I’m a Male who doesn’t have a thick beard or much facial hair. At best, I get a small stubble on my cheeks, where my moustache can grow a bit more. I can easily shave my cheeks without any cream or prep, moustache I’d generally have to soften up the hairs for a good shave.
Generally, I use the razor for a few “shaves” which can last a few weeks. Since there isn’t much hair, it doesn’t dull as easily. I’ll change it out after I feel its getting slightly dull or when I realize that it’s been a while since I last changed it.
Curious as to what others do or if there are things I’m potentially overlooking (e.g. hygienic reasons to change more frequently).
Also - I recently switched to a single blade, straight razor.
I’m a very hairy dude with a thick, thick beard. I use a new blade every other shave. Recommend using a safety razor, it’s much cheaper and better
I’ve got a disposable single blade bic I’ve been using for two years now.
I relate to this
It works just fine. Without the multiple blades spaced just right to fill with hair, it gets the job done. I avoid the brand new ones because I always end up with multiple bleeding nicks with a new blade.
Same though I’ve got a mach 3 or something like that. I don’t use it on my face though, but sometimes when I shower, I make 4 swipes with it. I think I have a 3 pack of disposable blades in a closet and expect these to last me at least a decade.
There’s also the denim trick where you run a blade backwards along your jeans and it will sharpen it.
I’m the same as you, my beard hairs are long and fluffy….my razors last weeks. Months even. My main problem is my hairs clog up the razor, so I’m thinking of getting a straight blade razor.
Highly recommend a double edged safety razor over straight razor. Straight razors are awesome but really require a much more difficult technique to properly stretch the skin and the angles are tough.
A good DE with some Feather blades is most premium. You can get great Gillette SuperSpeeds from 60+ years ago for cheap online and they’re still are better than most of today’s shading products.
But shaving improvement #1 is a good brush and cream.
Nice mention of Feather. Excellent. I find them more effective but less forgiving than Astra. A superior tool for someone with experience. I always recommend Astra for a beginners first pack and Feather after the first month or 2.
Cheers mate, I’ll look into this instead.
I’ve used the same double edged safety razor for months thanks to stropping. After each shave I disassemble my razor, dry everything off, then carefully strop the blade along my forearm. It’s the same concept as barbers sharpening blades using leather. I’ve heard denim can be another option.
I made the switch to a safety razor 3 years ago. The blades cost me 8 cents a piece and I replace them after ~ 4 shaves. I would probably do this sooner but I maintain a beard and only use it to clean up the neck. I would never go back. The disposable razors seem terrible and a waste of money now.
Inuse a DE with feather blades. I shave every other day and replace the blade every 2-3 weeks. (When I remember to replace them)
I bought a 20 pack of 10 blade boxes for €40 years ago, together wuth the Qshave that came with 50 blades (10 5 blade boxes). I have 14 boxes of 10 blades left, so at least 280 weeks of shaving.
Same blades, same-ish shaving frequency, but I change my blades after every second shave. Past that I can feel the blades starting to pull, especially on my neck. Still cheap as shit compared to cartridges for a much better experience.
I like a little pull, as on the 1st go on each edge I can manage to cut myself without noticing it. (until I start leaking blood ;) ) Usually it’s the 3rd or 4th go that’s the nasty one after which it gets replaced. However, I usually replace them the moment the filter of the drinking fountain for the cats gets replaced, which is every other week. (that way I’m not to late, until I forget the filter as well ;) )
Safety razor user; I change every one to two shaves. If I start on that second use and it’s too rough for the shave I’ve got in mind (mostly a problem for my neck) then I’ll toss it.
I use a double edge safety razor with feather blades, I shave my head but not my beard except for a little cleanup on the cheeks and such.
On average I shave about twice a week, and usually get about 2 weeks out of a blade, so about 4 shaves. I could probably squeeze another 1 or 2 out of them if I needed to, but I usually feel like they’re starting to get a bit dull by that point.
Same setup, a bit more shaves - I’d say 6 on average
There’s more of us than I thought lol. I use Astra blades though. I change mine out every two or three shaves.
double edge safety razor with feather blades
This is the way to do it. Before I grew my beard I shaved every day, maybe skipping a weekend day (I have a moderate, but not heavy beard). A Feather blade lasted me about three shaves comfortably, but I could make it go five if I were traveling for a week. Three was optimal.
Now I only trim my cheeks and the “neckbeard” area below my real beard every two or thee days, and the same Feather lasts about three weeks I’d say? Maybe four?
No matter what, ditch the cartridges! They were literally invented as a scam; they are worse for your skin; and they are far easier to operate than people make it out to be.
When shaving starts to hurt, then I replace it
I use a safety razor with a Feather Blade, I replace it every 3-4 shaves.
Every 2-3 shaves. As soon as I feel the blade losing that glass smooth cut and the slightest hint of resistance, I switch.
Blades cost like 50 cents each so, no reason to hold onto them for more than that.
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Retired and bearded now, so I don’t really shave, nor care, but mine is thick (and white), and a blade would last three days, maybe four. After that, it was too painful to use.
I get those expensive 5 blade Gillette razors and they last me about 4-5 months each of shaving a few times a week with and against the grain of the face hair.
I use my electric hair trimmer maybe once a week and then if I want it to be closer I use a manual razor. That blade had probably been in there for at least 6 months. Maybe 2x that. But It isn’t a fair assessment because with a beard and mustache I only need to shave my neck and cheeks. If you want to keep your blade from getting dull, keep it dry and away from water as much as possible. Rusting of the edge will dull it fast. And metal rusts quickly on edges.
