How to Save Money on Razor Blades
December 5, 2007 – 7:51 pm
It seems like I go through a razor blade at least twice a month. Gillette and Schick have a virtual monopoly on the razor blade business. It’s a classic business model were they give you the razor system at below cost and make their money on selling you blade cartridges which can cost up to $2-3 a piece.
A recent article from the Chicago Tribune shares some tips on extending the life of your blade. The primary thesis of the article is that razor blades wear out mainly from rust and not cutting hair. Because blades are often left wet after use they develop micro-rust which dulls the edge of the blade. The article suggests drying your blade after each use with either a hair dryer or a soft cloth will greatly extend the useful life of the blade. The article comments on a few people whose tests of drying their razor blades after use has led to a life of several months versus a few weeks.
The savings: Well if you assume $2 a blade and you also assume you extend the life of the blade from 2 weeks to a month you would save 12 blades a year at $2 for a total savings of $24. Of course results, costs can vary quite a bit.
Extending the Life of Razor Blades (Chicago Tribune)