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?

[karenmac60]

Try King of Shaves razor and shaving oil.
http://www.shave.com/home/

[Old Salt]

You're leaning on an open door here, diadem01,

Several years ago I simply gave up on a good wet shave and bought a reasonably good-quality (not cheap) electric shaver.. Not battery as they soon seem to lose drive power and require recharge more often. And a battery replacement costs almost the price of the shaver

It took about a 2-4 weeks before my beard accepted the electric cutters, but at least now I only have to replace the blades every 1.5 to 2 years

Old Salt.

[Matheous-2]

Chances are diadem01 that I am older than everyone in AB and although I haven't used blades in many a year (no beard-I use electric)-I DO remember some fantastic SINGLE blades eg., Schick, and Wilkinson at one time gave a close very smooth & comfortable shave....So -WHY now are they running with QUAD and who knows when they will move on to PENTA??? Seems to me they are probably using a lower grade of steel -and trying to compensate by adding more & MORE blades!!!

[Everhelpful]

Packet of 10 Bic Single Blade razors last me almost a year. Have tried all the expensive stuff and none comes anywhere near the Bic.

[Matheous-2]

Blow me down karenmac60!!!!!!! They did it! -They went for FIVE!!! Do we hear a SIX???-Soon the razor will be the size of one cheek!

[Canary42]

Doesn't bother me - I've got a beard.

[seadogg]

Ditto Canary, saves many hours over a lifetime. A full set is the only way to go.

[The-HouseHusband]

Blades are definitely being made from poor quality metals, then again if they used higher quality it would just be passed on to the public and blades would be around the £20 mark for a pack of four.

Best bet is decent preparation before you shave if possible. Dont wash with soap before hand as it clogs everything up even if you think you have rinsed it all away. Nice hot flannel on the face for a few minutes opens the pores and exposes more of the stubble, then a decent shaving oil or gel to aid the glide of the blades.

[Ellipsis]

> Are Razors Becoming Less Effective?

Yes, I think so. I've been noticing the same thing lately ...

[saxy_jag]

Funnily enough, my bloke's been saying exactly the same thing of late. He's complained about the price of blades for some time and said the ones he uses don't seem to last five minutes. He's bought a new razor today but the blades are just as expensive.

I can remember the days when I'd go shopping with Dad and he'd buy a packet of razor blades for peanuts and would keep the same razor for years. Moreover I used to be able to nick the odd blade for various craft activities.

[seadogg]

It isn't just razor blades. Handyman departments are full of saw blades, edge blades drill bits etc that are not fit for purpose. British manufacturers have gone and their excellent products with them.

[beeseejay]

And I thought it was me! I recently went back to the old fashioned double-edged blades after being appalled by the prices of the Quattro type replacement blades. They are cheaper but I do not get the same quality of shave as I got when first using them a 'few' years ago. The beard could well have a mind of its own!

[gingejbee]

I've never used anything other than a (Philips) electric razor - and neither has my Dad!

[Arti]

My hair, especially on my neck, grows in all different directions. Regarding Bic single blades, Everhelpful, I'm envious of you. They rip my face to bits.

[scotman]

I try to get Gillette Blue II plus disposable. Seem to work better than anything else for me.

[Arti]

Me, too, Scots.

[saxy_jag]

Must admit, for my 'womens'' needs, I just buy cheap packs of Bic or Tesco disposables and they do the job adequately. Not sure how they'd stand up to male stubble, though.

[scotman]

never heard of King of Shaves