Thread: How many shaves on a blade?

Just wondering how many quality shaves are y'all getting out of a blade before tossing it?

I am using shark super stainless blades in my Parker SRW and can get 5 (3 pass shaves) if I push it. Takes a bit more pressure and I had best have a slick lather but I can still get BBS. Havent tried to go for 6 as I dont feel that the blade has enough left to do it with out irritation.

What are you all getting out of yours?

I started with a Parker shavette and got 2 good shaves out of one side of a blade or 4 from a complete razor blade. I found I got more irritation the duller the blade got so I tossed it after 2,3 pass shaves. I also found feather blades too sharp and aggressive, for me the 7 O'clock blades were the best for a close DFS.

I toss them after 2 shaves. Found that I got more cuts with them the more shaves I tried to get out of a blade, also more irritation. When the blade is really sharp and you use a feather-light touch, its the best shave for me. I think that's the reason I've had bad luck with real straights. They are simply not as sharp.

Also, the blades are so cheap when bought in bulk, its an affordable luxury for me.

When I use a DE (or SE) I give the blades 5 shaves. Could probably get a few more, but rather pitch a blade before it goes downhill. I usually use Sharks/Astra/Derby's.

When I use my vintage DE I use Astra Platinum blades. I like them because the edges are numbered. I can get about three complete shaves from each number, or 12 in total after flipping the blade for the other side.

I also have a Parker and when I am using the Shark blades I get 2 (3+touch up) shaves out of each half. When I have my Feather blades in I can get around 4-5 shaves per half.

That is comfortable BBS shaves with no irritation (due to blade anyway). After that it starts to pull just a bit and since comparatively they are so cheap I toss em and go for a new blade.

I shave my head everyday sometimes the beard (usually reserved for the straight) - Astra platinum & Feathers 5-7 shaves/ 3 passes with touchups. I use them until it feels uncomfortable.

I get over a half dozen out of the cheapie blades I get at walmart for 1.86 for ten.

I must have some tough facial hair. The best blades I've found for myself are the Merkur and feather blades...and even those I only get 3-4 shaves before they start pulling and giving razor burn.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

When I use my vintage DE I use Astra Platinum blades. I like them because the edges are numbered. I can get about three complete shaves from each number, or 12 in total after flipping the blade for the other side.

That's interesting...what do you mean the edges are numbered?