How often to change blade out ?

[Marc J 13]

Hi everyone, another newbie question and I know it varies from blade to blade and other factors but roughly how often should I be changing blades ? I'm only on my second blade it's a Gillette silver blue and just completed my third shave with it today ! I used a feather that came with my razor on my first shave (I now know that wasn't the best idea) and got rid of it after the first shave and after I cursed at its sharpness !

Thanks, Marc

 

[Copierguy]

Change blades as needed. You pointed out some of the variables but the bottom line is use the blade as long as it performs for you. Before they start tugging I notice that my 5 oclock shadow will show up earlier. If you ignore that sign tugging during the shave will be you next reward.

 

[Kerrplunk]

Use it until it begins to pull.

 

[gborba]

Really depends on the blade, your beard ......

Short answer is about one shave less than the number of shaves where you get irritation or uncomfortable shave.

For example, when I got the Personna Labs I went for 10 shaves when the blade became uncomfortable to use. I decided to change the blade every Saturday to make changing routine the same. When I use the Astra blades I go every three days. No use in going to the "ragged edge" given the cost of blades!

find what works for you.

Gary

 

[SteveWY]

Best advice is posted above... "As you need to". Varies between people and blades. You will hear everything from 1-7+ shaves but probably 80% of the time 3-5 shaves is a good average. For me, I almost always go 5-6. Let the shave tell you when. If you detect any tugging or other problems it may be time to change blades. Of course, remember that beard prep and technique is the key to about everything. Don't always look to blame the blade. If you have excellent prep, lather and technique that is consistent over time you will know what blades work or not and when to change blades. Good luck!

P.S. You have guts starting with a Feather!

 

[Marc J 13]

That's what I figured its another YMMV situation, if anyone could recommend some starter blades I got a blade sampler pack from shoebox too here's what I got.




This Sampler contains TWO blades each of:


Gillette Sharp Edge


Gillette PermaSharp


Gillette SuperPlatinum (Black Ninja)


Gillette Silver Blue


Feather Hi-Stainless Platinum Coated


Shark


Plus one free BOLZANO SuperInox Titanium.


13 blades total.


I also got a few free ones with orders, I can't remember all of them but I know It had a super max and a Sputnik in it.

Thanks for all the help, Marc

 

[Copierguy]

What razor will you be using Marc?

 

[Motonut]

Really depends on the blade, your beard ......

Short answer is about one shave less than the number of shaves where you get irritation or uncomfortable shave.

For example, when I got the Personna Labs I went for 10 shaves when the blade became uncomfortable to use. I decided to change the blade every Saturday to make changing routine the same. When I use the Astra blades I go every three days. No use in going to the "ragged edge" given the cost of blades!

find what works for you.

Gary

Three days with the Astra SP seems to be the usual for me, too. Now I have to give my Labs a longer run (I've only pulled one from my 100 pack).

 

[uncarich]

I usually don't go more than three or four shaves on a blade. I figure blades cost less than faces.

 

[Marc J 13]

Tom, I'm using a feather popular TTO. I agree with you uncarich faces are harder to replace !

 

[Copierguy]

Tom, I'm using a feather popular TTO. I agree with you uncarich faces are harder to replace !

IIRC the Popular is a fairly light razor but you said a Feather bit you already so you might want to set those aside for now...... or maybe not. All I use any more are Feathers, but they are a bit more edgy on the first shave. If you did not pitch it completely you may be rewarded with a more comfortable experience the second go round.

 

[Marc J 13]

I actually still have it just put it in the used blade slot that they came in, I'm not sure if I could get it back out worth a try though. Any recommendations on which of the other blades to try first ?

 

[Copierguy]

From your list, Feathers are what I can speak about. I got hooked on them early.

The tendency is to apply too much pressure. Zero blade edge pressure can be hard to achieve starting out so if I might suggest something. Make sure you rock the razor back so if anything, any pressure is on the razor doors. Then tip it forward so you just barely feel the blade edge on your skin. That will steady your hand and help train your arm. If you are not sure if the blade is touching your face you know the pressure is OK or at least will not rough your face up. Aim for comfortable at first and worry about that BBS shave later.

 

[aimsport]

So many factors affect blade wear it's something you will have to learn. Even a change in angle in the same razor can affect the wear on the blade.

So be a student of how far you get with which blades. If you find a blade you don't like, just put them aside and try them again a year later. You will be surprised how much the blade improves sitting in a drawer. ;-)

 

[rxonmymind]

2-4 and I'm out.

 

[Eeyore]

Use it until it begins to pull.

Indeed. Blade life is a personal thing.

 

[redinmtl]

YMMV but I change my blade after 3 shaves...usually works out to once a week as I shave every other day.

As for those in your list, again YMMV but I find the Silver Blues to be a pretty good all around blade and maybe a good place to start. I will add that particularly for a newcomer to DE shaving 2 blades is probably not enough to say for sure if you liked or didn't like the blade...it will get you started but you might want to get a few more of the ones you think you'll like for a bit of a longer test run.

Happy shaving!

 

[f86sabjf]

until its starts pulling. For me on silver blue's about 5-8 shaves. ymmv

 

[Marc J 13]

Thanks everyone ! I'll just keep playing around and try different ones if it doesn't feel right il put it in the drawer and come back to it. I might try your advice redinmtl as I've been shaving every other day.