Do blades last longer if one has good shave technique?

[wildwing9825]

I've had my 38C with Derby's for about 2 weeks now. I had far too aggressive of a blade angle on my first two shaves (little bit of blood) but since, i have been switching out blades every 2 shaves while I work on improving my technique.

Once I get my technique down, will my blades last longer, or does it really make any difference? I figured that a more aggressive angle would wear out a blade more quickly but I have no real reason to think this... Has anyone experimented with this kind of thing?

Thanks,
~Ben H

 

[StillShaving]

Yes, sort of. IMO as you get better and more comfortable with the razor I think you will find that you can get 3-4 shaves out of a Derby. I usually go 4-5, even more if I really want to push it, though I will admit that 3 or 4 is the sweet spot. You will improve not because the blade is any sharper due to better technique but because your improved technique allows you to shave with a less than ideal blade.

One of the most important steps is preparation. Steps like whether or not you take a hot shower before hand and how long you let a hot towel or lather stay on your face before you start the shave. The longer and hotter the water stays on your face beforehand, the softer the whiskers become and thus easier to shave and less dulling to the blade. Derby's are nice to use because they are inexpensive, so frequently swapping them out is a good idea. I also find that the Derby's rust easily so taking them out of the razor and rinsing thoroughly should help as well. Some folks rinse their blades in alcohol to better displace the water, but I do not bother with that, I just make sure it gets rinsed and there is no standing water left on the blade between shaves.

 

[wildwing9825]

You will improve not because the blade is any sharper due to better technique but because your improved technique allows you to shave with a less than ideal blade.

That makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the reply!
~Ben H.

 

[Stubblefield]

Blades, no; Skin, yes.

 

[Hughies_online]

I only ever use a DE blades twice so it doesn't matter.

 

[sam2g70]

Try shaking off of the excess water on the razor after your shave is over. Rusting causes your blade to lose its edge a lot faster. Some people soak their blades in alcohol, use a hair dryer or even remove the blade from the razor and dry it.

 

[ShaveAddict]

Try shaking off of the excess water on the razor after your shave is over. Rusting causes your blade to lose its edge a lot faster. Some people soak their blades in alcohol, use a hair dryer or even remove the blade from the razor and dry it.

+1 , that's more how u threat your blade after u have shaved that makes a difference.

 

[wildwing9825]

Thanks for all of the pointers.

I just realized that we have very hard water at my house, so the "dull-ness" could be because of films left over from that. Would an alchohol bath help keep the blade free of hard water buildup/stains?

~Ben

 

[tater_salad]

Many advise to use Scrubbing Bubbles.. soak in that for awhile after your shave and you'll increase the life of your blade.

 

[BrianL]

My amount of shaves per blade has gone from 3 to 4 all the way up to 7. Improved technique, especially less pressure has made a world of difference. I use Derby's and have used US Personnas, I am currently revisiting the Personnas to see how they hold up.

 

[Aaron01]

I've used blades as many as 7 or 8 times, but I swap them out every 3 shaves. They're so cheap there's no point in trying to push them.

 

[beginish]

The better your technique is, the fewer passes you will need to get the same result. That should translate into longer blade life.