Disclaimer: This leaf razor review is not being sponsored by Leaf, I reached out to them, and they were so kind as to send me the razor to test.
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Greetings, my friends! It’s Zerowasteman here, and I’ve got some news to make your facial hair sit up and pay attention. I’ve been searching for the perfect shave for a long time and finally found it.
I am introducing the Leaf Razor – the ultimate shaving machine that will take your grooming game to the next level.
The Leaf Razor is a game-changer in the world of razors. It’s a unique, multi-blade design that sets it apart from traditional safety razors and plastic cartridge razors. Have you seen the number of plastic razors we throw away these days?
2 Billion plastic razors a thrown away each year, according to this source.
So in this leaf razor review, we get into the cost, ease of use, performance and how well it ages. All on this page.
It’s time to ditch disposable, single-use plastic and opt for a more sustainable option. That’s where the Leaf Razor by Leaf Shave comes in.
Design and Features
Let’s dive into the design and features of the Leaf Razor. The Leaf Razor is designed with the modern man and woman in mind, focusing on sustainability, comfort, and a close, comfortable shave.
Leaf’s Multi-Blade Design
The Leaf Razor boasts a multi-blade design that provides a closer, smoother shave with fewer nicks and cuts. You can optionally load multiple blades, one, two or three blades, into the blade holder.
These blades are half the size of your standard safety razor blades. All you have to do is grab your favorite brand of double edge blade, snap it in half (while it’s still in the paper, of course), pop it into the appropriate slot on the blade holder, screw it clockwise, and you’re good to go.
Most safety razors use the one-blade design, but the Leaf is different, allowing for a bigger area to be covered in one smooth shave.
Pivoting Head Razor for a Closer Shave
The pivoting head of the Leaf Razor allows for a closer shave as it adjusts to the contours of your face for maximum coverage. This feature is a game-changer in the world of safety razors since, until now, they didn’t have the pivoting head design. Say goodbye to those missed spots and uneven shaves.
I have to add, though, that because of the design of the leaf razor, it can be hard to get in these tight spots like under your nose or where ever you shave. This is why Leaf created the Twig, which we get to later.
Pro Tip: Remove the bottom blade for a more sensitive skin
Plastic-Free Design for Sustainability
The Leaf Razor is designed to be plastic-free, making it an environmentally friendly option. It’s like a breath of fresh air for Mother Earth and no longer contributes to plastic waste in landfills.
Are you also looking for the best zero-waste shampoo and conditioner for your other hair?
Performance
A. Closest Shave Compared to Other Safety Razors
I’ve tried a lot of safety razors in my day, and I have to say, the Leaf Razor takes the cake for the closest shave. Its multi-blade design provides a closer shave than most traditional safety razors and is easy to use.
B. Moderately Close Shave Compared to Disposable Razors
Let’s be honest, disposable razors are convenient, but they’re not always the best for a close shave. But, with the Leaf Razor, you get the best of both worlds. The Leaf Razor provides a moderately close shave, making it a great alternative to the plastic cartridge razor.
C. Mildest Shave Compared to Electric Razors
If you’re used to using an electric razor, the Leaf Razor might take some learning curve. But trust me, it’s worth it. It provides a milder shave than an electric razor, which is excellent for sensitive skin and facial hair.
D. Is the Leaf Razor good on sensitive skin?
The Leaf Razor is often praised for its performance on sensitive skin. Here’s why:
- Customizable Blade Usage: The Leaf Shave allows you to use one, two, or up to three blades each at a time. This means you can adjust the aggressiveness of your leaf shave’s move to suit your skin’s sensitivity. Using fewer blades can help reduce irritation on sensitive skin.
- Flexible Head: The Leaf Razor features an adjustable head that adapts to the contours of your skin. This can help prevent nicks and cuts, common issues for people with sensitive skin.
- Quality Blades: The Leaf Razor uses high-quality blades that provide a clean, close shave. This can help reduce the number of passes you need to make, reducing the potential for irritation.
- Eco-friendly Materials: The Leaf Razor is made from durable metal with no plastic. This can benefit those with sensitive skin who may react to certain plastics.
However, everyone’s skin is different, and what works well for one person may not work well for another. I have sensitive skin, and when I only use the last two brackets for the blades, it makes it even smoother than it already is.
Related: 11 Zero Waste Shaving Creams To Help You Save The Planet
E. Silicone Grip for Comfortable Handling
The grip on the Leaf Razor makes handling the razor a breeze, even when your hands are wet. It’s like a handshake with a firm grip but for your razor. No more slipping and sliding around in the shower.
