Thread: Air Dry vs Wiping your blade

I think this just about settles it. Letting it air dry closed sometimes leaves water droplets on the blade each day and at the same time putting it in alcohol every day might get a little expensive but this could be done from time to time.

I'm surprised Obie changes his blade every three shaves, isn't that a little early? Mine will last a week but I feel the mild tug around the 7 day mark.

CaliforniaCajun has an interesting idea of taking the razor apart each day but with my luck I would come home from work to find someone knocked it over damaging the head as well as the blade.

I'll just give it a good shake since the majority rules that unless I shave with the blade rarely, having a little extra water on the razor shouldn't do too much damage.

Originally Posted by DoubleEdge23c

I'm surprised Obie changes his blade every three shaves, isn't that a little early? Mine will last a week but I feel the mild tug around the 7 day mark.

Hello, DoubleEdge23c:

Variables dictate when individual shavers should change blades. I have a heavy beard and like my blades sharp. The most I can get out of a blade, even a great one such as the Feather, is four days, by which time I feel the blade has lost some of its sharp edge. At three shaves, then, for me, the blade is still acceptably sharp. That's why I have adopted the general rule of changing blades every three shaves.

Regards,
Obie

I hear you Obie, I really like the 7'Oclocks yellow packs and I'm highly contemplating buying a 50/100 pack from BullGooseShaving for 34 bucks. I'm going to finish the pack and make my decision. I haven't opened the feathers yet but they're pretty expensive so I'll probably stick with the Gillettes. My friend is going to give me a box of Dorkos pretty soon; I heard they're pretty good too.

As regards blade drying, I'm very slack about that. At my most conscientious all I do is take the blade out and twang it ... then put it back and forget about it. The best idea I've seen is to trap it in a clothes peg (is that a "pin" in the US?) and leave it somewhere safe.

This business of blade longevity, as Obie says, is a personal variable. Most blades seem to be good for three shaves for me, but Super Iridiums do better, and Swedes (if you can get them) much better. Feathers are strange blades in my experience: undoubtedly sharp, not so smooth, and they seem to deteriorate very suddenly once they're past their best - definitely a three shave blade.

Finally, I'm afraid I wouldn't expect much of the Dorco (sic) blades: definitely a contender for worst razor blade in the world in my very limited experience, and there's no shortage of people who say the same. Dorko, by the way, is a Solingen straight razor brand and a good one too by reputation.

"Clothes pin", yeah go figure - never had to use one of these in years but that's another interesting way to dry the blades. I caved in earlier tonight and just dabbed it on a clean T-shirt and made no effort to drag it along the fabric. The blade is at Shave 3 and still feels great, combined with some Bigelow Proraso I really got an excellent shave with about 30% BBS without any irritation.

I didn't try any Iridiums yet, slipped my mind when I was looking at the Gillettes. When I make my decision on those I'll probably grab a pack of these. They seem to run the same price as the 7 O'clocks
Iridium Super Extra Stainless DE Blades-BullGoose Shaving Supplies

Your story about the loss of Wilkinsons popped up so that's why I don't want to wait too long, I'm sure the Internets' supply of blades isn't going to run out overnight but little things like this have a habit of being put off too long when out of mind. Eventually I'll take the plunge into a straight edge but I like having a nice stock of decent blades.

I'll see how the Feathers go, probably won't be for another month though since I want to really get a feel for these Gillettes like I did the Derbys.

After a little sleuthing I now understand the difference between the Dorcos and Dorkos, amazing how they can do that. I'm not sure what type of straight I'm going to consider but one of my friends in the future plans to send a fairly large order to Lynn and I'll get to pick from that. A little Barbicide and I'll be ready to go.

As far as the Dorcos being garbage, at $11 on Amazon for a pack of 100, they sound like trash but my friend swears by them. Worst case scenario they'll end up in my bag of garbage blades.

edit: What's the deal with this "thanks" button, does it only appear after viewing a few threads?

When I used a DE I just put a drop or two of mineral oil on blade on both sides. Maybe a drop into the mechanism. Not for lubrication but to keep out the water. If a space is occupied by oil it will repel the water. When changing razor, a quick splash of water on DE cleans up anything real quick. Old soap cannot build up nearly as much when all the tight spaces of a closed DE are filled with oil.

So ya, I just let it air dry. There is much less water and soap left in a DE when its packed tight with oil.

Hello, DoubleEdge23c:

I think the Gillette 7 O'Clock "yellows" will serve you well. They have been silky smooth for me, smoother than even the Feathers. Both are great blades, and my regulars at the moment.

Our good friend Arrowhead is correct in his view of the Dorco blades. They are the mildest I have found. I suppose one might consider them passable for an extremely light beard, or a face that pretends to have hair, but even then, the Dorcos, the 300 or the 301 series, are not for a beard with backbone.

I have used the Super Iridium as well. Although sharp and well made, with a big following, I found them less than a good match for my Hollywood face by leaving it somewhat raw.

Through the years, I don't know how many different blades I have tried, but many: Crystal, Persona, Bic, Swedish Gillette, Wilkinson, Derby, and many more. For one reason or another, none has worked as well as Feather and the 7 O'Clock yellows. What's important is that I did try them and made my decision in favor of what I have now.

So yes, brands of razor blades are reliant on personal variables. The same applies to how many shaves per blades.

Regards,

Obie

I don’t know what the hazards of getting mineral oil on your skin are, especially if you happen to nick yourself in the process. Dabbing it on a cotton towel has been pretty good so far, as long as I’m not dragging it across it to remove any substances.

Eventually I’ll see where the Dorcos bring me but if the Iridium’s leave your face raw, I don’t have much of a reason to rush into those. Pity my beard doesn’t grow fast enough to test these as often and thoroughly as I would like to.

Originally Posted by Obie

I have used the Super Iridium as well. Although sharp and well made, with a big following, I found them less than a good match for my Hollywood face by leaving it somewhat raw.

Ah well, you see, I have more of a Hammer Horror sort of face.

Originally Posted by DoubleEdge23c

I don’t know what the hazards of getting mineral oil on your skin are, especially if you happen to nick yourself in the process.

Shouldn't be a problem, as I understand it baby oil is just mineral oil with an added fragrance.