this post was submitted on 20 Aug 2023
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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.

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[–] [email protected] 23 points 1 year ago (1 children)

A single razor blade for a safety razor costs like 20 cents, I see no reason why not change it for every shave.

Switching from that disposable expensive trash to a simple safety razor has been one of the best things I've done in my life. The blades are super cheap and really sharp, and using the shaving brush with a shaving soap also saves a lot of money compared to the overpriced shaving cream, while also smelling and feeling way better.

So, I really recommend getting a kit from something like https://maggardrazors.com/collections/kits . Their blade has lasted me for a few years by now, and it's so much better. Cheaper, cleaner and way closer shave than I was ever able to do with disposables.

[–] [email protected] 12 points 1 year ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Agreed. A feather lasts me one week

[–] Badass_panda 17 points 1 year ago

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

[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I’ve got a disposable single blade bic I’ve been using for two years now.

[–] Presi300 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)
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[–] Buddahriffic 2 points 1 year ago

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.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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.

[–] theherk 12 points 1 year ago (3 children)

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.

[–] Xaphanos 4 points 1 year ago

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.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

This is the way

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Cheers mate, I’ll look into this instead.

[–] pslightlypsycho47 8 points 1 year ago

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.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 year ago

I got about a month on a disposable safety razor, but I don't have much to shave.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago

I switched to double edge shaving 4 years or so ago and began with changing the blade once a week. I shave on work days and have a fairly decent amount of it to work on. Slowly, i began to experiment and going longer on each blade. Sometime in between I learned about palm stropping, experimented and felt that it helps.

Currently, I'm using Indian Wilkinson Sword Saloon pack of 50+5 blades that costs around INR 120 (USD 1.5) and each blade lasts me a month. Obviously the blade is not as sharp as I begin with and it tugs a little but since it has never given me razor burns or cuts, i think I'm doing fine. I'm not doing it to be frugal or anything but it is nice to see how far such a cheap change can go.

Next, i want to create a homemade version of shaving cream/gel/oil. I came across a wonderful product in a tube that feels oily but has a bit of lather too and can be applied using fingers. But the brand closed that particular product. I've been trying to recreate it using combination of oils, glycerine, soap, conditioner etc. but have been largely unsuccessful so far. I've been meaning to ask you guys if you are aware of any such DIY concoction.

[–] BromSwolligans 6 points 1 year ago

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.

[–] Fondots 6 points 1 year ago (4 children)

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.

[–] tty5 3 points 1 year ago

Same setup, a bit more shaves - I'd say 6 on average

[–] gameboyhomeboy 2 points 1 year ago

There's more of us than I thought lol. I use Astra blades though. I change mine out every two or three shaves.

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

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.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Haven't found a good Lemmy community or kbin magazine for it yet, but reddit had a great community for traditional wet shaving.

Straight razor, or safety razor or a shavette if you wanted some convenience and utility are miles ahead of any multi-blade system.

[–] Izzy 4 points 1 year ago

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.

[–] TheInsane42 4 points 1 year ago (2 children)

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.

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[–] Sear 4 points 1 year ago

I use a safety razor with a Feather Blade, I replace it every 3-4 shaves.

[–] Saprophyte 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I bought a Harry's set when I was in the Army and used to change my blades about once a month with full shaves six days a week. I have a goatee now and just shave my cheeks and neck on Monday mornings. I haven't changed a blade yet this year.

[–] thorbot 3 points 1 year ago

I have these too and only change the blades like twice a year. I use an electric shaver to get the main bulk, then Harry’s to get it clean. I’ve never changed the electric razor blade in over two years of owning it

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Never, since I started using a straight razor. Took a bit of getting used to, gave myself a few nicks here and there but it's so much faster and precise for beard contour, I dont wanna go back. Second choice would be a safety razor, those can last a week for a few pennies.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (2 children)
[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

That's a lot. I have a thick beard and can go up to 6 shaves easy.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I have quite thick hairs that dull the blade pretty quickly. I can stretch a blade into 3 shaves, but then I have to be super careful or I get razor burns.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

That's a lot. I have a thick beard and can go out to 6 shaves easy.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 7 points 1 year ago

Woah even Gillette doesn't recommend you change that often.

[–] DepthCharge 3 points 1 year ago

When shaving starts to hurt, then I replace it

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

I only use a razor once, but then I only shave my legs once a month or so, so it works out

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I think a few weeks, but I never really pay attention. I use thode Gillette ones with a blue strip, and they usually go dull around the same time that the blue strip has turned white-ish. I have quite thick facial hair, but because of that I also shave most of it away with an electric shaving machine. A normal razor is quite a pain to use on my facial hair even after 1 day, so the electric razor is kinda needed. I think that also makes the blades last longer since most work is already done

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

The strip is there to tell you when to switch your blade.

[–] jaye 2 points 1 year ago

I use my late grandpa's gellette de from the 50s and I usually change the blade every 3-4 shaves. Whenever I feel it tug I know it's time for a new blade.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

I use a double edge razor, and the blades I use are on the "nicer" end, cost wise, and it comes down to about 11 cents a blade.

Now, I mostly just use clippers to take my beard down to a level my wife prefers, but when I had a job I had to shave daily for, I'd change it once a week because the blades are cheap.

That being said, I still use the DE to touch up certain other spots and its been months and months... I should change it out now that I'm thinking about it, lol.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Shaving my head, I change blades weekly, provided I remember. Any longer and I get razor burn. I should get longer out of each blade as I get older, at least.

[–] Golfnbrew 2 points 1 year ago

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.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Two shaves max for a safety (double edged) razor blade. Usually let a few days go by between shaves.

For hygiene, as long as you rinse it well after you should be okay

[–] clif 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It's been about twenty years since I last shaved but there's still a razor with a fresh blade in the cabinet. So... twenty years ish?

I was using a straight razor towards the end and, while I loved it, it's way more time consuming than a standard razor. Part of the reason I stopped shaving was laziness so I'm sure the straight razor hastened my transition into the wookie I am today.

[–] thorbot 2 points 1 year ago

I want to see twenty year beard please

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

I use a beard trimmer to buzz my fsce with no guard about twice a week. I have pretty thin facial hair.

I probably shave twice a year. Weddings. In person interviews. Whatever.

[–] Hazdaz 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

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.

[–] pixxelkick 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

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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