How do I know when it's time to change out my blades?

Thanks in advance.

 

Tough question to answer. Some people start to experience nicks and little cuts when the blades start to go dull. Personally, I find they don't shave smoothly anymore or not at all. If you do an ATG pass, and it feels like it didn't cut much hair, that's a good sign for me that I should have tossed the blade the day before.

I normally stick with a favorite blade now, and know from experience, how many shaves I can get out of it. When that day is up, I'll start with another blade and not risk trying to get one more shave out of it.

 

I have found, there is a difference in feel as the blade degrades in quality. Any pulling, and the blade meets the trash.

Honestly though, DE blades (especially when bought in bulk) are so low cost, there is no reason to try to push any blade beyond four shaves. Assuming two blades per week, there is no reason to be extra frugal, when your cost per week is 20-40 cents.

 

I just start feeling it. I have a small rotation of blades now and know how long they will last. So if I know I will get 6 shaves out of a feather then after day six....its in the trash. Dont even want to try to stretch one more shave out. You will start to feel that drag though close the blades end. Some blades start to drag(Red IP or 7 oclock yellow) and some will drag and give more weepers(feathers and 7 oclock black). Once I start seeing the weepers is when the blade gets chunked.

 

As you get more experience, you should be able to know a blade is done before getting weepers. In fact, if you get a weeper you did something wrong. It could be angle, pressure, or using a blade that's too old.

 

There are alot of variables, to list some; beard type, blade type ( sometimes you can get a duffer in a normally reliable brand ), skin sensitivity, cream or soap.....

Anytime i feel any pulling, out it goes. I pay close attention to the ATG & if after that i feel its not upto snuff it goes in the disposal tin.

Merkurs 2 - 3

Feathers 4 - 5

 

You'll know. The shave just does not feel right at all - tugging, pulling, irritation. Then it's time to toss it.

I used to get five 3-pass shaves per blade. Then I started hand-stropping after every shave and get seven 3-pass shaves per blade. I put in a new blade after every Sunday morning shave. I might be able to squeeze one or two more shaves, but as has been mentioned, blades are cheep. Besides, I don't have to remember if this was day four or five with the blade. If it's Sunday, it must be time for a new blade. I don't have to worry 'bout the tugging, pulling, and irritation because I no longer take the blade to that point.

 

+1. I change my blade after my Thursday shave. I'm lucky; like Steve, I get a week's use from a blade (except for Feathers when I get only two good shaves).

 

It sounds like you need some tutoring. I'll send a PM out to the Art of Shaving guy and have him contact you for some lessons. Maybe you can trade him some of those hard to find creams you keep sending out for free to anyone who PMs you.

You can thank me later.

 

I really can't stand it when a blade gets dull. I just toss the blade after the second use. The notion that I am using DE's to save money went out the window after the seventh razor, third brush, and more creams and soaps than I can ever use.

 

Well Lola.....I guess I do need some tutoring since I seem to be the only one to get weepers I contacted the AOS guy you pm'd me about and said he was actually only offering full body massages for existing customers I used you as a reference a sent back a simple wink and a smile. Said that you loved the way he talked with a lisp?

I do appreciate you sharing your sources though

 

Matt has a lisp? I didn't notice...:happy102

 

well, ith eathier to type the ethith than it ith to thpell out the lithp... :happy102 :happy102

Besides, I thought it was Kevin who was the AOS tutor who came to your house for the special "session"...

 

Yes had to check his 'slim' out.

 

I lost the weight when I ditched the Fatboy! Thanks for noticing!

 

Great advice Omegapd!

 

You can learn to tell when the blade starts yanking at your beard instead of slicing through it, or...

Use a brand new blade for every shave. (Some gents do) And that would still be cheaper than using cartridges.

 

As most people have put it, the blade starts to feel rough and may cause minor cuts. Four to five shaves is the average lifetime of a blade but this will vary from person to person.

 

When its no longer able to take all the beard off in one pass.

 

By that definition, it's time to throw out every new, unopened blade I own. shocked002:think002