How Often Should I Change My Razor Blade?

You shaved carefully this morning and the blade still tugged. Here is the point at which a fresh one earns its ten pence.

How often should I change my razor blade?

Change a double-edge blade every 5 to 7 shaves for most people, sooner if you have coarse hair or heavier growth, later if your hair is fine and your technique is light. How long it actually lasts depends on how you shave, what you shave, and how you store it between uses.

For the full shaving method, see how to use a safety razor.

Why blades dull

A double-edged blade is made of thin hardened steel. Each pass over skin and hair creates micro-abrasions on the edge. Over time, that edge drags rather than cuts, causing irritation, nicks, and ingrown hairs.

The solution is simple: change the blade before it becomes a problem.

How long does a blade last?

A useful working range:

• 5–7 shaves for most shavers
• 3–5 shaves if you have coarser hair or a heavier beard
• Up to 10 shaves if you have finer hair and a careful, light technique

Platinum-coated blades hold their edge longer than uncoated alternatives. Short strokes, light pressure, rinsing after each pass: all extend blade life considerably.

Signs it is time to change

Trust the feeling over the number:

• Tugging or pulling instead of a clean glide
• Nicks or cuts where there were none before
• More irritation or redness after shaving than usual
• A blade that feels like it is working harder

If any of these appear, change the blade. Pushing a dull blade further is the single most common cause of razor burn.

How many blades per month?

A rough guide by shaving frequency:

• Daily: 4–5 blades per month
• 4–5 times a week: 2–3 blades per month
• Twice a week: 1–2 blades per month

A 20-blade pack covers a daily shaver for around four months. At 7–10p per shave, the economics hold up well over time. Stock up on safety razor blades in packs of 5 to 50.

Getting more from each blade

• Rinse and dry the blade after each shave; moisture causes rust
• Store it away from the shower if you can
• Use short, light strokes; let the weight of the razor do the work