Are Razors becoming less effective?

[diadem01]

I've noticed in recent months that razor blades are becoming far less effective despite the horrific prices some manufacturers charge nowadays.

I have tried Gillette's Fusion, Mach, Proglide; Wilkinson's Quattro, Hydro; all manner of own brands and even the old fashioned single edge blade; in fact, you name it, I've tried it. The problem is that within a few days use of any one particular type the effectiveness begins to fade even if i use a NEW blade of the same type.

I have a suspicion that the beard grows used to the angle at which the blades cut - and then grows in a way to thwart them. As I see it, this may explain the increasingly short lives of some razor types as the manufacturers change the design or cutting angles so that they can advertise some fantastic 'New, New, technically superior super blade'.

Now, theres nothing unusual about my skin; yes, I'm getting on a bit and yes, I accept that some blades have naturally longer lives but the big brands (at up to £3 a time) promise weeks of use and simply don't deliver.

Am I alone in my observations?

[Huderon]

I tried the Azor that kearnmac suggested, but as I have a partial beard the head (with those 5 blades) was just too big so I went back to the Blue II disposables

[ixion]

OP is 100% correct - shaving is a con - last decent shave I had was with razors(blue two stylee)was in India - blades were far superior - everyone should buy an open razor and a strop and put them out of business!

[gazzawazza]

I use Gillette Fusion (5 blades) and love the smooth shave they give, but I do agree, they don't last anywhere near as long as the manufacturers claim.

[Mosaic]

What it is, is that as you mature, hair works to a new set of rules. It disappears from where you want it, and enjoyeit eg head, and reappears in new, strange locations in increasingly vigorous forms that are actually indestructible. These new face bristles are quite good for planing skirting boards but utterly resistant to human intervention. this really p's you off if you are a lady, and blunts all razors devised thus far.

[Huderon]

Zebadee, it was a reasonable shave, but it's designed more for someone who doesn't have a partial beard. And I just needed something with a smaller head ... it's a bit difficult to get a head with 5 blades to work between the bottom of the nose and the top of the tash !

The shape of the Azor is a bit odd too - the blade cartridge is held between two arms and not directly attached to the top of the handle, so using it feels a bit odd to start with (or rather it did to me).

[scotman]

For Zebadee

I hope you are not paying any attention to adverts for razors that abound on TV etc. Best way is to try until you find what suits you and stick to it.

[Huderon]

That back blade may well be patented, or perhaps the other manufacturers haven't caught up with it yet.

Boots have one version of the Azor on offer at the moment, so it won't cost a fortune to try it. Just be warned, the website says it's out of stock - hardly surprising at the price ! But the other versions are around the £6-7 mark.

And no I don't work for Boots (or King of Shaves for that matter) - I know some branches of Superdrug sell it as well, but I couldn't find it on their website.

[diadem01]

What an excellent set of replies, any one of twenty could have qualified as best answer.

Thank you everyone … the only one I haven't tried is Azor … I'm off to Boots tomorrow!

[Thunderchild]

just use an older fashioned safety razor. I'm 28 made the switch am a terrible shaver and i'm fine. You have to be silly to cut yourself with one and the blades are cheap and easy to recycle