Blade reuse?

[Nxspam]

This is a great site with friendly shavers. Lots of good advice for a newbie like myself. Just had a nice 2 pass shave with my EJ 87 with the ivory colored handle, Tailors soap and a German badger brush. I think the experienced shavers here are right on the money with the two pass. When you don't know what you're doing, take it easy, and don't spend too much time trying to get bbs result. I usually feel a little tender on the neck area, like sunburn if I try too hard.

One quick question, how many times do you guys reuse the same blade?

 

[alex2363]

I depends on the blade brand, some like the Astras blades last me like 5 to 6 uses, then Feather brands last me lke 3 to 4 max. So to me the longevity of the blades varies by brand

 

[dcobranchi]

3 and out!

 

[AGE]

For me it depends on the amount of stubble and heavy beard dulls faster.

 

[MajorBurnz]

I almost never use a blade more than thrice. They're cheap, and it's not worth it to push them too far.

 

[joglander]

Most blades three times. Super Iridium: 5 or 6. Personna Meds or Labs: 5 or 6. Personna 74: 17. Derby: 0

 

[ERVARGASNY]

2 or 3 uses for me with feather blades.

3-4 with Astra SP blades.

3-5 with Polisilver Blades.

 

[Mick]

I get various days out of a blade depending on several factors. DE blades range from 4 to 7 days. SE blades range from 7 to 12 days. and SE disposable straight blades last over 2 weeks in my Cobra.

I keep my DE blades on unwrapped blade papers with the numbers 1 through 6 written on each one that correspond with the number of shaves on the blade sitting on that paper. When I shave with a blade I will pat it dry and place it on the next numbered paper. I shave with a blade until I notice it not performing. I will then discard that blade and pick up another one from the open selection so I can't say that brand X goes for X days and brand Y goes for Y days. I shave with a blade until it feels like it has hit the end of the trail and move on to a different blade in mid shave.

I always remove the blade after shaving, dry both the blade and razor, and store them separately as I very rarely shave with the same razor and blade combo more than once a month.

 

[ackvil]

For me it varies with the blade. My low count is Feathers at 2 and my high count is the Personna Med or Lab Grade blades at 5 or 6.

 

[kupferrules]

I definately reuse. I know its cheap by why throw away something ifnit still works? to each their own. I get about 4 days with a feather.

 

[Deltaboy]

3-5 days

 

[Gordy2]

1 (mostly) to 2 shaves and on a stretch 3. Blade dependent. I'll use the same razor until I'm finished with the blade since I use certain razor-blade combinations.

 

[alex2363]

I definately reuse. I know its cheap by why throw away something ifnit still works? to each their own. I get about 4 days with a feather.

Wow 4 days w Feather, that's kinda good.......Thanks for serving in military

 

[mvk]

Well, I usually use two or three different razors throughout the month and I usually only change blades once a month. So, I guess that means I get between 5 - 20 shaves per blade. Ocasionally I will feel the need to change more often. Just use it until it doesn't feel right anymore then change it. I have a very good water softener and I think the soft water makes a difference (or maybe I'm just not as sensitive as others). Blades are cheap, so just do what feels best.

 

[celestino]

Depending on the brand, but usually 3-5 shaves.

 

[Flashvictor]

Usually 3 times

 

[Ski-Patroller]

I generally change after 6. I could go more, but that is the end of the dots on a die. I must have a fairly easy beard, and tough skin. If a blade starts to tug it goes away immediately but I mostly use Feathers, and SI blades with a few Gillette 7 (Blue) and Personna Meds, thrown in for variety, and they all are very sharp and seem to last pretty well for me. I do a 3 pass shave, but probably more time on the prep than I do shaving.

 

[awa54]

Wow 4 days w Feather, that's kinda good......

In my Merkur 11c I always get 5 and occasionally 6 shaves out of a Feather, 3-4 is max in any other razor though.


OP, as far as the number of shaves you'll get, just let your face inform you, you'll eventually get a feel for which blades last for how many shaves, so that you can chuck them before they bite you... Don't forget, insufficient soak time on your beard will kill blade longevity (and shaving comfort) like nothing else!

 

[Toothpick]

one

 

[Rschan]

've seen Double edge razor hones at bay.

Can they be used to extend the life of DE blades?

I've recently seen an interesting article somewhere cant remember. It say's if you can build a small pyramid to the same proportions as per the larger ones strange things can be done with it.
If you keep a DE blade parallel to the N-S Poles after each use a DE blade will last even 100 shaves.

Still I didn't try it!!!