Sly Bald Guys Forum

Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Head Shaving => Topic started by: Eric@HeadBlade on July 27, 2010, 11:48:15 AM

Title: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: Eric@HeadBlade on July 27, 2010, 11:48:15 AM
Hey guys,

I'm curious about the number of blades you prefer.  I've seen a lot of guys on here say they use double blades because there's less irritation and dragging for them.  And I've talked to guys that love 5-blade cartridges.  I've always been the person that says "more blades doesn't mean a better shave".  But I have to admit, I've been testing some new blades on my face, and I really like some of the higher blade count razors.

Do you like 5,6-blade cartridges?  Or do you think it's just a gimmick?  Either way, this Onion article is pretty funny (but has profanity... so be advised).  http://www.theonion.com/articles/f**k-everything-were-doing-five-blades,11056/

I tried to find the old SNL blade parody video, but couldn't find it.  If anyone has that, please share!!
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on July 27, 2010, 12:01:44 PM
I started out w/ Fusion, 4+1, but moved to the Personna M5, also a 4+1.  IMO, the sensation of more drag w/ M5 is the multiple blades pulling the hairs a little further out for the following blades.  Used to use a 3 blade system before Sly, but I get such a smooth long lasting scrape of the grape w/ the M5, I use it face and scalp.  The trimmer blade is useful to clean up around the top of the ears, a problem area for me. 
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: Mikekoz13 on July 27, 2010, 12:29:05 PM
Like the Saint, I use the M5 for my face. I use the HB with triples on my head. I would prefer to use doubles because the cost is lower for the blades but a recent experiment with this caused me a couple of days of mild irratation.

Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: The Noggin on July 27, 2010, 01:22:21 PM
I prefer double blades. The shaving is going easier and is feeling better than with triples. And I don't really notice a difference in how long the smoothness lasts. Haven't even tried the x-blades (x > 3).
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: Gambrinus on July 27, 2010, 03:39:24 PM
I do use the M5 on occasion, but I don't feel it gets a close shave without bearing down on the handle.  I prefer no more than 3 blades.  The 4 plus cartridges seem bulky and hard to maneuver.  In my opinion the best part of any cartridge is the pivot and handle shape, not the number of blades. 
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: parksie on July 27, 2010, 05:21:45 PM
I guess it all depends on what I am using if I got the headblade sport in my hand its more than likely I am using the triple blades.

If I got the ghost I like to use the atras

I just got my s4 shadow recently and I think I am going to try the sensors and excel on that one.

I like both the persona m5 and schick hydro 5 though the hydro 3 is good also

I think a lot of it has to do with time constraints if I have to be somewhere and I am running late i will grab the traditional razor that way i dont have to worry about cutting myself or getting much irritation, because the way i see it prep is everything.

On my face though it is strictly a 2 blades at the most.
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: jaypksfo on July 27, 2010, 06:55:50 PM
SNL is crazy strict about their stuff being on Youtube and the like.  If it goes up it usually is removed within a few days - kinda sucks . . . but it shows sometimes reality manifests itself into reality
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: Tyler on July 27, 2010, 11:03:53 PM
I'm a big fan of the 2 blade Sensor Excel for my HeadBlade, but use the M5 on my face.  Though, when I travel I use the FaceBlade with Sensor Excel blades for my face.
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: phigg on July 28, 2010, 10:10:46 AM
Being new to the whole sly thing, I'm trying to figure this out for myself.

I have a theory, but not sure if it bears reality well or not:  I think maybe, if your head is more smooth and evenly round, a 5 blade is good;  but if you're like me, with a very "shapy" dome, w/ certain ridges or large bumps, whathaveyou, a 3 blade may prove more flexible.  Also, I have to deal with the damn HT scars in the back (and side), which makes shaving the back of my head extremely tricky;  in fact, right now, I have my wife do it for me with a triple blade.
I still have more blades to test though. I now have a Hydro 5, a Sensor 5, and a Headblade with the triple blades&yellow adapter. 
I use my headblade on the top of the noggin, and sides, but a regular razor for the crazy back of my head.

