Here is a way to double the life of those pricey blades. Basically the technique is to dry your blades well once you are done, as most of the dulling occurs through the blades staying wet.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/busine...,1966153.story

 

Time to call in the MythBusters

 

I can vouch for it. It dawned on me a few months ago that if you remove the blade and spray a little isopropyl alcohol on it the alcohol will mix with the water by the action of intermolecular forces, london or dipole... can't remember. It's the same technique used by chemists except they use ethyl. After bonding with the water it raises the vapor pressure of the water nearly the same as for alcohol, which evaporates quickly, and in a second or two the blade and the razor are dry. This saves the blade by avoiding micron-level rust from the lye, corrosion and electrolysis, and it also keeps the razor looking good. Stainless steel is not immune to rust, contrary to popular opinion. Generic 3-oz spray bottles are sold at drugstores which can be filled with the rubbing alcohol. It is a better method than drying the blades with paper, but it is the same basic idea and it really does extend the life of the blade.

 

Go back to the double edged razors. Not only do the blades cost less (10 blades for $5.) but they give a closer shave with less irritation.

 

In my prior life before I got into the law, I wielded all sorts of sharp blades and knives, all of which I had to keep sterile. The key to keeping the edge sharp is to avoid the use of hot water. Always rinse or wash with cold water. But then, what do I know? I don't have to shave every morning.

 

I supppose hot water would be more conducive to immediate oxidation. It might also cause some expansion warping. The problem is that when you rinse the blade between strokes, the hot water softens the shaving cream and helps it to wash away. Cold water would have the opposite effect...the shaving cream (and shaved hairs) would stick and maybe clog up the blade. I guess I'll try cold today and see what happens.

 

I agree the double edge razors are great, but after having the blades confiscated by TSA a couple times I've gone back to mach 5s.

 

I thought we just had to put them under a pyramid

 

While I have idea where I heard it from, I was told to shave with cold water. Must have been bad information but it does feel good in the morning after the hot shower.

ILL - INI

 

A metallurgist called into clark howard about 2 years ago and stated this very fact. I have dried my blades good since then and even my disposable razors are lasting me several months. The blade is much stronger than the beard, so that doesn't dull it. It's the sitting of the water on the blade that dulls it.