New Wet Shaver Question on Blades

[kwsher]

Hi All, new to the forum and just introduced myself over at Newbie Checkin. Great site with a TON of valuable info for the newly initiated.

I have a general question for those more experienced: How long does an average blade last for you?

I bought my first D/E razor (Merkur 38C) and am using a starter VDH mug and brush. Have used Feather which I like and last me a week, Derby which is Ok and lasted about the same followed by Lord Stainless which I don't care for much.

The Lord seems to have already thrown in the hat and I only changed the razor on this past Sunday, getting far less than a week's use. Is this typical?

My shave this morning with the Lord blade the razor was pulling (almost bouncing on the skin) and I have a bit of razor burn which I assume are signs of a dull blade?

Thanks!

Kevin

[Chester]

Welcome!

I have a lot of current-production blades, so I don't feel much pressure to use them more than 2 or 3 times.

If I'm using blades that are not made anymore, I try to get 5 shaves out of them, at least. I retire them when I perceive any pulling or a marked increase in resistance.

There are a lot of guys here who really like to push their blades as far as they can go, but I'm not one of them. I like a nice sharp blade, and I can afford to have one.

Pulling is a bad sign, and one that I take to mean the blade is due to be retired. Some blades are only good for a few shaves, so it shouldn't be surprising. Don't let that one blade scare you off. Try another and see if you get the same experience.

Hope it helps,
-- Chet

[kwsher]

Welcome!
Pulling is a bad sign, and one that I take to mean the blade is due to be retired. Some blades are only good for a few shaves, so it shouldn't be surprising. Don't let that one blade scare you off. Try another and see if you get the same experience.

Hope it helps,
-- Chet
Hi Chet, thanks much for the welcome! Seems a great bunch here and have been very helpful.

Speaking of, this is a great piece of info. Although seemingly intuitive, I was wondering if this was in fact a sign of a dull blade or perhaps something else that might have been technique related (although I have been getting generally decent shaves without nicks etc.).

I just assumed that a week's worth of shaving would likely be the norm but sounds like it all depends. I will change out the Lord more frequently and see how it goes.

Thanks again!

Kevin

[SUNA]

One thing I have learned...don't trade a comfortable shave for blade longevity. If you only get one shave per blade...so be it. Blades are cheap to replace.

[Chester]

One thing I have learned...don't trade a comfortable shave for blade longevity. If you only get one shave per blade...so be it. Blades are cheap to replace.

Mmmmmm. Yes. Yet, if I only got one shave per blade, I'd be looking for a different blade.
-- Chet

[SUNA]

Mmmmmm. Yes. Yet, if I only got one shave per blade, I'd be looking for a different blade.
-- Chet

I would disagree. For me, the first shave on a Feather blade is magnificent...the second is no where close. So I only use a Feather for one shave. They're only 30 cents per blade...so I could care a less. It's pennies.

[Luc]

Welcome to B&B!

Affirmative, if it pulls, change the blade!

[Cygnus]

I find that it depends on the blade...derbys last me a week, even more if I want, while other blades like Wilkinson Swords last me 4-5 shaves before becoming uncomfortable to shave with.

[atomb]

i use blades 3 times and then replace.. once in awhile Ill go longer. If a blade is ripping me up,out it goes.

[DunEdinRanger]

Welcome!!

I think you have the right idea about blade longevity. I can usually get 8 shaves with a Feather, and 6 with a Derby.

If it pulls or looks scuzzy, time to dump it.

[sandmountainslim]

I use my blades for 7 shaves and change out on Saturdays.

I use Gillette Super Thin, Red Pack Personna and Derby blades mainly.
Wp

[Uncle Erik]

I usually get three shaves out of a Feather. I could probably get a fourth, but at roughly ten cents a shave, I just replace them so I know I'll always have a good shave.

[GreekGuy]

It depends on the blade and the thickness of your beard. Mine is like steel wool, so by the third shave the blade is cooked. Which is one of the reasons Im mainly a straight shaver. Blades are cheap, plus it gives you an excuse to buy more:biggrin1:. My suggestion is use it till its not comfortable and clean shaving. You'll know when its time to replace it. Im not a fan of pushing blades, my blood is more valuable than the few coins a new blade costs.

[kwsher]

Great info from you all - appreciate the welcomes and the indulgence on what is no doubt old hat for you. Very helpful.

Kevin

[ackvil]

Interesting, I can get at most three shaves with one blade. However, I use the four pass system so each blade gets a good workout. :w00t:

[rodeo]

I got 5 shaves comfortably out of my current blade. What I plan to start doing is just changing the blade twice a week, so 3-4 shaves per blade. I'm sure different blades will yield different results, as will different faces and bears too. You gotta' find what combination works best for you.

[denim]

I would disagree. For me, the first shave on a Feather blade is magnificent...the second is no where close. So I only use a Feather for one shave. They're only 30 cents per blade...so I could care a less. It's pennies.

If I get a month's shaves from a M3 cartridge, and you get one shave from a Feather, who is spending less? I require better performance than that, meaning four or five complete shaves from a blade, or I won't buy that make again.

[SUNA]

If I get a month's shaves from a M3 cartridge, and you get one shave from a Feather, who is spending less? I require better performance than that, meaning four or five complete shaves from a blade, or I won't buy that make again.

Like it is always stated YMMV. I would get 3-5 shaves from a Sensor or Fusion blade...so for me I can justify using a DE blade for only one shave. Again, it's not about the cost for me...it's about the quality of the shave.

[denim]

Again, it's not about the cost for me...it's about the quality of the shave.

It's about both for me. I want a fantastic shave and I want it for free!

[SUNA]

It's about both for me. I want a fantastic shave and I want it for free!

LOL :laugh:

[americanarmsdealer]

It's about both for me. I want a fantastic shave and I want it for free!
+1!:thumbup:Well said!