Well ok, these are DE blades, once they start to wear, say after 3-6 shaves, do you get a fresh, clean shave by simply turning the blade over? Sorry if this has been asked.
No, once you've got your 3-5 shaves in, the blade is shot. Since both sides of the blade use the same cutting edge, there's no benefit at all to turning the blade over.
I was wondering that very thing about turning it over. I have dipped my blade in 91% alcohol before and after each shave to have a smoother blade and for it to last longer. I found that helps with some blades for me and not with others. I've read some members use a new blade with each shave. I read that the original safety razor was really a short straight razor with a strop and stone to keep it sharp. Should we all be going to the straight razor? It seems more of a skill with lots of steps to learn to hone blades and technique of shave.
The blade question seems to be one that is asked the most. Each seems to developed a preference. It all boils down to "different horses for courses".
I do the alcohol rinse as well, it seems to help, but I really haven't A/B'ed it to know for sure. I also tried using one edge for shave (day) one, then the opposite edge for shave (day) two, then flipping and repeating, but all I could tell was that it was more work. Now I just alternate the side of the razor respective to the side of my face I'm working on and the pass and do the alcohol dip at the end and leave my TTO doors ajar or my 3-piece slightly unscrewed a bit so it dries thoroughly.
Wash off the blade after each use, hand strop on your palm until the blade is dry; oil the edges; rewrap in original wrapper; place on a bed of magnets. Or do as I do. Start fresh with a new blade each shave. They're only ... What.... 10cent apiece!
That's what I do. But I also flip the blade. Does it help? No idea. Figure it can't hurt, might help, so that's what I do.
Occasionally I will flip the blade. I change blades every 3-4 shaves, blades relatively speaking are dirt cheap. I do not prolong it's life beyond the comfort of my shave, I know when the blade has been spent.
Blades are so cheap that as soon as they start pulling and tugging, I replace it. I can confirm tuco and Steve's statements that palm stropping, aka hand stropping, does work well for getting an additional shave to 3 shaves out of a blade.
How exactly does one palm strop? As I understand it, you rub the blade on your hand in one direction (the bloodless direction, of course). Do you do it while it's in the razor or out? How many passes?
No problem! How many is basically up to you. New blades I do 3 times per side basically just to get any imperfections off it so my face doesn't regret it. After that it's about 2 times per side for regular maintenance of the blade until it's ready to be removed from service.
