How to know when a blade is getting dull? (I'm using Shark SS)

**mikej7193** · 05-30-2012, 04:57 PM

I just started shaving last week, and I ditched the Merkur blade that came with the razor because everyone complains about those blades. I picked up some Shark SS blades, and I have been using the same blade for 6 shaves now and I can't feel any pulling at all yet. What sort of "pulling" feeling do dull blades give? I just read about so many people getting 1-3 shaves per blade, and I've doubled that.

I'll admit that I'm not yet 19 and still have quite a few peach fuzzy hairs on my face instead of a full dark, hefty hair beard. The only part that I feel that the blade might not be sharp is when I go on my chin, but I only hear the hairs, I feel nothing. No rash afterwards, still BBS shaves since I got the technique down. I would find it hard to believe that I'm doing something WRONG, but I wouldn't venture too far to say I'm doing everything right.

Speaking of which, I think I've gotten my form down to get close to a BBS shave in 2 passes, which gives a bit less pain with alum afterwards.

Thanks,

**dcobranchi** · 05-30-2012, 06:22 PM

My son, 20, still has a fair bit of fuzz. I think he goes a couple of weeks on a DE blade. So your experience might be "normal" for younger guys.

BTW, alum shouldn't hurt. If it does, you may still be using too much pressure. And that might be because you're compensating for a blade gone too long.

**5savages** · 05-30-2012, 06:35 PM

If it's not uncomfortable to use, keep using it. Your face will let you know when it's time to replace the blade.

**turtle** · 05-30-2012, 06:44 PM

I get about a week which is a long time by most measurements.

Two weeks at your age is not uncommon.

If you start to notice small weepers and nicks you may be reaching the end of the life of the blade and it's time to change it.

If in doubt, pop in a fresh blade in the middle of your first pass and see if you notice a difference.

**mikej7193** · 05-30-2012, 06:46 PM

Originally Posted by dcobranchi

My son, 20, still has a fair bit of fuzz. I think he goes a couple of weeks on a DE blade. So your experience might be "normal" for younger guys.

BTW, alum shouldn't hurt. If it does, you may still be using too much pressure. And that might be because you're compensating for a blade gone too long.

Thanks. I think the pain is from improper angle along my chin, which is getting better, or slicing a bit of acne.

I guess I will keep using the blade! Thanks again!

**inspiringK** · 05-30-2012, 06:49 PM

Sounds like you are doing great and have good technique, congrats.

If you don't feel that the blade needs to be changed, don't change it. Some do use blades for 6 or more shaves. Every February a few guys go the whole month on one blade. That being said, these blades are really cheap, changing them once a week or more, even if you don't feel like you have pushed the limits, won't hurt the bank.

**jsj_297** · 05-31-2012, 05:14 AM

I actually begin to get an ingrown hair or two on my neck if the blade is passed its prime. I actually don't feel it always.

**eizan70** · 05-31-2012, 05:51 AM

Originally Posted by mikej7193

Thanks. I think the pain is from improper angle along my chin, which is getting better, or slicing a bit of acne.

I guess I will keep using the blade! Thanks again!

You are probably correct, but a dull blade could exacerbate these symptoms. I always say "if in doubt, swap it out." blades are cheap, what is your face worth?