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Martin is a dedicated entrepreneur and passionate barbershop visitor. He has delved deeply into the world of shaving and beard care and aims to bring the unique barbershop experience to every bathroom.
If you shave regularly, you also need to change the razor blade just as regularly. But how often is regularly?
How often should you change razor blades? And when should you change the blade in a safety razor, straight razor, system razor, or electric razor?
Why It Is Important to Change the Razor Blade
Whether it's a straight razor, safety razor, system razor, or electric razor, changing the razor blade is important for several reasons:
- Your shave result is significantly more precise and smoother with a sharp blade.
- A dull blade poses a higher risk of injury: you can scrape your skin, leading to skin irritations like redness and even razor burn.
- Because you have to apply more pressure when using a dull blade, the risk of cuts also increases.
- The longer a blade is in use, the more unhygienic it becomes. Even if you rinse it regularly with cold water after shaving, small dirt and skin particles remain. This increases the risk of infections and razor bumps while shaving.
If you purchase shaving products from us, such as safety razors or straight razors, you will always receive a set of razor blades with your purchase.
How do I change the razor blade in my safety razor?
How you should proceed when changing the blade depends on the closure mechanism, among other things.
However, most safety razors available in stores have a so-called butterfly closure. In this case, you can follow this guide:
- Turn the handle until the blade head opens.
- Now you can carefully remove the old blade from the holder and insert the new one. You should handle the blade by the short, or blunt, side if possible.
- Once the blade is securely in the holder, turn the handle again to fix the blade in place.
Some models are equipped with a screw closure. Changing the razor blade with this different mechanism is slightly different:
- Depending on the design, you may need to loosen a screw on the blade head or unscrew the entire blade head.
- Now you can separate the two parts, allowing you to easily remove the dull blade.
- Next, simply insert the new blade and screw the loose blade head back on. You can apply a bit of force to ensure the blade is securely fixed.
How long can you use razor blades?
The crucial question now is: How long do razor blades last? The lifespan of a razor blade depends on several factors.
We will show you what to consider in your blade-changing routine.
1. Do you care for the blade?
Honestly: Do you clean the razor blade thoroughly after each shave, or rinse it with hot water and let it air dry? If you do this regularly, it significantly extends the life of the razor blade. Sharpening a razor blade or a straight razor also extends its lifespan.
By the way, you should never use a toothbrush or similar tool to scrub out the small hairs and skin particles that collect in the blade after shaving. This can create tiny scratches on the blade and dull it over time.
2. What is the quality of your beard hair?
Not all beard hair is the same. There are thinner, softer, but also more stubborn and thicker beard hairs. If your beard hairs are particularly dense and firm, the blade will wear out faster compared to thinner, softer hairs.
It also depends on whether you trim the entire beard each time or just the beard contours.
3. How is your shaving technique?
Your shaving technique also affects how long a blade lasts. If you hold the razor at a 30-degree angle and stretch the skin with the other hand, you usually achieve a smooth result with just one stroke. If you don't do this, you may need multiple strokes for the same area, which causes the blade to wear out faster.
Moreover, it is important how well you prepare your skin for shaving. With the right shaving soap or shaving foam, you soften the beard hairs, making them more pliable. This makes it easier for the blade to remove the beard hairs.
4. Do you sharpen the blade?
If you regularly sharpen the razor blade, you can give it a longer life. However, you should master the technique:
- Draw the razor blade against the usual shaving direction about 15 to 20 times quickly over a special leather strop.
- If you're unsure how to do this, you can have the blade professionally sharpened by a barber.
5. How high is the quality of the razor blade?
As with all consumable products, the quality of the razor blade determines its lifespan. High-quality blades last significantly longer than low-quality ones.
Therefore, when buying a razor blade, pay attention to its sharpness and especially hardness. Good blades have a Rockwell hardness of 60 HR. The harder the blade, the more durable it is.
Feel free to browse the Störtebekker shop. We have great shaving products you need for your shave.
How can you tell if a razor blade is dull?
Dull razor blades are initially noticeable while shaving. You will gradually notice that the shave result is less smooth and you might need to shave more often.
If your skin feels rougher after shaving, slightly burns, or if you might even cut yourself here and there, it could be a sign.
It can also lead to skin irritations like razor burn or razor bumps.
That's the point when you should change the blade. Depending on the factors mentioned above, this is usually every 2 to 10 shaves.
If the blade turns slightly brown, meaning it is already rusting, it is more than high time to replace it.
How to keep your razor blade sharp longer
By regularly rinsing the razor blade with hot water, you extend its lifespan. Ideally, you should do this not only after each shave but also in between, after every second or third stroke.
This cleans and disinfects the blade optimally. Additionally, the blade clogs less quickly with hairs and skin particles, which can dull it over time.
Let the blade dry with the head facing up. It is important that you do not leave the blade in the shower or in any moisture.
How often can you use a disposable razor?
The name “disposable razor” already gives it away - it is made for single use. In an emergency, they can be used up to three times but should really be replaced after that.
It's not particularly sustainable and can become expensive over time.
Therefore, we recommend shaving with a safety razor - here you only need to replace the blade regularly, not the entire handle.
Visit the Störtebekker shop - we have a high-quality safety razor in our assortment.
How often should you change the blade in a system razor or electric razor?
With a system razor and an electric razor, you also need to regularly change the blade or foil. When to do so is just as variable as with a safety razor. Pay attention to the previously mentioned points. Typically, after 2 - 10 shaves.
You should change a foil head about every 18 months, but this also depends on the frequency of shaving.
Conclusion
Neglecting to change the razor blade is not a good idea.
However, if you pay attention to regular maintenance of the razor, you can extend the usage of your blades. A bit of diligence is worth it!
How do you handle it - do you really change regularly?
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