Why do some razors work better depending on length of beard?

I have some razors that produce a comfortable, close, smooth shave when I’ve got 3+ days of growth but don’t do well when shaving daily. Daily shaves don’t feel like they’re cutting as close. Why does this happen? Even if I pop in a fresh blade each time, is it just me? If it’s me, what adjustments can I make?


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I always get a better shave with 2+ days of growth no matter what razor I use. That being said, I still usually shave everyday. It's the best way to start the day and Lord knows I've got a lot of stuff to go through.

I always get a better shave with 2+ days of growth no matter what razor I use. That being said, I still usually shave everyday. It's the best way to start the day and Lord knows I've got a lot of stuff to go through.

"It's the best way to start the day and Lord knows I've got a lot of stuff to go through." - haha amen to that brother!! I hate starting my day without a satisfying shave. i'm also happy to hear that I'm not the only one who gets better shaves after 2+ days of growth. for less than 2+ days growth, a single edge razor like my mongoose or razorock hawk v2 usually gets the job done close with very little to no irritation.

If I am not mistaken, everyone gets a better/smoother shave after not having shaved for 2 or more days. I highly doubt you are doing anything wrong and it seems as though your SE razors are what you should continue to use for your daily shaves since you get good results with them.
Good luck.

If I am not mistaken, everyone gets a better/smoother shave after not having shaved for 2 or more days. I highly doubt you are doing anything wrong and it seems as though your SE razors are what you should continue to use for your daily shaves since you get good results with them.
Good luck.

Good to know. I thought I was the only one. I’ll keep this in mind when trying new razors


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Since I retired, I only shave my face every other day. The closer shave lasts just as long, and less razor burn digging for that BBS. Shaved every day for 22 yrs, mostly with a cart. Its good to have options now.

Same here 36-48 hrs and I get better shaves though during normal weeks I usually shave 6 out of 7 days. Personally 36 hrs would work well but then I would have to alternate morning and evening shaving. Tried it didn't like it.

Is it easier mowing the lawn when the grass is long or short? Same principle. When the hair is longer and denser then you need more mass & rigidity to aid cutting. I am sure there is a point of diminishing return for this, but to/at what length I sure as Hell don't know. I just know that it's easier to get a smoother shave on a one day beard than on a multi-day one with all other factors being the same. Less beard = less resistance obviously. An extreme analogy would be trying to shave off a six month beard with a DE razor. Sort of like trying to harvest an acre of corn with a weed whacker.

Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday usually work best for me.

I only shave every 3 days. After one day I don’t even have enough hairs that are long enough to even cut. They may be visible to the eye but not long enough to get to the base of them to remove them again. Also as the whiskers get longer they seem more pliable so they aren’t as rigid and seem to cut easier.