Simple Ways To Extend The Life Of Your Razors
Plain and simple, razor blades cost a lot of money. While the razor itself doesn’t usually cost all that much (many times they can be found for free), you still end up paying quite a bit to shave because razor companies work a lot like computer printer and ink companies: once you have the razor (printer), you’re locked into buying their razor blades (ink). With blades on the latest and greatest razors costing a few bucks a piece, shaving can get fairly expensive when these costs are added up over the year.
I came across what could be an interesting little device to drastically cut the cost of shaving if it works as it claims (I haven’t tried it yet to to see if it works, but did order one). Called the “Razor Saver” it claims that you can get 75 to 130 shaves per blade and you will use 75% less razor blades during the year. This would be absolutely fantastic since my blades are lucky to last a couple of weeks so even if it only works a fraction of its claim, it still would be a worthwhile investment. All you need to do is “insert a razor head and draw the old blade across the Razor Saver - it will be like new.” I assume doing this both cleans and sharpens the blades to extend their life. The cost is $12 which is the same (or less) than many razor refill packs and can be purchased from Sustainable Village (I have no affiliation with this product or site)
In addition to this little device, here are some other tips for extending the life of your razors that I have mentioned earlier (but you may have missed):
- If you shave when you take a shower or bath, don’t leave your razor in that area. The steam from the shower and bath will reduce the life of the blades. Storing it outside the bathroom area can more than doubled its life.
- Opt for disposable razor blades if appropriate for your circumstances. They are much less expensive that standard blade refills.
- If appropriate, use an electric shaver. While initially more expensive, electric razors are much cheaper over the long run if they work for you. Unfortunately for me, they make me break out…
- If regular razors are the best option for you, don’t automatically purchase blade refills. Because the razor manufacturers want you to switch to their brand and razors, you may be surprised that it is often cheaper to buy a new razor (with starter blades) than to purchase refills.
- Always take free razor offers when available. When a new model razor debuts, it’s fairly easy to get these for free directly from the manufacturer.
- And the most important tip to extend the life of your razor? Hide it from your wife After 6 years, my wife still doesn’t think I’ll notice when she uses my razor and she does if I accidentally leave it someplace where she can easily use it. One round with her legs and the razor is worthless
For an even more ecologically sound soltion, check out http://www.gaiam.com/retail/product/15-0947_MSTR. Real Goods sells both razers & toothbrushes whose handles are from recylced plastic. You buy the razers in packs of four, and blade refills 5 at a time, and when one is used up, drop it into the envelope provided and they’ll make sure that the plastic gets recylcled into plastic lumber. Combine this with the solution you’ve suggested and you’ll cut down on environmental impact as well as cost.