# of uses for Blades

[Gripper]

Folks -- I'm just wondering how many shaves you are getting out of your blades before needing to replace the blade.

For me, I'm using the Merkur blades (currently) and getting about 3-4 shaves before I start getting that "pulling" or "tugging" feeling on my wiskars.

Just wondering how others are holding up. I may also change to another blade after some recommendations if I discover that I'm not getting enough shaves.

Cheers!

[ateace]

Up until a few days ago, I always changed blades after three shaves, but that may change.

I'm using my first Swede now and just completed the fifth shave this morning with no discomfort and no complaints.

[rabidpotatochip]

Exactly as many shaves as the blade can provide.

You'll get numbers anywhere between 1 and n when you ask that question. If the blade's not comfortable anymore just switch it out.

[philburt]

There is also the option of stropping your blades after a couple shaves. I've been "hand stropping" my single edge Gem Persona blades since I take them out of the razor to dry after each shave anyway. I've been able to get 5 good days out of a blade this way. YMMV.

[Teiste]

Hand stropping or a vintage blade sharpener like Kriss Kross or Twinplex will help you to get a couple extra shaves...I did try handstropping for 15 days with a Gillette Swede but I got bored of the same blade(even when I was getting BBS shaves all the time)I love to rotate so now Im not going further than 4 or 5 shaves per blade/razor.

[just1nsturm]

Number of shaves per blade is going to vary a lot depending on factors such as hair coarseness and aggressiveness of razor, as well as some other things. I usually pull 3 shaves but sometimes I'll stretch it to 5. It's still comfortable, but I figure the blades are so cheap, I don't mind junking them after 3 shaves. If you are interested in trying a new blade, I recommend giving Derbys a try.

[Stubblefield]

You'll get numbers anywhere between 1 and n when you ask that question.

That is corrrect. I get n shaves per blade, consistently. (where n = 2)

[rabidpotatochip]

That is corrrect. I get n shaves per blade, consistently.

I should have seen that coming...

Edit: Arrrgh... now I have to edit my post because you edited yours... I'm still keeping the old version in my quote though.

[Bertilak]

Aww. I thought this was going to be about other things you could do with razor blades beside shaving. I was hoping for ideas more creative than scraping paint off of windows.

Maybe a more dangerous game of pick-up-sticks?

Making movies like Un Chien Andalou? (eeww! )

Filling that mysterious slot in my cabinet over the bathroom sink?

[rabidpotatochip]

Aww. I thought this was going to be about other things you could do with razor blades beside shaving. I was hoping for ideas more creative than scraping paint off of windows.

Maybe a more dangerous game of pick-up-sticks?

Making movies like Un Chien Andalou? (eeww! )

Filling that mysterious slot in my cabinet over the bathroom sink?

Scraping thermal paste off a CPU... but you want to wear gloves. I never knew thumbs bled so much.

[in the know]

Gillette Silver Blue - at least 12 shaves.

EVERY other blade - at least 5 shaves.

[Synack]

Usually three shaves for myself. I'm sure I could get a couple extra but I like experimenting with different blade and razor combinations.

[Bertilak]

Scraping thermal paste off a CPU... but you want to wear gloves. I never knew thumbs bled so much.

Hey! Another advantage of SE shaving.

[rabidpotatochip]

Hey! Another advantage of SE shaving.

Yeah actually, that would have been perfect for the job. The blade slipped in my hand and into my finger the other side went. Shame I didn't have you around before it happened.

[SavantStrike]

Aww. I thought this was going to be about other things you could do with razor blades beside shaving. I was hoping for ideas more creative than scraping paint off of windows.

Maybe a more dangerous game of pick-up-sticks?

Making movies like Un Chien Andalou? (eeww! )

Filling that mysterious slot in my cabinet over the bathroom sink?

I'd hate to be the work crew that renovates that bathroom... blades all through the wall .

I too was wondering if anyone had come up with uses for old blades besides scraping. Oh wait I've got one!

If you're careful enough, they should work as an x acto substitute. Although the handle-less nature combined with their width would make things interesting...

[shaved_*****]

I like to use one blade per pass... not because I need to but because I just have SO many blades :O

[eagletower]

been meaning to ask this same question myself , i usually change after 3-4 shaves. Using Wilkinson swords.

[Mer]

I'll get 5 days from a Derby and then 1 more on the weekend if I have to shave. Never gets too bad at the end either.

[BalthasarR]

Blades that work for me.

Derbys - 4 smooth shaves
Red Personnas - 4 smooth shaves
Feathers - 2 smooth shaves

[al7jj]

Brand Days
Merkur 7
Gilette black 2
Gilette blue 5
Gilette Swede 4
Wilkinson 3
Feather 4
Israeli 2
Kroger 0

YMMV of course