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My Picks for Top 5 Best Razors

The Best Tools for Shaving Face

By , About.com Guide

Of course, the type of razor you shave your face with is largely a matter of personal choice.   Among wetshaving enthusiasts, many prefer the classic double-edge (DE) razors which offer a very close shave.  A DE razor is not for everyone and they do require a more patient, steady hand.  To say I'm not a "morning person" would be an understatement.   First thing in the AM, there's nothing steady about me so I prefer to shave with one of the modern cartridge-type razors which are much more forgiving to those of us who shave while still half asleep.  Of the common razors on the market today, these are my favorite.

1. Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power Razor

The Gillette Fusion ProGlide Power Razor is my favorite of all of the widely available supermarket brand razors.  Similar to the Gillette Fusion, the ProGlide takes the Fusion to the next level by offering sharper blades and an updated cartridge design that provides a smoother stroke with less irritation. It's a little pricey and the blades aren't cheap, but this stick will give you a great shave.

2. Schick Hydro 5 Razor

The competition between Gillette and Schick is pretty hot these days.  When one company introduces a five blade razor, the other is sure to follow.  The Hydro 5, Schick's answer to the Gillette Fusion, is a worthy contender.  Like the Fusion, the Hydro 5 has a similar "paintbrush" style head with a five blade cutting surface and a single blade trimmer on the back.  For those seeking a great shave on a budget, the Hydro 5's blades can be found for nearly half the cost of the similar Fusion ProGlide Blades.

3. Gillette M3 Power Razor

In my opinion, the Gillette Mach 3 was the most revolutionary shaving product to come out since the introduction of the disposable blade razor -- the "paintbrush" style head was something entirely new for the shaving industry. The Gillette M3 Power is my favorite incarnation of the Mach 3 razor. The Fusion ProGlide has become my primary razor, but I still travel with the smaller M3 Power. It's three blades offer an exceptionally close shave.

4. Personna M5 Magnum Razor

The design of this razor comes dangerously close to being a complete knockoff of the Gillette Fusion Razor -- same paintbrush style head, five blades on the shaving surface, and a trimmer on the back of the cartridge. That said, I'm a sucker for a bargain and this razor delivers a great shave for significantly less per blade than the Fusion.

5. Schick Quattro Titanium Trimmer

The Quattro Titanium has a more traditional "wedge" type shaving cartridge with a four blades on the shaving surface and one edging blade on the back of the cartridge. The razor also has a tiny electric trimmer built into the handle. Sounds a bit far-fetched, but it is actually handy for trimming those pesky ear and nose hairs while in the shower. It's a great shave at about a buck per blade cheaper than the Fusion.

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