My advice for DE newbies; blades

I am relatively new to DE myself (3/25/14). I am not near as experienced as most on this forum. After doing this 'hobby' for a year now, I would like to share what made the largest difference for me.

I have tried astra, crystal, and derby blades, only. this is my only experience with different blades....and they are different.

However, i find that besides upgrading equipment and using a nice cream/soap, the number one thing i have done that completely eliminated burns, weepers, nicks, etc. is changing blades EACH DAY. Let me say that squeezing every ounce from a blade is not for beginners. If you are starting in the hobby, and you have a thick beard, just change the blades each day. At first, you will burn, you will nick, etc. is it your technique or is it a dull blade? get rid of that question and perfect your technique with a new blade. then and only then, should you experiment with blades and the # of shaves per blade. you never know how far to take a blade until you took it too far, especially for beginners. this=burn.

Step back and look at it...these things are between $0.10 and $0.25 each, for the most part.
that is in the ballpark of $1/week.

squeezing days out of blades is akin to trying to split a slice of bread to make the loaf last longer. a blade costs about the same as a slice of bread.

In my opinion, life is too short to sacrifice a great shave for an extra day out of a $0.10 blade.

Maybe this is due to my poor technique....and i am sure it is. Either way.....For me, with this hobby, I get great satisfaction from a great shave that i never did before....it starts my day off in a nice way.

I find that - with the same prep that I use for straight shaving - my usual DE blades lasts me comfortably for around 7 shaves.

Discarding a DE blade after the first shave would therefore be unnecessary and wasteful, no matter how low the price.

I apply the same logic to DE shaving that I apply to straight shaving: when I notice the performance of the blade beginning to deteriorate, it's time make sure the edge becomes sharp again.
In case of a straight that would be honing; in case of a DE blade that would be a new blade.

What makes the edge of a blade lasts longer however is proper beard preparation with water and soap to moisten the whiskers, something that get's often overlooked by beginners who transition from cartridge razors.


B.

Yes you can get a few shaves out of a good DE blade , I shavd with a DE for over 40 years , have done a lot of different blades, but a few years back I just gave up on trying to get the most out of a blade. I use feather blades with my Gillette Fat Boy one time and throw away, can I use it more ? But why, I change cause I can and I get a constantly great shave every time without throwing another variable in the mix , even the feathers don't cost enough to worry about , we throw more crap in the trash every day that cost more. But that's me. Tc

I'm a cheapo. I'll admit it. My frugality is honestly acquired from parents and grandparents that not only survived, but thrived during the Great Depression. I learned to shave using a Gillette Flair Tip and blue carbon steel blades. I find the idea of throwing a blade away after one use abhorant and depraved. I've found that some blades like the Gillette Silver Blue give a better shave after the first use.
Cheap or not, I will not use a blade that tugs or pulls. Most quality blades will give at least three comfortable shaves. Sometimes the only thing needed to restore comfort is to flip the blade. The 1 2 or 3 4 printed on some blades is not just for show. Right now I am on my 7th shave with a Gillette TTO using a Gillette 7o'clock yellow blade flipped after the fifth shave. I should get at least two more comfortable shaves from this blade, if not, I have no qualms about tossing it.
When using samplers, I find that I need to give a blade at least two shaves with two separate blades from each sample to give an honest assement. If the second shave with the second blade sucks, then the rest of the pack goes in the trash, never to be ordered again.
If you're only getting one good shave from a quality blade, then look to your technique or preparation as the problem. Just like in using a straight, beard prep, shaving angle, and razor pressure are key in getting a close and comfortable shave.

I'd hesitate to advise anyone new to the route of "one and done." With many blades I've tried in just over a year of DE shaving, I'm more comfortable with them on the 2nd and 3rd shave. I'm pretty satisfied with Feather, Astra, Gillette Platinum, Shark, Persona Red, and even Derby. Many of these degrade for me around shave 6 or 7.

You've found what works for you, and maybe some others. So must we all...

With apologies to the OP, as well as folks that said they could get x shaves from a DE blade, the one variable that matters in this equation that hasn't been emphasized is the person's beard. One person's could be tough as nails and someone else's could be like silk. I have what is an average, but thick beard, meaning, I can feel sharp stubble and see a clear shadow when I need to shave. Your face may vary. I can get 3-5 good shaves out of most of my go-to DE blades. Those are Feather, Israeli Personnas, Wilkinson (German) and Astra Platinum. The Gillettes (regardless of color) I can get 1-3; the Derbys I get none that are comfortable, so I don't use them...same with Dorco, Merkur, Crystal, Erbe, and Shark. Having said that, I always do my prep the same as I would for a SR shave (which I use most of the time).

