Switching the blade

**shumanfoo** · 05-26-2011, 07:00 AM

Hi,

On my razor one side always seems to shave better than the other side. So I seems to favor that side when shaving. Therefore the other side does not get as much use.
So today I turned the blade the opposite way from where I had it and now the less used side before shaves better after I switched it.

I think I will increase my blade life this way. Maybe?

Anyhow, wondering if others have the same expewrience with one side shaving better than the other.

**inspiringK** · 05-26-2011, 07:05 AM

I don't have any razors where there is a noticeable difference in performance between the two sides.
What razor are you using (out of curiosity)? I'd suggest getting a second razor to compare the performance. On the other hand, if you are getting good shaves from the one side, the razor works for you, kind of like a an SE in disguise

**hcintineo** · 05-26-2011, 07:07 AM

i'm assuming if you only use one side of the blade then that side of the blade will last shorter than usual. but then when you switch the blade around, by the time the whole blade is used up it should be able to the amount of shaves as you normally get.

**shumanfoo** · 05-26-2011, 07:10 AM

Originally Posted by inspiringK

I don't have any razors where there is a noticeable difference in performance between the two sides.
What razor are you using (out of curiosity)? I'd suggest getting a second razor to compare the performance. On the other hand, if you are getting good shaves from the one side, the razor works for you, kind of like a an SE in disguise

Using a Merkur Progress. Really I'm very happy with it.

**Brian-M** · 05-26-2011, 07:11 AM

You talking about a STR8?

**shumanfoo** · 05-26-2011, 07:11 AM

Originally Posted by hcintineo

i'm assuming if you only use one side of the blade then that side of the blade will last shorter than usual. but then when you switch the blade around, by the time the whole blade is used up it should be able to the amount of shaves as you normally get.

The way I've been using this I get 4-5 shaves. If I get a couple more this way I'll be very happy with 7 shaves per balde

**shumanfoo** · 05-26-2011, 07:12 AM

Originally Posted by Brian-M

You talking about a STR8?

Sri. No a DE

**Brian-M** · 05-26-2011, 07:14 AM

Originally Posted by shumanfoo

Sri. No a DE

Ok - sounds like something could be wrong with your Merkur Progress. Each side should be performing the same.

**djm2** · 05-26-2011, 07:35 AM

Is it conceivable that the OP is using the other side of the blade on the other side of the face and/or with the other hand, and therefore perhaps not getting the proper angle? Just a thought...

**Sledgehammer39** · 05-26-2011, 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by shumanfoo

Hi,

On my razor one side always seems to shave better than the other side. So I seems to favor that side when shaving. Therefore the other side does not get as much use.
So today I turned the blade the opposite way from where I had it and now the less used side before shaves better after I switched it.

I think I will increase my blade life this way. Maybe?

Anyhow, wondering if others have the same expewrience with one side shaving better than the other.

Interesting observation, I can't say that I have that issue. I also use a Merkur Progress.

**Barefoot Joe** · 05-26-2011, 11:03 AM

The right hand side of my DE razor always shaves better.

**jsj_297** · 05-26-2011, 11:06 AM

Make sure your DE blade is seating evenly on both sides....with MY experience, I always had to play around with ALL MY merkurs, 2 and 3 piece razors to seat the blade correctly...Check that, my 38c was 99% spot on blade seating.....But my Muhle 41 oc, EJ 89 are 100% never off.

Thats the only thing I can think of, unless you dropped it and damaged one side of the comb/base plate.

**Pbalkan** · 05-26-2011, 11:13 AM

I have that same problem on my Mergress but not on another unaltered Progress.

If I spend some time in loading the razor, I can get the blade to seat evenly on both sides.

I don't necessarily agree with your idea of flipping the blade. You are still wearing your RAZOR on the go-to side. Additionally, you are still shaving with a blade that is not positioned properly. If it's more exposed on one side, you might have other alignment problems with that blade as well.

The Progress is a higher-end razor and... I'm sorry... it should work correctly. Merkur should be publicly acknowledging their problem and offering to repair or replace the bad razors. However, from what I've read in other threads, they will probably blame your water!