In my experience, a new blade is a better shave. What i was saying in the original post is that for beginners with a thick beard, it's just too convoluted to involve all of those details. My beard is thick enough that my best shaves are with a new blade. I am not sure what could happen to a blade that can possibly make it better on the 2nd or 3rd use.

I would say for the first month, at least, use a new blade for each shave. Again.....thick beard + no skills. Its like driving a manual transmission. Until you get the clutch and shifting down, you dont operate the radio, change stations, work the wipers, roll the windows down, and drink coffee all in traffic. You go to a vacant parking lot...turn off the radio, and stop and go until you get it.

When learning any new skill, it is always best to eliminate multiple variables at first. Then you can start to experiment with the 'art'. Thats all I am saying.

Please do not read this as if I feel I am an expert...I am a newbie, myself (1year). I am still learning, too.