Grab yourself an additional silicone grip for five bucks, and you will never have to bend 0ver in the shower to pick up your razor.
F. Unique Pivoting Head for Versatility
The unique pivoting head of the Leaf Razor makes it versatile, allowing you to get those hard-to-reach spots with ease. The pivoting head is like a secret weapon for your grooming arsenal.
How to set your Leaf Razor up for sensitive skin?
Loading the Blades: If you’d like to set up your Leaf razor for a milder or gentler setting, leave the lowest blade out of the razor head. Only load the middle and top spots. This will dial things back, and your Leaf Razor will be gentler on your skin and hair.
How much does the leaf razor cost?
As part of the leaf razor review, we need to talk about the money, the bling, and the coins. Because, let’s face it, the leaf razor doesn’t seem to be the budget option.
The leaf razor comes in at USD 84 plus a 10-blade starter kit. This seems expensive at first, but let’s break it down. You can buy 100 blades @ USD 6 = 66 blades for the leaf razor because you break them in half and use up to 3 blades per load. (it is customizable to your needs).
If you want to know how it works, check out my youtube video, The Leaf Razor Review.
If I relate this to myself and my wife, we both use the Leaf, and I just checked our pack of 100 blades, and it is not even half empty; we bought them last year. We use this for the safety razor too. The best part is you can use any blade brand with this beauty.
If the upfront cost is a lot for you, there are buy-now-pay-later options at checkout.
Let’s say you shave daily and replace your blades every week. You will get one year and three months out of a pack of hundred blades.
If you take a supermarket model, like the Gillette, which you get for USD 21 + 4 refill blades, I replaced them every two weeks because they would often clog up with hair and are hard to clean. When you buy a refill kit with 12 blades for USD 49.61, you only need to buy two and get your money back.
Related: 21 essential swaps for a sustainable zero waste bathroom.
To sum it up:
1 Leaf razor + 100 blades = USD 101 lasts you for one year and three months in heavy use. The Leaf Razor lasts you for a lifetime. Nothing goes to landfill. Steel is highly recyclable, and giant magnets will lift it out from the conveyor belt at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF). The refill pack starts at USD $0.19 cents each.
1 Gillette razor + 4 blades = USD 21 lasts you for four months. (As advertised on the website) However, changing your blades every two to three weeks is recommended. The Refill Pack costs = USD 49.61 and last for 12 months.
Should I get The Twig or Thorn:
Dudes and dudettes, if you’re looking to get into those hard-to-reach spots, say under your nose, the Twig or Thorn razor from Leaf Shave has got you covered. Just like with the other razors, you’ll be snapping your favorite brand of double-edge blade in half, but with the Twig, you’ll have the bonus of a magnetic load assist in making blade reloading a breeze.
Designed for precision, the Twig has a weighted handle and a perfectly placed blade to give you an optimal shave in tight spots where you only need one side of a sharp blade. So, whether you’re looking to perfect your grooming game or switch things up, the Twig from LeafShave is the way to go.
The Dermaplaner
Leaf Dermaplaner is an all-metal, zero-waste system for removing peach fuzz, maintaining facial hair, and exfoliating skin with an Earth-friendly footprint.
This new little guy is about to light up your hairless skin in a new way. Leaf Shave has figured out how to turn any standard safety razor blade into a dermaplaning blade with its unique handle and proprietary blade-guard technology.
So if you are not convinced yet, learn how the razor blade model is tricking us in this next part.
Some interesting facts about razors and their marketing strategy
The razor-razorblade model is a sly little game that some companies like P&G play with their Gillette line. They sell razors at a low price, knowing that they’ll make a killing selling blades later on. They sell 2 billion disposable blades per year in the US alone! That’s a lot of waste, and most razors are not recyclable. But don’t worry, TerraCycle offers a way to recycle any brand and its packaging, but that shouldn’t be our go-to solution.
My wife and I used a double-sided safety razor, but then we stumbled upon the Leaf Razor. And let me tell you, we’ve never looked back. This baby is a game-changer. We love it and think it’s a brilliant invention. Thanks to its multi-blade design, it offers a close, smooth shave with fewer nicks and cuts.
I’ll be honest: I still use our safety razor for those hard-to-reach areas, but the Leaf team was one step ahead of that problem. They created the Twig Razor, the perfect tool for getting to those tight spots under your nose or wherever you need absolute precision. Trust me, the Leaf Razor is a must-try.
