There’s also more maintenance involved (honing and oiling), but no need for replacement blades.

Can zero waste razors save you money?

Are refillable razors worth it? 

Not to answer a question with another question, but when’s the last time you did the math on disposable razors?

Unless you’re buying super cheap single-use razors, you’re forking out around $20 for a handle and a few short-lived blades.

Subscription shave clubs (which also yield monthly shipping and packing waste) cost an average of $10 per month.

A few months already covers the cost of an affordable safety razor, which will last a lifetime barring any unfortunate misplacements.

Sure, the blades need replacing, but a pack of 100 Shark blades costs a measly $10. Considering each blade lasts 1–4 weeks, depending on how frequently you shave, that’s four years of replacement blades for the cost of one month’s subscription.

How to care for your safety razor?

In order to extend its life, it’s important to know how to clean a safety razor. 

After shaving, rinse thoroughly with warm water, ensuring all hair is removed (removing the blade if necessary).

Then shake out and store in a dry place to avoid rusting. 

Can you recycle old razor blades, zero waste-style?

Due to cutting hazards, razor blades can’t be dropped off with the rest of your curbside recycling. 

Instead, check with your city council to find out where your community collects scrap metal.

For American shavers, scrap metal recycling locations are not always easy to find, so you can always mail your blades of any brand to Leaf Shave.

In between recycling runs or mailings, collect used blades in an old jar or “blade bank” like this one from ZeroWasteStore.