Have you ever stood in the shaving aisle wondering whether a metal razor from your grandparent's era could really outperform your disposable five-blade cartridge with a plastic handle? It sounds old-fashioned, maybe even a little intimidating, but it's also one of our favourite swaps in our Buy Once, Reuse For Years collection.

We get asked about this one a lot: is it actually worth switching to a reusable safety razor, or is it just another zero-waste trend? So we thought we'd break down what changes when you make the swap, and how to do it without nicking yourself in the process.

Key Takeaways

• A safety razor uses one stainless steel blade instead of a disposable plastic cartridge, and it's built to last years, not weeks.
• Nicks almost always come from pressing too hard or using the wrong angle, not from the blade itself, and both are easy fixes once you know what to look for.
• One blade gives you roughly 5 to 7 close shaves, so a pack of 5 covers a month or two depending on how often you shave.
• It works for face, body, bikini line and underarms; our version is designed to be beginner-friendly.
• Switching also means far less plastic razor waste heading to landfill every year.

What Actually Is a Safety Razor, and How Is It Different From What I'm Using Now?

If you've only ever shaved with a disposable or a cartridge razor, the idea of a "safety razor" can sound intimidating. Isn't that the old-school one your grandparent's used?

Kind of, yes. And that's actually the point.

A safety razor is a razor with a metal handle and a single, double-edged stainless steel blade that you can swap out when it gets dull. It's called a "safety" razor because it was invented to guard most of the blade, leaving only a small edge exposed, which is safer than the fully open blade of a traditional straight razor. A disposable or cartridge razor, by comparison, usually has 3 to 5 tiny blades stacked into a plastic head and that you throw away, head and all, once it's blunt.

Why does one blade work better than several? Multi-blade cartridges use a "lift and cut" action, where each blade cuts the hair a little lower than the last, so by the final blade the hair is trimmed just below the skin's surface. When it grows back, the sharp tip is already pointed at the follicle wall, which is part of why cartridge razors are linked to more ingrown hairs for a lot of people. A single blade cuts hair right at skin level instead, with far less of that effect.

Our Reusable Butterfly Safety Razor is designed with beginners in mind. The reusablehandle is zinc alloy (so it has a nice weight to it without being heavy), the double-sidedblades are stainless steel, and it opens with a simple twist, like a butterfly unfolding its wings, so changing blades doesn't involve wrestling with anything fiddly. It's suitable for face, body, underarm and bikini line shaving, for anyone.

Is a Safety Razor Actually Better Than a Disposable?

Better is a loaded word, so let's just look at the differences between the two.

The waste created by plastic razors It adds up fast: in the US alone, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates around 2 billion disposable razors are thrown out every year (ouch!)

While there is an upfont cost of investing in a safety razor (our handle and 5-pack of blades is $50.96, on sale from $59.95 right now as part of our Buy Once, Reuse For Years range). After that, you're only ever buying blade refills, which work out to a few cents a shave. It's not a small investment on day one. It's the maths on year two, three, and beyond where it pays off.

Will I Cut Myself If I Switch to a Safety Razor?

This is the question that stops most people from trying one, so let's answer it.

Almost every nick or cut with a safety razor comes down to one of two things: too much pressure, or the wrong angle. Cartridge razors are designed so you can practically lean on them and they'll still cut hair, because the blades do the work of adjusting. A safety razor blade is sharperand more exposed, so it needs a much lighter hand.

The fix is simple, even if it takes a shave or two to feel natural.

Hold the handle at roughly a 30 degree angle to your skin, about the same angle you'd hold a pen, and let the weight of the razor do the work. My personal guidance is to apply "very little to zero pressure," which sounds strange until you try it, and then it clicks. Short strokes, rinsing the blade often, and shaving with the grain (not against it) on your first few tries will get you most of the way there.

Soaking your skin in warm water first, or shaving straight after a shower, also makes a real difference. Warm water softens hair and opens the skin slightly, so the blade has an easier time.

Most people who make the switch say the same thing: the first shave feels a bit unfamiliar, the second feels better, and by the third or fourth, it's just how they shave now.

How Do You Use a Butterfly Safety Razor, Step by Step?

Here's the actual process, start to finish.

