Shaving Cost Comparator – Cartridge vs OneBlade vs Safety vs Electric
Compare the real yearly and long-term cost of cartridge razors, Philips OneBlade, safety razors, and electric shavers based on how often you actually shave.
Most men never calculate the true long-term cost of their shaving method.
Cartridge razors look cheap at the checkout, but the ongoing blade cost adds up fast.
Safety razors and electric shavers have higher upfront costs that can pay off over time.
OneBlade sits somewhere in between.
This calculator shows realistic yearly costs and multi-year totals for the four most common methods using typical 2026 prices.
Shaving Cost Comparator
Compare real yearly costs of different shaving methods
Based on typical 2026 prices. Cartridge ≈ $4.00 / 6 shaves • OneBlade ≈ $13 blade lasting ~4 months • Safety ≈ $0.15 blade / 5 shaves • Electric includes amortized device + heads.
How to Use This Calculator
- Set how many times per week you actually shave.
- Choose how many years you want to project (1–5).
- Compare the four methods side by side: cost per year, cost per shave, and total over the selected period.
The numbers update instantly.
Assumptions Used (Typical 2026 Prices)
- Cartridge (premium multi-blade): ≈ $4.00 per cartridge, lasting about 6 shaves.
- OneBlade: ≈ $13 per blade, lasting roughly 4 months at moderate use (adjusts with frequency).
- Safety Razor: ≈ $0.15 per double-edge blade, lasting about 5 shaves + small handle amortization.
- Electric: Device amortized over several years + replacement heads every 12–18 months.
These are averages. Your actual costs will vary with the exact products you buy and how hard you are on blades.
Why the Differences Are So Large
Cartridge systems are designed around frequent replacements.
Safety razors have extremely low ongoing costs once you own the handle.
OneBlade offers a middle ground with longer-lasting blades than cartridges.
Electric shavers shift most of the cost to the initial purchase and periodic head replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are these cost estimates?
They use realistic mid-range 2026 street prices and common real-world blade life. Your numbers will be higher or lower depending on the exact brands and how long you stretch each blade.
Is a safety razor really that much cheaper?
Yes for ongoing costs. After the handle is paid for, blade costs are typically under $15–20 per year for most men. The main trade-off is a short learning curve.
Does OneBlade beat cartridge razors on cost?
In most cases yes, especially if you get close to the claimed blade life. Heavy daily users will see the gap narrow.
Should I include the cost of shaving cream or gel?
This calculator focuses on the cutting system (blades/heads/device). Adding cream, balm, or aftershave would increase all methods, but the relative ranking usually stays the same.
Can I use this for body shaving or head shaving?
The relative costs still apply, but blade life will usually be shorter because of the larger surface area.
Also try the OneBlade True Cost Calculator and the Real-World Battery Life Estimator for more detailed single-method numbers.
