Shaving has been an essential part of men's grooming routine for decades, and various types of shaving razors have been introduced over the years. However, the most common dilemma of all still remains highly debated today – “Single-blade vs Multi-blade, which is better?”
To determine whether a single-blade razor or multi-blade razor is better, we’ll compare both types of razors based on four characteristics – performance, ease of use, cost and environmental friendliness.
Performance
Both single and multi-blade razor can deliver a comfortable shave. However, the multi-blade razor catches and cuts more hair in a single glide:
1st blade: Catches the hair and pulls it
2nd & 3rd blade: Cuts the more exposed hair, ensuring nothing is missed.
However, while multi-blade razors do shave more hair in one go, they also increases the chances of ingrown hair, razor bumps and skin irritation. In contrast, single-blade razors help reduce these issues, making them ideal for sensitive skin. With no extra blades, the hair is less likely to be pulled, reducing discomfort. More blades, more problems.
Single-blade razors can help reduce such mishaps, especially if you have sensitive skin. It is designed to achieve a smooth shave while reducing the chances of ingrown hair and razor bumps.
In comparison to a multi-blade razor, there are no extra blades that can cause the hair to be pulled while shaving.
Ease of use
Multi-blade razors offer an effortless shaving experience, making them a convenient choice for beginners. Simply run the razor over your skin, and the job is done easily.
Single-blade razors, on the other hand, require a little more practice to master and achieve an effective shave. It takes time to get used to the pressure and angle needed for an effective shave.
Cost
Single-blade safety razors are more cost-effective than multi-blade razors. With an average of 4 shaves per week, here’s a cost comparison over two years:
Multi-blade refills can cost up to $10 per cartridge while single-blade razor refills can be as cheap as $0.20 per blade. It is recommended to replace your blades every 3 to 5 shaves.
Environmental Friendliness
More than 2 billion razors and refill blades are discarded in the U.S. each year. Although many multi-blade razors are not ‘single use’, disposing of them contributes significantly to plastic waste due to repeated blade purchases.
Single-blade razors, however, only require the replacement of the stainless steel blade, which is recyclable and more sustainable. Additionally, single-blade razors are more durable, reducing material consumption and waste.
Choosing the right razor for your skin
Picking the right razor depends on many other factors – skin type, user experience, and budget. Here’s a quick comparison to sum it up.
Single-blade razor: Better in terms of performance, cost and environmental friendliness.
Multi-blade razor: Easier to learn and use, especially for beginners.
If you have no prior experience with shaving, a multi-blade razor can help you familiarise yourself with the shaving technique. Once you're ready to take facial grooming more seriously, you can switch to a single-blade razor.
Ultimately, your choice should be based on your grooming style and an evaluation of the different features of both types of razors. 
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