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Smooth, irritation-free skin is a few swipes away.

Too many of us are satisfied with the first razor we see on the shelf or loyal to whichever one we happened to have purchased a decade ago. The thinking might go something like, “Hey, if it’s being sold on Amazon or at Walmart, then it must be good for me.” That or “Time to get some new Gillette blades—any kind of blades from them is fine, it doesn’t matter, because they’re such a trustworthy razor brand.”

Not so fast: Yes, all of the aforementioned places and companies have reliable razors for you, but the very reason there are hundreds of options on the market is because there are different needs for each shaver. The variety of blades and razors for men addresses those. (Capitalism plays a big role in the large selection, too. But you know, it also breeds innovation, and we’ve got a decent amount of innovation in the razor aisle that I’ll help you take advantage of.)

There is no singular best razor for men, because the best razor for you is not going to be the best pick for the next guy. That’s because we all have different sensitivities and hair types, as well as different preferences for how frequently, where, and what we shave. So, if you want to know which razor is best for you, you’ve got to consider all of these things first. It might even be that two different types of razors are best. Heck, I suggest every guy owns a manual razor of some type, be it a cartridge, safety, or straight-edge, as well as an electric shaver for those moments he can’t risk any redness or irritation, no matter how trusty his manual blade is.

Here’s a quick 101 on the difference between those four if you need a refresher:

Cartridge razors: These have become the marketing standby in terms of razors and what we envision these days. They have a straight handle, possibly with a head that pivots or hinges with the cartridge head. That head has anywhere from two to six blades and a cushioning lubrication strip (or two). We experts have become a little skeptical of all the different ways brands try to “trick out” these cartridge heads, given that even the most simple, pared down versions of them (let’s say, two blades, and one lubrication strip) work really well. More blades doesn’t mean better and can sometimes yield even more irritation because you’re running that many more blades over the skin.

Safety razors: This is the purist’s take on the razor, and the predecessor of the cartridge. It’s a weighted handle along with a single or double blade installed at the head, which itself can be single or double sided. (The idea is that with a double-sided one, you get double the mileage out of each blade.) There’s a slight learning curve with safety razors, but the weighted handle and the (usually) rounded cover atop the blades encourage the proper 30-degree angle and appropriate force needed for safe, steady use. Here, too, is proof that a single blade can often accomplish the same task as a six-blade cartridge, and with far less risk of irritation or ingrown hairs. Safety razors are preferred almost universally by guys with thick, coarse hair, who are particularly prone to ingrowns.

Straight razors: The words “straight razor” likely stir images of Sweeney Todd and a knife-like razor with a handle that folds parallel to the blade. But you don’t need an expensive, barbershop-worthy piece of equipment to achieve the same results at home. Some straight razors have interchangeable blades just like safety razors, which saves you from having to sharpen and prevent rust on the larger blade that barbers use. This type of shave takes lots of patience and precision, though some smaller straight razors are excellent for edge work and minor detailing (like drawing lines around the mustache, or simply cleaning up your neckline). In those instances, the smaller, more refined tasks are less difficult to manage than a full-face shave, but man, nothing feels as refreshing as a well-executed straight razor shave. (Eh, maybe ‘executed’ is the wrong word to use in tandem with Sweeney Todd.)

Electric razors: These can be shavers or something closer to a trimmer or even models in between. The main thing is that they don’t break the surface of the skin, so they don’t give you as close of a shave, even if they do give you the appearance of a fresh shave. Some even have options to give you stubble, if you like that look.

Although a razor typically refers to the body of the device (think handle and grip) and not the blades, different razors provide different blade setups. Sensitive-skin types do best with minimal blades, so if that includes you, avoid the five- and six-blade cartridge options, and instead choose a two- or three-blade one, or better yet, a safety razor. To that end, guys prone to ingrown hairs or people with coarse hair should consider a safety razor, because their sensitivities demand minimal blades, but extremely sharp ones at that.

Below are the best razors for men, in my own studied opinion. I categorized them based on some sensitivities and hair types and picked some from every core razor category, including cartridge, safety, straight-edge, and electric models. There are disposables, detailers, and even a bald-head razor, too. Although there are many razors available for shaving one’s various body parts, I kept everything here focused on the neck up. The commonality among them is, of course, that they offer maximum smoothness and minimal irritation—assuming you shave slowly and steadily, and practice proper razor hygiene. (See the Q&A at the end of this article for more on that.)

If you irritate easily, then you don’t want to drag five or six blades over your face; that’s like begging for redness and pain for the next few days. Instead, if you insist on a cartridge shave (over a safety razor, which is my personal recommendation), pick a two-blade head for minimal friction. Gillette’s SkinGuard not only gives you a close shave with two blades that are generously spaced to minimize razor drag, but it also cradles the skin with two nourishing strips of lubrication (atop and below the blades). For the cleanest lines, make use of the precision trimmer on top of the cartridge.

