If you’re trying to achieve the closest possible shave in the coolest possible way, there’s just no substitute for a straight razor. Wet shaving with one of these beauties (or a good safety razor, which is a close second) has become somewhat of a lost art, which is why today we’re going to be talking about the straight razor kit.
Several kits come with many of the tools or products you’ll need to successfully and comfortably complete the straight razor grooming ritual. The best straight-razor shaving kits are those that contain only what you need. This could be a simple box of razors or a complete set of shaving products, including shaving soaps and creams.
My top six choices for straight razor shaving kits are all centered around a few key items, such as a strop or leather strap to polish your blade and sharpen it. They also include a brush and a type of stand. And look, I’m just happy you’re here, doing your part to elevate the experience of shaving. Good on ya’. Get in there, and get dappered up.
The Key Takeaways
In order to find the best straight-razor shaving kits in a variety of categories, I poured over dozens and dozens products, reviews from customers, and specification sheets. Six kits were selected as the best in the world based on price, quality, blade sharpness and included accessories. The Parker SR1 Shaving Kit is my top straight razor shaver kit based upon these considerations, closely followed by the budget-friendly Utopia Care Professional Barber Safety Shave Kit.
Why it’s greatThe sleek, minimalistic straight razor kit features a platinum SR1 blade and a stainless-steel handle. This elegant set rests on a chrome base and comes with an included chrome shavebrush. It’s a touch of luxury without a luxurious price.
Who is it for? Parker’s razors are of an outstanding quality and are super sharp. The SR1 Shaving Kit offers a number of key accessories that make it a good option for both beginners and experienced straight razor shaver.
The flaws are not the end of the worldYou may want to consider my next recommendation from Utopia Care if you are a novice to this type shave.
Included ProductsStraight razor with shave brush and stand for razor/brush | Straight Razor Style: Folding handle, disposable blades
Why it’s great: It bears repeating that a kit doesn’t necessarily have to have all the bells and whistles to qualify for that designation. A 100-pack of replacement quality razors, and a good handle can be all that you need. Fine, I made that up, but this is the budget part, so we’re going to roll with it.
Utopia Care’s Professional Barber Safety Razor has a sleek design, a tough-as-nails stainless steel handle with a metal grip, and over 22,000 5-star reviews on Amazon to back itself up.
Who is it for? You’re getting an incredible value for your money with this little workhorse. Whether you’re on a budget or simply refuse to say no to a good deal, this one’s for you.
Flaws are not deal breakers: If you’re looking for more of a traditional straight razor kit stocked with a shaving cream, leather strop, and a fancy-pants stand, you’re barking up the wrong grooming product.
Products Included| Straight Razor Style: Folding handle, disposable blades
Why it’s great: First thing’s first. Naked Armor’s Solomon Straight Razor Kit would make a hell of a gift for the discerning man in your life. For starters, the set comes in a sturdy pine box that’ll look good in your bathroom, closet, wherever.
The straight razor is the main item, with its folding handle, round-point Japanese blade, and a Japanese steel blade. You’ll also find a leather travel case, shave soap, leather strop, strop paste, and a shave brush with a sandalwood handle.
What’s this for? This kit is perfect for any man who enjoys the finer aspects of life. This straight razor shave set is perfect for your well-coiffed accountant, dad, brother or nephew. You get it. Can’t go wrong by gifting yourself either.
Flaws are not deal breakers: Some reviewers have complained that their blades weren’t as sharp as they were expecting out of the box but did the trick after some extra sharpening.
Products Included| Straight Razor StyleFolding handle with round point blade
Why it’s greatDovo razors from Germany are the best and sharpest available. Amazon has a few hidden gems, including this olivewood set. Don’t let the minimal reviews fool you—Dovo is the real deal. The kit includes the round-pointed, handsome and durable straight razor, as well a carrying case with leather strop, soap brush, shave bowl, and a shave bowl.
Who is it for? You’ve done the trial-and-error thing with straight razors, specifically. You’re tired of changing out blades and replacing entire tools too frequently. You’re ready for the next level of closeness and comfort.
Some flaws are not deal-breakersThis kit includes a stand to hold the brush but not the straight razor. If you don’t already have a straight-razor stand, you’ll need to keep it in the leather case or find somewhere else to store it to prevent the tool from getting wet.
Included Products| Straight Razor StyleFolding handle with round point blade
Why it’s greatThis Dolirox straight razor kit is the clown car among straight razor sets. The products just keep popping out of the box—the humble, foldable razor itself, a pre-shave oil, shaving bowl, brush, cream, bib, after-shave balm, and a handful of replacement blades.
If you’re just starting out with straight razors and are looking to establish an everyday routine, you’ve got a bit of everything at your fingertips here. Experiment away.
Who is it for? This is definitely a beginner-friendly kit, but it’s also a thoughtful, reasonably priced gift for the grooming-conscious guy on your list.
