How to Remove Blades from a Razor

Replace the blades in your razor with our simple guide

Co-authored by Woody Lovell

Last Updated: November 8, 2024 Fact Checked

It’s not difficult to safely remove the blade from a safety razor. If you use a safety razor, you need to change the blades often to make sure you’re getting a close shave.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Woody Lovell
Professional Barber

Expert Interview. 28 January 2020.}

If you're having suicidal thoughts and need immediate help coping, please call emergency services number such as 112, 911, or 999, or seek a suicide hotline:

In the United States: call or text 988, the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.^{[2]
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Suicide prevention network operating a toll-free 24/7 hotline for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress

Go to source}
In Canada, call or text 988, the Suicide Crisis Helpline.^{[3]
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Research source}
In the United Kingdom: call 116 123, the Samaritans helpline^{[4]
X
Research source} or 0800 068 41 41, the HOPELineUK.
The International Association for Suicide Prevention has a directory of international suicide prevention hotlines here, and so does Befrienders Worldwide here.

How to Open a Razor

To open a safety razor, twist the handle counterclockwise. Carefully pull out the old blade and place the new blade inside. Then, turn the handle clockwise to lock the razor blade back in place.

Steps

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1
Replace the blade when you feel tugging or pulling as you shave. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell when to change the blade in a safety razor. Pay attention to the first few strokes of your shave. If it feels like the blade is pulling on your hair, it’s time to change the blade!^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Woody Lovell
Professional Barber

Expert Interview. 28 January 2020.}
- If you notice that after you shave your face feels irritated or there are razor bumps and marks, this is a sign you should change the blades before you shave again.^{[6]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Woody Lovell
  Professional Barber
  
  Expert Interview. 28 January 2020.}
- Never test the the blade on your hand, you can cut yourself or damage the razor if it isn’t already dull.
2
Twist the handle of the razor counterclockwise to expose the blade. Hold the handle in your dominant hand and use the other hand to hold the head of the razor. Then, rotate the handle to the left until the head begins to the separate from the handle or the top of the head opens up to reveal the blade, depending on the razor.^{[7]
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- There are a few different types of safety razors, and the blade comes out differently on some of them. Pay attention to the head of the razor as you’re twisting the handle.
- Be careful not to tip the razor on its side or hold it upside-down. The razor can fall out of the head easily in those positions.
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3
Remove the current blade from the head of the razor. Carefully using your fingers or a butter knife, lift the side of the blade to take it out of the head. Try to avoid touching the sharp edges of the blade as you remove it.^{[8]
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- When you remove the blade, you can recycle it to reduce waste!
4
Place a new blade into the open slot in the head. Select a new blade to replace the old one, and carefully slide it into the slot on the head. The blade will normally have words or arrows printed on it to ensure that it’s facing the right direction.^{[9]
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U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols

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- If you don’t have a holder or cartridge for your extra blade, be very careful when handling the blade.
5
Twist the handle clockwise to close the head and secure the blade. Once the blade is in the razor, replace any parts that might cover the blade, and twist the handle the opposite direction to tighten the head. Carefully tilt the razor onto its side to ensure that the blade is secure and won’t fall out of the head.^{[10]
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Trustworthy Source

U.S. Transportation Security Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for ensuring safety by setting and enforcing travel protocols

Go to source}
- Some handles will lock into place once the head is completely secure, but most will not.

Community Q&A

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Question

Why is the Suicide Helpline at the bottom of this article?

ZayXD

Community Answer

Because some people use razor blades to self-harm, and this could lead to suicide.

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Warnings

Keep razors and blades out of the reach of small children and pets.

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If you’re having thoughts about suicide or harming yourself, talk to someone who you trust or call either emergency services (usually 112, 911, or 999) or your country's suicide prevention hotline if one is available

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Organization	Phone Number
S.A.F.E. Alternatives	(800) DONT-CUT
National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (United States)	988
Self-Injury Foundation	(800) 334-4357
Samaritans (UK)	116 123
HOPELINE247 (UK)	0800 068 41 41
Suicide Crisis Helpline (Canada)	988