Comments on: Guest Post: Cutting Down the Cost of Razor Blades http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/ A premiere personal finance blog, established 2003. Within, Flexo discusses his own experiences with money, and he and other authors comment on a wide range of personal finance topics. Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:42:00 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: Ronald http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-193043 Ronald Sat, 25 Apr 2009 17:49:45 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-193043 Cheaper, but better shaves? Go to a double edge blade, and razor! Expensive blades are 50 cents to a $1.00, and cheaper blades as low as 15 cents. From these blades you may get from 5 shaves up to 60+ shaves per blade. Wipe the blade dry (be careful), after shaving as some say as the mineral deposits from the water and soap can build up on the blade edge and give the effect of a dull blade. Just do a search for "double edge blades razors". Make your shaving a thing to look forward to not something to be got through. Cheaper, but better shaves? Go to a double edge blade, and razor! Expensive blades are 50 cents to a $1.00, and cheaper blades as low as 15 cents. From these blades you may get from 5 shaves up to 60+ shaves per blade. Wipe the blade dry (be careful), after shaving as some say as the mineral deposits from the water and soap can build up on the blade edge and give the effect of a dull blade.
Just do a search for “double edge blades razors”.
Make your shaving a thing to look forward to not something to be got through.

]]> By: Icman09 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-193024 Icman09 Fri, 24 Apr 2009 22:55:41 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-193024 I would simply like to know why the price of blades is on such an increase to begin with. I know and fully understand why blades become dull and how to make them last longer. But when is someone going to address this ridiculous pricing. I paid "today" $15 for 5 triple blades made by Gillete. The price was so high I considered not shaving at all for awhile and growning a beard. This is enormous and outlandish. I would simply like to know why the price of blades is on such an increase to begin with. I know and fully understand why blades become dull and how to make them last longer. But when is someone going to address this ridiculous pricing. I paid “today” $15 for 5 triple blades made by Gillete. The price was so high I considered not shaving at all for awhile and growning a beard. This is enormous and outlandish.

]]> By: Robertsten http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-179167 Robertsten Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:17:30 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-179167 ["...The whole thing seems to be a “sting” operation..."] -- Ronald Gillette obviously reduced the quality of its triple-blade products about a year ago. They most likely substituted a cheaper stainless-steel alloy, due to the recent huge increases in the cost of basic metals worldwide. These low-quality blades do not hold an edge... and reduce the blade-life by at least 50%. At $2 or more per blade, the Gillette Mach 3 razors were very expensive -- but at least I got a couple of weeks use from each blade. Now they are dull within a week -- but the price per blade is even higher. Gillette hopes most of its customers won't notice or care. ["...The whole thing seems to be a “sting” operation..."] — Ronald

Gillette obviously reduced the quality of its triple-blade products about a year ago.

They most likely substituted a cheaper stainless-steel alloy, due to the recent huge increases in the cost of basic metals worldwide. These low-quality blades do not hold an edge… and reduce the blade-life by at least 50%.

At $2 or more per blade, the Gillette Mach 3 razors were very expensive — but at least I got a couple of weeks use from each blade. Now they are dull within a week — but the price per blade is even higher.

Gillette hopes most of its customers won’t notice or care.

]]> By: Ronald http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-141704 Ronald Sun, 30 Mar 2008 23:42:25 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-141704 A razor blade has to be sharp to start with or all of the Badger Brushes, Gel Creams, etc. will do no one any good. Has anyone looked at the edge of various maker’s double edge blades under a 10 power magnifying glass, or, better yet, a microscope, to see if they can see a difference in the blade edges? I looked at a Schick and a Merkur under a 10X glass. The Merkur has a rough edge. The Schick has a much smoother edge. I checked this out after using one of each blade. The Schick gave me 25 good shaves before it started pulling, The Merkur blade gave me a worse (it pulled more) shave on the first shave than the Schick did after 25 shaves. I used to get 60 good shaves out of the Gillette Blue Blade. Now I am doing good to get 30 out of stainless steel, platinum, etc. Seems the blade makers are just not putting as good of an edge on their blades just so they will get duller faster. I have not tried the Feather Blades yet, but have ordered some, as they have a reputation for sharpness. A person should be able to tell just how long, comparatively, a blade will last just by looking at its edge under a microscope. The whole thing seems to be a "sting" operation though, as sharp blades could go out for weeks and then the makers of these blades start sending out less sharp ones. It does seem near miraculous to me that in a century no one has come up with a way to sharpen and strop these double edge blades. A razor blade has to be sharp to start with or all of the Badger Brushes, Gel Creams, etc. will do no one any good.
Has anyone looked at the edge of various maker’s double edge blades under a 10 power magnifying glass, or, better yet, a microscope, to see if they can see a difference in the blade edges?
I looked at a Schick and a Merkur under a 10X glass. The Merkur has a rough edge. The Schick has a much smoother edge.
I checked this out after using one of each blade. The Schick gave me 25 good shaves before it started pulling,
The Merkur blade gave me a worse (it pulled more) shave on the first shave than the Schick did after 25 shaves.
I used to get 60 good shaves out of the Gillette Blue Blade. Now I am doing good to get 30 out of stainless steel, platinum, etc.
Seems the blade makers are just not putting as good of an edge on their blades just so they will get duller faster.
I have not tried the Feather Blades yet, but have ordered some, as they have a reputation for sharpness.
A person should be able to tell just how long, comparatively, a blade will last just by looking at its edge under a microscope.
The whole thing seems to be a “sting” operation though, as sharp blades could go out for weeks and then the makers of these blades start sending out less sharp ones.
It does seem near miraculous to me that in a century no one has come up with a way to sharpen and strop these double edge blades.

