How often do you change your blade?

Newbie input: I've been doing 4 shaves per blade, but conscious of rotating each day, logo side of the razor head on day one, upside down day 2, etc. So, it's really 2 shaves per edge and pitch. Good idea? Can I double this to 4 shaves do you think, or is this common practice?

 

My blade changing goes all over the map. I might replace a blade after two uses, or i might get 7 shaves from it. Depends on the blade, razor, beard, planets alignment, etc. I usually replace them in the middle of the shave, when i feel they don't cut as good as i want to.
Never flip or strop them, seems too much of a hassle to do so, as i saw how fragile blades are, and i don't look forward into getting cut by doing so.
Touched my razor for the sink once, and probably hit the blade too. Worst decision was to keep trying to shave with that blade and not replacing it right away. That simple small hit was enough to make that blade faulty and ended up with a bad irritation and some nicks.

 

As you can see there really is NO magic number of uses per blade. It's all very YMMV and is dependent on many factors. I started trying to get a minimum of 5-7 shaves from a blade. Recently(in the last year or so) I've stopped worrying about the number of shaves per blade and only concentrate on quality of the shave. So now I use a blade until it no longer performs be it 2 days or 2 weeks and I never worry about how long it's been used. I also began arm stropping my blades(5 passes on each edge) at the end of every shave. I don't change/rotate the blade position during the use of the blade.

 

10-12 passes across my face is usually my goal. If I'm doing 3-passes, that can mean 3-4 days. If I'm only doing 2-passes, it obviously extends the apparent blade life.

 

For me, it depends on the blade, an Astra and Personna Reds lasts 4 shaves, WS 3 shaves, Crystals 1-2 shaves

 

I know I have a fairly light, fine beard, as I am ( or should say, was) blond. As a rule, I have gotten over 10 shaves ( over 20 passes) on a GEM stainless ptfe SE, and over 15 shaves (over 30 passes) on a Chinese schick injector blade. my DE blade useage varies from 4 to 8 shaves depending on the blade. So far the longevity winner is the Israeli Red Personna, but the testing is not yet complete. As always RMV (results may vary)

 

I don't have any set number of shaves before a change, just whenever I don't feel I'm getting a good shave, tugging, pulling, etc. it could be 3 shaves, or I have gotten 10+ a few times. Only exception is the 7:00 a.m., I can't even get one pass with those before tossing.

 

3 Shaves and out!

 

I shave head, face using the blade only once. One and done.
I could probably get 1 maybe 2 more. What I notice is significant irritation after 2nd use most noticeable when applying aftershave (more burn).
The blade tends to grab more. This is a issue with me due to multiple large scars. New blades are predictable and at 8-20 cents per blade I think it's still a bargain.

Cheers
John

 

I use the blade once. Small cost to have a super sharp blade every shave. It's not like the blades cost $10 each.

 

You may want to give them 2 or 3 shaves. A lot of times the best shave is the second or third one.

 

Normally I change the blade after three shaves.
I (normally) do two passes + touch ups and I shave every day, except sundays.

 

3 passes every day - a blade, depending on brand, lasts around 5-7 shaves.

 

I'm definitely in the 3-5 boat.
I've pushed one to 16, but as others have said, I got bored.

 

Same here - 2 uses & done.

 

I use Astra SP. I toss them after two shaves. I could likely get one more but for me, one of the pleasures of DE shaving is using a very sharp blade every time and not worrying about overusing a blade due to expense.

 

I don't what I am doing wrong. I've had SOOOOO many bad shaves on day 2 of a blade I don't even bother anymore. One and done...any blade. i use derbys athat I get for 7.5 cents a blade

 

I have a really tough beard and I haven't had much luck going past four days.

 

I shave my face and head, so I only use a blade for a week. That's 3 face shaves and 3 head shaves.

 

Disappointed, a little, that my Wilkinson Super Sword Edge gave me three shaves then petered out.