Expensive Habit
Razor blades are expensive! Have you noticed? We Americans spend $2.5B annually on razors just to keep our skin smooth. The average man or woman in this country changes blade cartridges about once per week and spends almost $100 per year just for blades, not to mention razor handles, shaving cream, and aftershave products.
Wouldn't it be great if you could squeeze more life out of your blades before having to replace them? Not only is this easier on your pocket book, it cuts down on the amount of waste going to landfills. Don't laugh! We toss out almost two billion disposable razors and blade cartridges each and every year.
A Better Mousetrap?
Americans love gadgets and quick fixes. So, as blade prices have increased, more companies have begun promoting products that allegedly extend the life of your blades. Some of these are frankly a little wacky: magnetic realignment, anyone? How about "cryogenically tempered" blades? I think the jury's still out as to whether these "solutions" have any impact on blade life, but they are guaranteed to part you and your money.The good news is that you can easily double or triple the life of your blades by following a a few simple guidelines. Some readers may experience more dramatic results. The best part? It won't cost you a penny!
1. Let Your Beard (or Hair) Soften Before Shaving
Did you know that human hair, when dry, is harder to cut than copper wire of the same diameter? As you shave, the edge of the blade becomes damaged and will eventually pull or tear the hair rather than slice cleanly through it.One way to extend the life of your razor blades is to only shave when your hair is thoroughly wet. Hair strands become dramatically softer after they absorb water. That's why during or immediately after a shower is a great time to shave.
If you shave at other times, it's important to wet the area with warm water for several minutes beforehand. A warm, damp towel is ideal and can be a luxurious way to relax before you shave. Shaving cream also helps to lock in the moisture and prevent the hair or whiskers from drying out while you are shaving other areas.
Gillette Fusion Power Battery Powered Shaving System, 1system
This is the razor my husband uses, and he won't go back. I've never heard him get excited about a shaving system before, but he absolutely loves this one. He's particularly fond of the built-in sideburn and moustache trimmer.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 07/11/2009) 
2. Dry Your Razor After Shaving
Oxidation (rust) is the other major reason razor blades get dull. The cutting edge of your blade corrodes rapidly when left in contact with water. Most of us rinse our blades and put them away while still damp, allowing microscopic deposits of rust to form after each use.Some people recommend storing your blades in isopropyl alcohol or vegetable oil to prevent this from occurring. While these methods may be effective, I find them inconvenient. Instead, I simply shake as much water off the razor as possible and then carefully blot any remaining moisture away with a towel. A quick shot with a hair dryer is also effective.
Gillette for Women Venus Divine Razor
The Venus Divine is a great shaving system for women. The three blades provide an extra close shave and the lotion strips keep things extra smooth! I especially like the sealed cartridges, which protect the unused blades if you store your razor in or near the shower.
Avg. Customer Rating: 
Amazon Price: $9.86 (as of 07/11/2009)
3. Store Your Razor in a Dry Place
Once you've dried your razor, don't leave it out where it is likely to get wet. The shower or bath is obviously the the WORST place to store your razor. The areas around sinks are also bad. In fact, the air in your bathroom can be quite humid and inhospitable to your razor. I suggest storing the dried razor in a closed container and keeping it in a cabinet or drawer when not in use.
MenScience Advanced Shave Formula
My husband swears by this product. It's not cheap, but it's highly concentrated, so you can get months of shaves out of a single container of MenScience. It's also the best formula he has tried for people with sensitive skin.
Avg. Customer Rating:
Amazon Price: $25.00 (as of 07/11/2009)
Share the Love!
Share Your Thoughts
I love to get your feedback...
miki wrote
thanx i was wondering if it was easy for blades to rust, i guess i was asking for it when i didn't dry it and left it in the shower, but is it possible for you to see the rust after only one day of usage??
Posted October 27, 2008
HealthBug wrote...
Very good information on razor blades. Both of your lenses are well written and useful.
Posted June 14, 2008
Andre wrote
I guess I wasn't the only one wondering about blade life. Thanks for the tips.
Posted March 28, 2008
rodwambold wrote...
Hey I gave you 5 stars for a rating great lens, keep on sharing.
Posted January 16, 2008
rodwambold wrote...
Dry you razor when you are finished shaving. This really works to extend a razors life. I received a free fusion razor in the mail to try. Nice razor high price for the replacement blades. I heard on Clark Howard (radio show) that he interviewed an engineer and found out the it is the moisture that deteriorates the blades. It is a form of corrosion.
My free trial razor is still gives me a great shave and it has been 3 months.
Posted January 16, 2008
by nowandzen
Hi, I'm Jenny, a fitness instructor and physical therapist assistant. I'm working towards becoming a licensed physical therapist.
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