19 Must-Have Japanese Shaving Products For Men
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If you’re a man — and you don’t have a beard — that usually means you need to shave. So, you’re probably used to Western shaving products, but have you ever tried Japanese? Some say the best razor for men is made right here in Japan.
This article will show you some of the best Japanese products for men's shaving — including Japanese razors, aftershave, shaving gels and other shaving supplies.
Best Razors
In the world of Japanese razors, there are a lot of options. Which one is best for you just depends on your grooming needs and preferences. Here are our top recommendations for Japanese razors.
Cartridge Razors
Cartridge razors are the most popular type of razor out there — convenient, fast and disposable. Japan makes some great ones, too. Here they are.
Feather F-System F2 Neo
This is a two-blade cartridge shaving razor by Feather. It’s popular, affordable and easy on your skin. A Japanese review of the razor said “. . . I get a close shave, [and] my skin doesn't get irritated or caught.”
This razor also has a “swing lock” feature — meaning that you can move the head of the shaver around on a joint (forward, backward, side-to-side). You can also lock it in the forward and backward positions. Best of all, it’s easy to clean with a “one push” cleaning system.
You get two blade refills when you buy this one, but you can get more F2 Neo blade cartridges here.
Feather F-System F2 Neo Cartridge Razor Holder + 1 Blade Cartridge
£9.01
Feather F-System Samurai Edge
This three-blade razor is also by Feather (a leader in the shaving industry), and while it’s really affordable, it also gives you a great shave.
According to a review of the Samurai Edge razor (in Japanese), “It provides a long-lasting shave and is more durable than other razors.”
You can get blade cartridge refills in the 4-pack or 8-pack sizes.
Feather F-System Samurai Edge Razor + 1 Blade Cartridge
£10.62
Feather F-System MR3 Neo Chrome
This one is definitely reminiscent of some Western cartridge razors out there. It even has the Vitamin E and antibacterial agent incorporated.
This three-blade razor (like the F2 Neo) has a movable head that moves with your face as you shave. Because of its slim design, you can also get to those harder to reach areas (like under the nose).
It comes with one cartridge refill when you buy the razor (holder), but you can get more refills here (9 cartridges).
Feather F-System MR3 Neo Chrome Razor Holder + 1 Cartridge
£13.90
Kai Axia 5
Step aside all of you two, three and four-blade razors! Make way for Japan’s 5-blade cartridge shaver, the Kai Axia 5.
This razor’s producer is well-known for its high quality blade production (they like, actually make knives, too). With five blades, you don’t need to worry about re-shaving the same areas — and you don’t have to worry about damaging your skin. That’s because this razor also has a silk moisturizer built in that will keep your face feeling smooth.
Get an 8-pack of refill cartridges here.
Kai Axia 5 Blade Razor Holder
£10.62
Best Safety Razors
There are two types of safety razors: double edge (DE) and single edge (SE). Most people prefer double edge these days, but there are some single edge lovers, too.
Best Double Edge Razors
Double Edge (DE) razors are second in popularity only to the cartridge razor. You will probably need a little practice if you haven’t used one before, but once you get the hang of it — you’re all good. Feather safety razors are actually some of the best in the market, and they’re made right here in Japan. These are our top recommendations.
Note: Refills for these double edge razors are all the same size blade.
Feather Popular Double Edged Safety Razor
The price point on this razor makes it attractive — especially for beginners of DE blades. Maybe the greatest thing about this razor is the close shave. According to a Japanese review, “I don't have a very thick beard, but even after shaving in the morning it's still smooth . . . in the evening, and even the next morning I can barely feel the beard, so I think I'm getting a pretty close shave.”
Feather Popular Double Edged Blade Safety Razor Holder
£12.29
Feather Adjustable Double Edge Razor (DER-A)
This double edge safety razor is a bit higher in price, but it’s also higher in quality. It’s made from ABS resin, stainless steel and brass — so it’s much more durable than a less expensive razor. You can also switch between settings on this one to choose the type of shave you prefer: mild or aggressive.