What do you guys think of my 3 vs 5 assessment in terms of flexibility?
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: Magoo on July 29, 2010, 04:54:48 PM
I find 2 blades on the face has less drag then the multi blade razors.
On the head I don't notice the drag but still prefer 2 blades...... cheaper and just as good.
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: xnewyawka on July 29, 2010, 05:06:54 PM
I'm a double blade guy all around, but I do alternate with three and five blade razors, on the dome only.
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: FR8TRAIN on July 29, 2010, 10:31:30 PM
Like xnewyawka, I tend to be a double blade guy all the way around. I use Sensor Excels in my HB Sport and Atras in my HB S4 Shadow, though I just broke open my last package of HB Triples to use in my Shadow since I have been experiencing some mild irritation recently. >:( I hoping the switch bring a bit of relief. 8)
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: kenny57028 on August 11, 2010, 02:45:59 PM
I use the 3 bladed Mach 3. Recently just picked up 10 Mach 3 turbo blades at walmart, haven't had a chance to use em out yet. Don't really know the difference between the regular and the turbo, I'm guessing not much if any (except for 4 extra dollars), but I'll try em out.
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: xnewyawka on August 11, 2010, 10:33:32 PM
I use the 3 bladed Mach 3. Recently just picked up 10 Mach 3 turbo blades at walmart, haven't had a chance to use em out yet. Don't really know the difference between the regular and the turbo, I'm guessing not much if any (except for 4 extra dollars), but I'll try em out.

There really is no difference at all, except in cost as you stated.

Nice t-shirt by the way, kenny.    O0
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: Mikekoz13 on August 12, 2010, 07:16:36 AM
Being new to the whole sly thing, I'm trying to figure this out for myself.

I have a theory, but not sure if it bears reality well or not:  I think maybe, if your head is more smooth and evenly round, a 5 blade is good;  but if you're like me, with a very "shapy" dome, w/ certain ridges or large bumps, whathaveyou, a 3 blade may prove more flexible.  Also, I have to deal with the damn HT scars in the back (and side), which makes shaving the back of my head extremely tricky;  in fact, right now, I have my wife do it for me with a triple blade.
I still have more blades to test though. I now have a Hydro 5, a Sensor 5, and a Headblade with the triple blades&yellow adapter. 
I use my headblade on the top of the noggin, and sides, but a regular razor for the crazy back of my head.

What do you guys think of my 3 vs 5 assessment in terms of flexibility?

Phigg-

I have to say this.... you look like Patrick Stewart to me.
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: phigg on August 12, 2010, 08:51:32 AM
Being new to the whole sly thing, I'm trying to figure this out for myself.

I have a theory, but not sure if it bears reality well or not:  I think maybe, if your head is more smooth and evenly round, a 5 blade is good;  but if you're like me, with a very "shapy" dome, w/ certain ridges or large bumps, whathaveyou, a 3 blade may prove more flexible.  Also, I have to deal with the damn HT scars in the back (and side), which makes shaving the back of my head extremely tricky;  in fact, right now, I have my wife do it for me with a triple blade.
I still have more blades to test though. I now have a Hydro 5, a Sensor 5, and a Headblade with the triple blades&yellow adapter. 
I use my headblade on the top of the noggin, and sides, but a regular razor for the crazy back of my head.

What do you guys think of my 3 vs 5 assessment in terms of flexibility?

Phigg-

I have to say this.... you look like Patrick Stewart to me.

LOL!  Well, thanks.  Given he was voted TV Guides sexiest man of the year back in the early '90s, I'll take that as a compliment.   ^-^ And honestly, I thought so myself, a little..  I mean, not a lot, but there is a bit of resemblance.  And yours is my very first comment since going sly, as to what celebrity I resemble.   Cool. My noggin is a little bit more shaped though.. his pate is straight, mine is sorta bi-level.
The really funny thing is:  when my son was born, I got to hold him first.  The second I saw him, I said, "Wow.. he looks like Patrick Stewart!".. lol..  like son like father!

Back to blades, I'm starting to think 5 blades is just ridiculous.  There's too much surface area and not enough flexibility to follow the contours of a real world face or head. They probably work great on a truly flat surface though.  ::)  I'm not going more than 3 from here on out.  I wasted $12 on a Hydro5!
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: xnewyawka on August 12, 2010, 11:12:35 AM
Back to blades, I'm starting to think 5 blades is just ridiculous.  There's too much surface area and not enough flexibility to follow the contours of a real world face or head. They probably work great on a truly flat surface though.  ::)  I'm not going more than 3 from here on out.  I wasted $12 on a Hydro5!