1. Twist the bottom of the handle clockwise to open the head of the razor. This is the "butterfly" part, the head opens like a pair of wings.
2. Unwrap a blade carefully, holding it by the edges and avoiding the sharp edge itself.
3. Place the blade into the head, then twist the handle counter-clockwise to close and secure it.
4. Wet your skin with warm water, or shave straight after a warm shower, and apply and use a natural soap to create a lather.
5. Hold the razor at around a 30 degree angle and shave with short strokes, using very little pressure, going with the direction of hair growth first.
6. Rinse the blade regularly to clear away hair and product buildup.
7. Once you're done, pat the razor dry with a clean towel and store it somewhere dry, to prevent corrosion of the blade or handle.
8. When a blade starts to drag or tug instead of gliding, it's time to swap it for a new one.

That last point matters more than people expect. A dull blade is actually more likely to cause irritation than a sharp one, because you end up pressing harder to compensate.

You can also what our step by step guide to using a reusable safety razor here. 

Can Women Use a Safety Razor Too? (Face, Body, Bikini and Underarm)

Yes! Our Reusable Butterfly Safety Razor isn't made for just men or women, it's built for anyone.

The technique changes slightly depending on where you're shaving. Curved areas like knees, ankles and the bikini line need extra care and even less pressure, since the blade can catch more easily on uneven skin. Going slowly and using shorter strokes in these spots is worth the extra minute or two.

How Long Does One Blade Actually Last, and What Do You Do With Old Blades?

A single double-edged blade typically lasts around 5 to 7 shaves before it starts to drag rather than glide. Our pack of five blades works out to roughly 35 shaves in total, so if you shave every couple of days, one pack can last a couple of months.

When a blade is finally done, don't put it in your household recycling or general waste bin, it's a safety hazard for anyone handling your rubbish. The better approach is to keep a small, sealed tin or jar set aside just for used blades and once it's full, drop it off at a metal recycling point or check with your local council, since disposal guidance for razors and blades can vary by council area. It's a small extra step, but it's the difference between that steel actually getting recycled instead of ending up loose in a landfill bin.

Is a Safety Razor Actually Worth the Switch?

We're not going to pretend a safety razor is the right move for absolutely everyone, on absolutely every day. 

But if you're tired of buying plastic razors every few weeks, curious about reducing ingrown hairs, or just like the idea of a shave tool that outlast most things in your bathroom cabinet, it's worth trying. You don't need to overhaul your whole routine overnight. Swapping just your razor is still a real swap.

Right now, our Reusable Butterfly Safety Razor is part of our Buy Once, Reuse For Years range, 15% off in Rose Gold, Charcoal and Silver, along with blade refills to keep it going. If you want to see what else fits into a lower waste bathroom routine, our Bathroom & Personal Care range is a good place to have a browse.

A Small Swap, Built to Last

Switching your razor isn't going to fix everything, and that's okay, that was never the point. It's one small, practical swap that quietly removes a chunk of plastic from your bathroom bin, year after year.

If you give it a go and have questions along the way, we're always happy to help. You can reach out to us anytime at askusanything@goforzero.com.au

With love,
Ellie x

Ready to Learn More?

If you're keen to cut even more plastic out of your bathroom routine, check out our other blogs below:

🛁 Low-Waste BathroomSwaps - Easy, budget-friendly plastic-free swaps for your bathroom, and why it's one of the simplest places to start.

 🧼 How to Use Shampoo Bars: Which One Is Right for Me? - A guide to switching to shampoo and conditioner bars, matched to your hair type, plus what to expect in the first few weeks.

🫧 Bar Soap vs Liquid Soap - Why bar soap tends to last longer, cost less and use far less packaging than liquid soap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do safety razors cut you more than disposable razors?

Not if you use light pressure and the right angle. Most nicks happen because people shave the way they would with a cartridge razor, pressing down and expecting the blade to compensate. A safety razor blade is sharper and needs almost no pressure at all, so the technique matters more than the tool.

How do you use a safety razor without irritation or nicks?

Shave on damp, warmed skin (ideally straight after a shower), hold the razor at around a 30 degree angle, use short strokes with very little pressure, and shave with the grain first. Rinse the blade often so it's not dragging through built-up hair and product.

Can women use a safety razor for legs, underarms and the bikini line?

Yes. The same razor and blades work across face, body, underarm and bikini areas, though curved or sensitive spots need extra care and a lighter hand.

How often do you need to change the blade in a safety razor?

Roughly every 5 to 7 shaves, or sooner if you notice the blade tugging instead of gliding. A dull blade causes more irritation than a fresh one, not less.

How do you dispose of used safety razor blades in Australia?

Collect used blades in a small, sealed container like a jar or tin rather than loose in the bin, since exposed blades are a safety risk for waste handlers. Once it's full, take it to a metal recycling drop-off point, and check with your local council for specific guidance, as options vary by area.