Forget $1 Shave Club - 3 YEARS using this same razor!!

[@einarolsen1713]

Thank you RmeyPilot. This is a great video, the best I've seen so far of the dozens of YT videos on stropping/honing blades. 1. Why do a significant number of comments (on other videos recommending very similar methods) say that this doesn't work? And what are solutions for them? 2. What do you mean exactly when you say "backwards but not forwards" in the washing the cartridge with water part? It is hard to see what you're doing because a) the cartridge is out of the video because the video veers to the left when you show this part, and b) you're moving it very fast, hard to see. Would you consider doing this video again, along with an update, so all parts of the video are clear? You clarify this point in one comment far below, but most people will not read that. 3. What about the blades used for butterfly razors? Feather blades? (I don't know what to call them other than 'razor blades,' but most people use that phrase for cartridges. And 'straight razor' blades isn't accurate because a straight razor is what barbers use, not a butterfly razor? Would your technique be any different in honing/stropping a blade used in a butterfly razor? 4. Does the nature of the beard make any difference in how often to hone/strop? 5. I use shave oil. Do you feel it works as well as gel? I plan to send your video to over 280 people soon, and far more than that eventually, so thanks again for posting this.

[@TheRmeyPilot]

Hi Einar, 1. I can't speak for the few that say it doesn't work. (I have really only seen a few- most that have tried it are serious converts!). I am literally on my third Gillette Mach 3 blade in almost 6 years. It absolutely works if you follow the instructions to: a. slap the blade in the water to remove debris which could hold water and its impurities. b. blow out the blade to further dry the blade c. touch the blade to a towel to remove any last vestiges of water c. strop the blade backward on your arm. d. store where the blade will remain dry (vertically in a cup or something) 2. You want to slap the blade so that the water strikes the back of the blade (opposite the cutting side) so that the debris is ejected out from the sharp edges. Water striking a sharp blade can actually dull it, so you slap this direction to avoid that. 3. I am only referring to cartridge-style blades in this video. Stropping a straight razor on your arm would work, but stropping these very thin cartridge blades would quickly wear them out. Some say to use jeans material, but even that is too rough in my opinion. You are simply using your skin to lightly hone the cartridge razor. 4. In short, there is no difference in the instructions for keeping the blade as sharp as it can be. The bottom line is that any impurities on the blade will eventually build up on the sharp edge of the blade (water minerals, corrosive proteins, etc). You are simply removing all of them and giving the blade a quick and light honing. 5. I use gel but provided you follow the instructions, I would think that the blade should last the same. Maybe do an experiment with two blades and let us know. :) I'll pin this for others to see. Very best to you! Dennis (aka Rmeypilot)

[@brahmeshvaram2862]

@@TheRmeyPilot OK thank you Dennis very much, these replies are helpful. I wanted to find out if I need to take the blade out of the straight razor, I guess it doesn't make any difference, because w the thin straight razor blades, both sides are cutting sides, and I turn them upside down when one side gets dull, and keep using it. That also means that it doesn't make any difference which side I slap in water, because both sides are cutting sides. But from your explanation, one shouldn't slap the blade in water very much with a straight razor. Based on something that was said in the only other video I found about honing on one's skin, your point about just touching the blade to the towel instead of running the razor backwards across the towel is important, it can bend or 'dent' the blade a little, according to that other video. Based on what you said, if I strop the blade on my skin, it should be very little, and very light. I've been doing about 7-10 strokes on each side of the razor, it feels natural, but one needs to do less. I have to remind myself not to use much pressure on my arm, same as with towel. The other video made a basic point - razor blades are very delicate, and if you treat them right, they'll perform far better and last years. I may do some more looking on YT about honing straight razor blades, using something other than one's skin. Thank you very much again for your reply, I appreciate it and the time and attention you give your comments.

[@elmacho7561]

*8 years later; still the best shaving advice ever¡*

[@GuitarGangsta]

starts at 1:35

[@WillScarlet1991]

You mean 2:35

[@jimmylovesbikes]

You are 100% correct and I've been doing this for some time now, with a piece of cloth instead of my arm. Get months of use out of one disposable razor. What's funny and frustrating is when I mention this to others, half the time they laugh and either think I'm pulling a joke or exaggerating.

[@ethimself5064]

Honing stone or the back of a leather belt also works great and perhaps denim.

[@shoorakhamis3904]

I been using the same gillette sensor 5 razor for 9 months now as good as new

[@newportnelson]

Yep. I got my last razor on December 25th, 2012 for Christmas. Today is September 22nd, 2018 and I'm using the exact same one. No rust. Use it every 2 days to shave my entire head, neck, and a bit of facial hair. I've only ever cut myself twice in around 1500 shaves with this same blade. It's amazing how long something can last you if you take proper care of it.

