Is it uncommon to want to switch blades after 3 uses?

pj_rage · Post by **pj_rage** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 7:53 am

I've been wet shaving with my merkur HD (34c) for about 2 weeks now and so far I'm loving it.

I only have two different blades to try so far. I started with an Israeli Personna blade, and after about 5 shaves I felt like it was skipping a bit so I figured I would switch it up and try out one of the derby blades I had. The derby felt much sharper to me, but it could be just because the IP was dulled.

Now I believe I used that derby 3, maybe 4 times and everything seemed OK until I went to do my ATG pass and the blade was skipping and having a very hard time cutting. So I stopped, popped in a new derby blade, and I could tell an immediate HUGE difference in sharpness, and my ATG pass went much smoother. I actually almost cut myself a couple times because of how much sharper it was. And this was vs a blade with 3-4 shaves on it.

It's not a big deal to me if I have to change the blade every 3-4 shaves, but I was just under the impression that blades lasted most of you closer to 6 or 7 shaves? Am I just picky about sharpness, or am I doing something wrong or? I mean, my shaves are great lately, BBS except under my chin and very comfortable. I know my technique probably isn't perfect, but it's getting to be pretty good where I feel like I actually know what I'm doing at least. I just can't go ATG under the chin to get BBS there without the razor dragging to a halt and feeling like I'm going to slice myself open. I'm sure it'll come with practice, or maybe I need a sharper blade, or maybe it'll never happen - either way, it's not a big deal because I'm very satisfied with my shaves as is.

I'm thinking I could eek out another 2-3 shaves beyond the 3-4 if I didn't do ATG, but it would seem that ATG requires a sharper blade than other passes in order for it to be comfortable - at least for me. Is this usually the case?

ateace · Post by **ateace** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 7:59 am

Someone did a survey recently and it seems that most DE shavers will change blades after three or four shaves. Once you get to know a particular brand of blade, you'll probably want to change it after what you expect will be the last good, comfortable shave.

jvan · Post by **jvan** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:17 am

You're using the same two blades that I use and getting the same amount of shaves out of them. Those blades are inexpensive enough that I have never given a second thought to pitching them after three shaves. At that price why risk a 4th mediocre shave?

pj_rage · Post by **pj_rage** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:22 am

Thanks guys. You're right, at the price for these blades, I'm definitely not worried about getting 3 shaves each. For some reason I just thought I might be getting more per.

Slartibartfast · Post by **Slartibartfast** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:29 am

When people refer to the number of shaves they get from a de blade..

is a shave

a) each pass

b) The entire 2-3 pass process

jvan · Post by **jvan** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:46 am

In my case, start to finish. Three passes plus a T&C. (Touch & Cut)

marsos52 · Post by **marsos52** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:55 am

in gerenal most shavers get 3 complete shaves before the blade doesnt perform

one expection is the gillette swedes they last tow times longer

of course other things may change how long a blade last is how many passes and how heavy ones beard is

my merkurs blades give me 3 greats shaves i do get 4 to 5 shaves with them in the edwin jagger razors why i have no idea

i find feathers only last me 2 shaves

marc

pj_rage · Post by **pj_rage** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 10:26 am

For clarity, I was personally referring to the complete shave when I was saying how long they lasted. Just like jvan, for me, that is WTG, XTG, ATG, and touch up.

Have any of you guys had any experience with the cryo blades? I've been interested in trying some from greatrazors.com for a while (the cartridge ones) but now that I've started DE shaving I think I might hold off and eventually try out some. They carry the merkur blades and (american?) personnas, but I emailed the guy, and he said he could cryo a few packs (not sure the limit for the price) I sent for around $10. Not sure if it's something I would continue to do, but might be interesting for a trial.

Timpac · Post by **Timpac** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 11:18 am

I was thinking of trying them for the cartridges I use with my headblade but never got around to it. If he's willing to do that process to a DE, I'd be curious to hear how it works out, though, that's for sure.

Racso_MS · Post by **Racso_MS** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 11:33 am

This topic has been discussed in the past, but it's worth bringing up occassionally for new comers.

The number of shaves one gets with a blade is going to be a YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary) situation. You have to factor in your beard type, the razor you are using, preparation of the beard, and technique etc.

Some blades work better in particular razors for the particular individual. I find that Merkur razor blades give me an excellent shave in a Merkur razor, but not so much in a Gillette. Some can't stand the Merkur razor blade and find them dull or aggressive. Some love the Feather while others think they are too sharp, and so on. You have to experiment to find the blade(s) that work for you.

