Blade longevity?

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mustang_john
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Blade longevity?

Post by mustang_john »

Hi guys,

Just a quick one this!

Over this last few months, I have noticed that my Gillette 7 O'clock blades seem to be lasting a lot longer than they did. I used to be lucky to get three shave per blade, but now seven or eight is not uncommon. The record being twelve shaves.
I suspect this is all down to my getting better at shaving over time?

Thoughts anyone?

John.


Oops, just discovered an almost identical thread in the blades section, DUH! Sorry guys.
ShadowsDad
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by ShadowsDad »

That's what I would suspect. Lather is the lubricant; is your lather better?
Brian

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CMur12
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by CMur12 »

Beard-prep and how much you soften the beard before taking the blade to it will also make a difference.

- Murray
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Squire
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by Squire »

Practice makes perfect.
Regards,
Squire
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mustang_john
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by mustang_john »

Hmmm, probably is the lather, its texture is much more consistent these days.
brothers
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by brothers »

John, you're getting better at it.
Gary

SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
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Brutus
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by Brutus »

Straight shavers often discover that with improving proficiency the edge of their straight razor will tend to last longer before the razor needs to be honed again.

Although I have been shaving with safety razors for too long to remember my own progress back then, I am not surprised that the same observation should apply to safety razors too.


B.
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Julius_Rodman
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by Julius_Rodman »

I believe it's random, and also depends on my preferences at the time.

Sometimes a blade starts out great and I know I can get 15 days off it if I want to. Others emit a harbinger on the first pass.

And the shaves past day 7 are different for me, I don't mind the duller blade allowing me to grind in a little more than with a brand new Feather.

It never gets to be a routine.
Data
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by Data »

Your blade angle might have become more shallow with experience and that would be easier on the edge.
Last edited by Data on Tue Jan 05, 2016 6:33 pm, edited 1 time in total.
CMur12
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by CMur12 »

Data, I see that this is your second post and that you have just joined us. Welcome to our little community!

- Murray
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Squire
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by Squire »

Yes Data, welcome aboard.
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Squire
brothers
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by brothers »

Data wrote:Your blade angle might have become shallower with experience and that would be easier on the edge.
Good point Data. Muscle memory and technique.
Gary

SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
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jww
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by jww »

Squire wrote:Practice makes perfect.
I keep coming back to this one piece of advise, and then Squire beats me to it ...... :lol:
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Barry
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by Barry »

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Squire
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by Squire »

Good one Barry.
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Karl
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by Karl »

5 shaves. Astra, Feather, or GEM blades. If I flip the blade over on the 4th use I can sneak 6 shaves out of a blade.

My shaving technique has greatly extended the life of my modern razor blades like the one I still carry in my travel bag.
brothers
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by brothers »

Karl wrote:5 shaves. Astra, Feather, or GEM blades. If I flip the blade over on the 4th use I can sneak 6 shaves out of a blade.

My shaving technique has greatly extended the life of my modern razor blades like the one I still carry in my travel bag.
Karl, that's surprising. That's something I have never paid attention to. Thanks for the tip.
Gary

SOTD 99%: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, soaps & creams, synthetic / badger brushes, Colonial General razor, Kai & Schick blades, straight razors any time, Superior 70 aftershave splash + menthol + 444
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anomaly1985
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by anomaly1985 »

I get 20 shaves for all my blades. Perhaps more.
CMur12
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by CMur12 »

anomaly1985 wrote:I get 20 shaves for all my blades. Perhaps more.
That's a lot of shaves from a DE blade, anomaly1985. Do you do anything special to prolong blade life?

Do you do single-pass shaves? Do you have a light beard? Other factors?

- Murray
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fallingwickets
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Re: Blade longevity?

Post by fallingwickets »

I dont think I have ever tried for a PR shaving record :D Way back when, it was a usual habit to start the week with a fresh blade and being a rather susceptible fellow I followed suit :D Anyway, 20 sounds like a lot of shaves for one blade. I use a fusion to shave my head, and even that barely makes it past 20 shaves

clive
de gustibus non est disputandum
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