An Approachable Shave for Beginners, a Satisfying Shave for Experienced Users
Double-edge safety razors offer a wide range of shaving characteristics, from “mild” razors with a gentle blade feel to “aggressive” razors with a more pronounced blade feel.
At YUKYU JINROU, our goal was to create a head that leans toward the mild end of the spectrum while delivering a close, effective shave.
For those new to double-edge shaving, we wanted ease of use. For experienced users, the reassuring feel and satisfaction of a close shave. Drawing on our expertise as a precision component manufacturer, we developed our own head design to bring these qualities together.
Small Dimensions That Shape the Shave
"Blade gap" (the space between the blade edge and the safety bar) and "blade exposure" (how far the blade edge extends beyond the reference plane) are both important factors in how a razor feels.
Blade Gap: Approx. 0.69 mm / Blade Exposure: Approx. 0.04 mm
Design values with our original replacement blade fitted.
Yet dimensions alone do not determine the shaving experience. The blade angle, the way the blade is held, and the overall shape of the head work together to influence how the razor meets the skin.
We sought a balance between a gentle blade feel and the ability to engage and cut whiskers effectively.
Repeated Prototyping, Tested Through Actual Shaving
During development, we used 3D printing to create prototypes, fitted them with blades, and tested how they shaved.
Alongside dimensional checks using a vision measuring system, we took into account the limitations of the prototypes' printing accuracy and material properties. We placed importance not only on the measurements, but also on how the razor felt during an actual shave.
Precision Engineering for an Everyday Tool
For the head, we chose SUS316L stainless steel for its excellent corrosion resistance. We selected MIM (Metal Injection Molding) as the manufacturing process for its ability to form complex three-dimensional geometries as single pieces.
We also considered how the blade and head would work together, selecting blades from a Japanese blade manufacturer to offer as our original replacement blades.
The beauty of a handle shaped by traditional Japanese craftsmanship, paired with a precision-engineered head that supports its everyday performance. Beauty alone was never enough. Neither was shaving performance alone.
A razor that beginners and experienced users alike will want to reach for every morning. That is the design philosophy behind YUKYU JINROU.
