FFS and Estrid are two of the best-known subscription razor brands in the UK, and on paper they look similar: both are metal-handled, refillable, cruelty-free razors with a lifetime guarantee on the handle. The real differences come down to blade count, a couple of handle features, and how each subscription works. Here's an honest, spec-by-spec comparison.
The Quick Answer
- FFS has six blades, Estrid has five. More blades generally means fewer passes for a close shave.
- FFS's blade cartridge includes a built-in bikini trimmer. Estrid's current razor range doesn't feature one.
- Both brands offer a lifetime guarantee on the handle and a metal (not plastic) build, FFS's is weighted metal, Estrid's is stainless steel.
- FFS offers handle engraving and a rose gold colour option. We couldn't find an engraving option on Estrid's site.
- Both are available on a refill subscription, and both sell starter kits and refills on Amazon.
Blades: Six vs Five, and It's Not Just an FFS vs Estrid Thing
FFS's flagship razor uses a six-blade cartridge, Estrid uses five. More blades generally means the razor removes hair in fewer passes, which can mean less repeated contact with the same area of skin and a closer finish in fewer strokes.
Worth knowing: FFS also sells a five-blade option, SmoothGlide, which we recommend for coarser hair rather than as a lesser alternative to the six-blade cartridge. So if blade count is your main deciding factor between FFS and Estrid, it's worth checking which FFS blade you'd actually be choosing, rather than assuming six blades is automatically the right fit for your hair type.
The Bikini Trimmer
FFS's blade cartridge includes a built-in precision trimmer, useful for the bikini line, knees, and other detailed touch-ups. We looked at Estrid's current razor range and didn't find an equivalent built-in trimmer feature.
Handle, Build Quality, and Guarantee
Both brands use a metal handle rather than plastic, and both back it with a lifetime warranty, buy the handle once and you shouldn't need to replace it. FFS's handle is weighted metal and available in a range of colours including rose gold, with an option to add personalised engraving. Estrid's handle is stainless steel and comes in a wide range of colourways, we couldn't find an engraving option on their site at the time of writing.
What If You Have Sensitive Skin?
Skin irritation isn't just about the razor. Shaving technique, preparation and aftercare all play a role in preventing shaving rash, ingrown hairs and post-shave irritation. A simple three-step routine helps regardless of which razor you use:
- Exfoliate before shaving to help prevent trapped hairs.
- Use a dedicated shave cream to create a protective barrier between skin and blades.
- Moisturise afterwards to support the skin barrier and reduce irritation.
Refill Plans and Where to Buy
Both FFS and Estrid run their own refill subscriptions direct from their sites, with the usual pause, skip, or cancel flexibility. Both brands also sell starter kits and refill cartridges on Amazon, alongside Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, and Sainsbury's for Estrid, Amazon and Superdrug for FFS.
How Do The Prices Compare?
FFS starter kits cost £6.95. Estrid starter kits cost £7.95.
Both brands run introductory trial pricing that varies depending on the offer and where you land, rather than one fixed price, so it's worth checking current pricing directly.
The Verdict
Both are well-built, metal-handled razors with a lifetime handle guarantee, so you won't go far wrong with either. If closeness of shave and a built-in trimmer for detailed areas matter most to you, FFS's six-blade cartridge and integrated trimmer edge it, though if you have coarser hair, FFS's own five-blade SmoothGlide option is worth considering over the six-blade before comparing against Estrid at all. If you want the widest range of handle colourways and don't need engraving, Estrid is a strong alternative.
Ready To Try FFS?
Trial kits start from a low-cost introductory price and include the metal handle, your first blades, a free shave cream, and free engraving, with no minimum commitment..
FAQs
Is FFS or Estrid better?
Both are metal-handled, refillable razors with a lifetime handle guarantee. FFS's flagship razor has six blades and a built-in bikini trimmer; Estrid has five blades and a wider range of handle colourways. FFS also sells a five-blade SmoothGlide option for coarser hair, so blade count alone isn't a clean FFS-vs-Estrid split. Which is "better" depends on your hair type and whether a trimmer or colour choice matters more to you.
How many blades does FFS have compared to Estrid?
FFS's flagship razor has six blades, Estrid has five. More blades generally means fewer passes for a close shave. FFS also offers a five-blade option, SmoothGlide, recommended for coarser hair rather than as a step down from the six-blade cartridge.
Does Estrid have a built-in bikini trimmer?
We couldn't find one on Estrid's current razor range. FFS's blade cartridge includes a built-in precision trimmer for the bikini line and other detailed areas.
Do FFS and Estrid both offer a lifetime warranty?
Yes, both brands offer a lifetime guarantee on the razor handle. Check each brand's own site for the exact terms.
Can you buy FFS and Estrid on Amazon?
Yes, both brands sell starter kits and refill blades on Amazon, as well as through their own refill subscriptions.
Does FFS or Estrid offer handle engraving?
FFS offers personalised engraving on its handles. We didn't find an engraving option on Estrid's site at the time of writing.
