# HOW MUCH DOES SHAVING COST? _Published: 2026-11-07_ [SMARTSHAVE](https://smartshave.co.uk/) [Razors](https://smartshave.co.uk/#products)[Subscribe](https://smartshave.co.uk/student-discount/)[Blog](https://smartshave.co.uk/) Cost Guide · Budget HOW MUCH DOES SHAVING COST? A simple way to work out what shaving really costs you each year, and where the savings are. By **SmartShave Editorial**  ·  5 min read · Cost Guide 52 blades a year if you change your blade weekly, as we recommend for regular shaving 4 things to count razor, cartridges, cream and aftercare 3 ways to save unit price, no wasted blades, and no features you don’t need £9.99 starter kit a low-cost way to try SmartShave Most of us have no idea what shaving costs per year, because the money disappears in small purchases: a pack of cartridges here, a can of foam there. Here’s a simple way to add it up, and where the savings usually are. ## What to Count Ongoing The Cartridges Usually the biggest cost. It’s the price of one cartridge multiplied by how many you use in a year. Ongoing Shaving Cream or Gel A can or tube lasts a certain number of weeks. Work out how many you buy in a year. Ongoing Aftercare A balm or moisturiser. It’s easy to forget, but it adds up. Occasional The Razor Handle A one-off cost. Divide it by the number of years you’ll keep it. ## The Five-Minute Calculation 1 **Count Your Blades per Year** If you change your blade weekly, that’s 52 a year. If you change it every two weeks, it’s 26. Action: Be honest about how often you really change it. 2 **Find Your Price per Cartridge** Divide the pack price by the number of cartridges in the pack. Compare unit prices, not pack prices. Action: Include delivery if you pay for it. 3 **Multiply** Blades per year multiplied by price per cartridge gives your yearly cartridge cost. Action: Write the number down. 4 **Add Cream and Aftercare** Estimate how long each lasts, then work out what you spend in a year. Action: Check your last two purchase dates. 5 **Add the Razor** Divide the handle price by the years you’ll use it, and add it on. Action: This is usually the smallest number. **Your Formula** - Cartridges per year × price per cartridge - + cream or gel per year - + aftercare per year - + handle price ÷ years you’ll keep it - = your yearly cost of shaving ## Where the Savings Are 01 Compare Unit Prices A bigger pack often lowers the price per cartridge. Always look at the cost of each one, and check delivery charges. 02 Don’t Waste Blades Shaving wet, using light pressure and drying the razor helps each cartridge last its full life. See [how to make your blades last longer](https://smartshave.co.uk/make-your-blades-last-longer/). 03 Skip Features You Won’t Use More blades or extra features don’t always mean a better shave for you. Choose a razor that’s comfortable, and pay for what you’ll use. ## The False Economy of Stretching Blades **Don’t Save at Your Skin’s Expense** Using a blade for far longer than its best can save a little money, but a worn blade tugs and drags, which can lead to irritation. See [how often to change your blade](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-often-to-change-your-blade/) and our [razor burn guide](https://smartshave.co.uk/razor-burn/). ## Checking a Subscription’s Real Cost Divide the monthly price by the number of cartridges included, and add any delivery charge. Then compare it with what you spend now. Look for plans that let you change, delay or cancel, so you only pay for the blades you use. Our [razor subscriptions guide](https://smartshave.co.uk/razor-subscriptions-uk/) covers what to check. ![SmartShave starter kit razor with pivoting action head](https://smartshave.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/6.png) Starter kit Start With a £9.99 Kit - Premium handle with a quality rubber grip - Pivoting action head - Strip with vitamin E and aloe - Free UK delivery [3-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-cb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=how-much-does-shaving-cost&utm_content=mid-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=how-much-does-shaving-cost&utm_content=mid-5blade) One handle and one cartridge. Change, delay or cancel any time. ## What customers say ★★★★★ “Very good quality yet reasonably priced” Chrissy · Trustpilot · November 2020 ★★★★★ “The quality is fantastic and more importantly a comfortable shave with no irritation” Paul · Trustpilot · August 2021 ★★★★★ “My now razor of choice” Damion O. · Trustpilot · February 2025 Rated 4.5/5 from 15 reviews. [Read them all on Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ## Frequently asked questions How much does shaving cost per year in the UK? It depends on your razor, how often you change blades and what products you use. Use the formula above to work out your own number. How often should I change my razor blade? About once a week for regular shaving. See [how often to change your blade](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-often-to-change-your-blade/). Are subscriptions cheaper than buying in the shop? It depends on the unit price and the delivery cost. Divide the monthly price by the number of cartridges, and include delivery in your sums. Is a cheaper razor a false economy? Not necessarily, but a razor that needs more passes, more pressure or frequent replacements can cost you more in blades and skin comfort. Can I try SmartShave cheaply? Yes. The starter kit is £9.99 with free UK delivery, and you can change, delay or cancel your subscription at any time for free. → The Verdict Count it once. Then you’ll know. Shaving costs are small and steady, which is why most people never add them up. Do the five-minute calculation once, compare unit prices, and don’t stretch blades past their best. #### A Simple Way to Get Set Up SmartShave’s starter kit is £9.99: a premium handle and a cartridge, delivered free in the UK. [Get the Starter Kit](https://smartshave.co.uk/student-discount/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=how-much-does-shaving-cost&utm_content=w4b-sidebar) Shaving Cost Checklist - Blades per year - Price per cartridge - Cream and aftercare - Handle ÷ years - Compare unit prices SmartShave Plans - Starter Kit: £9.99 - 3-blade monthly: £24.99 - 5-blade monthly: £24.99 - Free UK delivery · Cancel anytime Keep Reading - Razor Subscriptions UK - Make Your Blades Last Longer - How Often to Change Your Blade Rated 4.5/5 See what customers say on [Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ### A low-cost way to try SmartShave. Get the £9.99 starter kit, delivered free in the UK. Change, delay or cancel any time. [3-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-cb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=how-much-does-shaving-cost&utm_content=w4b-footer-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=how-much-does-shaving-cost&utm_content=w4b-footer-5blade) © 2026 [SmartShave UK](https://smartshave.co.uk/)  ·  Starter Kit £9.99  ·  Monthly from £24.99  ·  Free UK Delivery  ·  Questions? [hello@smartshave.co.uk](mailto:hello@smartshave.co.uk)