Thread: Re-using blades

Hi all,

When I use Feather blades, I often find that the first shave pulls the most (especially when going against the grain). The 2nd and 3rd shave are very smooth.
Is it possible to use a new Feather blade once, then put it back in its wrapping to use at a future date? This is so that I may be able to get an easy BBS when I really need it (going out on a date), rather than just timing my shaves on the blade.

I can’t make up one single reason why not. As long as the blades are kept dry.

Originally Posted by strtman

I can’t make up one single reason why not. As long as the blades are kept dry.

I agree, the issue would be rust on the edge, which you probably could not easily see. But if you put some oil on the edge, no reason you can't.
Oh, I also agree with the second and third shaves being best.

Thanks for the feedback guys.
I also found that even when I am at the 3rd shave for the Feather blade, if I flip it, it will feel harsh like the 1st shave.
People have said that flipping the blade doesn't make much difference, and imply that sharpness is uniform on both edges. I have to disagree somewhat.
Maybe the 1st shave on a Feather is really like a hone on one side.

With reference to what I pretended earlier, I would like to add something. Perhaps I was too quick at reacting.

The fact is that Feather blades might be stainless ……………

I've read many times before about the first shave with a Feather being disagreeable, but I've never found this to be true myself. YMMV, of course. That being said, I don't see why you couldn't save the blade for future use. You could also try corking the blade before the first use, that might work for you as well.

I'm testing a large sample pack of various brands, just finished my feather blade, 8 great shaves with it, disposed of it in the disposable jar. Never a pull from the beginning. I wipe the edge each time with a Q-tip between shaves, yes, overkill I guess, but I'm still a newbee with wet shaving. You could put a little mineral oil on the edge after wiping it.

I put a Wilkinson Sword this morning, replacing the feather, from the first pass, I don't care for this blade. I will wait to see shave # 2 from it.

Using both hands causes you to use both sides of the blade, if you use each hand for its respective side of your face you won't have the need to turn your blades around.

Originally Posted by dustoff003

Using both hands causes you to use both sides of the blade, if you use each hand for its respective side of your face you won't have the need to turn your blades around.

I'm not sure I follow. Couldn't you just twist the razor 180 degrees to get use from the other side???

I never had a Feather pull on the first shave either. If anything I might get a weeper or two around my chin halfway between the bottom lip and knob of the chin. Never had a new Feather pull though. When I shaved DE regularly I just used them until they began going downhill and then on to the next. The equal of the Feather in sharpness but the smoothest DE blade I ever used was the Gillette "Swede." I'm not sure if they make them anymore. I haven't shaved DE, other than in a pinch, in a few years.