Life of a Blade

**VfBStuttgart** · 05-04-2009, 08:41 AM

I'm new to DE shaving (though I have quite taken to posting a lot in the barbershop) and just purchased a Merkur barber pole several weeks ago. I bought some Merkur blades while I was at the shop (plus a badger hair brush of no particular brand and Tabac, in case you were curious).

My question is, generally speaking, how long will a razor blade last? I shave about every other day. I realize it must depend a bit on the person and what they are doing, but I have been finding that the blades start to dull before I think they should. I'm not sure if this is normal, or I am just thinking they are getting dull while they really aren't. Before I start discarding blades that are still perfectly fine, I ask you, How many shaves does a blade give you before it is time to move on? If you just want to post a number, fine, or you can give a little info explaining what blades you use / like and on and on. I am also not completely happy with the Merkur blades (though I like the razor) and have been recommended to try Personna out, or maybe a sample pack. Any recommendations on blades are also welcome.

Thanks!

**[email protected]** · 05-04-2009, 08:45 AM

IMHO you cannot beat derby blades, i usually get 5/6 shaves per blade.

if your up for a trade i have 50 derby blades available for speick products.

pm if interested.

cheers scott

**Yushiro** · 05-04-2009, 09:21 AM

Ah, a Bundesliga fan, I have to comment

I have been using Russian made Green Gillette 7'O clock blades and they usually last me about 2 shaves. I know that they are no longer optimum when they start tugging and pulling. I have gone through about 4 different blade brands and have yet to find the perfect one. I think you will have to go through different brands until you find your 'nirvana'. Some users here swear by Personnas, Derby's and the legendary Feather. Well, unless you've tried these you will not know how they work.

I too sometimes feel that throwing away a blade after 2 shaves is wasteful but calculating the cost (my blades are 5 cents (0.20 DM or 0.10 Euro) ) it doesn't seem all that expensive to me considering that I shave just like you, every other day.

But I have another tip for you, read the reviews. They help in deciding which blade to get. Also, look at the B/S/T to get an indication of pricing. These threads are also an excellent resource of where you can get blades at a better bargain. Hope this helps.

Paul

PS, Just bought a pack of Greek made BIC blades today. Will try the "poor man's Swedes" and let you know how that worked out for me.

**Hando** · 05-04-2009, 09:40 AM

Merkur make great razors but unfortunately the blades aren't that good.

i've taken a brand new blade from it's wrapper and started a shave only to give up before the end of my first pass as it's like using a dull blade.
i don't know if corking or hand stropping helps this but i normally get about 4-6 shaves from one blade, 2 pass minimum each time.

sampler pack would be the best idea

**adamant** · 05-04-2009, 09:47 AM

I get about 3 shaves per blade, sometimes 2 depending on brand. I shave every day, and usually do a 4-5 pass shave.

**Greyfox** · 05-04-2009, 09:52 AM

On the average about 3 shaves. Sometimes though only 2 and every once in a while only 1. Change the blade when it needs changing. They are cheap. Get a Westcoast blade sampler pack and discover what you blade is.

**htownmmm** · 05-04-2009, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by Hando

Merkur make great razors but unfortunately the blades aren't that good.

sampler pack would be the best idea

Originally Posted by Greyfox

On the average about 3 shaves. Sometimes though only 2 and every once in a while only 1. Change the blade when it needs changing. They are cheap. Get a Westcoast blade sampler pack and discover what you blade is.

There you go! Merkur blades are notoriously horrible for most wetshavers-there is a small minority who they work for OTOH; not you however.

marty

**OldSaw** · 05-04-2009, 11:57 AM

2-3 shaves for me. I can get more, but they aren't comfortable anymore after 2 or 3 shaves, so I change the blade before it goes bad.

**morijinal** · 05-04-2009, 12:58 PM

5-10 shaves.

gone down south · 05-04-2009, 02:03 PM

Put a new blade in today. When you see another thread started up asking how long blades last, it's time to put a new blade in.

**thunderball** · 05-04-2009, 02:07 PM

Originally Posted by gone down south

Put a new blade in today. When you see another thread started up asking how long blades last, it's time to put a new blade in.

Yeah, there have been a 'few'!

**DunEdinRanger** · 05-04-2009, 02:13 PM

Answer: It Depends.

I usually get 5-6 shaves per blade, and have gotten as many as 12 out of Red Pack Personna.

HOWEVER, while it still shaves well, it does take longer to get the kind of shave you want.

As much as it hurts my frugal soul to say this, "Blades are cheap, and life is too short to go on worrying about how long they last."

At anywhere from 11 cents to 20 cents a blade, your cost differential is minimal over a year's time, and not worth your time or the enjoyment you will get from shaving.

**OldSaw** · 05-04-2009, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by DunEdinRanger

Answer: It Depends.

I usually get 5-6 shaves per blade, and have gotten as many as 12 out of Red Pack Personna.

HOWEVER, while it still shaves well, it does take longer to get the kind of shave you want.

As much as it hurts my frugal soul to say this, "Blades are cheap, and life is too short to go on worrying about how long they last."

At anywhere from 11 cents to 20 cents a blade, your cost differential is minimal over a year's time, and not worth your time or the enjoyment you will get from shaving.

Besides,... the faster you use up your blades, the sooner you can place another order with West Coast Shaving...

**Tommy C** · 05-05-2009, 12:13 AM

Stupid question but I just have to ask; Do you guys flip the blade over ? I just remembered that one of the blades i am using has numbers on it. 1,2 on one side and 3,4 on the other, I can't remember which blade tho...

**Leche** · 05-05-2009, 12:20 AM

Originally Posted by Tommy C

Stupid question but I just have to ask; Do you guys flip the blade over ? I just remembered that one of the blades i am using has numbers on it. 1,2 on one side and 3,4 on the other, I can't remember which blade tho...

No such thing here! You don't need to flip them. Just make sure you use both sides evenly. Do your passes, flip sides, do your passes, rinse and carry on. Back to the OP, Merkur blades are horrible. For those that love them more power to ya. Red Pack Israelis for me, about 5 shaves.

**VfBStuttgart** · 05-05-2009, 02:53 AM

Hey guys, thanks for all the feedback. Sorry, I didn't see any other posts on this subject, but apparently it gets tossed around quite a bit. Thanks for directing me to the review area, which was interesting and helpful. I'm surprised with the Merkur blades, and again, I'm no expert. I had heard nothing but good things about their razors, so I figured the blades should be good as well, especially at the price they charge, but I feel a little let down.

**xgunterx** · 05-05-2009, 05:40 AM

Feathers are my main blade for a while now.

Normally I ditch them after 3 shaves (of 3 passes + any touchups if necessary) but recently I figured I can extend the life of these blades with at least 1 shave if I use them on the 4th shave with Proraso although it will probably work with any slick lather with less cushion. (but Proraso is the only cream I have for the moment)

**tlanning** · 05-05-2009, 05:12 PM

sharp

**ari95** · 05-05-2009, 07:30 PM

Don't feel too bad about the Merkur blades. I have only used one I got some good shaves from it. To be honest I haven't gotten into the blade aquisition disorder. I typically try for five or six shaves from a blade, if I get that I am happy. Good luck with the new razor.