For most of my adult life, I used cartridge razors. Like many men in the UK, I started with whatever brand was on the supermarket shelf and stuck with it out of habit. At first, it seemed convenient. The handle was cheap, the shave was acceptable, and I did not think too much about it. Over time, though, the real cost of cartridge razors became impossible to ignore.
Every few weeks, I found myself buying replacement cartridges that cost far more than they should have. The price kept creeping up, but the quality never improved. Blades went dull quickly, tugged at my hair, and left my skin irritated. I assumed this was just how shaving worked, especially if you shaved regularly.
What finally pushed me to look for affordable razor blades in the UK was doing the maths. When I added up how much I was spending on cartridge refills each year, the number was shocking. Hundreds of pounds for blades that barely lasted and were wrapped in plastic I could not recycle. It felt like a bad deal, but one that was hard to escape.
The biggest problem with cartridge razors is the system itself. Multi-blade cartridges are designed to lock you into one brand. You cannot buy cheaper alternatives, and you are forced to accept whatever price they set. Each cartridge contains layers of plastic, lubricating strips and multiple blades, most of which do very little to improve the shave but add significantly to the cost.
When I switched away from cartridge razors, the first thing I noticed was how much simpler shaving became. Smartshave uses a single-blade safety razor with affordable replacement blades. Instead of paying premium prices for plastic cartridges, you use inexpensive blades that are easy to replace and deliver a consistently clean shave. This is what truly affordable razor blades in the UK look like.
Another major difference I noticed after leaving cartridge razors behind was blade sharpness. With cartridges, I often pushed blades too far because they were expensive to replace. That led to dull blades, more pressure and more irritation. With Smartshave, fresh blades are affordable and delivered on schedule, so there is no reason to shave with a blade that has lost its edge.
Affordability is not just about saving money, it is also about getting better value. A sharp single blade cuts cleanly without scraping the skin multiple times. This reduces razor burn and ingrown hairs, something I struggled with when using cartridges. The result is a smoother shave and healthier-looking skin, without paying more.
There is also the environmental side, which I ignored for years while using cartridge razors. Plastic cartridges are difficult to recycle and create unnecessary waste. Smartshave blades use far less material and are recyclable, making them a more responsible option. Switching felt like a small change, but one that actually made a difference.
Looking back, it is clear that cartridge razors were never the affordable option I thought they were. They were simply familiar. Smartshave offered a way out of that cycle by providing genuinely affordable razor blades in the UK, without compromising on comfort or quality.
Best Razor Subscription for Men: My Experience Switching from Cartridge Razors
I was originally sceptical about razor subscriptions because I had only ever used cartridge systems. Most subscriptions I saw still relied on plastic cartridges, just delivered to your door. That did not solve the real problem. I wanted better value, a better shave and less irritation, not the same thing on a schedule.
The reason Smartshave stood out as the best razor subscription for men was that it offered a completely different approach. Instead of sending cartridge refills, it focuses on a traditional safety razor and affordable blades. Making the switch felt like a bigger change at first, but it quickly became clear that it was an upgrade in every sense.
One of the first benefits I noticed after moving away from cartridge razors was how much control I had while shaving. Cartridge heads are bulky and encourage you to press harder. A safety razor forces you to slow down and let the blade do the work. This simple change dramatically reduced irritation and made shaving more comfortable.
The subscription itself is straightforward. Blades arrive through the letterbox at intervals that match your routine. There is no panic when you realise your cartridge is dull, and no overpriced emergency purchases. This convenience is what a razor subscription should be, without hidden costs.
Another reason Smartshave deserves its reputation as one of the best razor subscriptions for men is its focus on skin health. The shaving products include vitamin E and aloe vera, which help calm the skin and reduce post-shave tightness. When combined with a single-blade razor, the difference compared to cartridge shaving is noticeable.
Cost was a major factor in my decision. Cartridge subscriptions often appear affordable at first, but the long-term cost remains high. Smartshave’s pricing is transparent, and because the blades are inexpensive, the subscription stays affordable over time. Over a year, the savings compared to cartridge razors are significant.
Sustainability also became more important to me once I stepped away from cartridges. Smartshave reduces plastic waste by using a durable razor handle and minimal packaging. It is an easy way to make a more environmentally conscious choice without sacrificing performance.
Trust matters when committing to a subscription. Smartshave has strong Trustpilot reviews from customers who have made the same switch from cartridge razors. Many mention smoother shaves, fewer ingrown hairs and better value, which matched my own experience.
Switching from cartridge razors can feel intimidating, but the learning curve is short. After a few shaves, the process becomes second nature. Once that happens, it is hard to justify going back to cartridges that cost more and deliver less.
For men in the UK who are still using cartridge razors and wondering if there is a better option, Smartshave makes a compelling case. It combines affordability, comfort and convenience in a way that cartridge systems simply cannot match.
If you are currently using cartridge razors and feel stuck with rising costs and irritated skin, exploring Smartshave.co.uk could be the change that finally improves your shaving routine.