Cost-per-shave calculator
Cartridge razors vs. a safety razor and artisan soap — see what you really spend.
Watch: how the calculator works
Is wet shaving cheaper than cartridge razors?
At 5 shaves a week, a safety razor and a WhollyKaw artisan soap cost about $0.24 per shave, versus about $0.67 for a cartridge system. Over 5 years that is roughly $364 versus $871 — about $507 less — even after the one-time cost of the razor and brush.
5-year cost by how often you shave
| Shaving frequency | Cartridge | Safety razor + soap | You save |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 / week | $523 | $240 | $282 |
| 5 / week | $871 | $364 | $507 |
| 7 / week | $1,219 | $487 | $732 |
Over 5 years, including the one-time safety razor and brush. Figures use the assumptions below — adjust them in the calculator to match your own prices.
Cost per shave, broken down
| Per shave | Cartridge razor | Safety razor + WhollyKaw soap |
|---|---|---|
| Blade | $0.60 | $0.04 |
| Lather | $0.07 (canned gel) | $0.20 (soap) |
| Total | $0.67 | $0.24 |
When does a safety razor pay for itself?
The higher upfront cost of wet shaving is the razor and brush — about $55.00 one-time. Because each shave then costs much less, that startup cost is recovered after about 128 shaves (roughly 26 weeks at 5 shaves a week). After that, every shave is cheaper than a cartridge shave, and a single tub of soap keeps going for around 130 shaves.
Assumptions used
These are the default figures behind the numbers above. They are editable estimates, not fixed prices — change any of them in the calculator.
| Price per cartridge | $3.00 |
| Shaves per cartridge | 5 |
| Canned gel / foam per shave | $0.07 |
| DE safety-razor blade | $0.15 each, 4 shaves |
| WhollyKaw soap (per tub) | $26.00, lasts ~130 shaves |
| One-time razor + brush | $55.00 |
Ready to switch?
Cost is only one part of the picture — see the full safety razor vs. cartridge comparison (closeness, learning curve and waste, not just price). If wet shaving pencils out for you, the next choice is scent: use the scent finder to match a WhollyKaw soap to your taste, or browse every shaving soap.
Frequently asked questions
Is wet shaving cheaper than cartridge razors?
For most people, yes, over time. At 5 shaves a week a safety razor and a WhollyKaw soap cost about $0.24 per shave versus about $0.67 for a cartridge system — roughly $507 less over 5 years, including the one-time razor and brush. Your exact result depends on the prices you pay, which you can edit in the calculator above.
How long does a tub of shaving soap last?
An artisan tub like WhollyKaw's lasts roughly 100–150 shaves — around four to six months for someone shaving a few times a week — which works out to about $0.20 per shave at the prices used here.
How long until a safety razor pays for itself?
At 5 shaves a week, the razor and brush (about $55.00) pay for themselves in roughly 26 weeks — about 128 shaves — after which every shave costs less than a cartridge shave.
Do safety-razor blades really save money?
Yes. Double-edge blades cost about $0.15 each and last several shaves, so the blade is a few cents per shave. A multi-blade cartridge is usually $0.60 or more per shave by comparison.
Is an artisan soap worth the higher upfront price?
A tub costs more than a can of gel upfront, but because it lasts around 130 shaves the per-shave cost is low. Most people choose an artisan soap for its lather and scent; the lower running cost is a bonus, not the only reason.