WITH A NEW RAZOR
A new razor feels different at first. Here’s what to expect, and how to get the best out of it.
Switching razors is a small change that can feel surprisingly big. The weight is different, the head moves differently and the blade is probably sharper than the worn one you were used to. Give yourself a week to settle in, and you’ll get a fair idea of what the new razor can really do.
Why a New Razor Feels Different
A different handle changes how the razor sits in your hand. It takes a few shaves for your grip to adjust.
If you’ve pressed hard to get through a worn blade, you may keep doing it, which is a common cause of razor burn.
A sharp, fresh cartridge needs far less pressure than a worn one, so it can feel unfamiliar at first.
A pivoting head follows the contours of your face. See pivoting razor heads explained.
Three Things to Get Right
Your hand needs a few shaves to adjust. Give a new razor several shaves before deciding whether it suits you.
Action: Use it for a week before you decide.A fresh blade does the cutting for you. Hold the razor lightly and let it glide, rather than pushing as you did with an old one.
Action: Light touch, short strokes.Keep your shaving cream and routine the same while you try the new razor, so you can tell what’s working and what isn’t.
Action: Same routine, new razor.Your First Week
Take your time, use light strokes and rinse the blade often. Don’t expect perfection yet.
Notice how the head follows your face, and ease off pressure where you’ve been pushing.
Your hand should feel more natural by now. See how to shave properly for a refresher.
How does your skin feel? If irritation continues despite a light touch and plenty of lather, speak to a pharmacist or your GP.
First-Week Mistakes vs the Better Way
✗ The Common Mistakes
- Judging it after one shave
- Pressing as you did before
- Changing cream and routine at the same time
- Rushing the first few shaves
- Expecting old cartridges to fit
✓ The Better Way
- Giving it several shaves
- Letting the blade do the work
- Changing one thing at a time
- Taking it slowly at first
- Using the cartridges made for your handle
Wondering how it compares with what you’ve used before? See our honest Gillette vs SmartShave comparison, or check what’s in the starter kit.
- Premium handle with a quality rubber grip
- Pivoting action head
- Strip with vitamin E and aloe
- Free UK delivery
What customers say
“Excellent product, handle has a real weighty and quality feel”
“My now razor of choice”
“Very good quality yet reasonably priced”
Rated 4.5/5 from 15 reviews. Read them all on Trustpilot.
Frequently asked questions
Many men settle in within a few shaves, but give it around a week before you decide. Your hand needs time to adjust to the new weight and head.
Usually because the old cartridge was worn. A fresh blade cuts with far less pressure, so it can feel quite different at first.
Usually not. Cartridges are generally designed for a brand’s own handles, so check compatibility before you buy.
Ease off the pressure, use plenty of lather and see our razor burn guide. If it doesn’t settle, speak to a pharmacist or your GP.
Yes. Start with the £9.99 starter kit, which includes a premium handle. You can change, delay or cancel at any time for free.
A new razor needs a few shaves to feel natural. Go slowly, ease off the pressure and keep the rest of your routine the same, then judge it at the end of the week.