Over the years, millions of men and women have been convinced to believe that "more is better" when it comes to the number of blades a razor has. Savvy marketing is one reason why multi-blade cartridge razors have become more popular than double-edge razors. Another factor that led to the rise in popularity multi-blade cartridge razors is the ease of replacing a used razor head: just snap the old one out and snap the new one on.
Convenience at a price
Turns out, there are some big downsides to the “convenience” of a multi-blade cartridge, starting with the tremendous costs associated with buying replacement blades over time. Let's not forget that these cartridges razors cannot be recycled. As a result, they end up in landfills by the billions and encourage a throw-away society. What's more, you can't mix and match cartridges and handles from brands even different models by the same brand when made by the same brand, talk about environmentally friendly...
Close shave ... or not really?
The thought that more blades are better for a closer shave must come from the fact that one must make several passes over the same area to remove all the hair. A multi-blade razor with more blades will ideally do this in a single stroke, shortening the time needed to get ready. Right?
In reality, facial hair is of different thickness and grows in all directions, making it impossible to get a silky-smooth face in a single pass. You will still have to shave the same spot a few more times at different angles and in opposite directions for the desired result.
When several blades go over the skin at the same time, they cut hair below the skin. This may sound good for it will take some time for it to resurface. However, as hair doesn’t grow straight through the follicle each time, some hairs can get trapped underneath. This can easily lead to the following situations:
- increased risk of ingrown hair
- Increased risk of acne
- increased risk of an irritated skin
A Quick History Lesson
In the early 1970’s, big shave companies realized that they could generate much more profit by selling multi-blade cartridge razors instead of single, double-edge razor blades (the gold standard at the time). Men are quickly re-discovering that shaving with a classic, double edge razor provides a much closer, more comfortable shave - without the risk of ingrown hairs and skin irritation.
Historically, safety razors have had a bit of a learning curve attached to them and can be intimidating to a newcomer. Luckily, Rockwell has solved this problem by inventing a new type of adjustable safety razor that allows a beginner to start with classic shaving with zero risk of cutting oneself.
In the long run, a single blade safety razor like the one your grandfather used is much cheaper. One could say it's dirt cheap, and if you want to cut down on how much you spend, a model like the Rockwell 6C Razor is seriously something you should consider.
Why Should I Switch to a Double Edge Safety Razor?
Beyond the amount of money you’ll be saving on expensive, non-recyclable drug store cartridges, you’ll also begin noticing improved skin quality over time, as well as a reduction in razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
Conclusion
By starting on Rockwell’s lowest size setting (R1), you’ll be able to reap the benefits of a barber-grade shave from the comfort of your own home, without any risk of nicks, cuts or irritation. Once you get a feel for the razor, you’ll be able to work your way up to a shave setting that works best for you unique skin type and hair length. All razors are backed by Rockwell’s Lifetime Guarantee, meaning you’ll never need to purchase another razor again - and at $0.12 a blade, there’s no doubt that this is both the smartest and most comfortable way to shave.