# YOUR FIRST WEEK WITH A NEW RAZOR: WHAT TO EXPECT _Published: 2026-11-12_ [SMARTSHAVE](https://smartshave.co.uk/) [Razors](https://smartshave.co.uk/#products)[Subscribe](https://smartshave.co.uk/student-discount/)[Blog](https://smartshave.co.uk/) Switching Guide · Getting Started FIRST WEEK 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. By **SmartShave Editorial**  ·  5 min read · Switching Guide 7 days to settle in give a new razor several shaves before you judge it 3 things to get right patience, light pressure, one change at a time 4 SmartShave models SB3 and CB3 (3-blade), GG5 and BB5 (5-blade) £9.99 starter kit includes a premium handle and a cartridge 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 Feel The Weight and Balance Change A different handle changes how the razor sits in your hand. It takes a few shaves for your grip to adjust. Habits Old Habits Carry Over If you’ve pressed hard to get through a worn blade, you may keep doing it, which is a common cause of [razor burn](https://smartshave.co.uk/razor-burn/). Blade A Fresh Cartridge Cuts Differently A sharp, fresh cartridge needs far less pressure than a worn one, so it can feel unfamiliar at first. Head A Pivoting Head Moves With You A pivoting head follows the contours of your face. See [pivoting razor heads explained](https://smartshave.co.uk/pivoting-razor-heads-explained/). ## Three Things to Get Right 1 **Don’t Judge on Day One** 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. 2 **Let Go of the Pressure** 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. 3 **Change One Thing at a Time** 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 Days 1–2 **Go slowly** Take your time, use light strokes and rinse the blade often. Don’t expect perfection yet. Days 3–4 **Adjust** Notice how the head follows your face, and ease off pressure where you’ve been pushing. Days 5–6 **Settle in** Your hand should feel more natural by now. See [how to shave properly](https://smartshave.co.uk/how-to-shave-properly/) for a refresher. Day 7 **Review** 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](https://smartshave.co.uk/gillette-vs-smartshave-honest-comparison/), or check [what’s in the starter kit](https://smartshave.co.uk/whats-in-the-starter-kit/). ![SmartShave starter kit razor with pivoting action head](https://smartshave.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/6.png) Starter kit Try It for a Week: £9.99 - 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=first-week-with-a-new-razor&utm_content=mid-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=first-week-with-a-new-razor&utm_content=mid-5blade) One handle and one cartridge. Change, delay or cancel any time. ## What customers say ★★★★★ “Excellent product, handle has a real weighty and quality feel” Jonathan T. · Trustpilot · March 2026 ★★★★★ “My now razor of choice” Damion O. · Trustpilot · February 2025 ★★★★★ “Very good quality yet reasonably priced” Chrissy · Trustpilot · November 2020 Rated 4.5/5 from 15 reviews. [Read them all on Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ## Frequently asked questions How long does it take to get used to a new razor? 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. Why does a new razor feel sharper? Usually because the old cartridge was worn. A fresh blade cuts with far less pressure, so it can feel quite different at first. Will my old cartridges fit a new handle? Usually not. Cartridges are generally designed for a brand’s own handles, so check compatibility before you buy. What if my skin is irritated in the first week? Ease off the pressure, use plenty of lather and see our [razor burn guide](https://smartshave.co.uk/razor-burn/). If it doesn’t settle, speak to a pharmacist or your GP. Can I try SmartShave without a long commitment? Yes. Start with the £9.99 starter kit, which includes a premium handle. You can change, delay or cancel at any time for free. → The Verdict Give it a week. 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. #### 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=first-week-with-a-new-razor&utm_content=sidebar) First-Week Checklist - Don’t judge on day one - Light touch, no pressure - Same cream and routine - Rinse the blade often - Review at the end of the week SmartShave Plans - Starter Kit: £9.99 - 3-blade monthly: £24.99 - 5-blade monthly: £24.99 - Free UK delivery · Cancel anytime Keep Reading - Gillette vs SmartShave - Pivoting Razor Heads Explained - What’s in the Starter Kit Rated 4.5/5 See what customers say on [Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/smartshave.co.uk). ### Make the switch. Get a £9.99 SmartShave starter kit with a premium handle, 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=first-week-with-a-new-razor&utm_content=footer-3blade)[5-blade kit: £9.99](https://smartshave.co.uk/checkout-page-bb3/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=post&utm_campaign=first-week-with-a-new-razor&utm_content=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)