The double edge razor blade is a simple piece of steel with two cutting edges, one on each side of the blade. It mounts in a safety razor handle (holder) and used properly, provides a close shave. Despite this simple concept, there remains a lot of confusion about DE razor blades in general. How do you choose the right blade? How long does a DE razor blade last? What is the best way to store them? What is the safest way to dispose of them? This article provides an overview of double edge blades and answers some of the most frequently asked questions about them.
Where/How Are DE Razor Blades Made?
The double edge safety razor is recognizable the world over since they’ve been made to a similar standard shape for over a century. With the advancement of online commerce, men today have more options for double edge razor blades than ever before. Here is a list of popular companies and where their blades are manufactured:
|
|
|
Note in the above list that some brands are manufactured in multiple locations (e.g. Gillette/Gillette Goal; Personna/Red Personna)
Most of the brands above can be found on websites of shaving suppliers in the U.S. and around the world. Buying online is recommended since the shaving industry has many reputable vendors and distributors which provide outstanding customer service and availability. Many of these online stores offer DE razor blade sampler packs so that you can try different brands and see what works best for you. DE razor blades are made in a highly automated process that you can view here.
Which DE Razor Blade Is Right For Me?
One of the most difficult tasks for many men is finding the right razor blade for their beard coarseness and skin type. Because every person’s skin and hair type is unique, it is very difficult (if not impossible) to recommend one blade over another. A blade that provides a smooth and comfortable shave for one person may be harsh and uncomfortable on someone else’s skin. If you are new to wet shaving, start with a mild blade and experiment with different brands until you find the right one for you.
I highly recommend that you keep a simple logbook or notebook of the blades that you use. Keep track of as little or as much information as you wish. I would make it simple but useful. If it is too complex, you won’t use it. In my own log, I track the brand and give it a couple of subjective grades. I give an overall scored from 0 to 5 where 5 is perfect and 0 is horrible. I annotate anything really good or bad about the blade or more importantly the shaves. I keep track of nicks and cuts with a relative size. Most of the nicks I get are so small
As you try different brands of blades, notice how the blade feels on your skin. The right blade will glide smoothly over your skin and provide a close and comfortable shave. As you start your wet-shaving adventure, I strongly suggest keeping a log book. Note when you started using each blade, how it feels, how many shaves, any nicks or cuts. If you’re using multiple razors, note that too as the blade exposure is likely different for each razor.
Many new wet shavers assume that the sharpest blade equals the best shave; however, you will quickly find out this is not necessarily the case. Take into consideration the sensitivity of your skin and your hair coarseness, and it is clear that some trial and error is required in determining which brand of blades works best for you.
How Long Do DE Razor Blades Last?
Based on the brand you choose and the coarseness of your beard, a blade should last you for at least three shaves. I know some folks that change their blade after only two shaves! (seems a bit excessive to me) More prevalent blades, like Feather and Astra, generally perform very well and can give the average person 5-7 shaves with each blade. Some men can use the same blade even longer if they have fine beards that wear the blade edge more slowly, or if they want to really stretch their money. For me, I shave four or five times and change my blade every week.
How Should I Store DE Razor Blades?
New blades can be stored in their original packing until you load them into your safety razor for use. You can keep your blade installed in your razor for several uses, but thoroughly dry your safety razor with a towel after each shave. Shake it vigorously then dry it by pushing it across the towel.
Most of the popular DE razor blades on the market today are made from stainless steel and/or have special coatings to make them rust resistant. Since most men average of 5-7 shaves with their blades, the blade will not be in use long enough to require special storage consideration. Leaving a blade in the razor for a long period of time increases the likelihood of rust forming and damaging the finish of your razor. On a daily basis it is acceptable to leave the blade installed in your double edge razor. When it is time to change your blade, remove it from your razor and drop it into a blade case, or into a disposal slot.
Why Choose DE Over Cartridge?
Multi-blade cartridge razors are considered “mainstream” in the U.S. (notice that only one of the DE manufacturers listed above is located west of the prime meridian) and are marketed by two major players, Gillette and Schick. They appeal to many men because of the intense marketing effort of the two major companies above. The problem is that the blades of a cartridge are close together with extremely small spacing between each individual blade, typically between 1 and 2 millimeters. If your stubble is not short enough to fit between the blade gaps, the blade is unable to cleanly cut hair without requiring multiple passes along your skin, catching and pulling the hair, as well as constantly clogging during the shave.
The double edge safety razor, on the other hand, uses a single cutting edge that follows the skin at a much more comfortable angle and cuts the hair cleanly without grabbing or pulling (assuming you use the right blade for your beard and skin type). Although you won’t find celebrity athletes, singers or movie stars promoting the double edge razor, there has been a resurgence in traditional wet shaving. Many men are returning to old-school shaving because it is as economical as it is comfortable. Trying different brands and finding the right blade is part of the challenge, but worth the rewards.
Let me know what you decide on and why.