Frugal Experiment #1-Razor Blades

Welcome to my first experiment in frugality. This is where I test out those frugal concepts and post the results of my efforts. Please keep in mind that the results I do post are completely unscientific and that if you try the same experiment at home, you may end up getting different results. I am posting these so people will have the benefit of someone else’s practical experience and perhaps use that in your decision to try something.

My first frugal experiment involves razor blades, or more precisely, how long can a person make one last.

Razor blades, or more precisely, razor blade refills are not cheap. To get a name brand razor, it’s actually cheaper to just by a new razor starter kit with two blades than buy a 4 pack refill. I suppose I could buy disposables. I have tried several different brands of disposable razors, but I have yet to find one that does not leave razor burn on my legs. I’ve tried using soap and shaving cream with these razors, and nothing helps. So I’m sort of stuck with the refill cartridge type.

I suppose I could just not shave anymore, but then I could never wear shorts in the summer. And Hubby would not like it.

The theory I am testing out is this: Drying off your razor blades after use prolongs the life of the blade.

I do not shave every day. Women are lucky like that. In the winter, women can also get away with letting it go longer. Men, however, do shave more often than women do. So women can make their blades last longer than men do right out of the gate.

Typically, I would use one blade a week, so a four pack of replacement blades for my razor lasted about a month. I will be testing this theory out with the Venus Embrace, which is the version with the most bells and whistles (and the one I got when Wal-Mart had them on sale). At my local Wal-Mart, a box of four replacements costs approximately $14.00.

Yes. $14.00. I spent $14 per month on razor blades. That’s $3.50 per blade.

So with those factors in mind, I am going to see how long I can make my razor blade last before I have to change it. I put a new blade on my razor on Monday, April 21, 2008. After I am done showering, I take my razor and dry it off. I do not store it in the shower.

Today, April 27, 2008 is Day Six.