The flaws are not the end of the worldEight products are a lot. If you’re the a la carte type, you likely won’t get much mileage out of this kit’s pre-shave oil, shaving cream, or after-shave balm. If you’re not, make this your everyday go-to straight razor kit and see where it takes you.
Included Products| Straight Razor Style: Folding handle, replacement blades
Why it’s greatNaked Armor’s Merlin Straight Razor Travel Kit is again on the list. The round-point blade will need a little love from the included leather strop once you’re at the hotel. But when you’re done with that satisfying step of the ritual, enjoy lathering up with the collapsible shave brush and giving yourself a super close shave.
Who is it for? If you’ve already got the perfect home straight razor kit and have realized you can’t do without it when you’re on the road, the Merlin is a damn fine way to take your elevated routine with you.
There are flaws, but they’re not deal breakersThe travel kit is as niche as you can get. The Merlin is for the can’t-live-without-it shaver.
Products IncludedStraight razor with leather strop. Leather case.| Straight Razor StyleFolding handle with round point blade
Considerations When Buying the Best Straight Razor Shaving Kits
Material Composition
Carbon steel or stainless will be the most durable and longest lasting straight razors. You’ll find varying degrees of quality across the category—from shave brush materials to the quality of the strop—but never sacrifice blade quality.
Included Accessories
Because it’s a kit, you should expect various accessories to accompany the razor itself. Sometimes it’s just a box with replacement razors. Sometimes it’s a stainless-steel shaving bowl, badger-hair shavebrush, or other accessories to turn a grooming regimen into a ritual.
Choose the accessories that are important to you. Then, choose your perfect straight shavor package.
Blade Type
Replacement multipack or indestructible half hollow round-point blades? This is the question. One of them. Point is, from replaceable stainless steel blades to attached half-hollow carbon steel blades and everywhere in between, there’s a lot to consider.
Before choosing a straight razor, consider your budget, your beard type and the length of time you plan to use it.
How We Decided
As a writer for FashionBeans, I research, test and compare the products that help make a man a man. If it can be worn, carried, or used in a way that elevates your look and feel, I’m into it.
In order to write this review, i consulted trusted sources, customer feedback, product specifications, the materials used and my personal experience in order to determine what makes straight razor shaving kits best for men. After comparing more than 30 products, the resulting six are what I’m calling the best of the best. My key considerations are:
Overall QualityIn order to determine the best straight-razor shaving kits in multiple categories, I gave priority to brands and products which incorporate durable, effective materials, such as stainless steel, into their designs.
All of the disposable blades in my everyday and budget picks are made of stainless steel. The higher-end kits come with round-point Japanese steel blades and leather strops that help to keep them razor-sharp.
Customer ReviewsBefore citing different perspectives, I read dozens and dozens of reviews of products to find both positives and negatives.
Price: Yes, you need your straight razor to be sharp and the kit’s accessories to be useful, but you also need the expense to make sense for your current financial situation. With the selection of incredible products on the market today, there’s no need to overpay for anything. When choosing these products, I was very conscious of this.
Why trust Us?
When it comes to grooming and fashion expertise, Kelly Larson has demonstrated a profound understanding and deep insight into the world of men’s style.
With over a decade of experience, Kelly’s articles on FashionBeans showcase a meticulous approach to product selection and a keen eye for detail, ensuring that readers receive well-researched and authentic advice.
He relied on his experience as a sensitive-skinned man who had spent decades experimenting to find the best straight shaving kits for men. Kelly has published many articles on this subject, including the best men’s shaving kits, electric razors for men, cartridge razors and safety razors.
He also conducted a thorough research on dozens of razors in all categories, from safety razors to electrical razors. Kelly provides his audience the knowledge they need to make fashion and grooming choices by relying on customer reviews and trusted sources.
Final Verdict
Although certain straight razors offer an outstanding shave, they’re not going to be effective unless the contours and chemical makeup of your face agree with them. Similarly, a straight razor kit that doesn’t include the accessories you need won’t be the right fit.
You’re spoiled for choice, but my overall top pick of the best straight razor shaving kits is the Parker SR1 Shaving Kit.
The FAQ
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If a quality blade is stropped (or sharpened) properly after each use, you can’t beat the closeness of a straight-razor shave. Keep in mind, however, that you’re working with a single, razor-sharp blade. It is more difficult to learn and there’s a higher risk of you cutting yourself than, for example, using a cartridge razor. It also depends on the areas you’re shaving—if you’re looking for a body trimmer or head shaver, for instance, there’s no shortage of products out there for those purposes.
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No. Many men choose to build their own shaving kits according to their skin type and preferences. A straight razor shave kit makes a great gift for both veteran shavers and rookies alike, but they’re not for everyone.
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If properly maintained, a straight razor of high quality can last a life time. A leather strop is a great way to ensure your blade remains sharp and that your shave remains close. And no worries if you’re on a budget—straight razors with disposable blades often come with multiple replacement blades.
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