I agree phigg, five blades, even four, is overkill. I am a big believer in the fact that less is actually better.
I use the M5 for my scalp occasionally, but never on my face. The blades do tend to pull a bit more, and I think it will lead to the possibility of increased ingrown hairs.
That said, I am a big fan of the ProGlide. This blade is just amazing, I get the smoothest and most comfortable shaves with it. The only problem with that razor, for me, is cost of refill cartridges.
I do not plan on trying either of the Schick multiple blade razor's, but I do use the Hydro gel and find it very good.
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: texanron on August 12, 2010, 11:54:11 AM
I use a 3-blader to shave my head and a 4-blader to shave my face. The 4-blader for the face I just started using and I'm really satisfied with the results.
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: Kojak on August 12, 2010, 12:28:41 PM
For the HeadBlade I use the triples. I have never tried the doubles on the head and most likely won't because the triples work so well and I have found very affordable options in the triples.

I have recently become converted to the old school traditional wet shaving methods for my face. I am shaving my face with old school single blade double edge razors now.  This is my newest acquisition.
This Gillette Tech 1930s model cost me $6 on ebay and I paid $8.90 for the 100 blades with free shipping! :)

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi46.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff121%2Fdking2112%2FP8120098.jpg&hash=1629cc9d93d0d62894db1956a36e2255b0e20d7b)

Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: reb123161 on August 12, 2010, 03:42:09 PM
Triple blade on the skull....I find a LOT less drag compaired to the 5 blade and a smoother shave for me.  Since I have started "snow-manning" it---creaming head and face with a brush-{which is awesome}- I use the same blade on both.  I never believed shaving would be so much fun------I am cleaner and feel like a ferrari on the road with a bunch of station wagons.   
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: timetobeme on August 12, 2010, 09:34:18 PM
I have trie the 5 bladed Fusion, and love it but I can't justify the price so I am sticking with my Mach 3 triples.

Kojak, keep us updated on the DE shaving.
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: kenny57028 on August 12, 2010, 11:08:07 PM
I use the 3 bladed Mach 3. Recently just picked up 10 Mach 3 turbo blades at walmart, haven't had a chance to use em out yet. Don't really know the difference between the regular and the turbo, I'm guessing not much if any (except for 4 extra dollars), but I'll try em out.

There really is no difference at all, except in cost as you stated.

Nice t-shirt by the way, kenny.    O0

Thanks man. An ya lol I figured as much because they seemed they exact same design. When I went to walmart there were 3 different mach 3 designs, im guessing marketing different kinds sells more.
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: Ming the Merciless on August 13, 2010, 12:08:12 PM
No cartridge, unless a blade holder to mount the blade is a "cartridge."  I use a single-edge injector.

And slick is not impossible even with this.  In fact, not hard.  And not expensive.

But everyone to his own taste--five blades, ten blades--what the hell difference?  If you like it, use it.

But, I'm falling away from sly lately--letting it grow out for a while.  Shows I'm not dogmatic.  It's only hair.
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: phigg on August 14, 2010, 10:18:39 AM
No cartridge, unless a blade holder to mount the blade is a "cartridge."  I use a single-edge injector.

And slick is not impossible even with this.  In fact, not hard.  And not expensive.

But everyone to his own taste--five blades, ten blades--what the hell difference?  If you like it, use it.

But, I'm falling away from sly lately--letting it grow out for a while.  Shows I'm not dogmatic.  It's only hair.

Blasphemy!  You are Ming, Rule of the Universe!  You must be sly!
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: Sgt. Pate on August 15, 2010, 03:14:33 PM
Three blades work well for me in the Headblade and face shaving as well.  I like the 5 blade razors but they don't seem to last very long and the price being higher, I'm sticking more and more with three blades.   O0
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: BaldWriterBob on August 26, 2010, 03:57:17 PM
I've been using three blades for my head and Gillette Fusion for my face. I'm not sure that more is better but I get a decent shave.
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: Timmer on August 26, 2010, 04:06:49 PM
I was using a Fusion for my face but I've that the quality has gone down while the price has gone up.  Schick Hydro 3 for my face.  HB 3-Blade for my noggin.  I get two to three weeks out of both depending on whether or not I shave every day.
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: phigg on August 27, 2010, 08:52:29 AM
I want to try a double blade on the skull again, just to compare it to a 3 blade.

