Best Adjustable Safety Razors

Adjustable safety razors are a unique subset of the safety razor.  With a few simple adjustments, you can drastically alter the shaving experience.

Whether you want a shave that delivers ‘baby butt smooth’ results or one that leaves behind a bit of grit – the adjustable safety razor provides control like no other razor available.  

Today we’ll be reviewing some of the best adjustable safety razors currently available, including the popular Merkur Progress to the modern Parker Adjustable Injector Razor.

Let’s begin.

Comparing Adjustable Safety Razors

RankingRazorLengthWeightAdjustment SettingsRazor Blade TypePriceAward
1Merkur Progress3.47″3.17ozContinuous 1-6Safety Razor$68Best Overall
2Rockwell Razors 6C3.74″3.53oz6Safety Razor$60Durable Design
3Merkur Futur4.30″4.44ozContinuous 1-6Safety Razor$86Luxury Pick
4Feather Adjustable Safety Razor4.05″1.2oz2Safety Razor$41One-Piece
5Parker Variant4.0″4.0ozContinuous 1-5Safety Razor$59Affordable
6Parke Adjustable Injector4.96″1.23oz5Injector$35Beginner Friendly

Best Adjustable Safety Razors of 2024

Here’s our list of the best adjustable safety razors to help you get a close, comfortable shave every time:

Merkur Progress

merkur progress razor

The Merkur Progress adjustable safety razor is popular due to its reliably consistent results.  With a continuous adjustment knob, you can fine-tune the blade exposure to your preference.  One significant difference between the Merkur Progress and the Futur is the aggressiveness at its mildest setting.  This mild aggression makes the Merkur Progress a beginner-friendly adjustable safety razor yet offers enough aggression for the wet shaving expert.  

For construction, the plastic adjustment knob coupled with polished chrome plating to the handle and razor head provides a dash of elegance to the bathroom countertop.  Lastly, Merkur does make a long handle variety, perfect for men with larger hands.

Key Specifications:

  • Adjustment Settings: Continuous 1-6
  • Razor Blade Type: Safety Razor
  • Country of Origin: Germany
  • Weight: 3.17oz
  • Length: 3.47″

Pros

  • Reliably consistent results
  • Smooth adjustable knob
  • Mild aggression

Cons

  • Not as aggressive as some other adjustable razors on the market

Bottom Line

Whether you are a getting into traditional wet shaving for the first time, or you are looking to take your game to the next level, the Merkur Progress adjustable safety razor should be at the top of your list.

???? Read the Full Merkur Progress Review

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Rockwell Razors 6C

rockwell 6c

Founded in 2014 as part of a successful Kickstarter campaign, Rockwell Razors does things a little differently regarding adjustable safety razors.  Rather than relying on a turn-knob on the handle, the Rockwell 6C includes three metal plates that offers six different blade gaps.  

With this unique adjustable design, the Rockwell 6C has its fair set of advantages and disadvantages.  The advantage is that it contains no moving parts, so nothing can get jammed or worn out.  Additionally, with the Rockwell 6C, you don’t need to worry about using any of the other plates once you find your preferred level of aggressiveness.  

However, there are a few downsides you should know. First, if you like to use two levels of aggressiveness while shaving, it’s pretty laborious to switch out the plates mid-shave (unscrew the cap and handle, lift the blade, swap the mount).  Secondly, if you only require one level of aggressiveness, the two other included plates provide no actual use.  

Ultimately, this is a unique take on the adjustable safety razor.  The craftsmanship is in line with the price range as it contains a zinc-alloy body with a chrome plating finish.  Lastly, the knurled grip provides a bit more security while shaving.

Key Specifications:

  • Adjustment Settings: 6
  • Razor Blade Type: Safety Razor
  • Country of Origin: China
  • Weight: 3.53oz
  • Length: 3.74″

Pros

  • No moving parts means nothing can get jammed or worn out
  • Once you find your preferred blade gap, you don’t need to worry about the other plates
  • Craftsmanship is excellent
  • Knurled grip provides more security

Cons

  • If you like to use two levels of aggressiveness, it’s laborious to switch out the plates mid-shave

Bottom Line

If you like the idea of an adjustable safety razor without any moving parts, the Rockwell 6C is the razor for you.

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Merkur Futur

merkur futur

The Merkur Futur adjustable safety razor is perfect for experienced wet shavers looking for an intensely aggressive shave.  While the razor has six adjustment settings, the Futur is still quite aggressive even when set to one. 

