How to Extend the Life of Your Razor Blades

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!

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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