Feather blades and a 4-pass shave

[sirleanalot]

Hi All.

Been using feather blades exclusively for about 4 months now. In the beginning when I was new to DE shaving and could not tell the difference between a slightly blunt blade and a dud blade, I used to use a blade for maybe 5-6 shaves. But now even on the 3rd shave itself I feel the blade dragging. And by the end of the shave it is as good as dead.

My question is is 3 shaves all one can expect from a Feather blade? My beard is average and not extra thick, and my shaves are usually 4 passes - 1 x WTG, 2 x XTG, 1 x ATG + touch-ups or at least a minimum of three passes when I feel like skipping the ATG.

 

[Greybeard]

It seems to vary from individual to individual. My beard grows fast but I don't consider it heavy and it's probably average. I do 3 passes and a touch up and I only get 2 good shaves from a Feather. I notice pulling on the 3rd shave.
I get 3 shaves from most other blades.

 

[woodfluter]

My beard is tough and grows fast. Number of shaves varies with blade...typical is about 5 from an Astra.

I've been using Feathers almost exclusively for the past month or more, getting to know them better.

Initially I agreed with many others - good for 3 shaves. Much to my surprise, I'm now consistently getting 5 shaves with them. I've gone 6 but that's getting dicey. The difference seems to be in the number of passes.

Was doing 3 (WTG, XTG, ATG) pretty much all over, plus extra passes on problem areas. With Feather, now do 2 (WTG, XTG) on sides of face, 3 to 4 on chin and odd places on neck, but no ATG at all. With equally close results, less irritation. Probably less blade wear?

Am coming to appreciate very sharp blades for doing the same thing in fewer passes. And thus getting them to last longer.

- Bill

 

[tchmango]

One and done.

 

[sirleanalot]

Guess I'l just have to settle with 3 shaves per blade then. It could be my prep though - all I do now is hot shower then on to the shave. Maybe if I spend some more time prepping I may be able to get more out of the blade. Not that it matters - 3 shaves is not bad for the price of a blade but I'd just like it to be consistent.

 

[wulfgar1976]

I get three shaves per blade from a Feather. That's normal for just about every blade I use with one or two exceptions.

I never worry about how long a blade lasts. The most important criteria for me are that the blade should be smooth and sharp enough. Price and longevity are secondary considerations as I would far rather use the very best that I have found to work.