The Futur is both long and heavy. For length, the Futur is 4.30″, the Merkur Progress is only 3.47″. In addition, the Futur weighs in at 4.44oz; the Merkur Progress is only 3.17oz. Lastly, the head on the razor is a fair bit larger, which may result in it being tough to navigate tight contours, especially around the upper lip.

For the design, the Futur is among the most beautiful safety razors available.  The minimalist and high-quality design of this razor is available in a chrome or brushed chrome finish.  

Key Specifications:

  • Adjustment Settings: Continuous 1-6
  • Razor Blade Type: Safety Razor
  • Country of Origin: Germany
  • Weight: 4.44oz
  • Length

Pros

  • Intensely aggressive shave
  • Excellent build quality
  • Available in a chrome or brushed chrome finish

Cons

  • The razor is quite long and heavy
  • The head is large, which may make it tough to navigate tight contours

Bottom Line

The Merkur Futur is one of the most beautiful and aggressive adjustable safety razors on the market.

???? Read the Full Merkur Futur Review

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Feather Adjustable Double Edge Shaving Razor

feather adjustable safety razor

Widely revered for their award-winning safety razor blades, Feather also makes an equally impressive adjustable double edge safety razor.  This adjustable razor has two blade gap settings that’ll make the shave either mild or aggressive. There is no ability to fine-tune the aggressiveness like other safety razors we reviewed. However, despite the lack of adjustment settings, both the mild and aggressive settings should suffice for most users.

When using this razor, expect the large ribbed ergonomic grip to provide greater control, allowing more precise passes.

Lastly, when it comes time to refresh the blades, the butterfly safety razor design makes swapping the razor blade with a new one relatively easy.

Key Specifications:

  • Adjustment Settings: 2
  • Razor Blade Type: Safety Razor
  • Country of Origin: Japan
  • Weight: 1.2oz
  • Length: 4.05″

Pros

  • Two blade gap settings provide either a mild or aggressive shave
  • Large ribbed ergonomic grip provides greater control
  • Butterfly safety razor design makes blade changing easy

Cons

  • No ability to fine tune the aggressiveness

Bottom Line

Known for their award-winning razor blades, Feather also makes an excellent adjustable double-edge safety razor that’ll last a lifetime.

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Parker Variant

parker variant

The Parker Variant adjustable safety razor is a fan favorite commonly mentioned on forums such as Badger & Blade and shaving websites like Sharpologist.  The Parker Variant does everything right when it comes to adjustability and performance.  The continuous adjustment knob found on this safety razor allows just about anyone to fine-tune the aggressiveness to their preference.  

The knurled handle and adjustment knob gives it an engineered appearance while also providing a confident grip even if your hands are coated with a slick shave cream.  Lastly, the composition of this razor is a brass frame that has been treated with a satin chrome finish.  It’s a good and affordable adjustable safety razor.

Key Specifications:

  • Adjustment Settings: Continuous 1-5
  • Razor Blade Type: Safety Razor
  • Country of Origin: India
  • Weight:  4.0oz
  • Length: 4.0″

Pros

  • Continuous adjustment knob for precision
  • Knurled handle and adjustment knob for a confident grip
  • Brass frame with satin chrome finish

Cons

  • Some didn’t like the starter blades

Bottom Line

Men love this razor for its continuous adjustment knob that allows users to fine tune the aggressiveness.

???? Read the Full Parker Variant Review

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Parker Adjustable Injector Razor

Parker Adjustable Injector Razor

The Parker Adjustable Injector Razor elegantly blends the design between a cartridge razor and a safety razor. A familiar cartridge-like handle paired with the adjustment dial of a safety razor, the Parker Adjustable Injector Razor delivers close and comfortable results.  

While the design is the most apparent difference between this razor and others on the market, the weight is also significant.  At only 1.23oz, the Parker Adjustable Injector Razor is light.  Therefore, carefully applied pressure will be necessary to cut through facial hair.  

Another critical difference between this razor and other adjustable safety razors is the type of razor blades compatible with it.  Rather than a standard safety razor blade, you’ll need to use an injector razor blade.  Only a few brands make this type of razor blade, with the most notable being Schick and Feather.  

Lastly, the Parker Adjustable Injector Razor relies on a stainless steel body, ensuring that it will never rust or corrode.

