Is it OK to use a DE blade just a once before discarding it?
- Thread starter fritts80
- Start date
While I prefer a blade's first use, most of the time I can get a decent second shave with it. But two is my max with any blade.
Honestly, you could change the blade with each pass and I'd be fine with that. 
Do whatever works for you and don't worry what the group or the "experts" think.
Do whatever works for you and don't worry what the group or the "experts" think.Newbie here has a little different take on possibility.
The original poster stated that he must throw out the blade due to sensitive skin.
What if the issue he has isn't so much the blade but the skin or the prep? For example, maybe a different skin and whisker prep would soften the whiskers and work on the skin, so that he could POSSIBLY get more than one shave per blade?
This may result in a more enjoyable and better shave regardless of how many times the blade is able to be used.
I don't think it would be a cost saving thing, as the cost of the shave prep lotions, creams, oils etc would probably exceed the cost savings of getting a 2nd or maybe 3rd use of a DE blade.
Or maybe a different style soap, cream or whatever lather product he is using may also provid better cushion or be better and less aggressive to his sensitive skin.
Just some wild rambling thoughts a total newbie had while reading this thread.
The original poster stated that he must throw out the blade due to sensitive skin.
What if the issue he has isn't so much the blade but the skin or the prep? For example, maybe a different skin and whisker prep would soften the whiskers and work on the skin, so that he could POSSIBLY get more than one shave per blade?
This may result in a more enjoyable and better shave regardless of how many times the blade is able to be used.
I don't think it would be a cost saving thing, as the cost of the shave prep lotions, creams, oils etc would probably exceed the cost savings of getting a 2nd or maybe 3rd use of a DE blade.
Or maybe a different style soap, cream or whatever lather product he is using may also provid better cushion or be better and less aggressive to his sensitive skin.
Just some wild rambling thoughts a total newbie had while reading this thread.
Until yesterday, I was under the assumption most people used the same blade all week. Then I did some searching and saw it was more like 3-4 shaves per blade.
FWIW, back when using Mach 3 and Quattro cartridges, I would use them for several months. I never noticed them getting dull. Usually I shaved every other day. Eventually I'd think that I should switch out the cartridge after let's say 2-3 months.
The key for me was to dry the blades well and wipe them down with a towel to prevent rust from forming. I had read that the cause of most razor cartridges giving bad shaves was rust, not dulling blades. I would often use a Good News disposable for several weeks without problems.
At some point in time, my beard started coming in quicker (not thicker), and I had to shave daily. This was in my mid 20's. I have dark hair and pale skin so needed to get closer shaves. That's when I started getting razor burn and ingrown hairs on my neck. And that led me to DE shaving.
FWIW, back when using Mach 3 and Quattro cartridges, I would use them for several months. I never noticed them getting dull. Usually I shaved every other day. Eventually I'd think that I should switch out the cartridge after let's say 2-3 months.
The key for me was to dry the blades well and wipe them down with a towel to prevent rust from forming. I had read that the cause of most razor cartridges giving bad shaves was rust, not dulling blades. I would often use a Good News disposable for several weeks without problems.
At some point in time, my beard started coming in quicker (not thicker), and I had to shave daily. This was in my mid 20's. I have dark hair and pale skin so needed to get closer shaves. That's when I started getting razor burn and ingrown hairs on my neck. And that led me to DE shaving.
Three thoughts come to mind:
-rinse and wipe dry opened or dissembled razor and pat blade dry on a towel. This helps keep the razor and blade clean and sharp as long as possible.
-try a shower/shampoo immediately before lathering and try cold lathering, some members indicate that room temperature lather is less irritating. Also try no or low scent lather as scent agents can be irritating.
-if all else fails, find the cheapest blades that give you a good first shave and buy in bulk. Consider an adjustable DE. Good luck with your search.
HTH
-rinse and wipe dry opened or dissembled razor and pat blade dry on a towel. This helps keep the razor and blade clean and sharp as long as possible.
-try a shower/shampoo immediately before lathering and try cold lathering, some members indicate that room temperature lather is less irritating. Also try no or low scent lather as scent agents can be irritating.
-if all else fails, find the cheapest blades that give you a good first shave and buy in bulk. Consider an adjustable DE. Good luck with your search.
HTH
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If you only get one good shave out of a blade then so be it. Most people can use a blade more than once without irritation or degraded performance. If you can't, don't worry, that's fine.
