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Photograph: Matthew Korfhage

Lately my favorite kind of shaving is the same kind my grandfather would have found familiar: A single very sharp blade. I’ve been lathering shave soap with a brush and bowl—and shaving with an old-fashioned single-blade, single-edge, unmedicated safety razor. Specifically, I’m using the Leaf Thorn (8/10, WIRED Recommends). I’ve tried a couple different high end single-blade razors in recent months, and the Thorn is still my favorite. It’s the one that makes it easiest to swap blades. It’s the one that doesn’t get shave soap stuck in its crevices. And it’s the one that brings a blade best in contact with my skin, without making me worried I’ll look like the barber-ee in a mob movie.

But why is it better than fancier blades? Multi-blade razor heads? All of modern technology in the meantime? Especially since it uses the same single blades you can buy from anyone?

The reason blades like this shave closer, and better, is quite simply that you’re more likely to swap them out sooner—after a few shaves. Sharp blades are better blades. Better blades are a better shave. Dull blades pull your skin, and you’ll make more passes, and your skin will get all raw. And you may have goten used to this, but it turns out it’s awful.

The Leaf’s blade could be the classic Astra Platinum (you’ll have to snap the double edge in half), or Leaf’s own blades, Each is less than 20 cents a blade. And so even thought this razor costs a bit more up front (though it’s 20 percent off for Prime Day), you’ll likely save money over time on blade replacements.

So that’s it. This Leaf just happens to be a well-engineered razor with good heft, with a clever little opening mechanism that makes it quite easy to swap out your blade. And a fresh blade is a better blade. Note there’s a less “aggressive,” more safety-first, nick-avoidant model of Leaf called the Twig, better for leg-shavers or those with sensitive skin. As for me, I long ago ceased to feel anything. And so I like the Thorn.