How many shaves per blade?

[goldfinger77]

Pretty much brand new here - just joined. Completed my fourth shave tonight with the first Derby I popped in after receiving my Merkur 38C in the mail, and the blade was noticeably tugging more than it had previously. Is 4 shaves about right for a blade change? Or is it just that my technique is not good enough yet? Or is it possible that I'm not mixing the cream correctly to give enough lubrication?

[JimBow]

You're going to find the general consensus around is here the typical 3-5 shave rule. That's most normally with a 3-pass shave technique. BUT, as always, YMMV!!

[Not4you]

If its tugging you've gone one shave too far. I find my Murker blades suit me fine for 3 shaves (usually 4 passes each). YMMV but 3-4 I think would be typical.

[alabamalawyer]

It varies based on how tough your beard is and what blade you are using. Once you feel tugging with the blade, it is time to switch it out for a new one.

[Dadof3]

It varies based on how tough your beard is and what blade you are using. Once you feel tugging with the blade, it is time to switch it out for a new one.

+1

Check out the blade reviews to get a sense of the longevity of different brandes...but YMMV as always.

Welcome aboard!

[Stubblefield]

For most blades I change after two, but I can get three shaves if I choose. Feather blades are the only exception--I can only get two shaves per blade out of them.

Given that I was paying around .30 US per shave when using a cartridge, I don't mind spending .05--.07 US per shave now.

[Jake]

Although each blade and razor wears the edge differently, you can get anywhere from 1 excellent shave with a blade to 4 or 5 decent shaves. But why push it? Although it is common for the 2nd shave with a good blade to be the best, why try for more than 3 unless you have a very fine or soft beard?