]]> By: CTW http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-92105 CTW Sat, 14 Apr 2007 16:18:43 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-92105 Shaving does not dull your razor blades, oxidation does. So you're right about not storing them in damp areas. Also, be sure that you clean the razor well, so there's no skin, shaving cream, or hair stuck to the blades. If you really want your blades to last a long time--perhaps up to two months per blade--mix a concoction of rubbing alcohol and baby oil in a cup and leave your blade in there after use. It won't oxidize without exposure to air and water. Shaving does not dull your razor blades, oxidation does. So you’re right about not storing them in damp areas. Also, be sure that you clean the razor well, so there’s no skin, shaving cream, or hair stuck to the blades.

If you really want your blades to last a long time–perhaps up to two months per blade–mix a concoction of rubbing alcohol and baby oil in a cup and leave your blade in there after use. It won’t oxidize without exposure to air and water.

]]> By: » Men: Do You Like Electric Razors? on Consumerism Commentary: A Personal Finance Blog http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-91303 » Men: Do You Like Electric Razors? on Consumerism Commentary: A Personal Finance Blog Tue, 10 Apr 2007 16:26:48 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-91303 [...] RSS and Email Subscriptions • Advertising Opportunities Top Stories: Gradual Frugality • Cutting Down the Cost of Razor Blades • How Not to Buy a [...] [...] RSS and Email Subscriptions • Advertising Opportunities Top Stories: Gradual Frugality • Cutting Down the Cost of Razor Blades • How Not to Buy a [...]

]]> By: Matthew http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-91231 Matthew Tue, 10 Apr 2007 03:04:08 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-91231 I'd agree with the above comments about electric razors. I've had two now, each cost about $80 and lasted about 8-10 years each. I've never had to replace the blades and I've learned that when the battery dies, I can just plug it in to use it. $10 a year for shaving? Not bad at all... I’d agree with the above comments about electric razors. I’ve had two now, each cost about $80 and lasted about 8-10 years each. I’ve never had to replace the blades and I’ve learned that when the battery dies, I can just plug it in to use it. $10 a year for shaving? Not bad at all…

]]> By: » Endless Gratitude for My Guest Bloggers on Consumerism Commentary: A Personal Finance Blog http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-91119 » Endless Gratitude for My Guest Bloggers on Consumerism Commentary: A Personal Finance Blog Sun, 08 Apr 2007 17:01:04 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-91119 [...] RSS and Email Subscriptions • Advertising Opportunities Top Stories: Gradual Frugality • Cutting Down the Cost of Razor Blades • How Not to Buy a [...] [...] RSS and Email Subscriptions • Advertising Opportunities Top Stories: Gradual Frugality • Cutting Down the Cost of Razor Blades • How Not to Buy a [...]

]]> By: Shadox http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-91024 Shadox Sat, 07 Apr 2007 08:07:55 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-91024 Costco is your buddy for mcuh discounted razors in obscenely large packages... Costco is your buddy for mcuh discounted razors in obscenely large packages…

]]> By: Kurt http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-90972 Kurt Fri, 06 Apr 2007 19:40:30 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-90972 LazyMan, I've heard that razors are one of the most commonly stolen items in retail (high value to volume ratio) and that Ebay is often used to fence them. LazyMan,
I’ve heard that razors are one of the most commonly stolen items in retail (high value to volume ratio) and that Ebay is often used to fence them.

