Enforced Fidelity For Testing Pacific Shave Oil

[mantic]

(Cross-posted from my blog)

As I mentioned in my recent video, I'm going to be testing a number of products that claim to either "resharpen" razor blades or at least extend the life of the blade. I've decided that the first thing I'm going to try is Pacific Shaving's Blade Oil. But in order to do that I think I need to validate some of my testing methodology with you. To eliminate some variables I've decided to temporarily put up my beloved Merkur Progress adjustable razor and use a Merkur Heavy Duty (HD) instead. I'll use Iridium Super blades.

I'll shave with this kit every day "to destruction"--until the blade gets dull enough to make a signficant difference in the closeness and comfort of my shave. I plan to go through two cycles without Blade Oil to get a firm idea of the life of the blade under normal circumstances, then start using Blade Oil per the directions on the package.

Does this sound like a reasonable "scientific method" to you? Or do I need to consider additional factors, such as using the same shaving cream every day as well? Comments? Suggestions?

[merkri]

Numbers. Make ratings every time you use it. Multiple ratings on different aspects of the shave and then average them every time.

Definitely keep other aspects of the shave the same. You could also try different creams, but I would be systematic about it. Probably better to avoid changing other things.

[Chap]

I would keep the same cream, same number of passes, same prep, same number of days between shaves. All these things could effect the wear on the razor. Storing your razor in the same place, using blades from the same run, should both be considered. Being a scientist, I am no doubt pedantic, but it pays to be in my line of work.

There is still an aspect of subjectivity to it, in that you are judging the feel of the shave, but this cannot be helped.

[Blue As A Jewel]

I think "enforced fidelity" means exactly that... a strict, precribed routine where you would need to try and keep as many factors as constant as possible, including your cream or soap. There will still be some variance, as you daily lather will not be absolutley identical regardless - but you would limit it to a certain extent and avoid perhaps subjective feedback that might occur if you switched between say MWF and Taylor's Avocado for example...

Some people also flip their blades to try and extend life - I think the idea here is to see if these treatments extend the edge - so would suggest no blade flipping!

Thanks for taking one for the team here... I've wondered about these blade life extension claims and look forward to your findings!

[mantic]

... There will still be some variance, as you daily lather will not be absolutley identical regardless - but you would limit it to a certain extent and avoid perhaps subjective feedback that might occur if you switched between say MWF and Taylor's Avocado for example...

Hmmm, though I loath the idea, I wonder if going brushless would be appropriate. Maybe Cremo-Cream. I need to think about that....

[Blue As A Jewel]

... There will still be some variance, as you daily lather will not be absolutley identical regardless - but you would limit it to a certain extent and avoid perhaps subjective feedback that might occur if you switched between say MWF and Taylor's Avocado for example...

Hmmm, though I loath the idea, I wonder if going brushless would be appropriate. Maybe Cremo-Cream. I need to think about that....

That would work well to further control that variable - good idea! - maybe try Rasoline as its been getting some good press and you won't smell an "off" pina colada at 7 am.

[Tye]

If you want to go the brushless Rasoline route and can't find any let me know. I have a couple of extra tubes and I'll donate to the cause. Just remember me in the footnotes .

-Tye

[mantic]

Cremo Cream's scent doesn't bother me and since I know how it performs I think I'll pass on the Rasoline for the moment. Thanks for the offers, though!

--Mark