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How we tested:
Wired entrusted four razors to Brent Pankhurst, founder of barbershop Pankhurst London, in Carnaby Street's Newburgh Quarter. He awarded points to each of these consumer models for their performance and heft. Wired also shaved some balloons with each razor in a timed exercise to gauge their safety credentials. We then measured the rate of hair regrowth for each product.
This razor is a strong all-rounder with a well-balanced handle. "We use Wilkinson Sword blades for our cut-throat razors," explains Pankhurst. "For me, they are the best quality overall." The handle has a good grip, although the hinge connecting it to the blade cartridge is rather flimsy. "I didn't realise it has a flip-style edging trimmer, but then they never do the job properly anyway."
WIRED Great blade performance and grip
TIRED Flimsy pivot; cheap finish
Shaved: 6 balloons in 60 seconds without popping
Days before stubble regrowth: 1.5 £9
Merkur Futur "A safety razor is all about a luxurious shave," Pankhurst says.
The Futur employs replaceable double-edged blades (we tried platinum-edged Timor ones) and has a six-point adjustable head for changing the angle of the cutting surface. The closeness of the shave is unrivalled -- but so is the risk of bloodshed. "The weight distribution wasn't right," he says. "It's too short a handle and feels slightly top-heavy."
WIRED Close shave; adjustable blade
TIRED Cuts easily; short handle
Shaved: 0 balloons in 60 seconds without popping
Days before stubble regrowth: 3 £65
Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power Razor
The battery-operated "Power" mode here is off-putting and showed no improvement over a conventional razor. While the shave was close, regrowth was the fastest of any of the models we tested and the lubricating strip deteriorated quickly. "I wouldn't buy this," says Pankhurst. "It's not designed to shave and there's no natural position for the fingers to guide it."
WIRED Smooth shave
TIRED Fast regrowth; expensive blades; pointless vibration technology
Shaved: 4 balloons in 60 seconds without popping
Days before stubble regrowth: 0.5 £13
The Hyperglide was the only razor Wired tested that can be used without slapping on a conventional shave gel. When water is added to the "superhydrophilic" coating around the razor head, it creates a drag-free surface that glides across the skin. "I like how the mechanism bends," Pankhurst remarked. "It's the closest thing you can get to a professional shave, the way it stretches the skin."
WIRED Innovative lubrication method; great design
TIRED Blades could last longer
Shaved: 6 balloons in 60 seconds without popping
Days before stubble regrowth: 2 £10
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
