The Drawbacks of Multi-Blade Razors and Benefits of Single Blade Shaving

The Drawbacks of Using Multi-Blade Razors

If you're anything like me, you've been using multi-blade razors for years. Brands like Gillette, Schick, and BIC have conditioned us to believe that more blades equal a closer shave. While it's true that adding blades can get you a smooth result, there are some real downsides to using razors with 3, 4 or even 5 blades.

In this article, I'll break down the problems with multi-blade razors and make the case for why you should switch to a single blade safety or straight razor. I've tried both and was amazed at how much better my shaves were. Not only that, but I saved a ton of money in the process.

The Science Behind Multi-Blade Razors

The first two-blade razor was introduced by Gillette back in 1971 with the Trac II. This evolved into the three-bladed Mach3 in 1998 and the four-bladed Quattro in 2004. The Gillette Fusion upped it to five blades in 2006. Since then, other brands have followed suit with their own multi-blade offerings.

The reasoning behind adding blades was that it would allow each one to tug at and cut whiskers in succession. Multi-blades lift hairs up and slice them closer to the skin, rather than just shaving off the ends. On paper, more blades means you can get a smoother result by cutting hair lower without having to press as hard or go over the same area repeatedly.

Harsher Razor Burn and Irritation

Here's the thing - while using more blades might seem like it gives a closer shave, it often leads to more irritation. All those blades tugging at your whiskers can cause worse razor burn, especially on sensitive skin.

That's because the first blade pulls your hair up, and then the next blades cut below skin level. Doing this again and again progressively cuts the hair shorter while increasing irritation to your skin.

More blades also equates to more harshness across your face. The repeated friction leaves your skin red and raw. Too many passes with a multi-blade can make razor burn and bumps a lot more likely.

Ingrown Hairs

Another big problem with multi-blades is that they can lead to ingrown hairs. All that below-the-skin cutting forces hair to grow back under the skin rather than out of the follicle. This causes inflammation, pimple-like bumps, and pus.

Ingrown hairs happen when the sharpened tip of freshly shaved hair curves back and grows into your skin instead of exiting the pore. They're most common for people who shave frequently and who have curly or coarse facial hair.

Multi-blades are more likely to cause ingrowns because they shave so close. The more blades you have, the closer each hair is cut, increasing the chance it will grow inward. Ingrown hairs are no fun to deal with, so minimizing them is a major benefit of single blade shaving.

The Benefits of Using a Single Blade Razor

After dealing with irritation and ingrown hairs from multi-blade cartridge razors for years, I finally made the switch to a traditional single blade safety razor. I also started learning how to use a straight razor.

The difference was night and day - I got much less razor burn and more comfortable, closer shaves. It took some practice to master the right technique, but using only a single blade has worked wonders for my sensitive skin.

Less Irritation and Razor Burn

One of the biggest perks of a single blade is less irritation. With a safety or straight razor, there's only one sharp edge touching your skin. You don't have multiple blades tugging and scraping across your face again and again.

The single blade only cuts the hair once per stroke instead of multiple times. This results in a smoother glide and far less razor burn or bumps. My skin isn't left red or irritated at all now even when I shave daily.

Minimizes Ingrown Hairs

Since a single blade doesn't cut hair too short under the skin, I've noticed far fewer ingrown hairs when using safety and straight razors. The hair can grow out of the follicle naturally rather than curving back underneath.

If you deal with painful ingrown hairs, switching razor types can make a huge difference. Just remember to still use proper technique - don't press too hard or go over the same area too many times. Let the weight of the razor do the work. Follow up with an aftershave containing salicylic acid or glycolic acid to keep pores clear.

Better Control and Precision

Another benefit I've found from eliminating multi-blade razors is better control. With only one blade, it's easier to maneuver for detail work and tricky angles. This allows you to sculpt precise lines and edges.

Multi-blades are made to just go all over your face without much finesse. But using a single blade takes more skill and dexterity for shaving narrow spaces. This gives you more precision for grooming neater lines and beards.

