Blade life

[punekari]

I read this article recently and started to think about double edge razor blade life.

http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2012/06/07/gillette-razor-lifespan/

I"ve been wet shaving for a while but only recently started using a DE razor. Using the disposable and cartridge systems I used to replace blades every 3rd or 4th shave because I would end up nicking myself more and more. I don't have much experience with DE blades. I've used an EJ 89 with Derby Extra blades (my first setup) but recently also bought a Gillette slim (which I have yet to use). With the EJ 89 I end up with a pretty noisy shave - I can hear the scratch of the razor against skin. Not sure if I"m doing anything wrong but I haven't really nicked myself.

When is a good time to replace a blade (other than the obvious where you feel a dull blade against skin and lots of nicks)? Is there a good way to tell when it's time to replace a DE blade? On average, how many shaves do you get out of your current setup.

Thanks!

 

[nlpotts]

I can't say that this is the best way to tell, but I pay attention to my problem areas. When they begin to feel more irritated, then I will change blades. And as far as how many shaves you can get out of a single blade, that will vary based on your hair type, your razor, skin type, prep, and other things. And personal choice comes in to play as well. There are some members here who use a new blade every time they shave. And there are some who are stretching the life of the blade way out past what I would consider. With most DE blades being so inexpensive, if you want to play it safe, you can change the blades on a regular basis and it will not break the bank.

 

[Vickers]

I usually throw them out after 3 shaves, not because they are spent, but because I want to switch razors.

There have been a few times when I've used a blade 5 or 6 times.

 

[redrako]

I think that Nlpotts, pretty much hits the nail on the head.

The general answer is that when you feel the blade tugging and/or not cutting quite as well as it has in the past.

On a related note, some blades actually shave better on the second and subsequent shaves, being mildly rougher right out of the wrapper.

Personally, I find 3-4 uses of a blade for me and then replace. Other folks will go longer.

 

[Xeno_basso]

The type of razor, the prep you do, the soap you use, the amount of exposure to air-con or sun you had just prior to the shave, the use of pre-shave balms, the pressure you apply all contribute to blade life. I think just about any blade should give you a weeks worth and possibly more...and I agree that sometimes strangely, they shave better on second and third goes...

 

[mharris127]

Xeon, I find just the opposite. If I attempt to stretch a blade past two shaves I can forget having a comfortable shave. I get nicks galore. With some brands of blades I only get one comfortable shave (Personna, Shark I am looking at you here). I have found as I get older my beard eats blades for breakfast although I never did get more than three shaves from any blade. I have especially noticed with Personna blades (my go-to for a long time) either my beard changed substantially or the quality of the blade deteriorated sharply since about 2009. I find that (as far as economical blades are concerned) Astra SP blades work the best for my face. Feathers also work great but at 40 cents per blade they are a bit pricey.

 

[joeunc]

I think it is classic YMMV situation. Most blades I go 3 to 4 on, on that 4th some times not as comfortable. But I have also had some blades where the first shave was much worse than the 2nd and 3rd. So many variables as others have said play into it.

 

[njpaddy]

When I first started I was going 4, maybe thinking that was some kind of norm based on what I was reading here. That 4th shave was often not too good and even the 3rd was hit or miss. I eventually realized that 2 shaves on a blade worked best for me and went that route for several years. Lately I find myself going for 3 if the blade still feels good at the end of the second. It comes down to how much touch-up is needed to get my usual results. The trick is to toss the blade before the bad shave, not after. I didn't spend $100 on a brush and $30 on a soap to let a $.12 blade ruin a shave.

 

[Graybeard57]

Three or four only. Four shaves is unusual for me. I like the sharpest blade possible, and at only cents/blade, see no need to hang on to them beyond their best performance.

 

[vferdman]

Most blades yield 4 shaves for me. Some fewer and most can go to 6, but I don't push it. I never use Derby blades as I found them to be too rough, not that sharp to begin with and they rarely last for 3 complete shaves for me. Astra SP, which is a very good inexpensive blade lasts 4 shaves for me without noticeable deterioration. Same goes for Super Max SP and US Personna Super (Lab). Gillette 7 O'clock yellow and blue are also excellent and long lasting (more than 4 shaves, but again, I don't push them). Feathers can go 6 shaves for me if I use them in my Progress and adjust as they wear. Again, I rarely push them past 4. Dorco ST300 is a very mild blade to begin with, but much, much smoother than Derby. That one will go 3 shaves for me and then 4th shave is a tossup, so, again, I don't push it. It's a very cheap blade, so why bother? I try to stay with blades that do not go for much more than $15/100 and use them for no more than 4 shaves, even if most of them can do more. I figure at $0.04/shave a blade has earned its keep. If you have not tried blades other than Derby, you are in for a pleasant surprise. Derby is one of the less smooth blades out there, though it's fully serviceable and I have gotten great shaves with them. I just do not like the way they feel and the loud sound may well be because of the roughness of the blade edge. Do yourself a favor and try Astra SP. It works for so many people (not all, but many) that there is a good chance it will work for you. It's about $10/100 and is very smooth and sharp for 4 shaves (for me, YMMV). Also, most of the 7 O'clocks are great, but a bit pricier. Personna Super (US-made aka Lab prep) are about $13/100 and are also very good, though I found they are not as consistent as the Astras. In any case, you should be looking at less than $0.04/shave in blade expenses. Big difference from cartridges, but you spend your money on other things like soaps, brushes and razors. Welcome to the fold!