Walking the Razor's Edge - Knowing When to Change Blades

[scoran]

Just saw a good post about having a strict system for blade changing, but I'm more of a go-by-feel kind of guy.

What are your tried-and-true techniques for knowing when a blade is past its prime? Especially when you are trying out new blades?

 

[Graybeard57]

If it tugs, it's toast.

 

[RaiserLiebe]

If I've used it 3 times, it's toast. Why push to the first bad shave with each blade?

 

[Dalejr]

What are your tried-and-true techniques for knowing when a blade is past its prime? Especially when you are trying out new blades?

I go by what others get on average as a guide but ultimately when I need to use more effort to get a close shave, it's time to toss...

 

[dcobranchi]

If it tugs, it's toast.

+1 I'll trade out a blade mid shave if I have to.

 

[Niles]

If it tugs, it's toast.

+2

 

[Zbig]

When I try out a new brand, I usually keep using it until I have a bad shave. Of course, if it tugs, it's out. But usually the indicator will be razor burn. It means that I was trying too hard to get a good shave out of the blade. For most brands, I found out that 3 is the magic number. 4 is risky. 5 is rare, but happens. I haven't got to 6 with a blade yet.

 

[Mick]

I go by feel. I shave with a blade until it starts to feel "funky" then out it goes, even if I am in the middle of a shave.

 

[n2hql]

I go by feel.

 

[Redzone]

If I've used it 3 times, it's toast. Why push to the first bad shave with each blade?

+1 This is the conclusion I have come to also.

 

[Dentwist]

If I've used it 3 times, it's toast. Why push to the first bad shave with each blade?

+1

 

[scoran]

I've been coming to the 3-day rule myself, which is surprising, because starting out I was getting a week out of some blades. Maybe I'm doing more passes in order to get BBS all over?

Right now I'm noticing one shave too many by the amount of effort - if I'm pushing the blade at all that's the key; problem is it's a subtle thing. Somehow I don't get (or don't notice) razor burns or tugging. Blood I definitely notice, but by then it's too late!

 

[Goden]

3 days. With my thick hair (and depending on the blade) sometimes less.

3 days seems to be the magic number for razor blades. The problem is that it is quite hard to notice sometimes. If you decide to use a razor blade until it is degraded significantly then you may find yourself tearing your face to shreds wondering what you're doing wrong. It's such a slow and subtle thing that it can slip right past you. This is even worse with cartridge razor blades as the expense keeps you using them.

If you stick to a strict shave /blade limit then you don't have to worry about accidentally going too far.

 

[OccamsBadger]

Two days for me. I have coarse whiskers and I shave my head every other day (counts as an extra shave) . So, that's like the three days the rest of the guys are getting.

 

[newporta]

When I was still recording my shaves and experimenting with blades (a slightly ocd wetshaver? shocking!) I found number of passes gave a pretty good rule of thumb, with the 1st WTG and the 3rd ATG doing the damage. Something about XTG just doesn't mangle the edge as much. Napkin math says 3 days with 3 passes, 6 days with 1-2 passes which I found to be about right.

That said I don't often do a 2 pass shave anymore so 3 days and I bin it anyway.

 

[gus1942]

Just saw a good post about having a strict system for blade changing, but I'm more of a go-by-feel kind of guy.

What are your tried-and-true techniques for knowing when a blade is past its prime? Especially when you are trying out new blades?

I never have any concern for a subpar shave due to blade wear. I chuck a blade after 3 shaves.

 

[ohthatguy]

3 times and done.

 

[JCinPA]

New blade on Monday and Thursday = 3 or 4 days each and I don't have to count shaves or remember anything. Works for me!

 

[Useless shaver]

I've come to get seven smooth shaves out of each blade (my got-to one is a Feather), so I change them every seven days... obvious.

If I'm trying a new one, if it tugs, out...

 

[TheLegalRazor]

Two days for me, doing 3 pass shaves. If I go a third day, I still get a good shave but notice two indicators that the condition of the blade is deteriorating. First, I don't get as smooth of a shave ATG on my upper lip. Second, in the early evening, about 12 hours after my shave, my stubble is rougher than it was at the same time the prior two days.