Searching for the most effective shaving method for your skin? We take a deep dive to help you find out.

There’s no two ways about it: this is the Golden Age of the Razor. Guys nowadays have so much to choose from in the shaving department, from the good, old-fashioned cartridge razor (who hasn’t used a Gillette Mach III at least once?) to ultra-modern versions that come with more blades than you could count and vibrate and heat up. Then, for the hipster set or guys who appreciate tradition, there’s a contemporary crop of straight razors elbowing their way to the front, as well as electric shavers that make easy work of the morning constitutional for the clean-shaven and high-tech electric trimmers that keep beards in tip top shape.

Question is, what’s the difference between each, and is one better for a certain hair or skin type? We’ve enlisted top New York City barber and men’s grooming expert Jason Biggs of Babe of Brooklyn to help us navigate the wide world of razors and make choosing the best one a cinch.

The stuff of legends, straight razors were the gold standard for decades before the fancy varieties hit the market. “The classic straight razor is one of the original tools of mens grooming,” Biggs said. “Most men enjoy the routine of getting their favorite straight razor and lathering up with shaving cream and taking time to perfectly manicure their face.”

We Suggest: The Art Of Shaving 5/8 Blade Straight Razor

Packing the same vintage vibe as the straight razor, safety razors are made to provide a close, clean cut that works well for virtually any place on the body.

We Suggest: The Bevel Double Edge Safety Razor

“Multi blade razors are some of the sharpest tools in a grooming arsenal,” Biggs said, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best. Some of today’s multi-blades come with a host of features, from models that vibrate as you shave to others that heat up in order to soften hair before cutting, but Biggs said that bells and whistles do not a perfect razor make.

We Suggest: The Leaf Kit Three-Blade Razor

“Also known as ‘box shavers,’ electric shavers are one of the best inventions in male grooming,” Biggs said. No water, no razor blades, no shaving cream needed. Just a clean, close shave and you’re out the door.

We Suggest: The Philips Norelco OneBlade Hybrid Electric Trimmer

Don’t worry, bearded guys—we didn’t forget about you. For those who don’t care for a clean shave and instead opt for facial hair, an electric trimmer is all you need to keep your beard—whether it’s light scruff or a full-blown royal—in tip top shape.

At the end of the day, for most guys, the choice of razor comes down to how much you want to spend, how much time you have, and—perhaps most importantly—the type of skin/hair you plan to shave. Choose wisely.

We Suggest: The Bevel Trimmer