SmartShave vs Bulldog Original Bamboo Razor
Comparing a flexible cartridge range with a bamboo-handled razor and refill packs.
Quick answer: Bulldog stands out for its bamboo handle and £8 four-pack of replacement blades. SmartShave offers a £9.99 5-blade starter kit with one replacement head and one handle for £9.99, three- or five-blade options and a £24.99 monthly SELECT plan. If handle material and refill price lead your decision, Bulldog deserves a close look; if cartridge choice and recurring delivery matter more, compare SmartShave’s plan details.
This is a comparison of published specifications and listed prices. It is not a hands-on performance test, and the two systems use different proprietary cartridges.
At a glance
| Feature | SmartShave | Bulldog Original Bamboo |
|---|---|---|
| Handle | Reusable handle with quality rubber grip | Bamboo handle |
| Blade options | 3-blade S3 or 5-blade S5 | 5 tempered-steel blades |
| Head features | Pivoting action head | Pivoting design and precision trimmer |
| Lubrication | Strip with Vitamin E and Aloe | Aloe lubricating strip |
| Starter / handle price | Starter kit listed at £9.99 | Original Bamboo Razor listed at £12 |
| Refills checked | SELECT 5-blade package: £24.99 for four replacement heads plus one handle | £8 / four replacement heads (£2 each) |
1. Handle design and materials
The most visible difference is the handle. Bulldog’s Original Bamboo Razor uses a bamboo handle and is positioned around a more considered material choice. Bulldog also sells an Original Glass Razor, so its range has a sustainability-led design identity.
SmartShave’s product pages focus on a quality rubber grip and pivoting action head. It is a more conventional reusable razor handle, with the range differentiated by colour and cartridge system rather than a bamboo material story.
Handle preference is personal. Consider grip security when wet, balance in the hand, how the head moves around the jaw and whether the handle is comfortable for your usual routine.
2. Blade and comfort features
Bulldog’s Original cartridge has five tempered-steel blades, an aloe lubricating strip, a pivoting design and a precision trimmer. SmartShave offers both three- and five-blade cartridges, with a pivoting action head and a strip containing Vitamin E and Aloe.
These are feature descriptions from the manufacturers. They do not establish that one razor gives a closer shave or causes less irritation for every user. If you have sensitive skin, test your technique as well as the product: soften the hair, use a suitable shave medium, avoid pressing hard and do not repeatedly pass over the same area.
3. The cost of replacement cartridges
SmartShave’s £24.99 monthly SELECT package includes four replacement heads and one handle. This is a complete package price, not a refill-only price: dividing £24.99 by four would allocate part of the handle cost to each head, so it should not be presented as a directly comparable refill unit price. The £9.99 5-blade Starter Kit includes one replacement head and one handle. Competitor prices quoted here are refill-only unless stated otherwise, so compare what each purchase includes, the initial handle cost, ongoing refill costs and delivery frequency.
On those listed refill prices, Bulldog is substantially less expensive per cartridge. SmartShave’s recurring plan should not be described as the cheapest option on this comparison. Instead, consider whether you value its delivery arrangement and the choice of S3 or S5 cartridge enough to justify the higher listed monthly price.
For a fair comparison, also check whether you are looking at the same number of replacement heads, delivery charges, introductory discounts and the ongoing price after any promotion.
4. Which is easier to buy and maintain?
Bulldog refills are sold as a four-pack and fit Bulldog Original razor handles. SmartShave SELECT is a recurring delivery option; SmartShave says customers can change, delay or cancel. Neither brand’s cartridges should be assumed to fit the other brand’s handle.
Rinse cartridges thoroughly after use and allow the razor to dry. Replace the cartridge when it begins to tug, feels less comfortable or shows damage. Do not try to extend a cartridge indefinitely just to reduce the cost per shave.
Who should choose each?
- Choose Bulldog for consideration if a bamboo handle, five-blade cartridge and lower listed refill price are your priorities.
- Choose SmartShave for consideration if you want a choice of three- or five-blade cartridges and prefer the convenience of a managed delivery plan.
- Compare the total cost if budget is decisive. The current listed refill prices favour Bulldog on a per-cartridge basis.
Our verdict
Bulldog is compelling for shoppers who want a bamboo-handled razor and low-cost four-pack refills. SmartShave’s advantages are its S3/S5 choice, 5-blade starter kit price (one replacement head and one handle for £9.99) and recurring delivery model. On current listed refill prices, Bulldog costs less per cartridge; SmartShave needs to win on the features and service model that matter to you.
Frequently asked questions
Do Bulldog blades fit SmartShave handles?
No. The systems are different. Bulldog says its Original Steel Blades fit Bulldog Original handles; SmartShave cartridges are designed for SmartShave handles.
Is the Bulldog Bamboo Razor made with five blades?
Yes. Bulldog lists five tempered-steel blades, an aloe lubricating strip, a pivoting design and a precision trimmer.
Is SmartShave cheaper than Bulldog?
SmartShave’s £24.99 monthly SELECT package includes four replacement heads and one handle. This is a complete package price, not a refill-only price: dividing £24.99 by four would allocate part of the handle cost to each head, so it should not be presented as a directly comparable refill unit price. The £9.99 5-blade Starter Kit includes one replacement head and one handle. Competitor prices quoted here are refill-only unless stated otherwise, so compare what each purchase includes, the initial handle cost, ongoing refill costs and delivery frequency.
Does SmartShave offer a three-blade option?
Yes. SmartShave lists S3 three-blade and S5 five-blade replacement systems.
Prices checked 14 November 2026 from official UK brand pages. Prices and promotions may change. Product descriptions are manufacturer-published; no independent performance test is claimed.
Related reading: Which SmartShave razor should you buy? · Where to buy replacement razor blades in the UK.
Compare the SmartShave 5-blade offers
Start with one 5-blade cartridge and one handle for £9.99, or choose monthly SELECT at £24.99 for four replacement heads plus one handle.