Feather Adjustable Double Edge Razor DER-A
£44.28
Feather All Stainless Safety Razor Double Edged (TAS-D1)
This beautifully designed (and highly functional) double edge razor is the star of the pack. Its price reflects that, too, but this is a razor that you must have if you want a really close shave without nicking yourself.
A user of the Feather D1 said it “. . . is very easy to achieve a gentle shave and is virtually impossible to cut yourself with.”
This razor also comes with a stand, and just has a great appearance — so it’s great as a gift to someone else (or to yourself). It includes a couple of extra refill blades, as well.
Feather All Stainless Safety Razor Double Edged TAS-D1
£244.36
Feather Double Edge Blade Refills
There are plenty of blades on the market to refill your razor handle with, but Feather blades are probably the most popular (even outside of Japan).
According to a review by Beardoholic, “These blades are guaranteed to provide you with a decent shave every time. There are not going to be any razor burns or cuts, which results in a very favorable shaving experience.”
Feather Hi-Stainless Double Edge Razor Blades
So these double edge (DE) razor blades work with pretty much all of the DE razors out there (and definitely all of the ones on this list). These blades are made in Seki, Japan — a place that is historically known for its Japanese sword-making.
They are considered the sharpest DE razor blades available, meaning you don’t need to use much pressure when shaving. The edge thickness is just 0.1 mm. They’re even coated in platinum alloy and resin to make them more durable.
Get them in 20-pack or 10-pack sizes.
Feather Hi-Stainless Double Edge Razor Blade Refills 10 Blades
£7.34
Best Single Edge Razors
Single Edge (SE) razors are another type of safety razor that were once quite popular. However, the double edge has really taken over the safety razor market these days. Still, there are some fans of the single blade razor for men! Also, some say this is the best razor for sensitive skin.
Feather Professional Artist Club SS Razor (ACS-RB)
A straight shaving razor is what you tend to see in the old movies. Someone gets all lathered up on the front porch and then shaved with — a blade! That’s a straight razor: long and potentially deadly.
But the Feather straight razor isn’t quite that dangerous. It has changeable blades, and is much safer than the old-fashioned version.
Feather Professional Artist Club Razor SS Black ACS-RB
£56.58
Feather Number 1 Safety Razor
This is a razor that you won’t see very often — that’s because it’s vintage. Much like another old-fashioned razor, the Valet (aka AutoStrop razor), this is one that only true connoisseurs of shaving usually know about. However, you can still find it available on eBay auctions and other markets — and you can still get blades for it, too.
Single Edge (SE) Blades
There are many types and sizes of single edge blades made in Japan. The one you choose depends on your preference and the type of razor handle you’re using. Feather razor blades are ranked highly among many users — here are some types you can try.
Feather Proguard Razor Blades PG-15
These blades are designed for comfort and safety. They work with the Feather Professional Artist Club Razor SS Black ACS-RB and most other single edge razors.
These come in a package of 10 boxes. Each of the 10 boxes has 15 blades in it. The blade thickness is 0.15 mm.
One reviewer said that the “semicircular guard offers [a] soft feeling and makes [for a] safe, smooth stroke and [has a] long life.”
Feather Proguard Razor Blades PG-15 15 Blades (Pack of 10)
£77.08
Feather Professional Razor Blades PB-20
These blades are also designed for comfort and safety, and are great for all kinds of beards. They also work with the Feather Professional Artist Club Razor SS Black ACS-RB and most other single edge razors.
The big difference here is the blade thickness (0.254 mm). They come in a package of 10 boxes, and each of the boxes has 20 blades in it.
Feather Professional Razor Blades PB-20 20 pcs. (Pack of 10)
£81.18
Feather Hi-Stainless Single Edge Razor Blade Refills 10 Blades
These blades work specifically with single edge razors like the vintage Feather razors, the Valet AutoStrop and OneBlade. These are also made by Feather, so they are made from high quality stainless steel. There are ten 0.23 mm blades in each box.
