How to Load a Safety Razor

Safety razors protect your skin from the blade except for the very edge. They are available in disposable and non-disposable varieties. Many people use the non-disposable type of razor blade to cut down on costs and enjoy a shave much like our fathers and grandfathers did. Non-disposable safety razors use either a single- or double-edge razor. For best results it is necessary to change the blade once a week. Loading a safety razor depends upon the brand you own; however, the general process is similar.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement razor blades

Instructions

1. Hold the safety razor in one hand by the the handle. The top of the safety razor should point up as you hold it.

2. Rotate the bottom of the razor handle counterclockwise with your free hand. Depending on the brand you use, the top of the razor either opens on each side, or the top of the razor raises away from the razor.

3. Lift the top of the razor away if your razor raises. When grabbing the top, hold it at the ends so you remove the old blade with the top. Grab the old razor blade at the ends and pull it off the stem on the bottom of the top piece. If your razor opens on each side, grab the old razor blade at the ends and pull it out of the razor.

4. Unwrap the new razor blade from its protective cardboard. Pick up the new blade by its ends with your fingers.

5. Place the new blade inside the razor head with the center of the blade fitting over the tab on the head, if you have one that opens to the side.

6. Hold the top of the razor upside down and place the center of the new razor blade over the stem, if your razor has the removable top. The writing on the razor blade should always point to the top regardless of what brand razor you own.

7. Insert the stem of the top piece into the top of the razor. There is a line on the edge of the top piece that aligns with a line on the stem to help ensure you place the top in the correct direction.

8. Turn the bottom of the razor handle clockwise to close the razor or secure the top to the razor.

Tips & Warnings

• Some safety razors use blade cartridges. There is usually a button on the razor handle that you push to release the old cartridge. Simply press the top of the razor into the back of the new cartridge until it locks into place.

• Disposable razors do not have replacement blades.

References

• World News Video: Loading a Merkur safety Razor
• Classic shaving: How to Use Your Double-Edge Razor