With the help of readers, I increased my razor lifespan to 400%. Previously, I was getting 4 shaves between razor changes (Mach 3). Now I do the following and get 16 shaves between changes:
1. I never let my beard grow more than 2 days.
2. I clean out the stubble and pat dry razor with a towel.
3. I submerge the razor in a container of mineral oil (Johnson's Baby Oil).
My razor expenses went from over $100 a year to about $25.
I have found that Schick Hydro 5 blade razors last considerably longer than Gillette Mach3 razors.
Posted by: Paul | July 09, 2013 at 03:21 PM
and my annual razor cost is about $5, because I use double edge blades.
Posted by: Bill | July 09, 2013 at 04:30 PM
You mentioned that you clean the stubble from your blade. Do you run the blade under running water and/or another process after you are finished shaving?
Posted by: spin | July 09, 2013 at 09:36 PM
In my case since I shave in the shower, I wash the stubble with the shower nozzle before pat drying with a towel.
Posted by: herculodge | July 09, 2013 at 10:36 PM
You can cut your annual cost even further by buying your razors from Dorco (http://www.dorcousa.com/). From what I understand, they supply Dollar Shave Club, but if you buy direct, they are even less expensive and have a greater selection of product. I switched from Mach 3 to their 3-blade system and am extremely happy. I can get a year's worth of blades for what a couple months worth of Gillete would cost.
Posted by: Steve | July 10, 2013 at 10:09 AM
I just wanted to echo Paul's comment. I have a Schick Hydro 5; I just use soap as shaving lubricant. I do clean the blades after each use, but I don't try the soaking in mineral oil regime.
I easily get more than a month's worth of shaving out of each blade.
Posted by: Doug T. | July 12, 2013 at 10:10 PM
Doug, are you using the Hydro 5 Power or nonPower version?
Posted by: herculodge | July 13, 2013 at 06:51 AM
Here is a better way to save a bundle on shaving. Break your addiction. You will be surprised at how quickly you can free yourself from the unnatural practice of shaving.
You are pawns of Madison Avenue opinion makers, psychological hucksters and Gillette safety razor company. Have you ever stopped to examine you motivations for shaving?
The very premise of this post is following "rules". As yet, there is no federal law which mandates shaving. Read the articles linked below to make an enlightened decision, while there is still time...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beard
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Bernays
Posted by: Keith | July 13, 2013 at 09:13 AM
I had a beard in 1985. It wasn't comfortable. And I looked scary. Women and dogs were scared of me.
Posted by: herculodge | July 13, 2013 at 10:23 AM
I use the ordinary version -- I was not even aware that the power version existed.
Posted by: Doug T. | July 13, 2013 at 11:12 AM
Good to know, Doug. I'd hate to deal with batteries for a shaver. On a side note, there must be variation on the Mach 3 razor quality because my first one lasted a month; my second one was dragging badly on my beard on the second use. Today, the third use, was no better.
Posted by: herculodge | July 13, 2013 at 11:31 AM