Finding the ideal Father's Day gift can prove challenging, especially if you're after something both meaningful and practical that won't cost an unreasonable amount. A dependable, high-quality razor is something countless dads have spent years hunting for, but we've found a £16 option that's persuading shavers to abandon big-name brands — and it's perfect for giving on June 21.
Cremo's Rise in Men's Grooming
Cremo has been transforming bathroom routines since 2005, having first launched with their shaving cream. From those initial beginnings, the brand has grown into a complete range of men's grooming essentials, covering everything from beard care to body wash and fragrances. However, it's their eye-catching Tortoiseshell Razor that's earning rave reviews from men for delivering a 'smooth and close' shave.
Now reduced from £19.95 to £15.96, the premium-looking razor brings a traditional barbershop-quality shave into the home, making it an excellent choice for fathers tired of disposable or inferior alternatives. The tortoiseshell effect handle is what typically catches the eye, appearing far more costly than its sale price would suggest. The weighted design aims to enhance balance and control, while a pull-back precision trimmer assists with tidying sideburns, moustaches and tricky-to-reach spots.
Blade Technology and Performance
Of course, the most crucial factor when selecting a razor goes far beyond its appearance. Each cartridge boasts five hardwearing steel blades, three layers of comfort coating, a coated guard bar and lubricating pools enriched with ingredients from Cremo's best-selling shave cream, all designed to combat razor burn, nicks and irritation for a close, comfortable shave. The razor also includes an extra refill. Usually, additional packs of four refills are priced at £13.56, down from £16.95, working out at £3.39 per cartridge.
Customer Reviews and Comparisons
Sharing his thoughts on the Cremo tortoiseshell razor, one satisfied customer said: "I bought this razor because I liked the tortoise shell handle! Didn't really think much about function. I've been shaving for 45 years, I've tried just about every model. This razor gives me the easiest, smoothest shave I can remember - and I like the handle." Another added: "Have used this razor with the Cremo shave cream and I think it is excellent and a significant improvement over my previous Mach 3 turbo razor. Very smooth and close shave with no burn or irritation."
While the stylish patterned razor has garnered just four five-star reviews, the plain silver version, which features identical blades, has achieved a 4.8 star rating from over 70 reviews. One commented: "I compared this to Gillette proglide razors, this clearly feels a lot better in terms of shaving scruffy facial hair... Safe to say I'm dumping Gillette permanently, they used to be as good as these razors back in 2018, not anymore though. Cremo barber grade razors are a cut above the rest," said another. "They give you a clean, close, comfortable shave every time. Shaving with the Cremo blades and they're shave creams are truly a wonderful experience."
Some users have noted they can be 'a little slippery when wet', commenting: "Very nice razor and well balanced. The handle does get a little slippery when wet and especially slippery if you are using Cremo shaving cream." However, on the whole, customers have been overwhelmingly positive about the Cremo blades, with another five-star review reading: "Over the last 30 years I have been using Gillette 3- and 5-blade razors. I tried Schick, Harrys and other but they just did not work well on my face, to scratchy. Gillette was smooth. Cremo is smooth too, but it gives me an even closer shave."
Alternative Options
Elsewhere, over at Amazon, this Harry's Razor Set is available for £25. The set includes a razor with an indigo blue handle, 13 razor blade refills and a travel blade cover. The refills feature five German-engineered razor blades, a flex hinge, lubricating strip and a precision trimmer for those tricky areas such as sideburns or beneath your nose. Over at Boots, the Gillette Labs Razor with Exfoliating Bar and Magnetic Stand will set you back £26.99. One particularly clever feature is its exfoliating technology built directly into the handle, which lifts trapped hairs before the blades glide across for a silky-smooth finish.
Building a Father's Day Grooming Bundle
For those looking to put together a Father's Day grooming hamper, Cremo's razor pairs beautifully with the brand's Original Shave Cream, currently on offer at £8.76, down from £10.95. The brand's much-loved formula has amassed a devoted following owing to its distinctive 'impossibly slick' technology, designed to help blades move smoothly across the skin. For father figures with a passion for fragrance, the Cremo Bourbon and Oak Eau De Toilette has been reduced from £30.95 to £24.76. With notes of smoked bourbon, oak and warming spices, it's a refined, masculine scent that punches well above its price point. Combined, the razor, shaving cream and cologne make for a considered Father's Day grooming gift for under £50.