Feather Hi-Stainless Single Edge Razor Blade Refills 10 Blades
£6.52
Feather Carbon Steel Single-Edge Safety Razor Blades FAS-10
These blades also work with vintage Feather razors, Valet AutoStrap and OneBlade. The difference with these is the thickness. The blades are 0.245 mm.
Feather Carbon Steel Single-Edge Safety Razor Blades FAS-10
£5.33
Electric Razor Cleaner
Panasonic Liquid Shaver Cleanser for Electric Shaver ES004
So, if you’re using an electric shaver, why not make sure it lasts as long as possible. Clean it up with Panasonic’s liquid shaver cleanser. This works with any water washable electric razor (not only Panasonic). The cleanser is like a gel, and it lubricates the cutter parts and prevents rusting, too.
Panasonic Liquid Shaver Cleanser for Electric Shaver ES004 100ml
£7.25
Scissors
Green Bell Takuminowaza Grooming Scissors (G-2102)
Maybe you don’t want to use a blade, or maybe you just need to do some trimming. Not everyone wants to get clean shaven and leave the beard club.
These stainless steel scissors (made in Japan) are perfect for tidying up your beard and clipping away those unwanted stray hairs.
Green Bell Takuminowaza Grooming Scissors for Beard and Mustache G-2102
£14.76
Shaving Supplies
When you shave, use these Japanese shaving products to make the whole experience easier and more enjoyable.
Feather Nanka Pre-Shave Beard Softening Gel
Sometimes beard hair can be thick and tough to shave — that’s when a pre-shaving gel can really come in handy. This Japanese shave gel will soften your beard (making it easier to shave) and also put a protective barrier between your skin and the blade.
Feather Nanka Pre-Shave Gel Beard Softening Gel 500g
£27.88
Feather Hi Shave Moist Shaving Gel
A shaving gel made by Feather (the Japanese shaving giant), this gel contains 5 different moisturizing ingredients (like triple hyaluronic acid and vitamin A) that will leave your face feeling moisturized and smooth.
It also comes in a pack of three.
Feather Hi Shave Moist Shaving Gel 230g
£5.97
After Shave
Why use an after shave? Healthline says “The benefits of aftershave depend on exactly what’s in it.” Here’s a Japanese aftershave that has ingredients to cool and tighten your skin.
Shiseido Tactics After Shave
You can help to prevent irritation and burning that might happen after shaving — and smell nice, too — by using this Shiseido aftershave.
Shiseido Tactics After Shave Cologne 120ml
£24.59
Shiseido Tactics Men's Eau de Cologne 120ml
Now that you’ve pre-shaved, shaved and after-shaved, how about one more thing to top it all off? Cologne! This is not an aftershave, but you look good, you feel good — now why not smell good? You can also get this in the 60ml size.
Shiseido Tactics Men's Eau de Cologne 120ml
£44.28
Still Want More?
Shaving is great, and all the products related to shaving, too. But maybe you want to do even more for your face? Take a look at our articles on Japanese face washes and other men's beauty products. With the tips there, you’ll be an ikemen (handsome guy) in no time!
2 comments
Hi Hymix, thank you for your insight, and we hope you enjoyed reading our article!
Japanese Taste,
For the Feather “straight” razor, often called a shavette or barber razor, you can also get Kai blades, and Schick make Proline blades which are fantastic.
Kai also make razors that use the same type of blade, and like Feather models, they vary hugely in price due to different materials used. Interestingly (to me, at least!) these kinds of razors have been around for a while in very similar designs. I have an old style Feather that holds the blade in a different way to the newer models. They’re all wonderful razors, but I wouldn’t call them safer than the old style “cut-throat” razors, because they’re machine sharpened and close to scalpel levels of sharpness. They can deliver wonderful shaves, though!
Hymix,