How to get more life out of your razor blade
The secret to a long-lasting razor blade lies in proper care and maintenance. It’s not rocket science, but it does require a little effort. But trust me; the rewards are worth it. Not only will you get more shaves out of each blade, but you’ll also contribute to a more sustainable future. Sounds good, right?
Here are a few other options and some simple yet effective tips to get more life out of your Leaf Razor or safety razor blade:
- Dry Your Blades: Water is the enemy of your razor blades and can cause rust and dull the blades over time. So, after each shave, rinse your razor thoroughly and pat it dry. This simple step can significantly extend the life of your blades.
- Coat your razor blade in mineral oil or vinegar to stop the edges from rusting and going blunt.
- Store Your Razor Properly: Don’t leave your razor in the shower or on a wet countertop. Instead, store it in a dry place. This will help prevent rust and keep your blades sharp for longer.
- Sharpen Your Blades: Yes, you read that right. You can actually sharpen your razor blades and extend their life. Run the blade (carefully) along a pair of jeans or leather. This can help straighten and sharpen the blade, giving you a few extra shaves. You could even sharpen the blades with a vintage sharpener if you wanted.
- Use Quality Shaving Cream: A good shaving cream can provide a protective layer between the blade and your skin, reducing friction and helping the blade last longer.
By following these tips, you can get more life out of your razor blades, save money, and reduce waste. It’s a win-win situation. But don’t just take my word for it; try it for yourself, and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
What to do with old razor blades?
Thankfully Leaf Shave also thought about that one for you, and all you have to do is collect your used blades and the ones you have enough collected. Use their mail-in recycling programs and send them back to them for proper recycling.
Safety Razors VS
- The safety razor blades are made from medical-grade stainless or carbon steel. This makes the blade very sharp. It doesn’t become dull as quickly as its opponent.
- Drying your blade on a piece of jeans will also sharpen your blade again.
- Lasts for a lifetime with minimal waste going to the landfill.
- The zero waste plastic-free shave for every man and woman that cares about the planet and their skin needs.
Disposable Razors
- Because of their disposable nature, Cartridge razor blades tend to dull quickly. Why do you think razor companies always recommend changing cartridges every two to three weeks?
- Blades are surrounded by plastic housing and are hard to clean. They stay wet longer and are hard to sharpen.
- Everything will eventually end up in a landfill. Doesn’t biodegrade.
- If you care for the planet and your wallet, get the Leaf.
Conclusion
- The leaf razor makes for a great shave; you can adjust it to 1-3 blades depending on your liking.
- It is a 100% zero-waste razor and will last you for life.
- It comes in many colors and is unisex.
- It’s a quality product that you can be proud of owning.
What do you think about my Leaf Razor review? Are you going to get one? Are you happy with using your safety razor and feel like it does the job? Or are you not willing to put the $100 upfront because you don’t see the long-term benefit? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, and check out my youtube review on the leaf razor.
FAQ:
Is a leaf razor good for pubic hair?
Personally, I stay away from using sharp objects around my pubic area, but I have read that it works totally fine.
Can you use regular blades in a leaf razor?
?Any brand of safety razor blades works fine. Just snap them in half in the paper so you don’t cut yourself and enjoy a zero waste shave.
How long do leaf razors last?
I have had mine for over three years, and apart from some of the paint coming off the shaver, it is still going strong. It is easy to clean and keep looking fresh if you dry it after each use and store it in a dry place.
I have been leaving mine in the shower or next to the sink, so maybe that is why the color has been coming off. I am just checking with Leaf themselves to give you guys the best answer.
How do you get a close shave with a leaf razor?
This one is easy, as the design does all the hard lifting for you. Start by cleansing your skin, then apply a shaving cream or gel to help soften the hair and reduce irritation. Start by shaving in the direction of hair growth, and then go against the grain for a closer shave. Finish by rinsing your skin with cold water to close the pores and apply a moisturizing aftershave to soothe the skin.
Does the Leaf Razor Rust?
Stainless steel, the material used in the Leaf Razor, is known for its rust resistance. The chromium in stainless steel forms an invisible protective layer that shields the material from water and air, preventing rust.
However, under certain conditions, such as exposure to saltwater or harsh chemicals, stainless steel can potentially rust. Therefore, cleaning and drying your Leaf Razor after each use is recommended and storing it in a dry place to maintain its longevity and performance.
Remember, while the Leaf Razor is designed to resist rust, the blades, typically made of steel, can rust if left wet for extended periods. So, it’s also important to dry the blades after use.
