My Beard is Blade Killer?

[Orlandez]

Was thinking my Beard was sort of mild but the last THREE days of Shaves. I am thinking differently. Let me explain my reasoning. As the LAST THREE DAYS I use what I consider Premium Blade. The Gillette 7-O-Clock Black pictured below. Razor Pre-War Fat Handle Gillette Tech.

First two Shave were like homers, out of the park Grand Slams. Today I got the feeling my Beard is loosing the battle of the Blade. This Premium Blade is getting dull. Feeling my face 10 hours post shave, face feels like 220 Sandpaper.

Starting to think my Beard is not like I have previously thought, MILD & SOFT. It is a Tough Beard, and I have decide to no longer push Blades for extra Shaves. I need to change out Blade more frequently to get a Great Shave. JMHO

Anyone else experience this?

View attachment 1988951

To be honest I keep in high regard all the fellow shavers saying that they use a blade 15 times without noticing any difference.
For me, BBS or nothing every day.
The highest number of time I used a blade is perhaps six times with a KAI blade.
Normally 2/3 times (or even 1 with the Treet Platinums) is the maximum .. after that, they don’t cut as required

 

[DesertIguana]

To be honest I keep in high regard all the fellow shavers saying that they use a blade 15 times without noticing any difference.
For me, BBS or nothing every day.
The highest number of time I used a blade is perhaps six times with a KAI blade.
Normally 2/3 times (or even 1 with the Treet Platinums) is the maximum .. after that, they don’t cut as required

I use to think my Beard was Mild, and Gray, truth is I realized it still has some Backbone.

Few Blade last me over 6 - 7 uses, so before letting, I start new Blade.

I seldom get a nick or cut, 55+ years of Shaving you get hang of Shaving.

Blades are cheap, cuts n nicks are pain to deal with.

 

[srgjazz]

After decades of experimenting with all kinds of shaving gear and blade longevity I decided that one and done works best for me. I like having a clean razor with a fresh blade for my daily shave. Some guys report that their best shaves come with a second use blade. I never found that to be the case.

 

[DesertIguana]

Most Blades last me Maxium 4 Days,

 

[Lane101]

Was thinking my Beard was sort of mild but the last THREE days of Shaves. I am thinking differently. Let me explain my reasoning. As the LAST THREE DAYS I use what I consider Premium Blade. The Gillette 7-O-Clock Black pictured below. Razor Pre-War Fat Handle Gillette Tech.

First two Shave were like homers, out of the park Grand Slams. Today I got the feeling my Beard is loosing the battle of the Blade. This Premium Blade is getting dull. Feeling my face 10 hours post shave, face feels like 220 Sandpaper.

Starting to think my Beard is not like I have previously thought, MILD & SOFT. It is a Tough Beard, and I have decide to no longer push Blades for extra Shaves. I need to change out Blade more frequently to get a Great Shave. JMHO

Anyone else experience this?

View attachment 1988951

It's just one blade. All my blade brands deliver variable numbers of shaves per blade ranging from roughly 3-7 for my Derby Extras to 8-12 for my Dorcos. Just move on to the next blade and see what happens. I've had rare outliers ranging from 2-3 blades that did not make it through the first shave to others that went for 20+ shaves. Fortunately my blades wear gradually so I can tell when it's time to change without having to experience a rough shave in most cases.

It's possible this is not due to the blade if you changed anything else in your shaving routine over the past few days. A new soap or change in technique that does not moisturize your beard as much as before could also be a cause. Well moisturized beards can require up to 60%+ less cutting effort than a dry beard.

 

[rockviper]

My beard is definitely a blade killer. If I don't shave, the blade will last forever!

 

[DesertIguana]

Today is 03–02-2025, I score a major Victory in battle of the BEARD, this Wes BEST SHAVE Edition 2025.





Razor: Vintage Gillette - Slim Adjustable - H-2, (Year - 1962)
Blade: Gillette 7-O Clock Premature - Stainless Blade - DAY # 5 USEAGE - KILLER BLADE
Bowl: N/A
Soap/Cream: Cremo Coconut - Mango, smell is great.
Brush/Instrument: Fingers/Omega Boar
Extra Stuff: Witch Hazel




Back in my personal comfort zone using my Vintage Gillette’s today it a Slim Adjustable - H-2, (Year - 1962), I bought from a Badger & Blade Member. Three passes, With, Across, &, Against the Grain, using a Gillette 7-O Clock Permasharp - Stainless Blade. Today was DAY # FIVE for this BRAND NEW Blade, still has few more Shaves, cutting like hot knife into stuck of butter. This is one of my favorite Blades, it is a lot of Blade for reasonable price. IMHO

Shave today was Dam Fine Shave but did not achieving perfection rating, would be 9.99++ Close to BBS. Results were great because I payed a lot with there Adjustment Dial on the Slim, Starting out on Setting 1 the LOWEST for first pass, then moving up to Setting 2 to do passes # 2, move up to setting 4 to finish off pass # 3. Technique, Head Angle, and Gap Changing reaped rewards, of DFS, not chasing BBS, but still got Another Great Shave. BEST SHAVE 2025.