Key Specifications:

  • Adjustment Settings: 5
  • Razor Blade Type: Injector
  • Country of Origin: India
  • Weight: 1.23oz
  • Length: 4.96″

Pros

  • Cartridge-safety razor hybrid design
  • Lightweight at only 1.23oz
  • Uses injector razor blades
  • Stainless steel body

Cons

  • Can be difficult to find injector razor blades
  • Not as aggressive as some

Bottom Line

The Parker Adjustable Injector Razor is a cartridge-safety razor hybrid that’s perfect for those who want an adjustable shave without the weight or aggressiveness.

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Considerations When Buying an Adjustable Safety Razor

Here are a few factors you’ll want to keep in mind when purchasing an adjustable safety razor:

  • Adjustment Settings: How many adjustment settings does the razor have? The more, the better. You’ll be able to find razors with anywhere from 1 to 6 adjustment settings.
  • Adjustment Type: The adjustment mechanism within these razors will be either continuous or fixed. A continuous adjustment will give you more precision when finding the perfect setting. A fixed adjustment will have pre-set settings you’ll need to choose from.
  • Blade Type: As we mentioned earlier, some adjustable safety razors use special injector blades while others can use traditional double-edge blades. Double edge blades are widely available and much cheaper. Injector blades are less common.
  • Weight: Safety razors vary widely in weight. Heavier razors require less pressure from you, making them easier to use. Lighter razors will require more pressure, making them a bit tougher, but will cause less fatigue.
  • Length: The length of the razor will also vary. Some people prefer a longer handle for better control, while others prefer a shorter handle for maneuverability. Again, there is no right or wrong answer here; it’s purely a matter of preference.
  • Material: Safety razors can be made from various materials, including brass and stainless steel. Each has its pros and cons. For example, brass razors are often very heavy but may corrode if the chrome plating is cracked. On the other hand, stainless steel razors are usually lighter and can last a lifetime but are often more expensive.
  • Country of Origin: This is more of a personal preference, but some people prefer to buy shaving products, particularly from Germany or Japan, as these countries are often revered for the precision of their engineering.

How to Use an Adjustable Safety Razor

When using an adjustable safety razor, starting with the blade gap set to the narrowest setting is essential. This will provide a milder shave and help you get used to the razor. Once comfortable with the razor, you can gradually increase the blade gap for a closer shave.

Here are some tips for using an adjustable safety razor:

  • Use a sharp blade. A dull blade can irritate and increase the risk of cuts.
  • Wet your hair and skin. This will help the razor glide more smoothly and reduce irritation.
  • Use shaving cream or shaving soap to help the razor glide smoothly and reduce irritation.
  • Consider using a shaving brush as it can help lift the hair and provide a better cushion for the shaving cream to reduce irritation.
  • Shave with the grain of your hair. You can shave against the grain for a closer shave on a subsequent pass, but going against the grain from the start can increase the risk of irritation and cuts.
  • Rinse the razor frequently. This will help remove hair and shaving cream from the blades and prevent clogging.
  • Dry the razor after each use. This will help prevent rusting or corrosion.
  • Apply an aftershave balm or lotion to soothe the skin once you have finished shaving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few frequently asked questions about adjustable safety razors:

What’s the difference between an adjustable safety razor and a non-adjustable safety razor?

The main difference between an adjustable safety razor and a non-adjustable safety razor is that an adjustable safety razor allows you to adjust the blade gap. This means you can customize the aggressiveness of your shave. Non-adjustable safety razors typically have a fixed blade gap, which means they provide a more consistent shave but may be too aggressive or too mild for some.

What are the benefits of an adjustable safety razor?

The main benefit of an adjustable safety razor is that it allows you to customize the aggressiveness of your shave. This means you can find the perfect setting for your facial hair and skin type. The razor can provide a predictably close shave without the risk of irritation or cuts.

How quickly should you increase the aggressiveness after initial use?

We recommend getting two or three shaves under your belt with the razor set to the mildest setting before increasing the aggressiveness. This will help you get used to the razor and avoid irritation or cuts. After a few shaves, you can slowly increase the blade gap until you find the perfect setting for your facial hair and skin type.

Adam Williams

As the lead editor of Tools of Men, Adam loves men's grooming products. Particularly of interest is managing facial hair and perfecting the art of the modern man's skincare routine. His work has been featured or quoted in several publications, including New York Magazine, Vice, Sharpologist, MIC, Elite Daily, and more. When Adam isn't working, he enjoys spending time with his two little kids who keep him both on his toes and young at heart.

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