How To Put a Blade In a Safety Razor: A Quick Guide (2024)

This post and the photos within it may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a commission at no extra charge to you.

---

Putting a blade in your safety razor is quite easy. However, there are a couple of things you should know beforehand, and the way you should insert a blade in your safety razor depends on what type of razor you have. 

This article will show you how to easily put a razor in a 1-piece (butterfly) safety razor, 2-piece safety razor, and 3-piece safety razor. 

Keep reading to find out more about how to put a blade in a safety razor and additional FAQs.

Let’s begin.

How to put a blade in a safety razor?

As I mentioned, it depends on the safety razor you have. While most safety razors are similar, there are some main differences in how you can load a new blade.

The good news is that replacing the blade is very easy, regardless of what type of safety razor you have. Follow the instructions depending on the safety razor you own:

1-piece safety razor (Butterfly):

Step 1: Twist the bottom of the razor’s handle to loosen the head. It will open up like a butterfly spreading its wings (thus the name).

Step 2: When the handle has fully opened the top of the razor, place the razor blade on top, neatly in the middle, following the alignment tabs that every razor blade has.

Step 3: After that, turn the base of the handle in the opposite direction to close the head.

2-piece safety razor:

Step 1: The 2-piece razors have a handle connected to the base of the head, so the top of the head is what you have to detach. 

Step 2: From there, take your razor blade and align its holes with the detached head. Add the blade over the three pins and allow it to settle. 

Step 3: When lined up, connect it back to the safety razor handle and retighten by turning the base of the handle clockwise. 

3-piece safety razor:

Step 1: 3-piece razors have an extra mounting plate between the blade and the razor handle. When you unscrew the handle, the whole head (the top cap) will detach completely, and you will have three separate components. 

Step 2: Take a razor blade and align its holes with the top of the cap.

Step 3: Then, add the bottom part, to “sandwich” the razor in between the two top parts. Make sure you add everything symmetrically.

Step 4: Hold the top part (with the added razor blade), and screw the handle onto the head by turning it clockwise until it gets tight. As you screw down the razor top into the handle, keep your finger on top of the razor to help position the blade symmetrically. 

An important note:

3-piece safety razors have the following parts:

• A handle
• The head with two pieces (you add the razor blade in-between them) 

When you slide the razor blade into the top part of the head, you must add the bottom piece correctly. If you place the bottom part of the top facing the wrong side like the images below, it is incorrect:

The correct way should look like this:

Additional tips

• Don’t over-tight the head when securing the top of the safety razor. Otherwise, this could lead to potential wear of the handle and make it loose over time. 
• Usually, the blade will fall out from 2 and 3-piece razors, but sometimes it can stick to the top cap of the razor. Push down the razor blade, and if necessary, hold the ends (where it isn’t sharp). 
• When putting the blade on a safety razor, the orientation and the side you put it in doesn’t matter. They are symmetrical, even, and the same from both sides.
• Always screw the top part tight so the razor blade is not loose. However, be careful not to tighten it too much. Overscrewing can damage the shaft.

FAQ

Which safety razor should I pick? 

It all depends on your personal preference and if you would like something more advanced (with more settings) or something more beginner-friendly & straightforward. I have a list of my recommendations with safety razors for beginners that you can check out here!

How often should I change razor blades for a safety razor?

Change the razor blade only when you feel dull, and it tugs. This can be after 3-10 shaves; it depends on your hair, how often you shave, and your shaving technique. 

How to open a safety razor?

Whether you have a 1-,2-, or 3-piece razor, you can open them by simply twisting the base of the handle. This will make the top part open/unscrew. 

Keep rotating the handle until the head begins to separate or the top of the head opens up to reveal the blade. After that, you can insert a razor blade inside the head of the razor. 

How to dispose of razor blades?

It is best to collect your used razor blades in a metal blade safe or an upcycled aluminum can. Once it’s full, you will be able to dispose of and recycle your razor blades at most local recycling centers. It is recommended to seal the metal container with a bit of tape securely.

How to clean a safety razor?

After shaving, rinse thoroughly with warm water and remove all the soap and hairs. You might need to take out the blade if things get stuck. It is also essential to dry your safety razor after every use. 

Carefully take the blade out and dry all the pieces after using it. Store it somewhere dry, and avoid keeping it in the bathtub or in close contact with water.

Sum up

I hope these three short step-by-step guides were able to help you understand better how to put a blade in a safety razor!

Whatever safety razor you have, it is pretty easy to get used to changing your blades and figuring out when it’s the time to switch it for a new one. 

Let me know in the comments below if you have a 1-, 2-, or 3-piece safety razor and if you have ANY additional questions!