Thread: De blades

This may seem like a realy daft question but from what I have read here blades seem to last 3-5 shaves, is that for each side of the blade, being De blades, or does this include changing sides?I would also like to know when one is meant to change side, every pass, and does hand stroping make a difference.
Sorry about all the questions.
Duelist

When I used a DE, I swapped sides when one became loaded with lather. When they were both loaded I rinsed & started again. I never hand stropped, but I'd imagine the only effect it would have on the shave given by a modern blade would be psychological. Using both sides of the blade during each shave, I'd get three shaves, then throw it. It may have lasted out two more, but blades are not that expensive, so I'd change.

I use both sides during the shave.

I will start and make a row like pass, flip, another row, rinse and start again.

I rinse and wipe the blade after the shave and flip the blade, then store.

I usually get 5 comfortable shaves out of this routine.

Keeping track of which side to use and the passes is kind of like making coffee and reusing the same grounds again. It isn't worth it to me to use just one side for one shave and then the next for the next shave. About three shaves and I just toss em.

with my bear hair and sensitive face...2x at most with ANY DE blade including yellow feathers from Japan...thats why I moved to Str8 razors..no more than maybe 4 passes and was always 5 passes with ANY DE..not to mention razor burn nicks n cuts..G-d bless straight razors!..but if DE works for you..more blade power to ya!

pcdad

I use the both sides when shaving, rinse off, and go again, usually only use any blade for 3 shaves, they are so cheap thers no need to carry on using them after that, which i have found from past experiance, my shaves are not so close if i do go over the 3 shave rule.

I didn't know there was a 3 pass rule for any blade but str8 razors?..I used to go 5 passes even with a yellow feather the discard after 2 uses..now I'm onto str8 shaving and I've lost count! :-)

Pcdad

When I use a DE, I use one side, rinse, flip and use again. I think hand stropping does nothing for a modern blade. If you want a blade that will last longer, spend some time browsing eBay and pick up some vintage Personna 74's or Schick Krona's. You will get 10 shaves out of them.

I do the same thing as Ben. Shave with one side till its loaded with lather, then shave with the other until thats loaded, then rinse and repeat. I change blades every 3 or 4 shaves.

The blades are so cheap that its not really worth the time to hand strop them. Plus you'd probably nick your hand doing it, and all for a blade that costs about 20p. Not worth the hassle or blood loss IMO!

I get about 5-7 decent shaves out of feather blades if they start feeling dull I palm strop only takes a sec an usually get a couple more comfy shaves , I also turn the razor as it loads with lather