BTW, does anyone know if Hydro3 blades can be used on a Hydro5 razor?  Is there really any difference in the handles or is it just in the cartridges themselves?
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: The Noggin on August 27, 2010, 10:35:19 AM
BTW, does anyone know if Hydro3 blades can be used on a Hydro5 razor?  Is there really any difference in the handles or is it just in the cartridges themselves?
See this post. (http://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?topic=12892.15)
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: phigg on August 27, 2010, 03:06:54 PM
In short then, yes.. cool!
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: Noodles on August 29, 2010, 11:06:38 PM
I spotted a SIX-BLADE razor@ Walgreen's pharmacy the other day.

Can't remember who makes it, but it had a "Fusion/Mach -type" pivoting head and package details claims a super close shave w/blades that stay sharp for quite some time...

Seems to be an "above average quality" made razor. Both the razor and replacement blades seem quite reasonably priced too (as compared to the "big boys')

Has anyone else noticed (or purchased) this razor? Just curious...


- Cap'n Noodles -

Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: phigg on August 30, 2010, 11:33:10 AM
6?  ???
When is this wackiness going to end?  It just seems like overkill.
I'd much rather see a design with blades that are extremely flexible and can better fit the contour of your head, than see a design with a zillion blades lined up like soldiers.  I should think, the more blades, the less flexibility the razor is going to have.
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: Timmer on August 30, 2010, 03:47:48 PM
Quote
When is this wackiness going to end?

When we stop buying the improvements.

Mad Magazine's Trac LXXVI. (http://www.shavingstuff.com/archives/011601.php)

"Seventy-six cutting edges … wrap around an entire face and shave it close and clean in two or three effortless moves."

Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: BillOnBass on August 30, 2010, 04:12:55 PM
I looked for SNL's classic 'Platinum Mach 14' parody ad on Youtube to no avail.   :(
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: rcg5227 on September 08, 2010, 01:16:46 PM
I started off using my wife's Gillette Venus blades, which is only three blades. They have newer cartridges that have five blades, but we never used them.  If we don't have the Venus cartridges, we started using razors that we bought with three blades at the Dollar Tree. There are only three  razors in a pack, however. They were only $1 so thats only 33 1/3 cents per razor. I've never used a blade with more than three blades.
My headblade has a Women's Gillette Sensor blade, and put on backwards, (pulling instead of pushing) due to my very senstive skin. That cartridge has only two blades, but I think it works just about as good as the Dollar Tree razors and the Venus. In my opinion, three blade razors work slightly better than two blade razors,  but the two blade razors still do a great job.
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: wyzguy on September 13, 2010, 01:39:11 PM
My latest investment was $1.25 for 6 Atra knockoffs at the Dollar General. Was skeptical at first, but these twin blades in my Headblade sport kick @$$.... For the money I am not disappointed in the least. As for the face I'm using some disposable triple blades (persona?) from Wally world. Once my faceblade comes in I will probably use the atra doubles once the included blades bite the dust.
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: werewolfen on October 01, 2010, 09:30:17 PM
This is just me, I've used multiple brands that both have 3 and 4 blades and I used a 5 blade once. I feel like when I hit 3 blades anything over that I can't tell a difference. I feel like 3 is the magic number, I've used one edge blades, 2 edge blades and I certainly tell a difference between them.

To me , a 2 edge beats a single edge, and a 3 edge beats a 2 edge, but the 4 edge is the same to me as a 3 edge in closeness, and since I trash every Schick Extreme III after just one shave its foolish to buy 4 or 5 edge razors.

3 edge is my magic number, you know the saying "third time's a charm" , 3 it is!
Title: Re: Blade cartridges: How many blades do you prefer?
Post by: Magoo on October 03, 2010, 03:38:38 PM
I agree after 3 it's over kill.