BLADES LAST
LONGER
Seven simple habits that protect the edge, and an honest note about what no habit can fix.
Good habits can help a blade stay sharp for its full life, and a blunt blade is the most common reason a shave goes wrong. But there’s a limit. No habit turns a worn blade back into a sharp one, so the aim is to get the most from each cartridge, not to stretch it past its best. Here’s how.
Seven Habits That Protect the Edge
Wet hair is softer and cuts more easily, which puts less strain on the blade and less friction on your skin. Our step-by-step guide starts with exactly this.
Action: Shave straight after a warm shower.A good layer of cream or gel lets the blade glide. Less friction means a longer-lasting edge and calmer skin.
Action: Re-apply if it dries or thins out.If you’re shaving longer growth, trim it first. Cutting through a lot of long hair puts extra mileage on the blade. This is especially useful after a beard, as in our clean-shaven guide.
Action: Use clippers or scissors before the first stroke.Hair and cream build up between the blades and force you to press. Rinse under running water every stroke or two.
Action: Tap the head, then rinse until it’s clear.Pressing flexes the blade and damages the edge, and it irritates your skin. A sharp blade needs very little pressure.
Action: Hold the razor like a pen, not a fist.After your shave, rinse the razor thoroughly, shake off the water and let it air dry. Don’t wipe the blades with a towel or your fingers, and don’t leave it wet in the shower.
Action: Store it somewhere dry.None of these habits make a worn blade sharp again, and cartridge blades can’t be sharpened. When it starts to pull, swap it. See how often to change your blade.
Action: Set a weekly reminder.Blade Killers vs Blade Savers
✗ What Wears Blades Out
- Shaving dry or with water alone
- Pressing hard
- Leaving the razor wet in the shower
- Letting cream and hair dry in the head
- Shaving long growth without trimming
- Knocking or dropping the head
✓ What Protects the Edge
- Shaving after a warm shower, with cream or gel
- Light pressure, letting the blade cut
- Storing the razor dry
- Rinsing every stroke or two
- Trimming long hair first
- Handling the razor with care
When Care Isn’t Enough
Looking after your blade helps it reach the end of its life in good shape, but it doesn’t extend that life indefinitely. If it pulls, needs more pressure or leaves your skin irritated, replace it. A fresh blade costs far less than a week of irritated skin.
- Premium handle with a quality rubber grip
- Pivoting action head
- Strip with vitamin E and aloe
- Free UK delivery
Make Fresh Blades Effortless
The easiest way to always shave with a sharp blade is not to run out. Our monthly plan sends four cartridges, one for each week, and you can change, delay or cancel any time for free. No reminders, no last-minute trips to the shop.
What customers say
“I particularly liked the flexibility of the head whilst shaving”
“It dealt with contours very well”
“Very good quality yet reasonably priced”
Rated 4.5/5 from 15 reviews. Read them all on Trustpilot.
Frequently asked questions
No. Cartridge blades can’t be sharpened. When they’re worn, replace the cartridge.
Rinse under running water, and warm water helps cream and hair wash away. The key is to rinse thoroughly and often, not to use any particular temperature.
No. Wiping across the blades can damage the edge and risks cutting your fingers. Shake off the excess water and let it air dry.
It’s best not to. Leaving a razor wet in the shower can shorten blade life. Store it somewhere dry.
For regular shaving, about a week. Our guide to changing your blade has the full detail.
Seven small habits help every blade do its best work. They won’t make a worn blade sharp again, so keep a fresh one ready and swap it when it starts to pull.