Ok, so how long is a piece of string ! Now I appreciate that depends on many things, not least the beard type but for an ‘average’ person would 4 separate days of shaving from 1 blade be about right ? The reason I ask it the Derby blades I am using at present have numbers on each edge i.e. 1 to 4 so I have been using side 1 on the first day, twisting 180 deg for the second the flipping over to number 3 side and so on.
I only started this a few months ago and began with 4 shaves on a blade as I knew no different. I carried that on for the first month while I sorted out technique etc. Over the last couple of months I stretched things a bit as I had technique enough to feel a blade getting "tuggy" i.e. worn. Things vary blade to blade. Astra blades give me an easy 7 so get changed after one week. Feathers are super sharp but start tugging and giving me weepers after 4 shaves. In terms of beard I'd say I am bog standard average in terms of density but at 53 the hair has become quite coarse/thick. I haven't flipped a blade intentionally, but may do when I dry it after a shave , I never think about it. All the above what's worked for me. In essence, to start with go conservative for a month, 3-4 shaves a blade, same blade. Once happy with that just add a day here and there until it is no longer comfortable and that's how long it lasts for you. Hope this helps.
I flip my blades even though virtually everybody says it’s a waste of time. I get that, but it’s my own ritual and another story for another thread. Either way, blade life varies and depends on the make and quality of the blade and your tolerance/sensitivity to tugging. Other variables impact blade life, but those are the key ones to me. Depending on the brand and how I feel on any particular morning, I get 4 to 8 shaves per blade.
I don't flip, or dry, or remove my blades, any handling of the blade will only prove detrimental to it's life expectancy.
I like a smooth, comfortable shave. Since blades are cheap I rarely use over more than 3-4 shaves. Why struggle with a dull blade? I need my BBS face. Herm
I think the answer is the blade lasts until you don't like using it. For me, I'm like @Herm2502; I get about 3-4 shaves on most DE blades. After that it seems like the blade is a little rough, or my neck starts to itch in the afternoon, or it just doesn't cut well. So, I change it out. They're cheap. And, just like @Jim99, I also flip the blade after each shave. I don't know if it helps, but it's a habit now and makes me feel better. You will figure out what works for you.
I can get 7 quality shaves from my Astra SPs. Then they begin changing and I have to adjust pressure and technique to continue getting good shaves. 100 blades for $10 means I can shave for a whole year for $5 in blades. I can’t see pushing a blade for such a small savings. Particularly since I have 500 or so blades around the house.
How do you tell if a blade is getting dull? If it is tugging or has gone past its normal life of # of shaves & does a bad clean up it is time to TOSS in the blade bin! I made a recent rule just recently, after 8 months of DE shaving with good quality blades I averaged 5 to 7> shaves so the Toss will occur after 6 shaves Max of my 2.5 passes per shave. Why push a blade, enjoy it because blades are one of the cheapest items ($.02 to $.04 per shave) of DE shaving.
Hello! Flipping the blade doesn't do anything. Blade life is heavily dependent upon angle and pressure. Most people can comfortably pull between 3-7 shaves per blade. I've had a Derby last 17 days, and a GSB 21, but my technique is focused on the lowest attack angle possible at skin level. This slows the rolling effect that shaving has on the bevel through a more "head-on" presentation to the hair shaft. Good luck, and I hope you enjoy TSD! +1 In traditional shaving, less is usually more.
I blot the blade rather than wipe but I'll try just leaving one to air dry now you've said that. Thanks
You could splash it with 90% isopropyl alcohol. That would displace water, sterilize, and dry without residue.
No sarcasm. I meant what I said. It’s crazy as in “ that’s incredible “ or “ that’s amazing “ or similar other mix of words that describe that. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
