Updated August 2026.
Quick answer: To use a traditional safety razor, prepare your skin with warm water and shaving soap, use very little pressure, find the angle where the blade begins to cut the hair, and shave with the direction of hair growth using light, short strokes. Rinse the razor regularly and take your time while you get used to the different weight and angle.
The stainless steel safety razor is back in a big way, and will help you put an end to throwaway plastic razors! So, why are they so great, how do you use a safety razor, and how do you avoid nicking yourself? Read on to find out more.
A reusable safety razor can take a little getting used to if you've always shaved with disposable or cartridge razors. The biggest differences are the weight, pressure and angle — but once you understand those, the technique is surprisingly simple.
Why are reusable safety razors so great?
Before we get into how to use one, here's why a reusable safety razor can be such a worthwhile switch:
✓ Less waste: Biome’s metal safety razors are plastic free and designed to last for years with proper care.
✓ Made to last: Our metal safety razors have a genuine brass frame and are plated in chrome. Some styles also feature a coloured anodised or enamel-plated handle, and the packaging is cardboard. The chrome plating helps make the razor corrosion resistant, although keeping it clean and dry is still important for longevity.
✓ Recyclable blades: The replaceable metal blades can be recycled too. Store used blades safely in a tin or metal container and, once it’s full, seal the container and check with your local council for the appropriate recycling option in your area.
✓ Save money over time: A reusable safety razor is a one-time purchase designed to last, while replacement blades are inexpensive to replace.
✓ Gentler on skin: Traditional safety razors generally use a single blade, so you’re not passing multiple blades over the skin with each stroke. They also don’t incorporate the built-in lubrication strip found on many disposable cartridge razors. For people prone to post-shave irritation, using fewer blades with good lubrication and light pressure can help support a gentler shave.
Prone to irritation after shaving? Read more about the causes of razor burn, itching and ingrown hairs, and how to prevent them in our Itchy Skin After Shaving guide.
How to load your safety razor
Before your first shave, you'll need to load a blade into your razor. These steps show how to load a butterfly or twist-to-open safety razor. Other safety razor designs open differently, so follow the instructions provided with your razor if yours isn't a butterfly style.
- Unpack your safety razor and recycle the cardboard box.
- Screw the handle clockwise and watch the razor head open like a butterfly.
- Take a single razor blade and carefully unwrap it — take care to hold the blade at the sides (the short ends) as the long ends are sharp!
- Get some rubbing alcohol or similar, put it on a clean cloth, and rub down the blade and safety razor to disinfect them for your first shave.
- Slot in the razor blade through the metal bar in the open razor head.
- Once the blade is sitting level, screw the handle anticlockwise to close the head, turning it tightly to secure the blade.
- The blade should now be protruding from under the head cover, or the “butterfly wings”.
- Your razor is now ready to use!
How to use a safety razor
Using a fixed-head or pivoting razor? The shaving technique below focuses primarily on a traditional fixed-head safety razor, where you control the shaving angle yourself. Pivoting-head razors move with the contours of the skin, so the technique feels a little different. If you're deciding between the two, see our Safety Razor Buying Guide.
Once your blade is securely loaded, it's time to shave. The key differences from a disposable razor are pressure and angle — let the weight of the razor do the work and take your time while you find the technique that feels comfortable.
1. Prepare your skin and hair
If you're not showering during or before shaving, warm up your skin with some hot water or a hot towel — this will soften hairs and make for an easier shave.
Lather up your skin with your favourite natural shaving soap, then wet the blade under warm water. Now you're ready to shave. See our How to Use Shaving Soap guide → for how to build and apply a lather for face and body shaving.
2. Apply as little pressure as possible
Your razor, being made of metal, is heavy enough for the blade to work on its own. If you press any further, you may cut yourself.
If you want to counter your natural tendency to apply pressure, try holding the razor by the tip of the handle.
3. Find the right shaving angle
Angle the blade as far from your skin as possible. As you're using a single blade and a traditional fixed razor head doesn't pivot or automatically contour to your skin, you need to do the contouring yourself.
How to find your angle: Hold the razor parallel to the floor, put the razor head onto your skin, and slowly tilt the head down until the blade starts cutting the hair. Then stop — you've found the right angle.
People usually recommend holding the razor at around a 30-degree angle, but everyone's different, so we recommend finding your own angle too.
4. Shave with the grain
Shave in the direction your hair grows. Shaving against the grain can increase the chance of ingrown hairs and irritation, and pulls the skin with the hair you're going against, so you might end up cutting yourself.
We suggest shaving with the grain, and if this doesn't get all the hair, go over it again. Going softly over the same area a few times is also recommended for people with sensitive skin.
5. Use light, short strokes
With these things in mind, start off with light, short strokes, getting yourself accustomed to the razor. Rinse the razor regularly so hair doesn't clog the blade, and remember to take your time.
How to look after your reusable metal razor
To ensure longevity, it's important to take good care of your reusable metal safety razor.
- Open the razor according to its design.
- Remove the blade carefully by holding the short, non-sharp sides.
- Rinse the blade and razor to remove shaving soap, suds and hair.
- Dry the razor and blade completely.
- Store it somewhere dry until your next shave.
If you want to clean the razor and blade further, you can wipe the razor and blade with rubbing alcohol and let it dry before popping it away.
Although the chrome plating means less likelihood of corrosion from water, keeping something in a warm and wet place is never a good idea if you want to make it last.
How often should you replace a safety razor blade?
Use a blade until it becomes dull or shows signs of rust. You'll know the blade is becoming dull when it takes a few goes to remove the hair or starts tugging rather than cutting cleanly.
When it's time to replace it, store the used blade safely in a tin or metal container. Once the container is full, seal it and check with your local council for the appropriate metal recycling option in your area.
Ready to make the switch?
Explore Biome's reusable safety razors, replacement blades and shaving essentials for a lower-waste shaving routine.
Frequently asked questions about using a safety razor
How do you use a safety razor without cutting yourself?
Use very little pressure, take light and short strokes, and take your time. With a traditional fixed-head safety razor, finding the right blade angle is particularly important. Start with the razor head against your skin and slowly tilt it until the blade begins to cut the hair.
Should you shave with or against the grain with a safety razor?
We suggest starting by shaving with the grain — in the direction your hair grows. Shaving against the grain can increase the chance of irritation, ingrown hairs and nicks. If you need a closer result, gently go over the area again rather than pressing harder.
Do you need shaving soap with a safety razor?
Using a shaving soap or another suitable shaving lubricant helps the razor glide over the skin.
What angle should you hold a safety razor?
Around 30 degrees is commonly suggested, but the ideal angle can vary. A simple way to find yours is to place the razor head against the skin and slowly tilt it until the blade begins cutting the hair.
How do you know when a safety razor blade needs replacing?
A dull blade may start tugging at the hair or require several passes to remove it. Replace the blade if it becomes dull or shows signs of rust.
Are fixed-head and pivoting safety razors used the same way?
Not exactly. With a traditional fixed-head safety razor, you control the shaving angle yourself. A pivoting head moves with the contours of the skin, so the shaving motion feels different.
Related Reads
How to Choose a Safety Razor
Not sure which razor is right for you? Compare Biome's safety razors by weight, handle, head movement and blade changing.
How to Use Shaving Soap
Learn how to create a protective lather and use shaving soap for face and body shaving.
Itchy Skin After Shaving? Causes & How to Prevent It
Understand what can cause post-shave itching, razor burn and irritation, and how a gentler shaving routine can help.
Safety Razor Review: Why We Love Them & Top Tips
Read Caroline, Michele and Nancy's first-hand experiences of switching to reusable safety razors.