If I've offended your brand, sorry, but I use what I like best, UNTIL it gets uncomfortable. Sometimes that is the first shave. :shrug:

I have tried a whole bunch of the blades. Overall, I think there is one manufacturer who is cranking out all the super stainless blades and everyone is marketing them under different brands. They are my favorite and I can shave with them about 10 times before I change them out.

Changing blades out everyday?....A good face prep can still make a so, so DE blade work well and I do that all the time. Perhaps focus more on that and technique and see if you can stretch out that blade a little longer....Just a thought...

Pabster

Pabsgter

Shave twice a week.one feather,one blade

in my limited experience i have found D/E blades to be more pleasant to use after a shave or two.

Well my advice to this thread is to clean the blades thoroughly after each shave. Take out the blade, leave it on a complete flat table and put a drop of soap on the blade.

Then rub your finger sideways on both edges and flip the blade and do the same again on the other side.

Put the blade under running water until the soap is washed of. Then carefully dry it using a towel.

This removes any skin residues and fat or oil. That's what dulls the blade, make it rust and attracts bacteria.

Any blade should last at least 6 shaves.

Also remember to clean the DE shaver. When I change blades I also clean the razor in a ultrasonic cleaner. That takes care of every crack without any hard work.

Finally I admit that I don't use my DE much any longer. Today I primarily use a straight. Throwing a blade away after one use is a complete waste. It's not only about the price just think a second on the environmental impacts if everyone did the same.

Gentlemen,

I use a new blade for every shave. After going through a parade of blades through the years, my lineup includes Feather, Super Iridium, Polsiver Iridium, Personna Medical Preparation and Personna Red Pack. My stash also includes Perma Sharp Super, Gillette 7 O'Clock yellow packs, Astra and Derby, all of which will not be replaced once gone.

Well, each to their own when it comes to use once and trash it or go for multiple uses. Personally, I am in the camp that hates to waste something no matter how little it costs. I get smooth comfortable shaves for a number of uses out of a DE blade. The number of uses varies with blade brand. When I feel the edge is just starting to degrade for me it gets pitched no matter the number of shaves in. Much the same as I would with a straight razor when deciding when to use a touch up on a finishing hone.

I think too the better your shaving technique and lather is the longer a DE or straight razor blade will last before being pitched or touched up. Ham handed technique will ruin either blade type quicker.

Bob

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.

Been shaving for over 50 years and it' has gotten to the point we have to buy blades on line especially in rural areas. I have a medium beard and Personna Reds or Astra SP gives me 3 comfortable BB shaves with 2 passes +touchup. With my Gillette Fatboy/ Slim or Weber PH. I do miss those Gillette Blues tho.
Some of the drugstore brands I'd have to change blades mid-shave or risk buying lots of Band-aides

I use feather blades exclusively and in the feather DS-2 razor I get three great shaves with them. After that I pitch em. I could probably get a couple more shaves however it's not worth it because the shave starts to degrade.

Since I only shave maybe 2 times a week, sometimes less, I toss a blade after one use. For the same reason, I mainly straight shave....straight razors don't clog!

I used to shave every other day. I shave seven days a week now.(unless I get lazy)(which some times I wish would be every day)

I have a stash of
Wilkinson Sword Classic DE Blades White Container 25-packs of 5 razors ea.
Wilkinson Sword Classic DE Blades Black Container 36-packs of 5 razors ea.
Raley's Generic SS/DE Razor Blades {Made by Wilkinson Sword} 15-packs of 10ea.
Astra Superior Platinum DE 21-packs of 5 razors ea.
CVS Generic SS/DE Razor Blades {made by Personna} 9-packs of 5 razors ea.
ASCO Super Stainless Steel Blades 3-packs of 5 razors ea.
Feather Hi-Stainless Razor Blades 5-packs of 5 razors ea.
Derby Extra Super Stainless DE, 3-packs of 5 razors ea.
Personna Platinum 4-packs of 5 razors ea.
POL/SILVER Super Iridium 3-packs of 5 razors ea.
Gillette 7o'clock Sharp Edge 6-packs of 5 razors ea.
Shark Super Stainless 21-packs of 5 razors ea.
Rapira Platinum Lux0 2-packs of 5 razors ea.
and 144 single wrapped razor blades, it took too long to count them.

I bought the Wilkinson Sword blades in the black containers, I started out with 30 packages. I also bought some of the Wilkinson Sword Blades in the white container. I bought 100 blades, I was given as a PIF 16 packs of 5 razors ea. I bought 100 Astra SP DE razor blades, and was given most of the rest of the Astra, with my Weber 3pc.Razor W/Classic handle. I bought the CVS Generic, I also bought Raley's Generic SS/DE Razor Blades, I bought all of them that they had in a store in Winnemucca
NV. (my wife aka SWMbO and I were traveling in our RV, and stopped to buy groceries)They were closing them out (re-modeling the store) less than a buck a pack. And being as most places don't carry DE razor blades any more I couldn't pass it up. The rest I have received all of them in numerous PIF's I have taken part in.

