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The Shave Kits That Will Keep You Looking Smooth
From traditional stands to modern statements
With the rise and rise of facial fuzz, the old school value of a proper wet shave has been somewhat forgotten. But what goes up must come down, and we're anticipating an imminent resurgence in cherubic Chalamet-level smoothness. Even if you aren’t still smugly reveling in your 20s, a sharply shaven face provides the perfect backdrop for a shoulder-grazing haircut – 'The Driver', if you will.
When it comes to shaving your face, there are no corners to cut: a decent shave depends on the quality of your kit. “There are a few different things you should look for in a razor, depending on the sensitivity of your skin and the thickness of your beard hair,” says Luke Davies, co-founder of barbershop Supply 91. "A safety razor would be my go-to (using a single blade) as using more than one blade or multi-blade cartridges can leave you with ingrown hairs and razor burns if the angle isn’t just right.”
Much has been made about the quality of German-engineered blades, and Davies believes there to be truth in the fandom – although really, the most important thing isn’t the origin of your blade, but how often you're changing it.
Prep is important too: “exfoliating the beard and skin beforehand helps massively,” adds Davies. You’re also going to want a good-quality shaving cream or gel, and the one you choose will largely depend on the type of results you’re after. “Creams are great for an initial shave as they’re fuller and have more consistency, allowing a smoother shave. A gel is better suited to a close shave, straight after you’ve used a cream or soap (ideally cream!). It’ll help get those hairs that may not be visible with the cream, and also aid in cleaning up outlines.”
If you’re after a traditional kit with a shaving brush, you’ll likely come across ‘synthetic’ and ‘non-synthetic’ options. According to Davies, it’s simply a choice of ethics – he prefers to eschew the animal products. “The badger shaving brush has been the go-to for many years, but synthetic shaving brushes are just as good, if not better when preparing the beard for shaving."
In the spirit of celebrating the return of the clean shave, we've hunted down all of the best shaving kits on the shelves. Go grand with a traditional sink-standing set, or opt for a portable option from one of the razor world's new players.
The Best Mens's Shaving Kits On The Shelves
Harry's Winston Set
Combining outstanding quality with pleasing prices, Harry's has become a big player in the world of razors. The best place to start, the Winston kit contains the brand's acclaimed signature razor alongside a foaming shave gel, travel cover and replacement German-engineered blades.
Acqua di Parma Barbiere Razor
If you're the kind of man who treats his bathroom sink like his own private art gallery, you'll want to add this lovely installation by Italy's grooming expert, Acqua di Parma.
The razor is crafted from stainless steel, and sits neatly on an acrylic stand in the brand's inimitable yellow hue. It's compatible with Proglide® Fusion blades too, so a sharp shave is easy every time.
Gruum Ultimate Shave
Inspired by Scandi simplicity in both design and formulation, Gruum creates gender-inclusive shave essentials that get the job done. This kit contains a zinc-alloy razor alongside every skincare essential, from face wash to moisturiser. Wrapped up in a practical wash bag, this one makes a great gift.
Dollar Shave Club Starter Set
Now a decade old, Dollar Shave Club was one of the first of a growing number of shaving subscription services that stick fresh blades and accessories through your letterbox, exactly when you need them.
The brand's stainless-steel blades are outrageously good value: from as little as £3 per month, you'll get five landing on your doorstep, along with a reusable handle on your first order.
Razor MD BK360 3-Blace Shave Set
American-made, family-owned Razor MD says true to tradition when crafting its shave kits. Here, the badger-hair brush is dense and bristly, while the chrome-plated stand holds a custom-carved razor handle, compatible with Gilette blades. Don't discount the brand's grooming accessories either – the unscented shaving cream is ideal for sensitive souls.
Mühle Purist Three-Piece Chrome and Resin Shaving Set
Mühle Purist Three-Piece Chrome and Resin Shaving Set
In the business since 1945, Mühle has razor craftsmanship down to a fine art. A seamless blend of form and function, this lacquered resin and chrome stand holds an open-blade safety razor alongside a vegan-friendly, synthetic-bristle brush.
Czech & Speake Shaving Set and Stand
Designed for the marbliest of bathrooms, Czech & Speake's elegant shaving set is handmade in England and features a silver-tip badger hair brush alongside a pleasingly weighty razor, equipped with Mach3 blade. The brand's signature No.88 shave soap sits in an aluminium pot at the base.
Bolin Webb R1 Mach3 Cartridge Razor and Stand Shaving Set
Bolin Webb R1 Mach3 Cartridge Razor and Stand Shaving Set
If traditional kits aren't your thing, Bolin Webb's slick design is an ultra-modern alternative. The razor is made from the same carbon-fibre as that sports car you definitely own, and works with Gillette's Fusion blades. Give it the showcase it deserves in the accompanying magnetic 'gravity' stand.
Adam Grooming Atelier Razor and Brush Set
The new guard of shaving brands may be innovative, but there’s something to be said for a good old-fashioned set. This one stays true to tradition with a wood-handle badger shaving brush and weighted-handle razor, displayed in a stainless-steel stand.
Fortnum & Mason F. Hammann Cox Shaving Set, Orange
Fortnum & Mason F. Hammann Cox Shaving Set, Orange
Welcome to the most elaborate shaving kit on the planet. F. Hammann, one of Germany's oldest leather ateliers, has truly thought of everything here: the hand-crafted bison-leather case opens to reveal every last grooming tool, including a classic razor, brush and soap dish. A sophisticated choice for both home and away.
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