Why Straight Razors Are Earth-Friendly

We have a waste problem.

As one of the most industrialized nations in the world, America produces more than 30 percent¹ of the world’s trash, even though its citizens account only for 4 percent of the global population. In a study by Columbia University, Americans produce seven pounds² of waste per person every single day. That’s about 2,555 pounds of garbage per individual every year.

This trash is conveniently burnt in incinerators or buried in landfills. In previous years, some of these trash, at least 40 percent of the recyclables, are exported to countries like China, where they’ll process anything remotely useful into other products, often using dangerous methods.

Never mind if incinerators and landfills don’t really solve the problem. Landfills emit greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide which worsen global warming. More dangerously, incinerators release toxic gases which are by-products of the incineration process. These gases are not only deadly for the environment but also for the health of communities and local wildlife.

And what’s inside these trash? Well, everyday ordinary materials, ranging from the biodegradable (like food scraps) to the recyclable, like single-use plastics and disposables.

Yup, especially disposables. Like for instance, disposable razors.

Say what you will about the convenience of disposable razors, but here at Naked Armor, we firmly believe that it’s not worth it to risk the health of our environment in exchange for a little bit of convenience.

Which is why, we have always been proponents of using the old-fashioned straight razor. Not only does it give you a lot of benefits like a closer shave more than any kind of razor, but it’s also eco-friendly, especially since we’re commemorating Earth Day³ this month.

Here’s why we say that using a straight razor is earth-friendly:

• It Lasts Long
• It’s Cost Effective
• It’s Recyclable and Biodegradable
• It has a Low Carbon Footprint
• It Doesn’t Pollute the Environment
• It Gives a Cleaner Shave

A Straight Razor Lasts Long

A straight razor's longevity is attributed to its durable construction and the ability to be sharpened repeatedly, ensuring a prolonged lifespan compared to disposable or cartridge razors.

Stainless steel makes for an excellent material for a razor blade⁴ because it can be honed and stropped quickly to the sharpest edge. And because it’s an alloy of carbon and iron, steel has a high tensile strength and very tough. It’s what makes it last long.

The variety of timber wood that is usually used for razor handles range from cedar to juniper. These softwoods⁵ are preferred because they’re lighter to use than hardwood while still durable. They also have additional qualities that add more value to the straight razor.

For instance, razor handles made from pine can absorb oils and preservatives more easily than hardwoods. So pine wood can be made even more durable from termites, moisture, or fungal attacks by treating it easily with preservatives.

Sandalwood razor handles are also durable but they have a unique quality that makes them a popular choice for luxury razors. The wood secretes an essential oil which makes your skin smoother while having a host of other medical and therapeutic benefits⁶.

Using a Straight Razor is Cost-Effective

Cost comparison of a straight razor and disposable razor over five (5) years.

Because it’s made from quality steel and wood, straight razors can be more expensive than your usual disposable. But the good news is, it’s just a one-time expense.

When you buy a straight razor, you won’t need to buy another one again in a long time. That means you don’t have to spend weekly for multi-blade cartridges which can easily cost more in the long run.

When it comes to shaving cost per year, using disposable razors tends to cost more than cartridge razors because you have to change blades often. But with straight razors, you don’t need to spend regularly for blades at all. The Cut Throat Club’s shaving economics⁷ gives an excellent breakdown of shaving expenses but the gist of the matter is that, if you want to save more, use a straight razor.

And it also makes for a good investment. High quality straight razors often become valuable heirloom pieces throughout the years. Because they’re durable, all you need to do is hone them properly and the heirloom straight razor can be used as new. Hardcore collectors though, prefer to display or store their heirloom pieces.

It’s Recyclable and Biodegradable

In theory, straight razor blades are recyclable. That’s because stainless steel can be melted down and recycled⁸ to be used as material for a new batch of steel products.

In practice, however, nobody really recycles straight razor blades because there’s no need to. It won’t break and will continue to shave sharply as long as its honed and stropped properly. Just like that Energizer rabbit, a straight razor can go on and on shaving its way through countless beards.

Razor handles are another matter. As woods go, there will come a time when a straight razor’s wood handle needs to be replaced. When that happens, you can, in good conscience, get rid of the old wooden handle because it’ll just degrade harmlessly into the environment.

Low Carbon Footprint

A straight razor will have a lower carbon footprint than an electric razor or a disposable⁹. Because stainless steel production usually uses recycled steel, there is a significantly reduced carbon emission¹⁰ when compared to a production process that uses raw materials.

