Do you ever stretch blade use beyond it's time even though you don't have to?

Do you ever stretch blade use beyond it's time even though you don't have to?

I thought about this today because I just discarded a Schick Proline-P30 blade after its tenth use.  I got great shaves the first seven times I used it but by shave 8 it was obvious that the blade should have been retired at that point.  However, I am flying out of town tomorrow for the holidays and already have a razor and fresh blade all set to go when I return so rather than "waste" a blade on only three shaves, I kept on going with the old one, even though the shaves were getting uncomfortable (though, surprisingly, still close).  I don't do this often but in situations like this, I do.

This is ridiculous as blades are generally the least expensive necessity of our little wet shaving hobby and cost literally pennies per blade.  Yet, I could not see using a new blade for only three shaves.  I'm still trying to figure out why I think like that even though common sense tells me that my face deserves better.  

Is there anyone else here who has found himself doing that from time to time (and willing to admit it ) ?

Perhaps it is wasteful of me, but I don't do that. I pretty much stick to a strict schedule of 12 shaves per blade (primarily because that is as high as my dice will count), but I don't experience any dullness with the vintage Personna 74s and Wilkinson Light Brigades that I use. If it turns out that I am going on a short trip and will only use a blade a few times, so be it; I have more than enough to last the rest of my life.

Perhaps it is wasteful of me, but I don't do that.  I pretty much stick to a strict schedule of 12 shaves per blade (primarily because that is as high as my dice will count), but I don't experience any dullness with the vintage Personna 74s and Wilkinson Light Brigades that I use.  If it turns out that I am going on a short trip and will only use a blade a few times, so be it; I have more than enough to last the rest of my life.

I don't think it's wasteful at all, John. In fact, usually seven days is as long as I go with a blade, with the exception of the Personna 74 Tungsten. They seem to be like the Energizer Bunny of blades. For some reason, though, when I won't get five, six, or seven days out of a blade because I'm traveling, I tend to go into waste not, want not mode even though I think it really is silly.

"Is there anyone else here who has found himself doing that from time to time (and willing to admit it Tongue) ?"

Yes. I do occasionally.

But I refuse to admit it.

I will turn the blade over hoping for a miracle which never happens.

I once in a while remind myself of what my wise kid brother said:
"A Penny saved is not worth a thin dime."

I don’t think I’ve ever had the patience to stretch a blade to the point where I’m getting an uncomfortable shave from it. (Well, maybe once or twice…) However, I do try to maximize the use of my blades. This means that I usually don’t predetermine a number of shaves for a blade, but rather, keep going until I’m sure the blade is truly starting to go downhill.

The odd thing has been how varying blade life can be. My first-ever Bolzano Superinox gave me about 10 quality shaves, but none of the ones I’ve used after it have. My recent first-ever Gillette Nacet Stainless gave me 11 great shaves, and I’m hoping that the following ones will perform similarly.

I don’t think I’ve ever had the patience to stretch a blade to the point where I’m getting an uncomfortable shave from it. (Well, maybe once or twice…) However, I do try to maximize the use of my blades. This means that I usually don’t predetermine a number of shaves for a blade, but rather, keep going until I’m sure the blade is truly starting to go downhill.

The odd thing has been how varying blade life can be. My first-ever Bolzano Superinox gave me about 10 quality shaves, but none of the ones I’ve used after it have. My recent first-ever Gillette Nacet Stainless gave me 11 great shaves, and I’m hoping that the following ones will perform similarly.

I found Bolzano blades too hit or miss.  That is one blade I don't think I would be able to stretch.  For me, the most notorious blades in that department are Feather DEs.  Two great shaves and then instant face shredder.  Most blades I can stretch out for one or two extra shaves beyond my usual seven but usually don't.

Absolutely not! I pretty much get 20+ shaves from a SE blade and on occasion up to 30 very comfortable and efficient shaves. Once either of those change the blade is changed no matter how many shaves I've gotten.

Now DE blades, no more than 7 shaves per blade even if the 7th felt OK, sometimes fewer shaves. But I stocked up on those blades (and only those blades!) that I found in testing would give me that number of shaves.

Personna 74s? Heck yea. More because it's sort of thrilling to see how far I can get with one. Record is 34 for now but I know people claim to get much more than that.

Regular production blades? Maybe 4 shaves, flipping between shaves.. But one and done if I'm traveling (not worth traveling with a loaded blade).

I've got enough blades to last several life times. So no point in wasting time with a bad shave.

My blades last longer than average, because I'm an Excalibur.
So I rarely waste a blade.

I am sending this message because there are few folks here on this Christmas Day.

I've done it Freddy, usually when I'm using one of my vintage blades. I guess part of me is still a penny pincher. Hope you have a great trip.

Clayton

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