I have been using a blade only twice for a long time now. I can't imagine going back to using a blade four or five times. For the price of a blade, why not throw then out after 2 shaves?
I'll use a blade until I notice a little tugging on the first pass, then change it out. The number of shaves vary based on the blades, razor, soap and probably the phase of the moon.
Thanks for the replies guys !!! check out my shave update thread. I changed out the blade and wow what a difference it made. I went with the Personna Platinum
Something that boggled my mind when I started DE shaving was that some blades work very well in some razors on my face, but if I put the same brand of blade in a different razor, it didn't work as well. Its really a process of experimentation and developing your technique at this point. Riding the cap on a razor will make your shaves more comfortable. Also, check out the 30 day focus/rule threads. The guys on there are nuts, but very helpful. Sticking with the same equipment for a period of time will do wonders for your shaves.
Blade life. If you have a micrometer. Measure the thickness of the blades you are using. The thickness of the blades make a big difference. The thicker, I mean thousandths, will last for more shaves. They are all cheap enough to toss after 1 ,or 2 , but some will surprise you and once you have good technique, you might get a few more shaves. Try the dry test. Put your blade in your razor, no soap and just pull it down a few hairs. If it pings, it's good for one shave. Just don't try to shave dry , just a few hairs. Then you have a benchmark.
What Steve said. There is no objective "best blade." So I don't think it really matters what order you use. When I was sampling different brands, the order was chosen with help from my friends, Eenie, Meenie, Minie and Moe.
