Description
Zero Waste Reusable Razor Shaving Set
Can we escape plastic? We are surrounded by it. 50% of the plastic in our lives we use just once before throwing it away. With China having stopped taking Ireland’s tonnes of yearly plastic waste, it’s a problem that’s certainly not going away.
However, there are small changes we can make in our daily lives to tackle the problem, from reusing carrier bags to shopping at local veg shops to cut back on supermarket plastic packaging. When it comes to shaving, swapping from disposables to a DE razor is a basic change that goes a long way in reducing plastic waste. Men and women alike shave regularly; if everyone were to make a small change, the difference could be huge.
WHAT IS A DOUBLE EDGE SAFETY RAZOR?
Double edge safety razors, often referred to simply as DE razors, are a reusable alternative to plastic disposables. The single blades, replaced as they become dull, are held securely in the razor head at the perfect angle to cut your hair. There is a protective barrier that varies in design – from open and closed comb – that minimises errant cuts from the blades. As with any razor, you need to take care when using it, but the technique is not that different form using a disposable and often provides a closer, more comfortable shave.
There are different mechanisms that hold the blade in place, as well as different brands to choose from, but the basic design means that most DE razors will last for years longer than their plastic counterparts.
We have a complete guide that covers all the details about safety razors including the different varieties, how to choose one for yourself, and how to use them. If you’re going to make the switch and go plastic free, it’s a really useful way to clear up any confusion before making your first purchase.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
PLASTIC FREE SHAVING
The major environmental benefit is an obvious one; no more disposable plastic razor waste. In the US, two billion razors are thrown away every year, an amount that’s hard to imagine. In Ireland the number is less, but still in the millions. That’s a huge amount of unnecessary plastic sitting in dumps and making its way into the world’s ecosystems.
Plastic takes, on average, around 1000 years to degrade.
Switching to a DE razor puts an end to that plastic waste.
REUSABLE ALTERNATIVES
There are other reusable alternatives to disposable razors. However, many of these still have plastic elements and although they can be reused by replacing the blades, they ultimately don’t last as long as DE razors. When you do need to dispose of them, it still creates plastic waste, and the plastic packaging these razors and their refills come in is often very unnecessary.
Many safety razors are made entirely of metal. Not only does this mean they last longer and feel really great to use, but they reduce the waste that comes with even ‘reusable’ razors.
THE BLADES
When you use a double edge safety razor, you will have to replace the blades in order to keep them sharp and to ensure you continue to get a good shave. Cartridge blades are often made of a mixture of plastic, metal, lubricating strips and rubber – most of which can’t be recycled. On the other hand, DE razor blades are just metal, made from stainless steel. These can be recycled (please dispose of carefully and check with your local council to find out where) and therefore produce no plastic waste at all.
SHAVING SOAP
Another benefit to making the switch is the shaving soap you use. When switching to a safety razor, we usually recommend using a good quality shaving soap or cream which you whip into a lather yourself. These are much more environmentally friendly than those found in the pressurised cans. You can buy shaving soap refills, as opposed to whole new pots, to further reduce the packaging waste.
Proper shaving soap can also produce a closer shave than ready-to-spray foam, helping you achieve a superior shave.
BENEFITS TO YOUR SHAVE
A safety razor isn’t just a great option for the environment, many people finds it also produces a better shave. It’s a win-win situation. A safety razor blade can get closer to your skin and the base of your hairs, producing a closer shave that results in a smoother look and feel. Whether you’re shaving your beard or your legs, the results are often noticeably better.
Clement –
Crazy good value for this set! Excellent quality, quick delivery. Very happy chappy.
Kevin –
Beautiful set – The soap is really nice. It took me a little while to get used to the razor but overall it’s so much better. Haven’t had any razor bumps since switching over!
Ann Marie –
Great for a beginner. Quick delivery.
Jeremy –
Amazing value zero waste shave set! I wanted to cut down on plastic and this set feels like really good quality. Happy customer, will be back.
Derek Murphy –
All perfect. Quick delivery, extra free blades and no more plastic!
Ken Owens –
Very happy with how well the razor cuts, I was always prone to very bad razor burn but so far this razor has really helped!
Jacinta Dowling –
Lovely product
Carmel –
I was a bit disappointed with the packaging as I bought it as a gift and the box it came in was used for postage so It has stickers and sellotape on it. I had to buy another box for presentation, quality of products are very good.
Anonymous –
Xmas present for husband. Looks great.
Thomas O’ Mahony –
Zoe –
Bought as a Christmas gift that I haven’t given yet, contents look really nice but the packing was rough and thrown together, a first world problem I’m sure but if you’re looking for an honest review I would insist the packaging had a little more finesse, wouldn’t take a lot of extra effort and would have made the product look a little more “quality”.
MANLY STUFF –
Hi Zoe, thank you for your review. This is ‘Zero Waste’ set,i.e. we try to recycle everything and everything is recyclable. We have a number of Gift Sets that come in more formal gift boxes etc.
Fiona –
Excellent quality of product. My husband loves it.
The delivery service was also excellent. Was delivered 2 days after I ordered. Overall really good experience with this company.
Jessica Heron –
Great product, lovely packaging, arrived ahead of schedule
Molly –
All very good quality the razor has a nice weight to it and the soap has a refreshing scent would recommend
MANLY STUFF –
Thank you for your review Molly!
Kevin Bermingham –
Brendan O’Farrell –
Great product, good value and a much better shave. Plus recyclable! Win-win!
MANLY STUFF –
Thank you for the great feedback Brendan!
MANLY STUFF –
Thank you for the great feedback Brendan!
Robert D. –
Yep, good product bought as a present and delivered within a few days. No issues!
Anonymous –
Jenny Fox –
Easy to order, package arrived promptly a d all this despite being the run up to Christmas! Contents were precisely how described. Would definitely shop here again.
Pauline –
Pleased!
Hugh M. –
Brush and razor are both fantastic. Shaving soap is good
Anonymous –
Highly recommend this fabulous Irish company. Beautiful wooden razor. Lovely natural shaving soap and brush. Extremely helpful when I asked a question on whatsapp. Posted and delivered very quickly. Will definitely buy again
Vincent Richardson –
Cathal Bergin –
An absolutely beautiful set! There were some funny postal digressions along the way which Sean sorted out pronto! Excellent product, excellent service. Thank you :-)
Aoibheann –
Got this for my partners birthday present and he loves it. Really great set and easy to use.
Anonymous –
Eileen Shiels –
Great products and fast delivery.
Janice Murphy –
Good quality product. Delivered in mi e gift box
Ger Q. –
Peter H. –
I was really pleased with quality of my razor