When you shave, do you use both sides of the blade?

[sk0ttomann]

I shave my first pass with one side of the blade, then set down the razor with the unused side down when I rinse between passes. Then once I lather up, I use the side of the razor that I set down, and do it again between passes 2 and 3.

I do this twice, then flip the blade upside down and do it again for the next two shaves.

I use primarily Astra blades, they have the numbers 1-4 on the corners of both sides of the blade. After each shave, I dot out one of the numbers with a sharpie. After four, it goes to the blade bank.

 

[santamariasteve]

I've done both methods, and frankly I don't see any difference in blade longevity or in the closeness and the comfort of the shave.

I would recommend doing what method you'd prefer and not to worry about it.

 

[DrAwkward]

And I thought I had odd shaving habits! I do have one razor (a Grand Shave King) that is missing 2 teeth on one side, which makes that side useless. So, for that one razor, I only use one side of the blade. For every other one of my razors, I use both sides of the DOUBLE EDGE razor. It seems like the thing to do. I have some pretty strange habits, so I am not in a position to judge.
To each, his own!

 

[Alphonse]

Almost all of the blades I use have a way to distiguish one edge from the other. It could be a number, or text of some kind.. or in the case of the Feather blade you have little black dashes that stick out on either end of the blade. One dash for edge one, 2 dashes for the second edge. This may sound like an insane thing to think about, but it isn't, and here's why.. for those that are still reading... PPP

I use one edge for an entire shave. That is simple to do with any razor because I don't spin my razor around (I'M PURE ZEN) and most of the razors have a way to know one side from the other anyway. I then use the second edge for a fresh blade experience during the second shave. After two shaves I will use both sides of the blade for the next shaves. In the case of the 7oclocks and Polsilvers I will shave 2 times in a row with one edge then 2 times in a row with the second edge.. then whatever after that. Being able to get a fresh experience half way through a blade is nice IMO and I like knowing how much life has been removed from a blade without any guessing.

I started doing this with IP reds and Lord Platinums because I only get about 3 shaves from them and I wanted 2 of them to be "new blade" shaves. This information was free.

 

[Loganpass]

Both sides of the blade with absolutely no deep thought on the subject. Prefer to be thinking about either pizza or sex, or maybe both.

 

[z1 zonly]

Thank goodness someone brought this topic up! As a noob I was wondering if there was a generally accepted method of side-switching. This is how I'd been doing it:

I use one edge for an entire shave. That is simple to do with any razor because I don't spin my razor around (I'M PURE ZEN) and most of the razors have a way to know one side from the other anyway. I then use the second edge for a fresh blade experience during the second shave.

It's hard to keep track of sides sometimes, especially rotating between a bunch of razors. I think I'll try using both sides equally during the shave and see how that goes.

 

[evnpar]

My head is swimming trying to keep track of all this. I flip the razor whenever it's full of lather, and when I start to get a crappy shave, put in a new blade. With the cost of blades, I can't worry about whether I get four or six shaves per blade. I'd rather focus my worry on which soap or cream I'm going to use that day.

 

[Joe_Karp]

My head is swimming trying to keep track of all this. I flip the razor whenever it's full of lather, and when I start to get a crappy shave, put in a new blade. With the cost of blades, I can't worry about whether I get four or six shaves per blade. I'd rather focus my worry on which soap or cream I'm going to use that day.

I like the way you think; simple is too hard for many of us enthusiasts...!

 

[chilliman64]

I think the consensus is that 'flipping' the blade makes no difference. however, as in all things wetshaving, ymmv.

 

[PDman]

Seems this method would require diligence handling the razor from start to finish in order to keep track of which side is which? . Too each their own. I know someone who rinses and reuses plastic baggies.

 

[takeshi]

I generally shave with one side of the blade for 4 days, then flip the blade and use the other side for 4 days. I have seen several on shaving videos use both sides of the blade while shaving. Anyone else do this method and if so why?

I use both edges because it's easier for me to keep track of edge usage (in that I don't have to keep track). It's 6 one way and a half dozen the other.

Seems this method would require diligence handling the razor from start to finish in order to keep track of which side is which?

Or an asymmetrical DE.

 

[Sig84]

I use both sides on every shave. I'll take a few strokes, then when that side is filled with lather, I'll rotate. Rinse and repeat.

 

[chris.hale]

I use both sides on every shave. I'll take a few strokes, then when that side is filled with lather, I'll rotate. Rinse and repeat.

This.