It is difficult to describe the way a razor feels when it glides across the skin, but both the feeling and performance are classified by safety razor aggressiveness. There are several factors that affect how aggressive a safety razor is and how it performs. The size of the blade gap, the amount of blade that is exposed, and the cutting angle dictated by the design of the safety razor affect the way it shaves. This article simplifies cutting head designs to quantify safety razor aggressiveness.

For those who are moving from a mass-market multi-blade razor to a traditional safety razor, they will immediately notice that the cutting angle of a double-edge razor is much different than cartridge or disposable razors.  The safety razor does not have a pivoting head, and the weight and balance of the all-steel constructed double-edge razor requires a different grip in order to maintain the correct pressure of the blade against the skin.  This article demonstrates the correct way to hold a double-edge safety razor to achieve the proper angle and comfortable shave.