While some people really do make a sport out of stretching a blade as long as possible, most of us don't. We just use a blade for as long as it lasts and gives us good shaves. I've got a fine beard and so far I've only found one blade I like that won't last at least a week. My other favorites I use for a week and get no irritation. I could probably use them longer but changing once a week is easy to remember.
Scott
While some people really do make a sport out of stretching a blade as long as possible, most of us don't. We just use a blade for as long as it lasts and gives us good shaves. I've got a fine beard and so far I've only found one blade I like that won't last at least a week. My other favorites I use for a week and get no irritation. I could probably use them longer but changing once a week is easy to remember.
Scott
If one blade per shave gets rid of your shaving discomfort, go for it. Getting a comfortable shave is why a lot of people read this forum. And if DE blades make this financially feasible, then that is even better. But I do wonder if a straight razor with proper stropping will work for multiple shaves for the OP?
As for why not more people are only doing one shave per blade, well this is B&B. A group of people with diverse needs and wants for shaving. Hence the love for the many diverse techniques, tools and consumables around here.
As for why not more people are only doing one shave per blade, well this is B&B. A group of people with diverse needs and wants for shaving. Hence the love for the many diverse techniques, tools and consumables around here.
No problem at all, whatever works for you. Get your best blades in bulk and enjoy those shaves.
Maybe try picking up a Spiro machine, it's an old device for sharpening DE blades; acts like stropping a straight I suppose. My Grand dad used to have one and I wished my Mum could find the bloody thing. Might allow a few more uses out of your yellows before irritation sets in.
Hmm, DE blades are so inexpensive that I would not take the time to hone them. In the same way, when a blade feels uncomfortable to you, throw it out. DE blades cost next to nothing, when purchased in bulk. It does not matter if that is after 3 shaves, 10 shaves, or just a single one. It's your skin, and that will undoubtly be different from mine.
Pretty simple, really. Skin and beards vary from person to person.
Opinions really don't matter. What works for you does. Opinions aren't going to make your skin any less irritated from a used blade. If your budget and your conscience (with regard to the resource utilization) can handle it then it's ok.
That said, I'd suggest making sure that you've sampled a wide variety of blades before writing them all off as single use. You might also want to carefully re-assess every aspect of your shave to ensure that there aren't other causes or even contributing factors. The blade itself isn't the only potential source of irritation. Poor technique and lack of understanding of the growth pattern of your beard can certainly cause or contribute. Allergies to certain ingredients (or materials like nickel, for example) can certainly make your skin more sensitive. Poor or insufficient prep can certainly be a cause as well.
Again, skin and beards vary. How long a blade or cart lasts is going to vary. What one's skin will tolerate will vary. Don't attempt to extrapolate broad, sweeping trends based on a single data point (i.e. just you). It doesn't matter what "experts" say. It's up to each person to determine when to replace a blade. You may only be able to stretch a Feather to 2 shaves but I can easily get 7 excellent shaves with a Feather and, if needed, stretch it beyond that. Should I really ditch the blade after only 2-3 shaves just because someone said so or should I rely on my experience and do what suits me? I'll do that latter.
The point is always highly subjective no matter what the topic. For some, saving money is a priority. For you, eliminating irritation, understandably, overrules saving money as a priority. Never assume that your point is everyone else's point.
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a question. do you clean your razor/blade with each use?. if you don't they won't last long.
if you do, try disinfecting your blade with alcohol. dry it carefully and try it in your next shave.
if that doesn't work. then spending a few cents on a blade each time shaving isn't a big loss
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if you do, try disinfecting your blade with alcohol. dry it carefully and try it in your next shave.
if that doesn't work. then spending a few cents on a blade each time shaving isn't a big loss
.I notice that the FIRST shave is usually the most 'un-smooth'....I know that's not a word but I hate to call it something it is not. It is smooth, but not as smooth as shaves 2-whatever. Typically, I can get 5-6 shaves out of a Gillette yellow or Thin, which are the only blades I currently use.
found this one
http://www.etsy.com/listing/1569980...ga_ship_to=KW&ga_ref=auto1&ga_search_type=all
I don't know if it works well. when I was in Egypt I saw a vintage "new" one that was working perfectly. it was 50EGP that is like 8-10$. I wish I bought it
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