How to Sharpen and Reuse Your Razor Blades For Years

Ego · Post by **Ego** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 1:12 am

I started doing this when the video was first published more than a year ago and found that it works great. My wife does it too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ADaRIqy0Dc

Chris L · Post by **Chris L** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 2:45 am

I use a single blade bic razor (yellow variety). I've been using it for over a year. WAY better than multiblade razors for the simple fact that the hair is easily removed. I make sure it doesn't get clogged. If it does, I just blow from the other side and get it out. I also just use soap to shave with.
Interesting idea in the vid, but I have to wonder if it really works.
A bag of this will last a lifetime. Although they are so sharp when I start that I cut myself...this is how/why I started to use the same razor for so long (just didn't want to start a new one).
http://www.amazon.com/BIC-Single-Shaver ... B00070QF0C

sky · Post by **sky** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 4:44 am

I also use the Bic type single blade razor with hand soap. I am glad to hear I am not the only one who uses them for a long time. They typically last me about 3 or 4 months. For the first few weeks I have to be careful not to cut myself. At the beginning of each month I ask myself if I need to change razors. I could probably go 6 months or more with the same one but it tends to leave some stubble after a few months. This summer I bought a 10 pack which should last a few years. I puzzle over the shaving instrument cult.

Skinnyneo · Post by **Skinnyneo** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 1:45 pm

Wow! You guys are lucky! I am happy to get three face shaves, and one head shave outta one razor. I have to replace it every week. I'd love to use it longer but I start to get bad bumps on my neck if I don't change it out.

Benjamin · Post by **Benjamin** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 2:04 pm

I use a straight razor...it will also last a lifetime, but I will admit to it being a bit costlier than that bag of BIC's (due to the tools one needs to purchase in order to maintain the edge).

S · Post by S » Sun Nov 27, 2011 5:40 pm

The cheap disposables will also last forever for ladies' shaving. I've been working on the same bag for two years now and still have several left. I use extra shampoo suds or regular soap instead of shaving cream.

A Brit · Post by **A Brit** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 9:42 pm

I always thought I was a bit too hair-shirt by (a) using supermarket own brand razors and (b) only changing them every couple of months. At 25p for a packet of 10, I don't see this as an area of expenditure that needs too much attention!

teewonk · Post by **teewonk** » Sun Nov 27, 2011 10:55 pm

I'm a relative spendthrift when it comes to razors, that is, relative to all of you. I've gone through three or four Gillette Mach 3 cartridge multi-packs from Costco in the past ten years. I think they each have 20 cartridges. I will have to try this sharpening technique.
I use the typical shave gel that comes from an aerosol can. I'd rather get it from a tube, but the shave gels that come in tubes are usually more expensive. I've used shave oil before, especially for traveling, but I don't like it for day-to-day use.
I shave in the shower, which wastes water, but the shave is so much better that I just can't go back to shaving at the sink.
My father-in-law gave me an old straight razor that he inherited, but it seems like too much effort to bring it back to a shave-worthy edge.

chilly · Post by **chilly** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 5:30 am

I'm a bit girly in the facial hair department, so I actually go a few months with a normal razor using soap in the shower. It's only when I go down south that I think I really use up the blades. Perhaps I've said too much.
I get the impression the guy in the initial link was joking around (wiping it on his skin)... would be interested to here some reviews indicating otherwise though.

chilly · Post by **chilly** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 5:32 am

This is actually one of my biggest full time RV'ing concerns.... I kind of rely on taking a nice hot gluttonous shower in the morning. I think in an RV, I'll need to shave my head and my face down cleaner - long greasy hair just doesn't seem to align with minimizing water consumption.

Matt · Post by **Matt** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 3:20 pm

I've used this method on blue jeans but never on my skin. I use a double-blade disposable. One blade typically lasts about a month. I don't shave every day, and when I do I shave against the grain. What I've found is that after about a month, my shaves get rougher and rougher no matter how much I sharpen the blade. So it works, but not for months.

Mo · Post by Mo » Mon Nov 28, 2011 10:35 pm

I like that the guy couldn't tell us this while wearing a shirt.
... nope, they just won't believe me if I'm wearing a shirt...

Chris L · Post by **Chris L** » Mon Nov 28, 2011 11:53 pm

"I shave in the shower, which wastes water, but the shave is so much better that I just can't go back to shaving at the sink."
Try shaving JUST after getting out of the shower. I think it will have the same effect. It's having warm skin/hair that makes it so much easier than a cold/dry shave. Barbers heat the skin with hot cloth. Same effect.

Rex · Post by **Rex** » Tue Nov 29, 2011 4:03 pm

Bigato: Though they'll most likely not be top-of-the-line by any stretch, go to flea markets and antique stores; depending on if it's not an overpriced tourist-trap, you can find almost new straight razors for about $15; sometimes new in box. Likewise, pawn stores can sometimes net you good, unused straight razors, too. You just have to paw your way through the ones with massive chips and decades of neglect, wherever you go.

Rex · Post by **Rex** » Tue Nov 29, 2011 11:16 pm

If you'd like, I can keep my eyes open for one, Bigato. Shipping's only around $4 USD or so from here. It'd give me an excuse to go to the local flea market Thursday and see what all people try to sell. >.>
Also, if you'd like a safety razor; I know of a source where I can get some for $2/each for Gillettes; they're used, but they're easily cleaned and can be ready for use in the span of an hour or so of proper cleaning (mostly soaking).

DividendGuy · Post by **DividendGuy** » Sat Dec 03, 2011 3:17 am

I've tried this, which is effectively keeping the blades clean. I've also tried storing the blades in oil to keep the oxidization process slow, but to no avail. I've also tried cheap store-brand blades, but always keep going back to the plan at hand: buying expensive Gillette Fusion blades and throwing them away every 3 days. Anything else causes massive irritation to my sensitive skin.
I wish I had an alternative, because the razor blades are about 90% of my already expensive pharmacy tab every month.
Note: I shave my head and my face. Every day.

Benjamin · Post by **Benjamin** » Sat Dec 03, 2011 6:19 am

@DividendGuy
Hmm, if you have to shave every day, I don't know if I can recommend a straight due to time constraints (I'm just beginning and it takes a good half hour to get all three passes of my face done), but they can last quite a while if properly maintained!

DividendGuy · Post by **DividendGuy** » Sat Dec 03, 2011 7:36 am

I actually purchased a laser hair removal package quite a few years back. I paid $2,000 for a 3-year package that was "guaranteed" to remove all hair from my face and head since I was shaving everyday. It got rid of 80-90% of my hair, which actually reinforces the need to shave everyday. I wish I could go back in time and save that 2 grand. I thought of it as an investment in time and money, as it would have more than paid for itself had it worked completely.