The invention provides a razor having a retaining mechanism adapted to receive a blade longer than the mechanism for retaining the blade so that one or both wings of the blade extend past the retaining mechanism to provide a small straight razor. Additionally, the blade is positionable within the retaining mechanism so that its wing can be extended from one or the other side of the retaining mechanism. The retaining mechanism for the blade has a pivotably-attached handle to allow ergonomic adjustment of the shaving angle. The blade and retaining mechanism have associated mechanisms for retaining and aligning the blade in the retaining mechanism.