Less Pressure Needed

A properly sharpened single blade requires barely any pressure against your skin. The edge slices right through whiskers easily when using the right technique. You let the blade do the work rather than pressing it firmly against your face.

This reduced pressure also helps prevent irritation, razor burn, and nicks. Compare it to using a multi-blade cartridge that you really have to push to get a close shave. All that added pressure amplifies skin irritation.

Cost Savings

Here's an easy way to save money - stop buying expensive multi-blade cartridge refills! The upfront cost of a safety or straight razor is more than a disposable. But the razor itself lasts indefinitely, and replacement blades are dirt cheap.

I used to easily spend $20-30+ per month restocking cartridges. Now I spend around $10 per YEAR on razor blades. That's an awesome reduction in shaving costs.

Making the Switch to Single Blade Razors

If you currently use multi-blade razors and have to deal with irritation, bumps, and ingrown hairs, it's worth trying out a single blade. Safety and straight razors aren't as intimidating as they seem once you learn good technique.

Safety Razors

Safety razors provide a great middle ground between multi-blade and straight razor shaving. They have a single sharpened blade locked in a head you can easily change. Brands like Merkur, Edwin Jagger, and Muhle offer high quality safety razors.

It will take a few tries to get the right angle, light touch, and number of passes. But once you get it down, safety razors give an incredibly comfortable shave. The blades only cost 10-50 cents each and last about a week with daily shaving.

Straight Razors

For the true old-school traditional shave, you can't beat a straight razor (also called cut-throat razors or open razors). They have an exposed sharpened blade you directly glide across your skin. Straight razor shaving is an art form with a steeper learning curve.

You'll need to learn proper stropping to maintain the edge along with lathering and skin stretching technique. It takes concentration and repetition to master. But once you do, you'll love the closeness and precision straight razors allow. Popular models are made by Dovo, Boker, and Thiers-Issard.

Shaving Brush and Soap

To complement your single blade razor, you'll want a good badger hair shaving brush and some shave soap. This creates a warm, moisturizing lather that protects skin and lifts whiskers. Massage the lather into your beard before shaving for extra cushion.

Quality artisanal shave soaps from companies like Taylor of Old Bond Street, Proraso, and Stirling Soap Company work best. Apply them to a damp shaving brush and build a creamy lather right on your face.

Additional Tips

Here are some other tips to ensure the best, most comfortable single blade shave:

• Take a hot shower first - the steam softens whiskers
• Use a moisturizing pre-shave oil or gel
• Go with the grain of your hair growth, not against
• Rinse blade frequently during shave
• Apply alum block and aftershave balm when finished

Goodbye Razor Burn and Irritation!

Making the switch from multi-blade to single blade razors has made all the difference for my shaves. No more razor burn, bumps, or ingrown hairs. Just smooth, comfortable results.

It takes some practice to master safety and straight razor shaving. But once you do, you'll get fantastic shaves for way less cost. Ditch the multi-blades and simplify your shave routine.

FAQs

Why are multi-blade razors bad?

Multi-blade razors can cause increased irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs compared to single blade razors. The multiple blades tug and cut whiskers below skin level, leading to problems especially for guys with sensitive skin.

Do single blade razors give a closer shave?

Single blade razors actually give a closer shave once you master the right technique. You get a smooth, clean cut without cutting hair too short below the skin. This avoids problems like ingrown hairs while still getting a close result.

What’s the difference between a safety and straight razor?

A safety razor uses a single disposable blade locked into a head you can easily switch out. A straight razor is an open blade you sharpen and directly glide across your skin. Safety razors are easier to learn but straight razors offer more precision.

How often do you change safety razor blades?

Most men get 5-7 comfortable shaves from each safety razor blade. Change the blade whenever it starts to tug rather than cut cleanly. Heavy beard growers may need to change blades more frequently than those who shave less often.

What’s the best way to prevent razor burn?

Always prep your whiskers by taking a hot shower or using a moisturizing shave gel before shaving. Use a light touch and proper blade angle - don’t press too hard. Go with the grain of your hair growth, not against it. Rinse the blade frequently while shaving. Finish with an aftershave balm.