How do you know when you need to change blades?

[Jack-in-the-Green]

I realize this may be a stupid question, but I've been switching blades every 5-7 shaves just because somewhere I heard that I should. But the thing is, I have a really light beard. Mostly peach fuzz except right under my chin. (Damn that Dutch/German/English/Native American heritage! ) So I was thinking, isn't there a good chance that I can get away with using a blade longer than a lot of guys? So how do I know when it's getting too dull? Presumably I don't want to keep pushing it until it just won't cut hairs anymore.

 

[Captain Flint]

I realize this may be a stupid question, but I've been switching blades every 5-7 shaves just because somewhere I heard that I should. But the thing is, I have a really light beard. Mostly peach fuzz except right under my chin. (Damn that Dutch/German/English/Native American heritage! ) So I was thinking, isn't there a good chance that I can get away with using a blade longer than a lot of guys? So how do I know when it's getting too dull? Presumably I don't want to keep pushing it until it just won't cut hairs anymore.

Basically, I suppose you realise you need to change blades when you feel the blade tugging on your skin. Depends on the number of passes, on the beard you grow, on your shaving technique, on the quality of the blade, etc. Depends on your mood, as well.

 

[taffy]

I know when its time to change by a poor shave/red neck, usually by the shave quality so i dont get the red neck some blades i can get more shaves than others but usually no more than 3 or 4.

 

[luvmysuper]

Next time you swap out a blade, don't change it at the normal interval.
Keep using it for a while, but pay attention to how it feels as it is actually cutting.
A duller blade will tug and pull and you WILL notice it.
I agree that you could probably go longer than a week on a blade, but really, theres no need.
The blades cost pennies each, so you'd probably be fine just swapping after a week or so.

 

[DSB]

I realize this may be a stupid question, but I've been switching blades every 5-7 shaves just because somewhere I heard that I should. But the thing is, I have a really light beard. Mostly peach fuzz except right under my chin. (Damn that Dutch/German/English/Native American heritage! ) So I was thinking, isn't there a good chance that I can get away with using a blade longer than a lot of guys? So how do I know when it's getting too dull? Presumably I don't want to keep pushing it until it just won't cut hairs anymore.

You can feel it when the blade is no longer cutting the way it did during your first few shaves. If you have a light beard, you can go longer with each blade than someone with a heavy beard. When the blade is getting dull, you can feel it. Either during a shave or after the shave, you will think to yourself, "wow, that was a little rough." The duller blade starts tugging on your skin, and leaves more irritation. You will quickly learn how many "good" shaves you can get out or your blade.

My goal is to change my blade before it caused me a problem. I have learned over time that with my beard and blade, the fourth shave can be a little rough. Therefore, I always change blades after my third shave.

 

[sandmountainslim]

I always change blades after two weeks of shaving, I can feel a little resistance if I try to shave with one any longer than that.
As they say it is up to each person based on their beard.
Wp

 

[BroJohn]

Jack --

Here's a re-run of an earlier post I made on this topic...

You need to learn when to change to a fresh razor blade. Some newer DE shavers will try to get too many shaves out of a blade. Bulk purchases of blades make them CHEAP. So feel free to swap out a blade that has become sub-par --even in the middle of a shave.

Guys here will get 2 to 6 shaves per blade, all depending on personal factors to them. The average is probably 3 ~ 4 shaves or so. Factors are the brand of blade itself, lubrication, sensitivity of their skin, toughness and density of their beard/whiskers, type of razor, personal technique, and so on. Again, only you can determine when swapping in a fresh blade is needed.

So, when to change blades? At some point, the blade will become 'dull' in that it will not reliably 'shave' the whiskers. 'Dull' is relative, because a 'dull' blade is still very, very sharp and can easily cut you. But it will only 'cut' --not 'shave' the whiskers.

You will become aware shaving takes somewhat more effort; that the blade is leaving additional stubble/uncut whiskers behind after a pass; that there is a little extra 'tugging' or 'pulling' that was not present the day before. This can lead to additional strokes and overshaving an area and leave you with razor burn and facial irritation (and a shave that isn't very close, and certainly not comfortable).

So 'listen' to what your face and your whiskers are 'telling' you and change blades accordingly. The routine I've fallen into is 3 to 4 shaves per blade --that's two blades per week. I don't try to extend this. Ever. You should pay attention to the blade and always shave with a blade that is in its' prime.

HTH

-- John Gehman

 

[Sodapopjones]

Like others have said when it feels like its not cutting through your beard like it used to.

I go about 4 shaves, I could go more but really at 10c a blade why? haha

 

[kzoo1]

3 shaves and out. Why bother to stretch it and risk irritation?

 

[ShaveAddict]

Make urself a blade changing day , so every week ull know when to change it,, exeption on cheap blade.

 

[Ramaniac]

You neck will tell you. It gets all RED and ANGRY. I have what I call end of week blades, if for some reason my Derby's don't make it the full week. They are the cheap 1.54 Wal Marts that are really only good for a few shaves.

 

[Stubblefield]

It depends on the blade. I have some blades that are only good for two shaves, and others that are good for 10+. But I guess the determining factor is how the first cut feels. If it's rough, I swap blades or razors.

 

[Hughies_online]

I only use a blade twice. Mainly because I like the blades when they are sharper. They are so cheap, why keep using them for longer.

In addition, by keeping a blade in your razor longer, you run the risk of them rusting and damaging the head of your razor. This is a big concern for those of us who use vintage razors in particular.

 

[Monkeydad]

I only use a blade twice. Mainly because I like the blades when they are sharper. They are so cheap, why keep using them for longer.

In addition, by keeping a blade in your razor longer, you run the risk of them rusting and damaging the head of your razor. This is a big concern for those of us who use vintage razors in particular.

A blade should not rust in a week or two. If you keep it in for 3 months, I could see it rusting your razor.

 

[MoJoe]

The advice you received on changing the blade upon pulling is sound. Keep something in mind. While your beard may be light the hair on your beard is still tougher than the blades. All of the prep that you go through is intended to soften up the hairs to make it easier for them to be cut. Still, the prep does not change the fact that there will be wear on the blade after you begin to use it. You're blade selection and razor will play a role too. In the end, you will still need to change your blades frequently - maybe a day or so after someone with a thicker beard but you will still at some point the change will need to happen probably sooner than you hope.

 

[Sodapopjones]

A blade should not rust in a week or two. If you keep it in for 3 months, I could see it rusting your razor.

I have seen rust buildup in two days on a Shark....

Not like an old tug-boat rusting to pieces, but still rust....

 

[ouch]

Everything in this hobby is done by feel, and you're the captain.

I change blades after every stroke. But that's me- Mr. Vegas.

 

[Swampfox]

I kept my WM Personna in too long yesterday - tried to stretch it out for a 3rd shave. Burned my jaw and nicked my neck three times. But I also have a heavy beard w/thick hairs.

 

[sandmountainslim]

Ok,
This thread got me to count exactly how many shaves I got from the blade I just replaced and the number is EIGHT so it is a week and one day for me and that blade lasted about the average time.
Wp

 

[_JP_]

I tell ya, when the blade fights back and starts tugging my beard around I know that I don't want to mess with it anymore because I won't win! That's when we part company.