Razors and shaving

terry1156 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 11:59 AM

Here are some more things that I do that can save you money on razors and shaving. I don't like electric razors so I don't know much about them, but I do use regular razors all the time. The disposable razors are cheaper, but I also find that they don't last as long as the blade cartridges for regular razors or give as good of a shave. I think an older model regular shaver is the overall best value when that is taken into consideration.

Also, don't leave the razor in the bathroom if it steams up during a bath or shower. The blades wear much faster if they are constantly exposed to steam even if you don't use it that often. You can extend the life of a blade to double if you keep it away from steam while not using it. I place mine right outside the bathroom and this makes them last a lot longer.

Tree0164 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 03:01 PM

Spending money on razor blades really drives me crazy. Hubby's got a mach 3 I think. I paid $15 for 8 blades the other day.

How long does a typical blade last you?

terry1156 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-15-2005, 05:22 PM

Yes, they can get quite expensive. The older 2 blade models are about $1 each while those new 4 blade models are over $2 a piece.

I can use mine for a week - two weeks when I shave everyday and I keep them in the bathroom (where steam effects them and the wear out faster)

If I keep them outside the bathroom, then it will double their life.

It also helps to shave everyday. I find if I don't shave for a day or two, the blades get clogged and don't work well afterward.

DivaJen · #4 (**permalink**) 02-17-2005, 05:22 PM

I think Amy D of the Tightwad Gazette did an experiment that involved drying off the blade after use and found the blades did indeed last longer. Anyone else remember reading that?

I hate buying razor blades - it always feels expensive.

BillsGirl · #5 (**permalink**) 02-07-2006, 06:45 PM

I hate buying those blade they are expensive but dang they are nice!!!!so I switch I buy cheap stuff then I get the good stuff for a bit! I wish I could get the good stuff all the time... My razors usually last months on end... I only shave my legs like once a week... hair is barely noticible and I always wear long pants so who cares huh?

rusty@saving · #6 (**permalink**) 07-23-2006, 01:00 AM

i didn't know that keeping them in the shower wore them down...i need to get them the heck out of there.
i go for the double bladed pivoting gillette for the heavy beard(more lubricating strip and tougher). $5.50-$7 for ten at the dollar stores. most people don't realize it, but the dollar stores have the same stuff as the regualr store, but for about a dollar cheaper or more.
also, i go for the gillette foamy .99 per can instead of the gels or anything like that. it works way better for me, and the gel tends to dry up faster and then i use more. remember, the foam goes a long way.
to keep from smelling like my dad or grandpa, i use the unscented kind, then use a face wash afterwards because your face is fresh after, dead skin removed all that stuff.
also, using non scented shaving cream is good because it doesn't clash with your cologne.

getforfree · #7 (**permalink**) 07-23-2006, 09:26 AM

I keep mine in the shower, because if I don't I will forget to bring it in. My razor for legs, lasts me about 2 month each. We don't use shower every day anyways, so I guess it doesn't make that much difference.

chrislyn317 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-23-2006, 01:07 PM

I didn't know that keeping them in the shower wore them out faster either hhhmmm I think I would forget to bring it into the bath too, maybe keeping them in a ziplock baggie might help (just a thought)

Kirbycruiser · #9 (**permalink**) 07-24-2006, 03:56 PM

Interesting, I have almost always used diposable.

gptmca · #10 (**permalink**) 11-13-2006, 07:31 AM

The cost of the replacement blades was driving me crazy and I couldn't justify the cost anymore so I went out and bought an electric one. While the initial cost is high(ish) you dont have to keep buying replacemnt blades which saves it the long run. Also it is easy to use, quick and very clean.

frugalmomof1 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-13-2006, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrislyn317

I didn't know that keeping them in the shower wore them out faster either hhhmmm I think I would forget to bring it into the bath too, maybe keeping them in a ziplock baggie might help (just a thought)

I never remember to take mine out of the shower, so that is a good idea.

I have a few different types of razors. As long as they are triple or quad blade and I don't have a preference over which one I use. I buy whatever blades are on sale or I have a coupon for. I will buy another razor if I have a coupon for buy the razor, get refills free. Sometimes I buy the disposable triple blade razors if the price is less than the refill blades.

HalMd · #12 (**permalink**) 11-13-2006, 03:11 PM

From Reader's Digest...

32. Extend the life of your razors by soaking them in mineral oil. Fill a shallow dish with mineral oil and soak them for a few minutes -- the oil will stop the oxidation process that can dull edges. Then use a little rubbing alcohol to clean off the oil.

http://www.rd.com/content/openConten...39&pageIndex=3

poundwise · #13 (**permalink**) 11-13-2006, 04:59 PM

Despite my personal annoyance at the marketing behind, "Now 3 blades, now 4, now vibrating, now more!" - I bought a Quattro razor and blades several months ago and I can honestly say that it is leaps and bounds better than anything I've used before. It works great and one blade cartridge will last me quite a while.

One tip: Though it 'feels' expensive, if you buy these types of blades, or Mach 3, or Venus, or whatever, buy the biggest count package you can get. As with many things, the more you get at once, the lower the price each, however, this seems to be especially so with razor blades. Of course, this may vary depending on shopping a sale (are these things ever really on sale?) or if you have certain coupons.

poundwise · #14 (**permalink**) 11-13-2006, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HalMd

From Reader's Digest...

32. Extend the life of your razors by soaking them in mineral oil. Fill a shallow dish with mineral oil and soak them for a few minutes -- the oil will stop the oxidation process that can dull edges. Then use a little rubbing alcohol to clean off the oil.

http://www.rd.com/content/openConten...39&pageIndex=3

Nice tip! I doubt I'll bother to do this but still, neat.

tinapbeana · #15 (**permalink**) 11-14-2006, 06:10 AM

re: the mineral oil trick: folks might be more likely to keep it up if they just wipe the blade down with an oil soaked cotton ball after using and wipe with an alcohol soaked cotton ball before using it. could even have the cotton soaking in a canister ready to go....

PRICEPLUS · #16 (**permalink**) 11-14-2006, 10:48 PM

Mineral oil? I'll have to give it a try!

baking23 · #17 (**permalink**) 11-19-2006, 04:20 PM

I've heard of teh mineral oil trick too. I'll have to try it,

Hez · #18 (**permalink**) 11-23-2006, 09:54 AM

My razor blades usually last a while...I change it whenever I can't remember the last time I put in a fresh one, haha. I guess that'd be every couple months, if not longer.

A little while ago I needed a new blade, so I just went to the store and bought some disposable ones because they were on sale for cheap. Then I got home & discovered that I had some blades for my good razor tucked away already. Arg! I hate needlessly spending money just because I can't find things in my house right away.

januarymarch · #19 (**permalink**) 12-08-2006, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tree0164

Spending money on razor blades really drives me crazy. Hubby's got a mach 3 I think. I paid $15 for 8 blades the other day.

How long does a typical blade last you?

Not long enough. I taking Hez's advice and getting them out of the moisture.

crazyBMB · #20 (**permalink**) 12-23-2006, 06:03 PM

Mineral oil eh? Hmmm, I'll check it out