Rotation Help

Tony'schin

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Hi everyone, after a mad march of RAD & associated hard and software plus an empty wallet I am looking for some more advice.
At present I am just fitting a new blade into a new razor and using it until the blade goes, I am getting approx 5 shaves per blade, although I am not sure if I should push for more. Astra SP blade green pack - less than 2p a shave:).
I have a few more new razors & blades to try and I'm moving up the "aggressive" scale.
Should I keep going with a razor until the blade needs changing then put it the rotation line or do you switch daily (what's best practice)?
Do you swap blade to each razor? Or fit new blade in each razor?
If razor is put in rotation does the blade stay in, if it does will it loose it's sharpness if left too long?
Not sure if this makes sense.o_O
Thanks in advance
Tony
 
I try and take it slow. Use a razor for at least a couple of weeks with at least 2 different blades, but ideally more. Not so helpful when you've just bought a bunch of new stuff, but for me at least, it takes me a bit of time to get a feel for the razor and the best way to use it. I wouldn't switch daily when trying new stuff, but it may work for you.
 
I stay with one razor and blade until the blade is done. Some folks switch used blades into other razors, but that never seemed like a proper thing for me to do. I am also not comfortable having several razors with blades in them. So,... I switch razors, sometimes, when it's time for a new blade.
 
I stay with one razor and blade until the blade is done. Some folks switch used blades into other razors, but that never seemed like a proper thing for me to do. I am also not comfortable having several razors with blades in them. So,... I switch razors, sometimes, when it's time for a new blade.
Thanks for that. My thinking also but was not sure.
 
I only use each blade once so change the razor and blade every day. Blades are so cheap that i can indulge myself!
Cheers Richard, at present I am trying things out so want to know how long each blade lasts, hopefully in the future I may well "indulge" away. They are a lot cheaper than carts by a long shot. I Also want to know how long each lasts with different "aggressive" razors. Massive learning curve mate. Thanks
 
I came up with a method that works for me. My most used razors are on a small shelf under the medicine cabinet. I like to remove the blade and give it and the razor a good wipe after a shave, so I put a first use blade to left of the first razor. With the second use, I move it one space
along. I could use just one blade but as with soap and razors, I like to have choices.
 
I came up with a method that works for me. My most used razors are on a small shelf under the medicine cabinet. I like to remove the blade and give it and the razor a good wipe after a shave, so I put a first use blade to left of the first razor. With the second use, I move it one space
along. I could use just one blade but as with soap and razors, I like to have choices.
How do you clean a blade without dulling the edge? As I day novice to all this. 20odd yr ago I shaved with a Gillette DE and just used it until the blade tugged. It's all changed now and I am really enjoying it so far. All help and advice appreciated. I am sure I will eventually come up with my own "system, just looking for ideas from you experienced guys. Thanks
 
I mostly use a feather club DX and a DE to tidy up, the DE will tell you when it needs changed out....but I seldom wait that long, as you said...they are very cheap, so rather than risk a foul shave I prefer to err on the safe side with a new blade. The shavettes are a wee bit different as they cover more ground in one pass so it can seem they last longer.
Basicaly just change as you feel comfortable with, dont wait for hair pulls or possible irritation.... I was getting a bit fed up with my parker srx because I felt it was just lacking that punch...but a change of blade to a precut Derby gave me what I was looking for, I no longer even think about changing out to a different blade with that razor, but I dont like the Derby DE in certain other razors...defo horses for courses in my case, some blades work well for me in some razors but not in all of them. So...dont give up on a blade if you think it is not for you...give it a try in another razor...you will most likely be surprised at the outcome :)
 
I have a DE and some sort of SE on the go at the same time. I use the DE for 3 days, then the SE for either 1 or 2 days, and then switch to a different DE with a new blade (also usually a different make).

As DE blades are relatively inexpensive, I make a point of chucking them after 3 days, when they are usually beginning to dull. That also means I have shorter turnarounds between different razor and blade combinations.

Personally, I wouldn't switch used blades between razors. They have often taken a barely perceptible "set" from the first razor they were in, and need cleaning up and drying. Some blades and packs have the injunction "Do not wipe blade-leave in razor" as a warning against damaging them by that action. IMHO, it's better to use the blade in the razor for however long you wish to, and then switch to a fresh blade and/or different razor.
As per @sev-8, I don't think a day-to-day switch between one razor and blade and another razor and blade would be helpful in enabling you to get a proper feel of how a razor and blade combination, used for 3 or more days according to choice, will work for you.

I'm not sure how well-organised you are, but I use a miniature brass abacus to mark off the days a blade is used.
 
I have a DE and some sort of SE on the go at the same time. I use the DE for 3 days, then the SE for either 1 or 2 days, and then switch to a different DE with a new blade (also usually a different make).

As DE blades are relatively inexpensive, I make a point of chucking them after 3 days, when they are usually beginning to dull. That also means I have shorter turnarounds between different razor and blade combinations.

Personally, I wouldn't switch used blades between razors. They have often taken a barely perceptible "set" from the first razor they were in, and need cleaning up and drying. Some blades and packs have the injunction "Do not wipe blade-leave in razor" as a warning against damaging them by that action. IMHO, it's better to use the blade in the razor for however long you wish to, and then switch to a fresh blade and/or different razor.
As per @sev-8, I don't think a day-to-day switch between one razor and blade and another razor and blade would be helpful in enabling you to get a proper feel of how a razor and blade combination, used for 3 or more days according to choice, will work for you.

I'm not sure how well-organised you are, but I use a miniature brass abacus to mark off the days a blade is used.
Thanks Ferrum,
hahaha where do you buy a mini abacus;)
 
How do you clean a blade without dulling the edge?
I just lightly pinch the blade between tissue and draw it through so no damage is caused to the edge. Hard water issues require a daily clean to keep the scum off the blade. I also flip the blade over to use the other two bevels which gets maximum use of the 4 bevels on the blade. Astra SP and Nacet last me at least 14 days and GSB a little longer.
 
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At present I am just fitting a new blade into a new razor and using it until the blade goes, I am getting approx 5 shaves per blade, ....
I have a few more new razors & blades to try and I'm moving up the "aggressive" scale.
Should I keep going with a razor until the blade needs changing then put it the rotation line or do you switch daily
If you want consistency then stick with the razor and blade combination till the blade is not performing. When testing blades I use at least 2 blades before deciding on the quality of the blade.
 
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