Bevel built its whole shave and skincare brand for the Black consumer, on the understanding that Black men have coarser and curlier facial hair and are thus more prone to ingrowns and irritation—and need minimal razor drag with sharp blades. Its 4-ounce brass safety razor ensures a smooth, irritation-free experience for all consumers, even if you have the straightest, thinnest hair on the planet. Consider the switch from cartridge blades if you haven’t yet.

If it’s your first time at the safety-razor rodeo, then you need a good entry-level razor that can overcompensate for any rookie moves. Gillette’s lightweight razor (it’s just shy of 3.7 ounces) and perfectly angled heads make for a fail-proof experience. (Still, please look to the thorough manuals to make sure you do it safely and properly.)

These days, disposable razors seem a little redundant, given the trend toward blade replacement. (Why not buy the razor you like, and just replace the blades as needed?) Still, some people prefer a full-on disposable razor for a quick weekend away or a one-off shave. If you find yourself in that spot, then get the Comfort 3 (sold here as three packs of eight, for 24 razors total). It’s heavy on soothing ingredients, such as vitamin E and aloe, that nourish your skin despite the low-investment device. The blades are great, too.

Harry’s Winston is one of the best cartridge razors you can get, both in its physical design and aesthetic appeal. The company masters an ergonomic design through the tapered handle and flexible, hinging head. With a blade subscription (from $8), you can choose the frequency and volume you need, with the assurance that Harry’s German-engineered, Swedish-steel blades will have you smoothed down and cleaned up, sans irritation.

Some people think that the best straight razor should cost $100 or more, especially if it has a built-in razor that you continually sharpen. Sure, if that’s the case, then you should make an investment. But, some straight razors utilize disposable blades (similar to a safety razor). That’s what this low-cost stainless-steel and brass razor from Utopia does, and it instantly makes the task 1,000 times less intimidating than putting a knife-sized blade against your face. Each of the 100 included blades lasts up to six shaves or two weeks (whichever comes sooner), and that could last through two years’ worth of shaving.

If you shave only for one-off occasions, then you probably have some sensitivities given your skin’s unfamiliarity with the blade. Still, you want a sturdy shave that manages the task quickly and minimizes agony—and DSC’s four-blade razors tidy you up without any side effects. (However, if you have overly sensitive skin, which is why you avoid shaving in the first place, then look at the prescribed picks atop this list.) The spacious stainless-steel blades minimize razor dragging and maximize performance, because they don’t clog with hair and skin and easily rinse clean.

This mini straight razor, sold in a three-pack, makes it easy to spot-check strays or clean up your edges. The slim tip allows for maximum visibility, and tiny ridges on the blade protect skin and restrict irritation. Don’t use it for a full shave, but always deploy one for the finer details.

When it comes to bald-shave razors, HeadBlade has the competition in a headlock. The Moto Original pivots and mows every contour of your dome while fitting snug underneath a few fingers (just be sure to pull the skin taut as you shave). It comes with a four-blade cartridge but works with a six-blade cartridge, too, for maximum smoothness. I also recommend purchasing the compatible travel case to help guard the fragile razor, especially when you’re on the go.

Let me repeat: Every guy should own at least one electric shaver, and the OneBlade is an easy sell. It gives you an irritation- and ingrown-free shave, because it doesn’t break the surface of the skin. Sure, you’ll have stubble by tomorrow, but you’ll have visibly smooth skin today, and that’s what matters most. It also works well as a straight-line detailer, if you need to clean up some edges or finesse your mustache.

PM: Any advice on how to avoid razor burn?

A.H.: Go slow—not just with the shave itself, but with the pre-shave regimen and post-shave care. Ready your skin with warm water and a pre-shave oil. Use a soothing, nourishing shave cream. Follow with a splash of cold water, followed by an aloe (or similarly soothing) post-shave balm. And always use a sharp, fresh blade or blades—replace yours every two to three weeks or six to eight shaves, whichever comes first.

PM: When is it worth it to invest in an electric razor?

A.H.: In my opinion, everyone should have an electric razor of some sort, even if it’s a low-cost detailing one. You never know when you’ll want a quick, barely there shave that looks fresh, even if it’s mere hours away from looking like a five-o’clock shadow. The electric shavers don’t break the surface of your skin, so they eliminate ingrown hairs, razor burn, irritation, and so forth. That being said, they’re ideal for people with sensitive skin, but everyone needs these benefits sometimes. There are always occasions where we can’t risk having irritated skin (a big date or an important work meeting), so keep one ready for the if and when. Plus, they make terrific detailers if you only need a little cleanup around the edges of your beard, sideburns, hairline, neckline, and mustache.

PM: What’s your recommended routine for cleaning and maintaining a razor?

A.H.: You should thoroughly rinse your razor in hot water after each use, and you can even sprinkle on some rubbing alcohol to disinfect it (totally optional). The most important thing, though, is to store it in a cool, dry, and ventilated place until it’s completely dry, to prevent rust and bacteria proliferation. After that, you can tuck it away safely between shaves (so long as it’s not someplace where it is exposed to germs or moisture; ideally you’ll have a cover for the blades—most brands have this, so try to find one that fits your razor). Don’t forget to replace the blades regularly. That’s the best way to ensure a truly sharp, uncompromised, and clean shave every time.