Still working on New Tube of Cremo Coconut - Mango, This scent is very very nice, it don’t know you over, but is present sent. Started This Tube of Cremo on 02/07/2025, and today it is all used up last 24 Days. Still working in Cremo with my Omega Boar, it seems to helped getting Beard to stand up for closer shave. Working with Brush on Face don’t lather much, but seem to help raise Beard for Shaving off. New Cremo Coconut - Mango, Scent is really nice.


I am a Vintage Gillette Junkie, That is all I own, they work well, never failing to give good DF Shave with New Sharp Blade. This Adjustable Slim is my heaviest Razor, compared to other Vintages I own, always have problem adjust to the Weight, but the Longer Handle is a PLUS.


View attachment 2005110

 

[skibik]

Today is 03–02-2025, I score a major Victory in battle of the BEARD, this Wes BEST SHAVE Edition 2025.





Razor: Vintage Gillette - Slim Adjustable - H-2, (Year - 1962)
Blade: Gillette 7-O Clock Premature - Stainless Blade - DAY # 5 USEAGE - KILLER BLADE
Bowl: N/A
Soap/Cream: Cremo Coconut - Mango, smell is great.
Brush/Instrument: Fingers/Omega Boar
Extra Stuff: Witch Hazel




Back in my personal comfort zone using my Vintage Gillette’s today it a Slim Adjustable - H-2, (Year - 1962), I bought from a Badger & Blade Member. Three passes, With, Across, &, Against the Grain, using a Gillette 7-O Clock Permasharp - Stainless Blade. Today was DAY # FIVE for this BRAND NEW Blade, still has few more Shaves, cutting like hot knife into stuck of butter. This is one of my favorite Blades, it is a lot of Blade for reasonable price. IMHO

Shave today was Dam Fine Shave but did not achieving perfection rating, would be 9.99++ Close to BBS. Results were great because I payed a lot with there Adjustment Dial on the Slim, Starting out on Setting 1 the LOWEST for first pass, then moving up to Setting 2 to do passes # 2, move up to setting 4 to finish off pass # 3. Technique, Head Angle, and Gap Changing reaped rewards, of DFS, not chasing BBS, but still got Another Great Shave. BEST SHAVE 2025.


Still working on New Tube of Cremo Coconut - Mango, This scent is very very nice, it don’t know you over, but is present sent. Started This Tube of Cremo on 02/07/2025, and today it is all used up last 24 Days. Still working in Cremo with my Omega Boar, it seems to helped getting Beard to stand up for closer shave. Working with Brush on Face don’t lather much, but seem to help raise Beard for Shaving off. New Cremo Coconut - Mango, Scent is really nice.


I am a Vintage Gillette Junkie, That is all I own, they work well, never failing to give good DF Shave with New Sharp Blade. This Adjustable Slim is my heaviest Razor, compared to other Vintages I own, always have problem adjust to the Weight, but the Longer Handle is a PLUS.


View attachment 2005110

I got a chuckle when I saw the under blade used it says Gillette premature which I see you meant Permasharp lower in the post. I love my Gillette Slim Adjustable J3(1964) which is my birthyear and quarter. I do my adjustments in reverse order. If i have longer whiskers I dial it up to 9 on the first pass, dial it back to 4 or 5 for under the nose and leave it there the other other 2 passes.

I also use the Gillette Permasharp from India but the batch I bought a year and a half ago with a package date of 1/21 are not nearly as good as the first batch I bought direct from India in 2016 with a packaged date of 2015 and 2016. I bought 200 and regret it but have been struggling through using one blade per shave, the older ones 5-6 shaves. I have tried it in a couple razor same outcome, some bad shave with a real good shave sprinkled in. Today I decided to break out a mild razor, my Gillette New short comb and had a good shave. I have been using my Tech or New SC for a wile since they don't get me the closest shaves being mild today was a DFS. My shave soap today was Castle Forbes 1445, I have used this soap with the Slim and the newer Gillette Permasharp blades and had not so good shaves so I can't blame the soap. My main go to blade is now Wilkinson Sword, I do have a box or two of the older Gillette Permasharp blades that will get used up once I get through the other 130 or so newer blades I have left.

Tried Cremo about 5-7 years ago, and I had a bad reaction to it, I didn't make it through the first pass and I thought my face was on fire.

I do have one other brushless cream that I made a mistake on buying and the is Cella Rapid shave cream, man that stuff is slick. My mistake buying it is I bought it from Pastuers and went by the photo and didn't look at the description until after my order went through, the photo didn't show it as Rapid Shave cream, the label just showed shave cream. I will use it eventually or maybe give it to my friend.

Other razor I own beside the Slim and the New are VDH twist to open, Schick Krona, Merkur 34c(my first razor 2016), Ball end Tech, Fatboy, Vikings Blade adjustable, Wilkinson Sword Classic it's the cheap plastic razor with the aluminum imbedded handle, and a Gillette Super Speed, My dads Schick J1 Injector and a Parker Adjustable Injector V1. Slim is by far my favorite with the Fatboy and Vikings Blade running neck and neck for second.

