Merkur 34C HD w/ Merkur Blades... I have used it so far for 2 shaves. I think I am going to aim for 3 to 4 shaves.... I'd rather have a good shape and chuck it a bit earlier than cut my face to hell.
I have heard ( for the life of me I don't remember who said it) that a razor seasons after the first shave, so you really don't get the best out of the blade till after the first use. How many times you use it after that is another thing altogether. I personally won't use it more then 3 times with the blades that I have tried so far.
I n ormally get about 3 to 4 shaves out of a blade but got 5 nice comfortable shaves out of a Derby extra before I replaced it. I subscribe to the change it when it drags club too though. After you get a good bunch of shaves under your razor, you can feel it immediately when it starts to tug. That means stop.
That was a very common opinion with older blades before modern coatings. Only a small percentage still think shave number 2 is better with modern blades. For me, the only blade I notice get better on shave 2 is a feather and even then it's a very subtle improvement.
I pitch em whenever they start to tug. Don't really keep track of how long that is, but I'd guess it's about a week. Possibly longer.
I toss blades every other day. They aren't expensive and really, I don't want to take chances...a guy with razor burn, while not comfortable, is socially acceptable..a gal with razor burn, however, is not. I don't take chances as I've learned this lesson well.
Blade longevity Blade longevity is definitely something I need to keep aware of. Even though I've only been at DE shaving a couple of weeks, I've been experimenting with blade changout times. Will keep experimenting as time goes on, keeping variables in mind such as blade brand and shave frequency. Thanks for all the good posts. Until later....Nick!!!!
I agree completely. If a good blade starts giving less than good shaves, then it is time to replace it. How many shaves per blade others get is irrelevant, as it can differ between individuals.
It seems that blade longevity is definitely a YMMV type of thing. Granted as some of said, there does tend to be an average of 3-5 shaves (for myself included, using Astra Super Platinums) but the most important thing is for you to listen to your face. Let that be your determining factor. If your face is telling you the blade is pulling, skipping, or creating razor burn toss it. This is your shave, you'll know (or learn) when it's time. Cheers, KS
you must choose for yourself because blade life depends on 1_the blade 2_the beard 3_the technique 4_storage conditions between shaves I change mine when I notice a difference in quality of shave.
I'm in the "about 3 shaves-worth" crowd... My injectors average 4-5 shaves though...heavier duty blade is likely reason. ________ teen videos
I used to shave until it felt like "this was the last shave with this blade" Now, I use a blade max. 4 times. I have 4 shaving brushes in my rotation and after those 4 I pitch the blade
Very true of old carbon steel blades. Modern coated stainless blades typically won't see any benefit. You'll find exceptions on a few uncoated modern blades and/or in certain corrosive climates.
I'm stingy, so I use them as long as possible. As long as they do the job. What I find really annoying is that the type with two or more blades tend to quickly get clogged up, which limits their useful life. Which is why I tend to stick to the single blade disposables (they are cheaper, anyway.) Also, I've noticed that if you are more careful about the angle of the blade as you draw the razor across your face, they seem to last longer. I guess you want to keep the blade parallel with the skin. And try not to press to hard.
Hi Swarden, Hadn't read your comment: ell, 15 seconds is no problem ofcourse, but getting a blade out of the 5 pack; putting the old blade in a used 5-pack, putting the new blade on etc. And I don't need anyone here to remind that the new ones, nor the old ones are very easy to handle while half asleep. So yes, that's still more important than the cents saved. Bye, Eric
