Blade Sampler, how many Shaves?

[frankthetank966]

As others have said, some blades I've used seem to last longer than others. Some like a Feather, which is really like, are best with fewer shaves. I'm still trying to identify the amount of shaves that can be used with a blade. But I think this is very subjective and hard to pinpoint. As there are too many variables involved. For example, sometimes I use a blade to shave every day. Other times I may wait more days to shave. Therefore, the blade might not be as slick the first pass. In my experience, you can generally tell right after a few strokes if the blade needs to be replaced.

 

[frankthetank966]

You do need a few shaves to get the feel of the blade. I personally try to go for five, but if they are bad I cut them short. that way I get a feel for their longevity as well. I definitely agree with @Dave himself to return to the blade at a later date. I found that when I was fresher in my DE journey my technique was not that good and I would deem blades lacking, but then returning to them 6 months into it they performed just fine.

If you are a beginner I would find a blade that works good for you and then stick with that blade for a while, maybe 6 months and then test out other blades. That way you have time to improve your technique and that not becoming a hinderance. Too much change at once, is in my opinion, not always a good thing. Nowadays I try to test blades as a full tuck worth at 7 days a blade to get feel for a new blade.

Interesting suggestion. As I think the skin also needs time to adjust to the blade. I tried several blades recently and a few just didn't work at all. I have stuck with the Feather as it was my favorite and seems to work well for me. I still have some other blades I want to try, but have been hesitant to do so as I am trying to improve my technique with the Feather. I really do want to try the Astra and Gillete Platinum, ha!

 

[filedog]

Interesting suggestion. As I think the skin also needs time to adjust to the blade. I tried several blades recently and a few just didn't work at all. I have stuck with the Feather as it was my favorite and seems to work well for me. I still have some other blades I want to try, but have been hesitant to do so as I am trying to improve my technique with the Feather. I really do want to try the Astra and Gillete Platinum, ha!

If you like Feathers, have you tried Perma-Sharps?

 

[blethenstrom]

Interesting suggestion. As I think the skin also needs time to adjust to the blade. I tried several blades recently and a few just didn't work at all. I have stuck with the Feather as it was my favorite and seems to work well for me. I still have some other blades I want to try, but have been hesitant to do so as I am trying to improve my technique with the Feather. I really do want to try the Astra and Gillete Platinum, ha!

Absolutely correct that the skin has to get used to being wet shaved. It does take a while for it to do so. Even more reason not to jump around too much to start off with. If you are using the Feather now, just continue do so until you feel comfortable with your technique and then just change one thing at the time. You can then easily tell what the effects of the change was.

 

[Goblin]

This is very important. It is useless to test blades until to nail down your technique.

True that. When you are starting out, your shaving technique is so variable that differences between blades, and especially subtle distinctions, will be completely over-shadowed by the lack of consistency in the shaving stroke.

Find a middle of the road blade that is almost universally liked (Astra SP, Personna Plat) and work through a few tucks, three shaves a blade, until you have your first 30 shaves down and are hopefully starting to get comfortable shaves free of nicks and razor burn. Once you can do that, you will have a much better appreciation for the differences between blades.

Horrible blades, you will know right away. Useable blades can be used until tugging, weepers, or excessive aftershave burn becomes evident.

Tugging, weepers and aftershave burn are also symptoms of poor shaving technique - I would know!

 

[frankthetank966]

If you like Feathers, have you tried Perma-Sharps?

I have not. They were not included in the blades I purchased and I plan on sticking to Feather for now as I have been getting nice shaves with it.