A YMMV question.

[Vagabeard]

I have used a multitude of blades and it seems I get a BBS from a couple of razors from just two shaves. I am curious if I am alone on this. Nothing changes from my prep to technique. Feather is my favorite, but still I only get two BBS shaves from a razor.

 

[JimK]

My facial hair is pretty easy on a blade, and I wear a very short goatee, so I have less area to shave every day. I have several favorite blade brands, and all give me a solid week of BBS shaves. I usually trash a blade as a matter of routine after a week of basic shaving, and one cleanup at the hairline on the back of my neck. Still, your blade life seems awfully short even for someone who prefers zero facial hair...

 

[Predict]

I used to, now i get 4-5 shaves from a feather. i think soap plays a roll in extending blade life

 

[neilz4]

My facial hair is pretty easy on a blade, and I wear a very short goatee, so I have less area to shave every day. I have several favorite blade brands, and all give me a solid week of BBS shaves. I usually trash a blade as a matter of routine after a week of basic shaving, and one cleanup at the hairline on the back of my neck. Still, your blade life seems awfully short even for someone who prefers zero facial hair...

What are your cleanup steps for your razor/blade? Do you do anything besides rinse it off? Also, what soaps or creams do you use most often?

 

[Mad Man]

Defo a variance in mileage here.

My coarse, Eastern Euro heritage beard takes the edge off Feathers after 2 shaves.

 

[JimK]

What are your cleanup steps for your razor/blade? Do you do anything besides rinse it off? Also, what soaps or creams do you use most often?

Honestly, I do nothing but rinse my razor under a fast stream of hot water. As for shaving soap, I use a variety of brands that people write about, but my very favorite is not a shaving soap at all. It doesn't even make much lather.... It's just plain old Proctor and Gamble Softsoap Aloe Vera hand soap in a pump dispenser. I know that is heresy, but it is awesome for shaving...

I do enjoy the entire lather thing, but I like this non lather soap so much that I add some to whatever shaving soap I happen to be using in my brush bowl on any particular day. I get close, smooth shaves without blood, even after several passes. Blades seem to last longer as well. I'll take heat for using a non lathering hand soap for shaving, but you might try it if you have a tough beard. If it works for you as well as it works for me, just lie about it, and tell people that you use xyz super shaving soap. Just kidding. If it works well for you, shout it to the world... People need to know!