 

[DesertIguana]

I got a chuckle when I saw the under blade used it says Gillette premature which I see you meant Permasharp lower in the post. I love my Gillette Slim Adjustable J3(1964) which is my birthyear and quarter. I do my adjustments in reverse order. If i have longer whiskers I dial it up to 9 on the first pass, dial it back to 4 or 5 for under the nose and leave it there the other other 2 passes.

I also use the Gillette Permasharp from India but the batch I bought a year and a half ago with a package date of 1/21 are not nearly as good as the first batch I bought direct from India in 2016 with a packaged date of 2015 and 2016. I bought 200 and regret it but have been struggling through using one blade per shave, the older ones 5-6 shaves. I have tried it in a couple razor same outcome, some bad shave with a real good shave sprinkled in. Today I decided to break out a mild razor, my Gillette New short comb and had a good shave. I have been using my Tech or New SC for a wile since they don't get me the closest shaves being mild today was a DFS. My shave soap today was Castle Forbes 1445, I have used this soap with the Slim and the newer Gillette Permasharp blades and had not so good shaves so I can't blame the soap. My main go to blade is now Wilkinson Sword, I do have a box or two of the older Gillette Permasharp blades that will get used up once I get through the other 130 or so newer blades I have left.

Tried Cremo about 5-7 years ago, and I had a bad reaction to it, I didn't make it through the first pass and I thought my face was on fire.

I do have one other brushless cream that I made a mistake on buying and the is Cella Rapid shave cream, man that stuff is slick. My mistake buying it is I bought it from Pastuers and went by the photo and didn't look at the description until after my order went through, the photo didn't show it as Rapid Shave cream, the label just showed shave cream. I will use it eventually or maybe give it to my friend.

Other razor I own beside the Slim and the New are VDH twist to open, Schick Krona, Merkur 34c(my first razor 2016), Ball end Tech, Fatboy, Vikings Blade adjustable, Wilkinson Sword Classic it's the cheap plastic razor with the aluminum imbedded handle, and a Gillette Super Speed, My dads Schick J1 Injector and a Parker Adjustable Injector V1. Slim is by far my favorite with the Fatboy and Vikings Blade running neck and neck for second.

Well glade you smiles over, "Permature" is is that AI speller checker, that can not read my mind. Sorry Cremo did not like you face, good reason to always sample and prey with new soap. Castle Forbes is on my radar hear it is wonderful, but also at a very high price point.

Wish all soap make sold like 1- OZ sample of their soap like RE & BrickTown do in the 10 dollar range for 5 or 6 samples. But al I can do is wish.

 

[skibik]

Well glade you smiles over, "Permature" is is that AI speller checker, that can not read my mind. Sorry Cremo did not like you face, good reason to always sample and prey with new soap. Castle Forbes is on my radar hear it is wonderful, but also at a very high price point.

Wish all soap make sold like 1- OZ sample of their soap like RE & BrickTown do in the 10 dollar range for 5 or 6 samples. But al I can do is wish.

It is a pretty good soap and I have had this and the Cedarwood and Sandalwood soaps. The latter reminded me of the smell of the school bus driving down a dusty road, that dusty smell in the air. Also kind of smelled like the inside of an old cedar chest in a way. I was surprised how it triggered a smell from 50 years ago. I liked the scent in a way but wasn't nothing to write home about so I gave, or traded, it to my friend. I can't say I would buy another one of their soaps/creams. Now if I am going to spend that kind of money I would opt for Saponficio Varesino instead. They are my favorite soap of all time. Can't spring for any more until I use up some of the twenty something I have now.

Maggard Razors has samples of a number of different brand soaps including Castle Forbes. But at over $3 for a 1/4oz is a quite expensive to me.

 

[DesertIguana]

It is a pretty good soap and I have had this and the Cedarwood and Sandalwood soaps. The latter reminded me of the smell of the school bus driving down a dusty road, that dusty smell in the air. Also kind of smelled like the inside of an old cedar chest in a way. I was surprised how it triggered a smell from 50 years ago. I liked the scent in a way but wasn't nothing to write home about so I gave, or traded, it to my friend. I can't say I would buy another one of their soaps/creams. Now if I am going to spend that kind of money I would opt for Saponficio Varesino instead. They are my favorite soap of all time. Can't spring for any more until I use up some of the twenty something I have now.

Maggard Razors has samples of a number of different brand soaps including Castle Forbes. But at over $3 for a 1/4oz is a quite expensive to me.

M agar's is then worth checking out, never bought from them, but do get their email alerts.

 

[skibik]

M agar's is then worth checking out, never bought from them, but do get their email alerts.

I have ordered from them once or twice in the past. I have their branded Lilac scented shave soap that is made by Through the Fire Fine Craft which is pretty decent soap IIRC. I haven't used it in ages and maybe should pull it out and see if it has gone bad since it is a tallow based soap.

I don't ever buy sample because of how much they cost for what little bit you get but I guess it is worth it since you are only out a few dollars rather around $40 for a tub if you don't like it.