This razor accepts standard double edge safety razor blades. They've been in production for over 100 years and are much more common outside of North America.

   The key is the single cutting edge of the blade, which allows the blade to cut with much less irritation than any disposable razor with multiple blades.
   A single blade allows cut whiskers and shaving soap to be ejected from the razor more efficiently, which reduces clogging. Cut whiskers that are stuck in between the blades of disposable razor will scratch and irritate the skin.
   When any sharp edge passes over your skin, it removes a minute amount of skin cells. A single blade irritates the skin less because there is only one cutting edge touching the skin on every pass. A disposable razor removes more skin cells because it has are more blades. For example, on a 5 blade cartridge, every pass you make means the 5 blades pass over your skin.
   Safety razor blades are very inexpensive, and you tend to get rid of them sooner than you do with disposable cartridges. Shaving with a dull blade regardless of blade type leads to irritation.
   Finally, safety razors tend to tug each follicle much less than the multiple blades of a disposable razor. Tugging will lead to the follicle being cut too short which means it recedes below your skin's surface. Any follicle that is cut below the surface of your skin is very likely to lead to bumps or ingrown hairs.

   People tend to use both sides of a safety razor during shaving without realizing it, so two edges on a single blade increases the usable life of each blade. Safety razor blades are inexpensive to make and adding a second cutting edge does not increase their cost.

   Absolutely! You can use this razor anywhere you have hair that needs shaving. Our customers are happily shaving their legs, underarms, and heads.

   The entire razor is constructed from solid metal and is easily recyclable through any scrap metal recycler. The blades are made of a single metal (usually carbon steel or stainless steel). As long as they are packaged appropriately, like in a metal coffee can, a scrap metal facility will accept them too. Components constructed out of multiple materials, like metal and plastic, are notoriously difficult to recycle, so they tend to end up in a landfill.

   Generally, we advise a maximum of 4 to 6 shaves per blade because the blade wears as it is used and performance will degrade (all razor blades do this, regardless of type). In practice, you may be able to get more shaves out of a blade, but the blade cost is so low that there is no reason to suffer through bad shaves with a worn blade.

   On average, a blade costs 15 cents, which means each shave costs 3 cents. Blades are typically sold in 100-count sleeves for $15 and will take about 2 years of regular shaving to use up.

   Safety razor blades are much less expensive than cartridge blades, so the savings come over time from using a lower cost consumable (i.e. the blade).

   Blades are readily available from a number of sources. Most local grocery and drug stores stock them, as do large online retailers like Amazon. If you are outside of North America, safety razors are much more common.

   The Christopher Bradley was originally designed to be highly customizable so that experienced users could tune their shave. The configuration of this razor is great for new shavers and for shavers migrating over from another form of shaving.

   For reference, this razor is configured with a black widebody top cap, a red SB-B plate, and a black 3.5" guilloche handle. A 5-pack of Astra Green blades is included.

   You will need to start by applying shaving cream or soap (called lather). Cover any areas that you want to shave with lather. If you are a dry shaver or only use water, please consider trying a shaving cream or soap. Safety razors tend to work better with lather and you may be pleasantly surprised.
   Hold the razor in a way that feels natural and comfortable in your hand. If you are coming from cartridge razors, you may find that your holding style will quickly change from what you're used to. This is normal.
   Shaving with a safety razor requires the proper shaving angle. Holding the razor handle flat to your skin or sticking straight out doesn't do anything because the blade is not contacting your skin. THe proper angle is between those two extremes.
   Through shaving, you will be able to find that angle. Depending on your style, technique, and skin composition, that angle is usually somewhere between 30° and 60°.
   Safety razors work best when you don't apply any pressure. You want to make contact with your skin and that's it. Pressure will lead to nicks and irritation. One trick we often suggest to beginners is to imagine you’re trying to remove the lather from an inflated balloon.
   Start in an area that feels natural and begin shaving. You want your passes to go in the same direction as your facial hair naturally grows (called grain). Never go against the grain because it can lead to nicks and in-grown hairs. Work your way over every surface that you applied lather to.
   Every so often, you will need to rinse out the lather from the razor, either under running water or in a bowl of water. Do not knock the razor on a hard surface.
   Although you may occasionally shave an area that has no soap left on it, do not actively shave a soap-free area. It's called buffing and can easily lead to irritation.
   Once you've shaved your entire face, you'll need to decide if you want another pass or if you're done. If you want another pass, apply more lather and repeat the shaving process.
   If you're done, use a towel to remove any remaining lather.
   You may want to use a hot, wet towel to wipe off the remaining lather followed by a cold, wet towel. This technique often leaves your skin feeling more rested because it can constrict your pores slightly.
   Follow up with any post-shave treatment, such as balm or aftershave. If you’re applying multiple products, always apply the thinner product first.
   Although alcohol-based aftershaves are still quite commonly used, they can lead to irritation and dry skin. Consider using a water-based aftershave instead.

   Lather comes in many forms. Most people are familiar with shaving foam dispensed from a can. While shaving foam will work with a safety razor, true shaving soap tends to do a better job at nourishing your skin and lubricating the skin to protect it from the blade. For a truly luxurious shave, you may consider using a shaving soap that is lathered with a brush.
   To start, fill a mug or a bowl with warm water and let your brush’s bristles soak for a couple of minutes while you prepare your razor. Do not allow the body of the brush to soak as well...only the bristles.
   Once you’re ready to begin shaving, gently shake the excess water from the brush and pour the water out of your bowl.
   Using gentle pressure, swirl your brush in the shaving soap for 10 to 15 seconds to load the brush.
   Then, move over your bowl and continue to swirl your brush, almost like you’re mixing something. The lather should start to become larger because you’re pounding tiny air bubbles into it. You can add a few drops of water from time-to-time to further increase the volume.
   The process usually takes less than a minute and once you’re done, the lather should almost look like whipped cream.

   Hold the head of the razor with one hand, taking care not to touch the blade’s edges. Use your other hand to carefully unthread the handle until it is removed from the head. Set the handle aside. Place the head into your palm with the post facing up. Carefully lift the plate off of the head and set it aside. Carefully remove the blade by lifting it by its short edges. Do not touch the cutting edges. Dispose of the blade safely.
   Unwrap the blade from its protective paper. Depending on the brand of the blade, there may be some wax spots near the center of the blade. This is normal. Do not wipe them off.
   Pick up the blade using the short edges and place it gently onto the cap. Orientation of the blade does not matter. Place the plate onto the cap and blade. Ensure that the "Karve Shaving Co." engraving is visible. If not, the razor will not function and you need to flip the plate over first.
   Hold the head assembly securely, taking care not to touch the blade edges. Gently thread the handle onto the head. Do not overtighten. Tighten only a tiny bit past contact.