[@punker4Real]

dude it's designed to fail so you buy more.. = more profit

[@VR_JPN]

Wow. This actually works - I "renewed" a dying razor a few weeks back now. I would add that after doing this, firmly wrap the head in tissue to keep it dry, so that the rivets don't rust. Anyway, thanks so much!

[@killsdumpsterzebra1068]

You're a lifesaver brother! I had one old razor and a job interview in the morning. Thanks for taking the time to make this video.

[@jeffj318]

Did you get the job? If so, maybe the shave did the trick. LOL

[@nicetna2010]

That's a great tip for cartridge razors, but a safety razor will shave closer with no irritation, and a hundred pack of double edge blades can be had for eight dollars. Cheap enough for a clean, fresh blade every shave with no plastic into the landfills.

[@laveniashaw5604]

I use Gillette 7 O'Clock blades in a $6 Chinese razor and obtain 60 shaves per blade costimg 12 cents per blade. As an experiment, I placed a very small amount of toothpaste on the inside of a drinking glass and rubbed a used blade back and forth over the toothpaste. Voila! Another 30 shaves from the used blade. But at 12 cents per blade, all this was simply an experiment. However, I recommend Gillette 7 O' Clock blades.

[@icyjaam]

You can strop a DE razor?

[@brahmeshvaram2862]

Thanks again Dennis. I just finished the safety razor blade I started using 4 months ago when I made my last post, so you were right, that the thin safety razor blade didn't last as long as a cartridge blade. It lasted about 2-4 times longer than a Harry's or Dollar Shave cartridge, so is still clearly very cost effective even though it didn't last years. The safety razor blades I have now are Remington brand, I don't know how good they are, I bought them in a mass market grocer. When they run out, I'll do a find for ratings and reviews for safety razor blades and buy the best I can afford, and see if they last longer. Thanks again for your advice and responses, Einar

[@user-xs5dp4gw8e]

+ weekend set still in use since sept 2020 + further test with two sets, so every second day, since Sept 2021 + disposable blades used at 6 blade versions from Aldi Australia + blades are dry honed with 20+ strokes between shaves on underside of forearm - note natural skin oil may help here versus using old denim + both blades are cleaned monthly in ultrasound machine + shaving gel used also Aldi brand + shaving technique as per normal; with the hair grain, stretch skin taut with other hand + pre shaved skin washed with mild soap before each shave with cold water + hot water used for shaving + 50's year old skin :)

[@edhelein6475]

this works just as he said, I use my arm and jeans, I have been using the same blade for years ,,,, yes years! don't believe it? good keep throwing money away idc

[@francisjtuk]

You just made my days KZbin watching worthwhile. Thank you !!!

[@TheImpelDown]

i have used this trick for 22 years and i still have the same razor.

[@elmacho7561]

Naaah, U R joking. There used to be no these blades 22 years ago. :-)

[@elmacho7561]

If you want even better results, try putting on some toothpaste (tartar and whitening control; it has hydrated silica) and then rub exactly the same. Results are awesome! Do not do it very often as it wears the blades, one toothpaste for each ten only denim rubs.

[@SinsBird]

Been doing this since 2017, could never get more than 60 shaves, but that's not bad. Recently I started cleaning it differently. I dip it into container with water then hit it so the hair fly out of it. So shave, dip, hit, dip, hit, shave, dip... Cleans much better and hopefully it will last me longer.

[@scionnihil6218]

Just a fantastic haircut man.. i am definitely going to start doing this so i can hire a better stylist.

[@Gr8Believer]

While you shave move the blade back and forth over the beard without lifting the razor. 2 things happen. 1. You massage the beard to stand out more so you get a closer shave. 2. You sharpen the blade while shaving.

[@jeffj318]

This is interesting. Never thought to do this. Will try it though.

[@matricule69]

im having a flash and ill try it....ill put the blades in a small glass with hair remover (veet) and rinse...the way they build the razor...the tiny frame get stuck with hair behing the blades even if you rinse lots....just saying.

[@garrygemmell5676]

Dip your razor in petrol for a minute then let it dry works perfectly! Ive been using the same blade for 20 weeks now!

[@FixItYerself]

?

[@twoblink]

I strop my razor; I almost have to change it now; but almost 3 years.. and MUCH sharper than new razors.

[@sarahnellieb]

This works! Thank you.

