Here's How Long Your Razor Blade Should Last
Article Summary
- Cartridge razor blades typically last between 6-20 shaves, with Gillette Fusion lasting ~20 and Harry's lasting 6-8.
- Shaving body or head hair instead of just facial hair can significantly reduce a blade's lifespan.
- Buying razor refills in bulk lowers the cost per blade, with larger packs offering better value.
Razor blades are robbing you blind. And here’s the painful truth—you’re probably changing them too soon… or worse, not soon enough.
Unilever didn’t pay $1 billion for Dollar Shave Club because razors are cheap. They did it because we’re all trapped in a cycle of overpriced replacements and guesswork.
But what if you could double your blade life while slashing your grooming costs? Let’s break down exactly how long each type of razor should last—and how to make them last even longer.
The Shocking Truth About Cartridge Razor Lifespans
That fancy 5-blade cartridge staring at you in the shower? It’s on borrowed time. Here’s the cold, hard data:
Gillette Fusion: The Overachiever
Gillette claims 20 shaves per cartridge. But here’s the catch—that’s only if you’re shaving baby-soft facial hair. Coarse beards? Cut that number in half.
Schick Hydro: The Middle Child
12 shaves. That’s it. Their own website admits it’s basically a monthly subscription to their blade ecosystem.
"4 weeks x 3 shaves per week = 12 total shaves" - Schick’s fine print
Harry’s: The Sprint Runner
6-8 shaves and you’re done. The Instagram darling of razors burns out faster than a TikTok trend.
Safety Razors: The Penny-Pincher’s Secret Weapon
Here’s why old-school barbers still swear by these:
- $0.07 per blade (vs. $3+ for cartridges)
- 5 shaves per blade
- Total control over your shave angle
But wait—there’s a learning curve. Master the three-pass technique (with/across/against grain) and you’ll get salon-quality results for pennies.
Electric Razors: The Set-It-And-Forget-It Option
Your Braun or Philips isn’t immortal. Those blades degrade silently:
- Braun foil heads: 12-18 months
- Philips rotary heads: 12 months
Pro tip: Replace before you feel tugging. Your face will thank you.
5 Sneaky Ways to Extend Any Blade’s Life
- Strop on jeans: 30 reverse strokes on denim revitalizes edges
- Dry immediately: Corrosion dulls blades faster than use
- Use pre-shave oil: Lets blades glide instead of grind
- Store outside humidity: Keep in medicine cabinet, not shower
- Buy in bulk: 12-packs save up to $1 per blade
The Bottom Line?
Your razor’s lifespan depends on three factors:
- Type: Cartridge (6-20 shaves) vs. Safety (5 shaves) vs. Electric (1 year)
- Technique: Proper prep adds 25% more shaves
- Maintenance: Simple hacks can double blade life
Now you’re armed with the knowledge to shave smarter—not harder. Your wallet (and your face) will notice the difference immediately.