Thread: Stupid Question about DE blades.

Originally Posted by ian452

Thanks for that info. Was wondering if you'd tried turning the blades over and getting 2 shaves from each? I've read that shaving acts like a "strop" and sharpens the blade.
My Gillette slim adjustable finally turned up. Tried it with a Gillette 7 o'clock and got a bit of barbers burn. That was one shave on a new blade, razor set on 5. Next blade up Derby.

Try dialing the slim back to #3 for a starting point, the higher the number the more aggressive the slim is. The two biggest factors for inducing razor burn are too much weight on the blade and a bad angle. All you need is the weight of the razor resting on your face while you steer it around keeping the correct angle as you go. To get a good starting point for angle to use, rest the top cap of the DE on your cheek with the handle straight out parallel to the floor. Next, rotate the handle downward slowly till you can just start to feel the blade. When you are there you have your starting angle, you can adjust from there as needed. You have to try and maintain that angle buy moving the handle as you go to match the contours of your face. The head of a DE does not pivot like on a cartridge razor so you have to do it. I'd stay with the lower setting and one make of blade till you can get a shave without razor burn. Everyone is different in how many good shaves they get out of a blade and for me that is usually around 5 no matter the make of the blade. Good luck on your next shave.

Bob

Thanks for that Bob, much appreciated.

Originally Posted by ian452

Thanks for that Bob, much appreciated.

You're welcome. Hope it helps, let us know how you make out.

Bob

Originally Posted by dpete

...in my experience, i get more consistent shaves with less brand-dependence, if i merely change blade each day.

astras cost $0.11/each X 6 days/week = $0.66/week. when i started this, i have no weepers; i have no razor burn; i have no nicks, etc. from the enjoyment and smooth finish i get from this DE hobby, its worth this to me.

Unlike razor burn, weepers and nicks are more often caused by incorrect technique rather than blade condition.

Preparing the face for a traditional shave with water and soap (possibly using a washcloth or small shaving towel) gives the beard time to absorb the moisture and soften.
Shavers transitioning from cartridges and shaving foam/gel in the can are often not aware how much this could improve their shave.

This way, I get around 7 comfortable shaves from Feather or Astra blades and in that case discarding each blade after only one shave would be unnecessary and wasteful, no matter how cheap the blade.

But as my shaving week is 7 days long, my expense would be 77 cents - not 66 as in the quote above. 😉


B.

Most of the razor burn was started by a straight razor (my first) I'd just bought, so you are probably correct about it being caused by technique - The DE just kept the nicks alive and well.

Originally Posted by ian452

Most of the razor burn was started by a straight razor (my first) I'd just bought, so you are probably correct about it being caused by technique - The DE just kept the nicks alive and well.

If the straight razor is good and sharp then it is mostly technique. As with using a DE minimal, as in no weight, on the blade and proper are angle are even more critical with a straight razor. For angle with a straight razor try between 1 and 2 spine widths gap between face and spine while shaving. Maybe take a few days off shaving to let your face heal up too.

Bob

Will do.
I have to say even with the blood loss it is a pleasure to have a good shave again. The feel of a straight or double edge blade shave is so superior to that of a multi-bade - I should have switched years ago.

Well said.

Pabster

I grew up in England and there was a TV show called "Tomorrow's World" that covered new inventions. I clearly remember the episode where they showed the first twin blade razor. Macro - slow motion footage of blades cutting the hair was shown. You clearly saw the first blade lift the hair slightly - cut it - and the second blade cut it more before it sprang back into place. The presenter said... "And before you ask, adding more blades would not improve your shave. Two is the ideal number."(Paraphrasing) This article caused quite a stir at the pub and we all waited with baited breath for the chance to buy a twin blade razor - Christmas that year was good to razor manufacturers.

So what do the 3rd, 4th and even 5th blade do? I think it's strange that the manufacturers have never released footage to show the advantage of 5 blades? Has anyone seen this?

Later a comedy show did a skit using similar, but joke footage of 5 blades - I believe the 5th blade skinned your face! The skin emerging from the razor like shavings from a wood plane.

I remember that commercial too. As far as more blades go I'd chalk that up to typical consumer mentality. If 2 are good then more is automatically better. That and falling for the "new and improved" advertising schlock.

Bob