[@sarahnellieb]

ken02 TheRmeyPilot my father emigrated to the US in 1939 from Bavaria, in Germany. He celebrated his eleventh birthday on the ship. Have a nice day!

[@scdevon]

Let's see some women put up some shave videos on KZbin.

[@Sortafication]

one question for you.... what if u used this method on and old leather belt and like u are working it like and old razor to sharpen it? instead of skin have u tried that? cause i haven't and i would love to see it used on the inside of a leather belt u wear but use it on the razor? does it work better or the same and the inside of the arm cause it seems like my man uses razors like crazy!!

[@jeffj318]

You can use a leather belt. You can use a pair of old jeans, too. I sometimes even use the jeans that I wear. I see more KZbin videos using old jeans. Some cut the jeans and put a piece on a block of wood. I don't think you need to do all that and can just use your forearm or the old jeans. Everyone I tell about this trick look at me like I am crazy. They don't believe it, however, it does work. You can also use a hairdryer for about 15 seconds on the razor after shaving to dry it rather than the towel method. Try it and maybe your man will use less money and can take you out to a very nice dinner with the money saved.

[@TheRmeyPilot]

I think that a belt is probably too harsh, hence the recommendation to just go backwards on your skin. I think the jeans would work well too, but still second to the skin IMO.

[@mikemclenison8200]

How often and how many backward strokes is typical?

[@TheRmeyPilot]

After each use, blow on the razor from the back pretty hard, then tap the razor to a towel or tissue. From there three or four strokes backwards on the forearm is good. Set the razor away for its next use and repeat each time. Hope that helps!

[@Capachomexico]

What do you mean in the part when you said backwards ? Like the razor blade upside down ? Sorry 😐

[@TheRmeyPilot]

Joss 9 - what I mean is that you are slapping the razor on the backside of the razor through the water to shove the cut whiskers back out. And then strop the razor against your arm opposite of the cutting direction. Does that help?

[@d2966-m8t]

I soaped my arm and strop it about 10 times. Frankly, it only helps a little bit.

[@abacdse]

Your pulling my leg

[@jeremyharrington9123]

I use my jeans and it works way better than your arm. I think a sharpening stone used to sharpen knifes would work best. Also I use conditioner rather than shaving cream or gel. It's much cheaper and works great!

[@elmacho7561]

You can add toothpaste or stropping paste; Brasso polishing etc, but just use it each 10 normal denim rubs.

[@Eldanoth]

works like a charm! :D You are ma' man

[@Mattjki]

Great video. Thanks for shaving.

[@ramesessmeriamun3959]

Is it safe on face ?

[@wadepatton2433]

Stumbled into here from studying straight razors stuff and because $1 Shave Club in title. Neat, but I've been using 100+ year-old razors for some time. The IRONY is that $1 Shave Club (issues with) is what drove me to try out old timey shaving. Just found "1894" scratched into the handle on one of my regular (not the oldest) shavers. Anyway, I do not doubt that your technique works and good on your for sharing it. There were dozens of devices made for stropping "safety razor" blades when they came out-and their whole point was disposable/no stropping of the blades. Just saying "Hi" from the "other side" of shaving.

[@tagawa]

Thanks for the tip! I've been making sure to clean and dry my razors, and they've lasted over a year, but I haven't tried the last part you described.

[@SteveJohnsonPHANTOM1984]

i shave my head every day. i use an actual leather razor barber strop on mine. I change my blade out once a month but it really don't need changing .

[@armroj51]

How do you manage to make it last? I shave my head daily as well but ive done these tips but it dont seem to work. My razors starts to pull my skin and leave hairs behind even against the grain

[@VikalHimanshu]

Wow, amazing!! I didn't know a single razor could last that long. Which razor cartridge is that? I am planning on using mach 3 sensitive because my skin get cut easily. Do you think this technique might work on it as effectively as well? Thanks.

[@TheRmeyPilot]

Himanshu Vikal Gillette Mach 3. Sorry for the slow reply- will work great!

[@jeffj318]

Try Solimo razors and blades from Amazon.

[@rudytaneloruxy9491]

so would an alcohol dip and using leather be more effective and something you could do every few days , after the gel is worn out obviously

[@TheRmeyPilot]

That might work, but leather is pretty harsh. A light stropping backwards against your dry skin seems to do the trick.

[@punker4Real]

I use schick razors # 5 and pull off those gel things before i even use them

[@ronaldson57]

there are many ways to make your razor blade last longer by shaving opposite way you normally shave from example towel, denim jeans, or your forearm trust me this actually work for me i had razor blade last about 4 months or longer i saved alot of money on razor blade

[@aldiliberto]

Thank you! I'm going to give that a try.

