I was standing in the drugstore aisle staring at a pack of four razor cartridges for $22. Again. I did the math in my head — I buy these every six weeks. That is $190 a year. On tiny pieces of plastic and metal that end up in a landfill.

Then I remembered my grandfather’s old safety razor in a leather case. I ordered one online for $30 and a pack of 100 blades for $10. That was two years ago. I am still working through those blades.

What a Safety Razor Actually Is

A safety razor is the old-school metal handle that holds a single double-edge blade. It looks intimidating — like something from a barbershop in the 1950s. It is actually safer than cartridge razors once you learn the technique.

The difference: one sharp blade instead of five dull ones. Cartridge razors have multiple blades because each one is not that sharp and they rely on the tug-and-cut method that causes razor burn and ingrown hairs.

A single sharp blade cuts cleanly. No tugging. No razor burn. My skin has never been smoother.

The Cost Difference Is Insane

Cartridge razors: $190 per year just for the blade refills. Handle costs extra.

Safety razor: the handle is $20-40 and lasts a lifetime. Blades are $10 for 100 — each blade lasts about 5 shaves. That is under $10 a year for blades. For a shave that is closer and causes less irritation.

I do not understand why everyone does not switch except that cartridge razors have better marketing budgets.

The Learning Curve

There is one. You cannot press down — the weight of the razor does the work. You use short strokes and let the blade glide. The first two shaves I nicked myself. By shave five I had it figured out. By shave ten I was faster than with a cartridge.

The trick: no pressure, 30-degree angle, short strokes. And use a proper shaving soap with a brush, not canned foam. Better lubrication, closer shave, no plastic waste.