]]> By: Lazy Man and Money http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-90965 Lazy Man and Money Fri, 06 Apr 2007 18:48:19 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-90965 Contrary to the belief that it's the water that corrodes the blade, it's really the cutting of hair and skin. Try putting a blade in water for two weeks and using another razor. After two weeks try the water-soaked blade and it will still be very good, much better than your other razor. There's a lot of study on this by some engineers on this thread. I used Ebay last time to buy my blades in bulk. I got about 2-3 years worth all at less than half price including the shipping. Looking back, I wonder if they were stolen :-(. Contrary to the belief that it’s the water that corrodes the blade, it’s really the cutting of hair and skin. Try putting a blade in water for two weeks and using another razor. After two weeks try the water-soaked blade and it will still be very good, much better than your other razor. There’s a lot of study on this by some engineers on this thread.

I used Ebay last time to buy my blades in bulk. I got about 2-3 years worth all at less than half price including the shipping. Looking back, I wonder if they were stolen :-(.

]]> By: dimes http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-90950 dimes Fri, 06 Apr 2007 15:02:59 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-90950 If you have sensitive skin (like my spouse), an electric razor is a good choice. If you have sensitive skin (like my spouse), an electric razor is a good choice.

]]> By: Zachary http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-90916 Zachary Fri, 06 Apr 2007 05:44:37 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-90916 Yes, drying off your razor and not leaving it in the shower will vastly extend its life. I wish I could teach my wife this trick. We live along the coast and have quite a mold problem in our bathroom. My wife will leave her razor in the shower and let it get moldy; then she'll buy a new one. eeeeewwww! Yes, drying off your razor and not leaving it in the shower will vastly extend its life. I wish I could teach my wife this trick. We live along the coast and have quite a mold problem in our bathroom. My wife will leave her razor in the shower and let it get moldy; then she’ll buy a new one. eeeeewwww!

]]> By: Kevin M http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-90822 Kevin M Wed, 04 Apr 2007 23:51:23 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-90822 It's funny. Every couple of months, Clark Howard starts talking about razors. We all know what a cheapskate he is. Anyway, he said he had a talk with some guy who has used the same razor (the blade) for over a year now. It's not that the razor gets dull from use, it's that the water rusts and corrodes the razor. The guy said he dries his razor with a hair dryer after every use. Clark tried this with his 17 cent disposable warehouse club razor. He didn't blow dry it, but rinsed it well, shook the water off, and then towel dried it. He said he's used the same cheap 17 cent razor for 6 months now and it still works fine. Clark also talks about how there isn't much difference between a twin blade and a 5 blade. It’s funny. Every couple of months, Clark Howard starts talking about razors. We all know what a cheapskate he is.

Anyway, he said he had a talk with some guy who has used the same razor (the blade) for over a year now. It’s not that the razor gets dull from use, it’s that the water rusts and corrodes the razor. The guy said he dries his razor with a hair dryer after every use.

Clark tried this with his 17 cent disposable warehouse club razor. He didn’t blow dry it, but rinsed it well, shook the water off, and then towel dried it. He said he’s used the same cheap 17 cent razor for 6 months now and it still works fine.

Clark also talks about how there isn’t much difference between a twin blade and a 5 blade.

]]> By: Dave http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-90804 Dave Wed, 04 Apr 2007 20:12:30 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-90804 I buy blades in bulk at Sams club or costco. They are substantially cheaper than those at walmart or target. I buy blades in bulk at Sams club or costco. They are substantially cheaper than those at walmart or target.

]]> By: MillionDollarJourney.com http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-90800 MillionDollarJourney.com Wed, 04 Apr 2007 19:29:18 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-90800 How about using a high quality electric razor instead? :) FT How about using a high quality electric razor instead? :)

FT

]]> By: Tim http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-90798 Tim Wed, 04 Apr 2007 18:01:45 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-90798 you could try safety razors and wet shaving. the cost for blades is much cheaper as is the cost of shaving cream. plus, it gives a better shave. i was reading about the disposable razors that you use, and then can return to the manufacturer for recycling. i forgot which company it was, though. you could try safety razors and wet shaving. the cost for blades is much cheaper as is the cost of shaving cream. plus, it gives a better shave.

i was reading about the disposable razors that you use, and then can return to the manufacturer for recycling. i forgot which company it was, though.

]]> By: Kurt http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-90797 Kurt Wed, 04 Apr 2007 17:52:03 +0000 http://www.consumerismcommentary.com/2007/04/04/guest-post-cutting-down-the-cost-of-razor-blades/#comment-90797 razorsdirect.com razorsdirect.com

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