When is a blade done?

There a paltry few modern Gillette blades that I can stretch to seven, which is ironically the approx. max lifespan I got using legendary "Golden Age" blades, e.g., Personna 74, Schick Plus Platinum & Light Brigade Wilkies. Tough Irish beard I guess. That said, most times I bin a modern blade at 3 - 4 shaves. Blades are cheap in the overall scheme of things.

Yep I shave three to four times a week and then change it out on Sunday. I could go longer, but why bother? I have way too many blades as it is.

Tugging is the first sign for me. I mainly shave with a straight, so I'll discard a blade after one use if it has been a week or more since I used it, unless dried after use.

Tugging is the first sign for me.  I mainly shave with a straight, so I'll discard a blade after one use if it has been a week or more since I used it, unless dried after use.

I have often pondered whether a blade oxidizes faster after the first use and setting it aside afterwards even if dry. I believe so to some extent, but to what degree I know not.

What criteria do you use to determine when it is time to change out that tired & dull blade for a fresh, sharp blade?

The moment I first feel any tugging.

Tugging is the first sign for me.  I mainly shave with a straight, so I'll discard a blade after one use if it has been a week or more since I used it, unless dried after use.

I have often pondered whether a blade oxidizes faster after the first use and setting it aside afterwards even if dry. I believe so to some extent, but to what degree I know not.

Here is what I've found, though it varies by blade. The quality Gillette double edged safety blades I use are good for a week without any extra care such as taking the blade out of the razor and drying it. If I use the blade once and don't provide any extra care, a week later it is not good. If I take it out, dry everything but the edges, palm strop as well as rinsing off and drying the actual razor, then it's as good as new a week later. This is a fair amount of work, so I don't do it all the time.

GEM blades last longer, though the same basics apply. Clean up is easier with the GEM's.

Also, palm stropping can do a lot for a blade.

I'm a daily head and face shaver. I usually limit blades to 3-4 days use and done.

If I am aware of the blade it is time to toss it.

For me I toss the blade when it starts to tug. With blades being cheap I don't push DE blades pass 3 or 4 shaves just so I don't sacrifice performance.

No matter what blade I use, it’s one blade per shave for me.


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Generally with blades that perform best for me, my second shave is better than the first; and shave quality begins degrading after the fifth shave. (My favorites are GSB, Gillette 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge (Yellow) and Voshkods).