Walk down any supermarket aisle or browse online for razors and one thing becomes immediately obvious: blade count is treated as a selling point. Three blades, five blades, even six or more are often presented as automatic upgrades, with the assumption that more blades equal a closer, smoother, better shave. But does adding more blades really improve shaving performance, or is blade count just clever marketing? The answer is more nuanced than most razor packaging would have you believe, and understanding it can help you get a better shave without overspending or damaging your skin.
At a basic level, the purpose of a razor is to cut hair cleanly at the surface of the skin while minimising irritation. Everything else blade count, lubrication strips, handle design exists to support that goal. When multiple blades were first introduced, the idea was simple: instead of relying on a single blade to cut hair in one pass, multiple blades could cut hair progressively, reducing the need for repeated strokes. In theory, this should mean a closer shave with less effort. In practice, however, the relationship between blade count and shave quality is not linear.
Each blade in a multi-blade razor passes over the same patch of skin in a single stroke. While the hair may be cut slightly closer with each successive blade, the skin is also contacted multiple times in quick succession. This repeated contact increases friction, which can lead to irritation, especially for men with sensitive skin. For some, the added blades improve closeness without noticeable downsides. For others, more blades simply mean more irritation, redness, and razor burn.
Blade sharpness and quality play a far more important role than blade count alone. A well-made three-blade cartridge with high-quality stainless steel blades and effective lubrication can easily outperform a poorly engineered five-blade razor. Sharp blades cut hair cleanly with less pressure, while dull or poorly coated blades tug and drag regardless of how many are stacked together. This is why some men find that fewer blades actually feel more comfortable, even if marketing suggests otherwise.
More blades also mean more contact points between the razor and the skin. For men prone to ingrown hairs, this can be a significant issue. As multiple blades pass over the skin, they can cut hair too close to the surface or slightly below it, increasing the likelihood that hair will grow back into the skin rather than outward. This problem is particularly common on the neck, where hair growth direction varies and skin is more sensitive. In these cases, a lower blade count often results in fewer ingrowns and less post-shave discomfort.
There is also the issue of clogging. Razors with many blades have narrower spacing between them, which can trap hair, shaving cream, and dead skin more easily. When blades clog, they become less effective and require frequent rinsing. This interrupts the shave and can lead to uneven cutting if debris builds up mid-stroke. Razors with fewer blades typically rinse cleaner and maintain performance more consistently, especially for men with thick or coarse beard hair.
Pressure is another factor influenced by blade count. Multi-blade razors are often designed to feel mild, encouraging users to press harder without realising it. This extra pressure, combined with repeated blade contact, increases irritation risk. A sharper, well-balanced cartridge allows the razor to do the work without forcing it into the skin. In many cases, fewer high-quality blades encourage better technique and less pressure, resulting in a more comfortable shave overall.
It’s also important to consider the role of lubrication. As blade count increases, lubrication becomes more critical. Without effective glide, multiple blades amplify friction rather than reduce it. High-quality cartridge systems integrate lubrication strips that activate with water, creating a protective layer between the blades and the skin. When lubrication is poorly designed or wears out quickly, additional blades can actually make shaving worse instead of better.
SmartShave’s approach focuses on balance rather than excess. Its 3-blade cartridge replacements are engineered to provide enough blade contact for a close shave without overwhelming the skin. Combined with a lubrication strip infused with Vitamin E and Aloe, the cartridges are designed to glide smoothly while calming the skin during shaving. This balance helps reduce irritation while still delivering the closeness most men want from a modern razor. For many UK men, three well-designed blades outperform higher blade counts that prioritise marketing appeal over skin comfort.
Another overlooked aspect of blade count is durability and cost. More blades often mean higher replacement costs, especially when cartridges are designed to wear out quickly. If a razor feels uncomfortable after only a few shaves due to clogged blades or worn lubrication, the added blades offer little real value. A cartridge that maintains sharpness and comfort over more shaves delivers better cost-per-use, even if the blade count is lower. Long-term value is determined by how long a razor performs well, not by how many blades it contains.
Skin type plays a major role in determining whether more blades are beneficial. Men with resilient skin and lighter beard growth may tolerate higher blade counts without issue. Men with sensitive skin, coarse hair, or a history of irritation often benefit from fewer blades and better blade quality. There is no universal “best” blade count, despite what advertising may suggest. The best razor is the one that cuts efficiently while keeping your skin comfortable.
Shaving frequency also matters. Men who shave daily subject their skin to repeated blade contact, making irritation more likely if blade count is excessive. In these cases, a well-designed three-blade cartridge often strikes the right balance between closeness and skin protection. Men who shave less frequently may tolerate more blades, but even then, blade quality and lubrication remain more important than sheer quantity.
The idea that more blades automatically mean a better shave is largely a simplification used to sell higher-priced cartridges. In reality, shaving performance is influenced by blade sharpness, spacing, coating, lubrication, handle control, and user technique. Blade count is just one variable, and not necessarily the most important one. Adding blades without improving these other factors rarely leads to a genuinely better shaving experience.
For men trying to improve their shave, focusing on fewer, higher-quality blades often yields better results than chasing the highest blade number available. A razor that glides smoothly, cuts cleanly, and protects the skin will always outperform one that relies on blade quantity alone. This is why many experienced shavers eventually move away from very high blade counts in favour of simpler, better-engineered systems.
SmartShave’s 3-blade cartridge replacements are designed with this philosophy in mind. They prioritise sharp, durable blades, effective lubrication with Vitamin E and Aloe, and consistent performance over multiple shaves. By avoiding unnecessary blade excess, they reduce irritation while still delivering a close, comfortable shave. For UK men looking for performance without inflated pricing, this balanced approach often proves more effective than razors loaded with extra blades that add little real benefit: https://smartshave.co.uk/3-blade-cartridge-replacement/
In the end, more blades are not automatically better. What matters is how those blades are made, how they interact with your skin, and how well they maintain performance over time. A thoughtfully designed razor with fewer blades can easily outperform a higher blade count alternative that sacrifices comfort for marketing appeal. When it comes to shaving, smarter design beats bigger numbers every time.