[@JACOPO.OFFICIEL]

Yep dead skin dull it immediately, this technique is very useful but I think that we have to get real it won't last for ever 🤣 But it saves money for sure !

[@Nuschler22]

How many times on your skin is sufficient?

[@TheRmeyPilot]

Tom Jones 3 or 4 strokes is plenty. ;)

[@ionilinescu3377]

Bravo, și eu fac la fel, dar pe podul palmei

[@toliveistolearnandtolove7858]

Can i just use normal soap on my beard before shaving it and not those any product

[@TheRmeyPilot]

jesson pulutan Sorry for the slow reply. You can use anything that will thoroughly rinse out of your blade without leaving a residue. Soapy suds, yes. ;)

[@irafarley1]

appreciate the practical method that is always with you....skin. Will try it.

[@beyloveable]

Awesome tip!!! Thanks for sharing this! Ps- we really laughed hard at the fart video! Thanks for that :) All the best to you.

[@TheRmeyPilot]

Thanks! I've certainly had fun and am obviously not ashamed to be myself. And you should know that "old glory" (the razor in the video) is STILL going 7 months since I shot this video and is not showing any signs of letting go. With the three new sleeves of razors that I have had for years I guess I'm good for the next 40 years of shaving. Haha. And one thing I didn't mention in the video is that I also strop the razor before I shave too, not just afterwards. Thanks again and Blessings!

[@backspin1448]

I've tried this and it works but I don't think the skin on your arm is really sharpening the razor steel blades, my guess is you are polishing off microscopic debries and particles from the cutting edge after each shave so the next time you use the blade you are starting with a very clean edge. On a microscopic scale the normal usage of a blade has a very fine buildup of skin cells and hair that reduces the cutting ability of the blade edge.

[@JosephQPublic]

Backspin - hence “honing” and “stropping.” He didn’t say he was sharpening the blades with his technique.

[@einarolsen1713]

@@JosephQPublic Thanks

[@s.r.5994]

WHY THIS RECOMMENDED ME AFTER 5 YEARS??

[@TheRmeyPilot]

Probably because Google has been tracking your extensive blade purchases. haha

[@s.r.5994]

@@TheRmeyPilot 😉

[@elmacho7561]

@@TheRmeyPilot Or the opposite, Google ads are not supposed to work on your behalf!

[@bosesebi6685]

gilette lasts for half a year easy without any stroping. I have mine lasting forever. All being said, I shave only after shower..

[@ladymeganrose]

What razor is it? Thank you!

[@2003.ex3]

he said gillette

[@ukspankedyank]

Thank you soooo much. You still using that shaver? :-)

[@TheRmeyPilot]

I finally gave her up and went to a new one after my wife used it to shave her legs and didn’t use the process. Haha

[@robertgray9802]

Oh my goodness I would be afraid of all the bacteria that would build up on that razor and my skin is sensitive

[@jeffj318]

Use a hairdryer for about 15 seconds on your razor after shaving. This will dry it very good. Keep it in an enclosed case if needed or another room aside from the bathroom. Keep in mind, the bathroom is loaded with germs no matter how you look at it with toilet flushing causing much "debris" to float up in the air, etc.

[@wis1024]

Rinse it with alcohol once in awhile

[@uzisuicyde3011]

your skin is covered in layers of bacteria so volotile it gives the razor infections dont worry about some stubblegunk

[@elmacho7561]

Keep the razor in a little bottle with 99%alcohol till the next shave.

[@haroldbridges515]

I strop my Mach 3 cartridge on a strop block loaded with red compound which I use to sharpen kitchen knives. The result is that it is sharper than new.

[@beastincarnate2309]

Is it a shaving strop or normal strop?

[@wis1024]

I've known about this for sometime now and its well explained in this and other videos, my grandfather taught me this trick hed say its no different than any other razor or your pocket knife for that matter it would take a very long time for hair to actually dull any edge its just hair lol i think this may be something we should keep on the down low lol they will find a way to make it impossible for us to continue.

[@Twisty_McThrottle]

Gotta give this a shot.

[@Jackknifegyp]

r u really an army pilot?

[@TheRmeyPilot]

Jackknifegyp As a matter of fact! Butmore accurately “former” Army Black Hawk (and Huey) pilot. 28 Years. Thanks for asking! :)

[@ud6491]

Really cool.

