Stay Sharp

After the frivolities of Christmas it’s that inevitable time to (with shaking hands) check the bank balance and consider how to budget for the remainder of the winter (shudder / groan as you feel fit).  The good news is you can still keep a gentleman’s health and grooming regime without becoming a pauper.  Here are our tips on making your shaves closer and your shaving blades go further.

Disposable shaving blades are definitely convenient, but they have gotten considerably more expensive and you might be thinking of ways to make each shave and blade last longer.  By just using one blade per month instead of two puts money in your pocket. For example, a 12-cartridge set of Gillette Mach3 blades costs an average of £16. Using one per month means you spend £16 per year versus £32.

Preparing your face for a clean smooth shave helps keep your shaving blades last longer.  First place a hot towel over your face to loosen and soften your beard (this is most affective after a hot shower or bath). This weakens the resistance your whiskers will have against the blades. Second, use a quality shave cream and apply it with a brush. You’ll actually use less shaving cream, and the brush works in the cream to further prepare your beard for the blades. OK, so you’ll have to lay out some cash for the brush when you first build your complete shaving kit, but you’ll be saving money in the long run with a better shave and less money spent on blades.

Rinsing the razor and blades as you shave is another method that keeps the blades lasting longer.  It's important to rinse the excess cream and stubble from the blades regularly throughout the shave. Rinse under hot water to reheat the blades, and turn them over under the water to clean the back side of the cartridge as well. Hot blades slice through hairs faster, and rinsing the back side of the razor means more stubble and cream can pass through the cartridge on your next pass.

Clean and dry the blades thoroughly.  Just rinsing out the blades with hot water is not enough to make your shaving blades last longer. Sure, they're clean, but the excess water will cause oxidation on the blades, which will slowly break down the molecular content of the metal, which dulls the edges. You can dry the blades with a quick blot of a clean towel and then rinse them in a cup of alcohol, which purges the remaining moisture, sterilizes the blades and then evaporates quickly. You can also use a blow dryer for a moment or two and dry the blades immediately after rinsing with hot water.

Store the blades away from moisture.  If you shave in the shower, you’ll want to clean and dry the blades and let them sit upright, with the razor away from the shower to make your shaving blades last longer. If you shave at the sink, be sure to follow the above steps for cleaning and keep the blades well away from any areas where they may be splashed or knocked into a sink or tub of water.

Making these changes to your daily routine do not make you cheap, just smart. In tough times like these, often the small adjustments in spending and changes in how we care for ourselves are the things that make the biggest impact on our wallets. Best of all is the fact that you’ll also get a better shave each time because the blades will be clean and ready to do their job. 


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