Dumb question regarding determining if the blade is dull
- Thread starter Brio1
- Start date
In my experience the length of time does not matter as much as how many shaves you use the blade for. I usually get about 4-5 shaves out of a blade. When it starts to pull and not cut as well it is time for a new blade. I think it depends on the brand of blade you use as well. Some of the more experienced people here will probably have a better answer for you.
I usually judge by whether the blade pulls or tugs when I shave. If it does, I switch to a new one.
However, that rarely happens. I generally change blades every three shaves. Most blades are good for about four shaves (YMMV), so while this is slightly wasteful, I always know my blade is ready. I shave six times a week, so I change Wednesday and Sunday nights while skipping Saturday shaves.
However, that rarely happens. I generally change blades every three shaves. Most blades are good for about four shaves (YMMV), so while this is slightly wasteful, I always know my blade is ready. I shave six times a week, so I change Wednesday and Sunday nights while skipping Saturday shaves.
The Feathers go 2 rounds for me. Iridium's went 3 rounds easy but I stop at three.
Ya think the feathers crap out soon because they are so sharp?
Ya think the feathers crap out soon because they are so sharp?
The coatings on the blade are a greater determinate than sharpness for blade longevity. If the coatings not are as "hard" or durable as another blade's coatings that has the same sharpness, it will dull relatively more quickly.
Go through your sampler and find the blade(s) you like.
When you have a supply of them, start off with 2 shaves on a blade, and change blades. Make a mental note of how differently it feels.
Keep extending the time by a day until the difference is noticeable, then subtract a day and that is your blade change rotation.
When you have a supply of them, start off with 2 shaves on a blade, and change blades. Make a mental note of how differently it feels.
Keep extending the time by a day until the difference is noticeable, then subtract a day and that is your blade change rotation.
Excellent advice!
Oh and BTW, I just realized this morning that I had my 15th shave on a Gillette 7 O'clock SharpEdge (Yellow). I normally rotate my blade 1x per week.
15 shaves WOW !
I've been getting 3 shaves out of most of my blades. I could get more, but they're cheap, and I like the feel of a new blade.
I'll have to run an experiment to see how many shaves I can get out of each type of blade.
The answer here is to change it when you no longer feel you are getting a good shave out of the blade, or to change it just before when you know how the blade behaves.
I'll have to run an experiment to see how many shaves I can get out of each type of blade.
The answer here is to change it when you no longer feel you are getting a good shave out of the blade, or to change it just before when you know how the blade behaves.
The more you know your beard/skin type and the characteristics of a particular brand of blade, the easier it will be to know when to change the blade.
Translation: keep shaving!
Translation: keep shaving!
I get varying numbers between 3 an 5 shave (3 passes each shave) depending on brand. Feathers, Iridiums, and Gillettes are usually 5 shave blades. Derbys and Astras are 3 shaves. It's really a personal thing and your set up combination. Follow Phil's advice and you can't go wrong.
Excellent advice!
Oh and BTW, I just realized this morning that I had my 15th shave on a Gillette 7 O'clock SharpEdge (Yellow). I normally rotate my blade 1x per week.
How was the shave? I don't think I've ever gone over 6 shaves with a blade.
I tend to go for 3 shaves of 3 passes each before I change a blade. I never actually had a negative shave because the blade has been used too much. The blade that is currently in my R89 is a Tesco Personna and it has already done 2 shaves of 3 passes each, so I think I will see how long I can make it last for.
the Gillette Yellow is one of the better blades that sadly do not get enough good press.Excellent advice!
Oh and BTW, I just realized this morning that I had my 15th shave on a Gillette 7 O'clock SharpEdge (Yellow). I normally rotate my blade 1x per week.
That is now 3 shaves of 3 passes that this blade has completed and I am getting no noticeable drop off in blade performance. TBH I think the shave was a little smoother today, probably my technique was the difference.
This morning I had the fourth 3 pass shave with this Tesco Personna and it TBH it wasn't the best. It was a bit snaggy on my ATG pass and I got a couple of nicks on my XTG pass. I also have a little irritation. I am going to say that a 3 shave limit on a blade is a good limit for me.
I'm following this with interest, because I've been documenting my experience with a store brand Personna in another thread. It's not a top-notch blade, but it is good and could serve as a daily blade for some.
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I agree that these Personnas are great blades. They just don't seem to last beyond 3 shaves for me, YMMV. But at £0.20 a blade, who cares, I would not hesitate at buying a pack of these if I could not source my 'go to' blade for whatever reason. They would be my 'go to' blade if my current 'go to' was not £0.06 a blade.
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I never use any blade until it feels dull ... I put in a fresh blade after two shaves, regardless of brand.
- Blades are cheap.
- Blades are easily available.
- Blades are designed to be DISPOSABLE.
For me I usually go 1 blade per week. Anything more than that seems to be pushing my luck. There cheap enough to use more blades than chop up your face! But I'm still new at this so what do I know, it works for me!
