Thread: Would I be a Consumerist, Capitalist, Pig?

Would I be a consumerist, capitalist, pig with no regard for the environment if I only used my razor blades once?

I'm going to continue to use a straight razor most of the time, except for Saturdays. So a box of five will last me more than a month. I think I'd like to clean and polish my new DE properly after each shave, and, when it's dry, store it in a leather DE case when I get one (recommendations on a new, black or brown leather case that allows the razor to be taken apart (3 piece) for storage would be very appreciated). So I'll need to take the blade out anyway (I know some do all this and some just rinse the razor and leave the blade in). The blade will be sitting on a desk (wrapped up) for a week before it's used again. Is it worth re-using the blade given the above or, considering the cheapness of them and how often I'll use one) just use a new blade each week (each shave)?

I don't see it as much of a waste because I only use a blade once as well. My reason is that I have the type of beard that completely mangles DE and SE blades. If I tried to use one more than once i'd have some horrible razor burn and nicks.

I didn't know you were a consumerist, capitalist ..... Forgive the cheap shot .... couldn't resist. I usually used a DE blade at least 3 days, if not more, when I used them. A Feather actually may get a bit smoother with a use or two. IME.

Since blades are made of steel - a highly sought recyclable commodity - dropping a used razor blade in the recycle bin seems like a good thing.

Originally Posted by tonycraigo

Since blades are made of steel - a highly sought recyclable commodity - dropping a used razor blade in the recycle bin seems like a good thing.

Except that kind of thing if often hand sorted and DE blades will cut straight through leather work gloves with very little effort. If you want to throw them in the recycling please dull the edges.

I've done a bit of maintenance work in recycling facilities and they're also often staffed by disabled folk working for access programs. Please give them a thought before you throw sharps in the recycling.

Carl, you never really made it clear why you are determined to use a blade only once. I'm not a tree hugger, but I was also raised with the belief of waste-not-want-not. You should be able to get at least 3 good shaves from a DE blade, perhaps a few more depending on beard type, and if stored correctly they should not deteriorate during your off days.

Of course, it is up to you in the end.

Originally Posted by Ryan82

Carl, you never really made it clear why you are determined to use a blade only once. I'm not a tree hugger, but I was also raised with the belief of waste-not-want-not. You should be able to get at least 3 good shaves from a DE blade, perhaps a few more depending on beard type, and if stored correctly they should not deteriorate during your off days.

Of course, it is up to you in the end.

With all that 'blade growth' we all know about perhaps after he unwraps them and shaves with them they grow larger than his razor can hold (lol... I get about 5 shaves out of my de blades, but my beard is pretty light).

Mick... in every recycling facility I've ever seen, big magnets rip the steel from the other stuff long before any human hands need be employed. Might be different here in the states, but recycling is big bidness and streamlined to enth degree. Our disabled folk work all over, but not often is any worker put in danger - those lucky enough to have work.

On a side note for those of us a little longer in the tooth: Remember those medicine cabinets with the slots in the back so you could drop those razor blades right into the wall to be forgotten? Used to see them all the time in Motels and even in our house in circa '60's Florida. Carl's post brought back that memory.

We wouldn't think about doing that now... at least I wouldn't.

I recycle 95% of what I use. I'd bet I could fit my landfill addition per month into a bread bag, but I recycle that too.

Originally Posted by Ryan82

Carl, you never really made it clear why you are determined to use a blade only once. I'm not a tree hugger, but I was also raised with the belief of waste-not-want-not. You should be able to get at least 3 good shaves from a DE blade, perhaps a few more depending on beard type, and if stored correctly they should not deteriorate during your off days.

Of course, it is up to you in the end.

No, I guess I didn't, I just ranted for a bit...
It seems to me that by the time I take out the blade (so I can clean and polish the razor properly), and dry it, and wrap it, and put it somewhere for a week after being used, it would degrade a little. But actually, now I think of it, I guess it's not that much of a hassle...