[@cotswoldseeker5609]

Great vid- thanks for sharing! Will definitely be giving this a go :) Have a great week--

[@ExclusiveLM]

I just have my wife scream at the razor which scares it back into new factory new sharpness. Since all married men ususally have a screaming wife in your house, just wait for you to do something quote wrong and put the shaver inches away from her and you got yourself a new shaver. Your welcome.

[@anhcuongdeptrai09]

Thanks will try it's later

[@Hockeyfan9884]

Well I can give you a guarantee as of right now , yourself having said that , I am a new subscriber and hope this will save me a number of dollars. One question however, is that , what is the best type of forearm to own that makes this razor sharping technique the best ? Do you need a soft squishy arm full of hair, is the arm of a smooth bored , muscle vein better, and if I use it on the " old lady " will she think i'm nuts and divorce me ??

[@TheRmeyPilot]

Steve Davis Now that’s funny! Find a relatively hairless area. That’s why I use the back side of my arm. ;)

[@abacdse]

You don't want to pay out an arm and a leg for new blades

[@YamadaDesigns]

Cartridge razors aren't meant to be stropped. They aren't that thick like straight razors or older DE blades.

[@christiansalazar4604]

And yet it works though. 🤔

[@elmacho7561]

Mmmh. . . Gillette marketing detected :-(

[@elmacho7561]

And your wallet is not supposed to be assaulted by an antitoxic masculinity company.

[@mikewazowski350]

I've used the same razor for 27 years.

[@jeffj318]

No way! Same razor blade? What is the trick?

[@elmacho7561]

What were you taking during? The carpet is to step on, not to smoke it :-) Post photos of the edge using a USB microscope or iPhone microscope, they are about 4usd and you get to see the edge!

[@einarolsen1713]

the same razor, or the same cartridge?

[@theblondepaisa3235]

Hi charlie sheen

[@taspavlid]

Dont use disposable razors, you can shave like man...DE razor with DE blades...so simple, traditional shaving. No need stroping etc...

[@BrettzGaming56]

DE is the way to go!

[@jeffj318]

You have the DE crowd and the cartridge crowd. Neither is wrong or right. DE crowd thinks it is more manly and the cartridge crowd just wants to get it done. I shave using only water most of the time. A little bit of hot towel on my face to soften the whiskers and then take my beautiful Bulldog bamboo razor or Solimo razor (Amazon) and finished shaving in no time.

[@elmacho7561]

Nope! ! ! the true manly shaving is Straight razor shaving ! ! ! Esto vir!

[@elmacho7561]

And you sharpen it with a porcelain polished tile and water!

[@mithamurali9945]

❤

[@colinsushiboy745]

No thanks! I'll end up taking chunks of skin off my arm lol. Seen videos of using a pair of jeans to sharpen the razor and some black thing. I'll try those before the skin backwards deal

[@jeffj318]

Have no fear, Colin. As long as you push the razor away from your skin you will be fine. Yes, if you go the same way you shave, then you will shave any hair on your arm. LOL

[@abacdse]

My jeans now have massive holes in them but at least I feel in my twenties again

[@megandear7840]

Aren’t you the colonoscopy fart dude?

[@TheRmeyPilot]

Apparently! haha

[@edwardcullen3251]

Imagine if by accident you went in the other direction on your arm. *Shudder* Has that ever happened to you?

[@Colopwnius]

It would shave off the hairs.

[@Colopwnius]

That's not how a razor blade works. He is using it the "wrong way" to sharpen it. Imagine what happens when you use it the "right way". Correctly, it functions as intended.

[@edwardcullen3251]

Colopwnius Not with that much force

[@ackmandesu8538]

Edward Cullen How often do you shave my man

[@blankplanet1476]

They're not as sharp as safety razors. At worst, you'll only get a really light bleeding that didn't even come with any pain. It'll hurt a bit after a while but you won't really notice it unless you pay attention to. I know because I used to do this stupid mistake by cleaning the blades from the clogged hair by rubbing my thumb up and down on them compulsively lol. If it was a DE I would probably have lost my thumb lol.

[@denoplyste449]

bullshit -tried it and it was still dull a.f

[@elmacho7561]

Improve your technique.

[@denoplyste449]

@@elmacho7561 how ?

[@TheRmeyPilot]

You're not doing it right then, my friend. Each of my blades last two years. You can't fake that!

[@scottfowler50421]

This technique doesn't work at all and in fact it makes the blades blunter

[@TheRmeyPilot]

I'm not sure how you can explain a blade that shaves like a three-day old razor for two years, but whatever. Keep buying your razors.

[@scottfowler50421]

@@TheRmeyPilot I use shower clean spray to get rid of hairs and scum from blades