Cost-per-shave calculator
Cartridge razors vs. a safety razor and artisan soap: see what you really spend.
Quick answer
A safety razor with a WhollyKaw soap costs about $0.24 per shave versus about $0.67 for a cartridge system: roughly $507 less over 5 years at 5 shaves a week, including the one-time razor and brush. Full breakdown below.
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.