How many blades is too many?

[WPOZZZ]

I'm talking about razors. When I was growing up, I used a 2 blade disposable. Never tried a safety razor or straight blade because I visualized making a bloody mess. Over the years I upgraded to triple blades, then quad blades. I also use an electric.

However, now I see 6 blade razors! IMHO, that is overkill as the blade has to be wide to accommodate all 6 blades. Even the quad blades are not as nimble as the old 2 blade. I would liken the difference to driving a 911 vs a Cayenne. I even see there is a 7 blade razor is available. So how many blades is too many?

[cabmandone]

I lost count. I just buy em' and use em'.

[red-beard]

I think the issue is more blade quality than number of blades. The "head" I use has 3 blades (Mach3 Turbo). But they make different quality levels (Mach3 and Mach3 Turbo), which fit the same head. They look the same, but the "Turbo" last quite a bit longer.

I would be fine with a disposable if the quality were good enough.

[drcoastline]

More than two. Shick ST2 or STX, something like that. Use it one week, toss it.

[KFC911]

One!

signed...

Festus

[masraum]

I like a razor that gives me a close shave with a minimum of cuts. Once I find one I use it until I can't buy it any more. I used to use a Schick Slim Twin back in college. These days I use a Quattro. The funny thing is that the Quattro now has a blade on the back that I think is for side burns or something, so the Quattro is now technically a Cinco. I have no desire to go to more blades, and if I could get the same quality of cut on a razor with only one or two blades, I'd do it (but I'm not going to try a bunch to try to find it. I've got something that works)

[Flat Six]

Two

I've been using the Bic Metal for more years than I can count. They last me 4-5 shaves before I can feel the edge lose its sharpness; in a pinch I can get up to ~15 shaves if I really need to.

I like them because they're cheap, they give a quality shave (first 4-5 uses), and -- most important to me -- they're really narrow front to back which allows me to get a really close shave on my upper lip just below my nose. I can't seem to do that with a multi-blade razor.

I'm also a big fan of Proraso shaving cream on a badger brush.

[Sooner or later]

[Racerbvd]

I personally prefer a Straight Razor shave.
Fortunately I have a guy that gives the full old school treatment with a few modern technology tossed in.

[Wetwork]

Pretty sure the more blades, the thinner and more slender the actual blades have to be to fit. Thinner won't hold a edge as long. Read somewhere that a dudes facial hair is tougher than a copper wire the same size.-WW

[stomachmonkey]

I only shave every coupla few weeks when the fancy strikes me.

Then I use a trimmer to knock it back to almost nothing.

[pavulon]

https://www.wired.com/story/why-do-razor-blades-dull-so-quickly/

[aschen]

in my imprecise data collection on the subject, I have identified 3 bladed store branded razors to be the local maxima in value.

*Research was conducted in pre-covid conditions where shaving was somewhat regular occurrence

[masraum]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

I only shave every coupla few weeks when the fancy strikes me.

Then I use a trimmer to knock it back to almost nothing.

When I went into the office, I'd shave about twice a week, maybe sometimes once or sometimes 3 times. I shave my face and head.

Since the 'rona, yes, no more than once a week, and it's not unusual for me to go several weeks when I use a trimmer to knock down the growth to 2-3 days. My givea****ter is registering far, far lower than it even has before.

[Bill Douglas]

Bic single blade for me. Works well.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by Bill Douglas

Bic single blade for me. Works well.

Me too....and to think it was Gillette's "politically correct" TV ad that prompted the switch. When my Gillette stuff wore out, I picked up a baggie of Bic single blade disposables and a can of Barbasol. Suddenly discovered that if anything, it was a better shave than the Gillette stuff gave me.

[Superman]

My favorite razors have one blade.

[stevej37]

Tried em all....Schick ST (slim twin) is the best one for me. Fits perfect under the nose and it lasts way longer than other disposables.

[LWJ]

One. Safety razor. In the shower. Perfect.

[jrj3rd]

One is the number, the number is one. Safety or straight.