So to answer your question, 3-5 is a common thread throughout the forum, but I've seen an occassional 20 and even an occassional 1 shave before changing blades. There is no correct answer. Considering how cheap the blades are, if it feels bad, change it.

After all the object of the game is to...

Enjoy your shave...

Brett G · Post by **Brett G** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 11:41 am

For the first couple years of my wetshaving experience I tossed a blade after three shaves whether I needed to or not. As my technique improved, and I realized that some products perform better in certain parts of a blade's life cycle, I began to push deeper. I can get 5-7 shaves out of most blades. A Swedish Gillette can be pushed to 14 days (possibly beyond) if you know what you are doing.

Ultimately there is no right or wrong answer and it is not a contest to see who can squeeze the most out of a blade. Whatever feels right to you at a particular time is correct.

bernards66 · Post by **bernards66** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 11:53 am

Yes, prep/products and technique are a significent part of any shaver's equation in this regard. But also, blades definately do vary. Several years back, on the old forum, many members were shocked when I said I only used a blade for three shaves and goodbye....thought I was extravagant, or overly anal. But these were when I was stuck with the German made Wilkinsons. and Merkurs. When I got ahold of the first Swedish Gillettes I realized that I once again had a blade that could easily go a week, just like the old LB Wilkinsons had always done for me years ago.
Regards,
Gordon

ChemErik · Post by **ChemErik** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 11:58 am

Most blades give me three complete shaves, so I'll agree that's about right. A few blades go to four shaves for me (Astra Superior, 7 O'Clock SE, Dorco 300 & 301, Bic Plat.). A few only go two shaves (Derby, Durasharp Carbon). I don't get a change from razor to razor or from the minor changes in prep I make. Everyone seems a little different with blades, so once you get consistently good shaves, try a blade sampler and decide what works best for you.

Nitrox · Post by **Nitrox** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 2:06 pm

I get a good three shaves out of a regular blade. Any more than that and I can start feeling the dullness. Tescos and the Swedes can give a few more shaves (maybe 5 or 6) in my experience.

razorburned · Post by **razorburned** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 2:09 pm

First off......don't worry about how often you change the blade while getting your technique down. Change the blade when you feel it needs changed. After you have the tech down.....

It really depends on what your end goal is.....

If you are wanting to get the most shaves for your money, and are willing to deal with a few less than optimal shaves for the sake of $.....try a bunch of different blades and find the one that lasts the longest, or is cheapest per shave.

If you are wanting shave bliss, damn the cost, change the blade when ever the mood strikes you....every shave, every other shave, what ever.

As you are now using DE blades, even if you choose to use the high dollar blades (for instance, the 'Swede' at about a buck each) and pitch them after every shave, you will still likely spend less than you would per week than if you used those current $3+ cartridges

During the summer months I shave my head (both head and face with a DE), I change my face blade every 2-3 shaves, but the blade I use on my head, I use a fresh blade every day as the hair is much denser on (most) of my head.

Gone Troppo · Post by **Gone Troppo** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 4:43 pm

I average 3 days per blade (I occasionally shave twice a day) whether it's Derbys. Polsilvers, Iridiums, or Crystals. However, I can occasionally get a solid week out of a Feather. Go figure.

Boyextraordinare · Post by **Boyextraordinare** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:45 pm

I think ppl have a tendency to toss blades prematurely, but you can very much afford to when you're using DE blades...

That said, I push mine to the limit and I've yet to find a plat.-chrome that can't be pressed at least a week.

BullGoose · Post by **BullGoose** » Mon Jan 05, 2009 8:58 pm

I change blades after three shaves. I figure that since the blades are so cheap (compared to a cartridge), why press your luck.

ThePossum · Post by **ThePossum** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 3:40 am

I've found with the Polsilver and the Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge (the yellow wrapper and box) I can go about two weeks, that's 14 shaves. All of the BBS variety.

I found that using these blades in different razors make not difference. Still get great BBS shaves.

For me a complete shave is three passes and touch up as well as a two pass head shave.

As for the SE blades I find the Ted Pella PTFE blade will give me a week's worth of shaving both face and head as explained above.

But as Oscar said, YMMV.

Squire · Post by **Squire** » Wed Jan 07, 2009 6:50 pm

Hey pj, 3-4 shaves is about average for me.