A straight razor’s design is simple and practical. It doesn’t cost much energy or carbon emission in order to produce a straight razor. In fact, the best straight razors are produced by artisanal means which means it’s handcrafted with care for the environment.

In contrast, the design, manufacture, transport, and disposal of electric razors and disposable razors¹¹ all generate significant amounts of carbon dioxide. And when you think how big, corporate, and ridiculous¹² the shaving industry has become, it’s only logical that companies will prefer mass production over environmental impact.

Straight Razors Don’t Pollute the Environment

Because a straight razor is long-lasting, you’ll never need to throw it away. And that’s why using a straight razor can be a small but very meaningful way of protecting the environment.

Plastic razors, on the other hand, have been polluting the environment all these years. In 2017, industry statistics showed that there are some 161.2 million Americans who used disposable shavers for their daily shaving needs. Where do you think all those disposables went after being used?

At your local landfill. The EPA¹³ has in fact estimated that at least 2 billion disposable razors are thrown into landfills each year. And because they are not biodegradable, these razors add to the widespread problem of plastic pollution.

Straight Razors Give a Cleaner Shave

A straight razor provides a cleaner shave due to its single, sharp blade that cuts the hair cleanly at the surface of the skin without causing tugging or irritation often associated with multi-blade razors.

Best of all, straight razors give the cleanest and closest shave without negatively impacting the environment.

A straight razor blade is so sharp, you can shave off your stubble easily and quickly so you don’t have to waste water¹⁴ while shaving.

It’s also manual, so you don’t need to waste electrical energy while shaving each morning.

And because you’ll never need to throw it away, you won’t be polluting the planet any further.

Eco-Shaving

So this Earth Day, if you’re not already using one, consider shifting to a straight razor. In these times of plastic pollution and climate change¹⁵, we need to do everything we can in order to stop the impending collapse of our environment.

And if you’re looking for awesome eco-friendly, luxury razors, check out Naked Armor. We carry the best handcrafted stainless steel straight razors and organically produced shaving products which will give you the best shave ever at no cost to the environment.

Add to cart now.

Essential Naked Armor Articles to Read:

Top 8 Ultimate Tips on Shaving Green This Earth Day
Stainless Steel Razor Blades For Zero Waste Shaving
Recycling Razors: Is it Possible?

References:

1. Trash in America. Frontier Group. https://frontiergroup.org/reports/fg/trash-america
2. America Has A Trash Problem. PIRG. https://pirg.org/articles/america-has-a-trash-problem/
3. April 22 is Earth Day. EARTHDAY.ORG. https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2024/
4. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN STAINLESS STEEL AND MILD STEEL. Pearlite Steel. http://pearlitesteel.com/difference-between-stainless-steel-and-mild-steel/
5. Types of Wood for Woodworking. Dummies. https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/crafts/woodworking/types-of-wood-for-woodworking-173714/
6. Sandalwood Essential Oil Benefits for the Brain & Body. Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/essential-oils/sandalwood-essential-oil/
7. The Economics of Straight Razors vs Disposable Razors. Cut Throat Club. https://www.cutthroatclub.com.au/blogs/wet-shaving/economics-of-straight-razors-vs-disposable-razors
8. Stainless Steel and the Environment. Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (Sassda). https://sassda.co.za/about-stainless/stainless-steel-and-the-environment/
9. Trimming Your Carbon Footprint. Slate. https://slate.com/technology/2010/12/what-s-the-greenest-way-to-shave.html
10. Stainless Steel and CO₂; Industry Emissions and Related Data. International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF). https://www.worldstainless.org/Files/issf/non-image-files/PDF/ISSF_Stainless_steel_and_CO2.pdf
11. The History and Environmental Impact of Disposable Razors. Evelyn Harrison Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJfPdslAIXA&t=3s
12. Fuck Everything, We're Doing Five Blades. The Onion. https://www.theonion.com/fuck-everything-were-doing-five-blades-1819584036
13. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/
14. Shower & Bath. Water Footprint Calculator. https://www.watercalculator.org/posts/shower-bath/
15. On Plastic Pollution and Climate Change with Arctic Explorer Douglas Stoup. Plastic Pollution Coalition. https://www.plasticpollutioncoalition.org/blog/2015/11/17/plastic-pollution-and-climate-change