Wet shaving has been around for centuries, and recently it’s been making a comeback among men who want to slow down, enjoy the ritual, and focus on skin health. Using warm water, a sharp blade, and rich shaving creams, wet shaving offers a closer shave than quick disposables.
But here’s the truth: while traditional wet shaving has its charm, today’s high-quality cartridge razors deliver the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and performance—without the hassle of straight razors, brushes, and soaps. At SmartShave, we believe you deserve that balance.
What Exactly is Wet Shaving?
At its core, wet shaving means using water, lather, and a sharp blade to remove facial hair. Traditionally, this involved:
- Preparing the skin with warm water
- Creating lather with a brush and soap
- Using a single-blade safety or straight razor
- Finishing with post-shave balm
This method can provide a close shave and has a loyal following. But it’s also time-consuming, requires multiple tools, and takes practice to master.
👉 That’s why many modern men are turning to premium cartridge razors—like those in our SmartShave subscription sets. You still get the skin benefits of wet shaving, but with far more convenience.
Annual Cost Comparison
Cartridge Razors – £91/year
Based on SmartShave’s subscription model: one fresh cartridge each week at around £1.90–£2.00 each. That works out to about £7.60/month or £91/year—making it the most cost-efficient option.
Traditional Wet Shaving – £137/year
While blades are cheap (around 10p each), the cost of soaps, creams, oils, and aftershaves quickly adds up. Including brush/razor upkeep, the total comes to about £137/year.
Electric Shaving – £135/year
Electric razors require ongoing investment in replacement heads (£25–40 every year or so) and cleaning cartridges (£5–8/month). Spread across the year, this totals roughly £135/year.
✅ Result: SmartShave’s cartridge system delivers the best value for money—cheaper than both wet and electric shaving, without compromising comfort or convenience.
Why Choose Cartridges Over Traditional Wet Shaving?
1. Skin Comfort Without the Complexity
Yes, traditional wet shaving can reduce irritation—but only if you use perfect technique. Cartridge razors from SmartShave are engineered for comfort, with aloe vera and vitamin E lubrication strips that minimize redness and razor burn, even for sensitive skin.
2. Precision Meets Convenience
With a single safety razor blade, you need to learn angle control and pressure. Cartridges, on the other hand, give you built-in precision with less effort. You can enjoy a smooth, consistent shave every time—without the learning curve.
3. A Modern Grooming Experience
Wet shaving enthusiasts talk about the ritual—but for most men, grooming should fit around a busy lifestyle. Cartridges keep things quick, clean, and effective, while still letting you enjoy the satisfaction of a fresh shave.
4. Smarter Sustainability
It’s true—safety razors produce less waste. But today’s cartridge systems are catching up fast. At SmartShave, we supply recyclable cartridges and subscription options that reduce packaging waste. That means you can look after your skin and the planet.
💡 Tip: With our SmartShave subscription, you’ll save money, reduce trips to the shop, and cut down on unnecessary packaging.
The SmartShave Toolkit
You don’t need a brush, soap bowl, or straight razor to get a premium shave. All you need are:
- SmartShave cartridges – Sharp, smooth, and long-lasting.
- Lubricating strips with aloe vera & vitamin E – For maximum skin protection.
- Flexible handles – Designed for control and comfort.
- Aftershave balm – Keeps your skin cool, fresh, and hydrated.
And the best part? We deliver everything you need straight to your door. Check out our subscription kits and start upgrading your routine today.
Wet Shaving in Today’s World
There’s no doubt that wet shaving has its place in grooming history. But in today’s world, most men want results without the fuss. Cartridge shaving is the modern evolution of wet shaving—keeping the benefits, but making it faster, easier, and more accessible.
Final Thoughts
Wet shaving has shown us the importance of preparation, good tools, and looking after your skin. Cartridge razors, however, bring those lessons into the modern age—offering comfort, precision, and sustainability in a convenient package.
👉 Ready to experience it for yourself? Upgrade your shave today with SmartShave cartridges and subscription kits. Your skin will thank you.