I usually use a blade for no more than 7 shaves. If I use pre-shave oil I can get 7 to 10 shaves out of a blade. I find that if I take my time not rush thru my shave I never and yes I said never get any "Nick's or Weeper's" if I do not take my time I look like I rubbed a Red Devil Dragon Skin Paint ScraperAttachment 197831 on my face rather than shaved with a DE/SS Razor. With as many blades that I have , I could use one blade every day. I do change blades usually at 7 uses, or and no more than 10 shaves. If the blade seems to pull I will put in a new blade. I never shave in the shower, and I usually use "Cold Water" to shave. Doing that it seems that I never get Razor Burn.

I average over a year per DE blade.

My safety razor sits unused, on a shelf next to my sink, except when I do a rushed single pass shave and afterwards notice that I missed a small spot. For those minute straight razor failures, I make use of the safety razor, only because they are noticed after I have already cleaned my straight.

I agree..........its wasteful to throw a blade out that has 3 or 4 more shaves on it. I use feathers, and get at least 5 shaves before I feel any sharpness loss.........I was wondering tho.......does it do any good to flip a blade over to get more shaves????

Was curious as to the blade flip as well?

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Originally Posted by hozhead

I agree..........its wasteful to throw a blade out that has 3 or 4 more shaves on it. I use feathers, and get at least 5 shaves before I feel any sharpness loss.........I was wondering tho.......does it do any good to flip a blade over to get more shaves????

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by hozhead

I agree..........its wasteful to throw a blade out that has 3 or 4 more shaves on it. I use feathers, and get at least 5 shaves before I feel any sharpness loss.........I was wondering tho.......does it do any good to flip a blade over to get more shaves????

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I've tried a blade flips, after each shave , on the third shave and even palm or dungaree strop never noticed any difference except when I stropped and that gave me 1 extra shave, not as good as a new blade. I didn't find that it was worth it.

While I don't use a new blade for each shave, I can see why the OP recommends a new blade per shave for newbies. I would say to maybe limit the number of shave to 3. Why? Someone starting out in wet shaving may still be experimenting with building lather and shaving techniques, and testing what works best for him. If a blade is not cutting well, the shave is not going to be comfortable, and this could lead to the person giving up.

Personally, I would tell somebody starting out to pay close attention to the direction of the hair growth and also to see if a shave is more comfortable after one-day or two-day growth.

In my case, I usually get a more comfortable shave with a two-day growth. I think it's because all the hair had the time to come out. Before that some of them have not come out yet, but have raised the skin a bit, thereby causing the blade to cut through skin. I can sometimes see traces of cut skin.

Paying attention to the direction will make sure that one is actually going against the grain instead of across the grain. This will reduce the urge of going over the same spot a few times while chasing a BBS feeling.

I have been shaving with a DE razor for almost three years now, but last weekend I got my best shave. Paying attention to the direction of the growth after two days, shaving was effortless. It was a new feeling to me. The alum block test proved me right. For the first time in my life, the alum block did not sting!

Wow this got bumped back to life, but seriously guys, wasteful, I bet you can find ten times as much waste in your day to day life than a razor blade , heck a plastic bottle is more environmentally bad than a steel blade, and let's not forget how much paper ,food, fuel and electricity we waste everyday, yes you can use a blade more than once, and yes maybe some have gotten better shaves from a s cond and third us, but my self I shaved over 40 years with my DE and would say I was pretty good with one. So I've done the comparisons for "My Face" always better with a fresh blade , so when I use my DE, or my Feather RG it's new blade every time, I applaud those who get a great shave using them multiple times, makes my Wastefulness" less of an impact on the planet. Tc

I find that after the first shave, the following shaves are even better. I don't count how many times I use a blade. When the time comes to replace a blade, you can tell within the first few strokes. That being said, I estimate to get 5 or 6 uses from a blade. However, dpete makes a good point about removing a variable from the equation if you are new and simply use a new blade every time. I would also add, to use the same brush, soap or cream and lathering technique, unless things are clearly not working for you.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Utopian

I average over a year per DE blade.

My safety razor sits unused, on a shelf next to my sink, except when I do a rushed single pass shave and afterwards notice that I missed a small spot. For those minute straight razor failures, I make use of the safety razor, only because they are noticed after I have already cleaned my straight.

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................:roflmao

After a tough day, you sir just made my day...thanks for the great roaring belly laugh!:D