What To Look For
While double-edged razor blades, according to Hudson's FTM Resource Guide, are used in extended-use razors with replaceable parts, the single-edge blade is often featured in a disposable razor or a cartridge-replacement razor. Made How notes that most razor blades are constructed of carbide steel with few differences in strength. However, manufacturers are starting to market blades as "thinner" or comfort-coated, like the American Safety Razor company's Personna razor. A few of the most reliable single-edged blades for razors include the Bic Classic and Gillette disposables.
Common Pitfalls
Usage is the most important criterion for selecting the best single-edge razor blade. Disposable razors are designed to offer a new, sharp razor with each use and remove the need to remember to purchase and change the blade cartridge. However, disposable razor blade razors are typically of a lower quality construction and may not produce as comfortable of a shave. Changeable blade cartridges can provide a higher quality shave but only if the user remembers to change the blade when necessary.
Where To Buy
Both disposable single-edge razor blades and replaceable cartridge brands can be found at your local drugstore, grocery store and even superstores like Walmart and K-mart. To purchase in bulk and save, you can choose from a variety of brands at Costco, BJs and Sam's Club. Online suppliers like ShavePlace.com and Drugstore.com can provide a variety of single-edge razor blade brands to choose from. American Safety Razor Company has an online site the features a variety of medical-grade razors with single-edge razor blades also.
Cost
Cartridge replacement single-edge razor blades typically come in packages with the razor handle and some replacement cartridges or just as a pack of replacement cartridges. Gillette's new ProGlide comes with a battery-operated pulsing feature for about $12 each while the manual unit is just $3.50. A package of just replacement cartridges are about $20 for an 8-pack. A package of five Bic Classic razors costs about $2.50. Kendall Healthcare's Fixed-Head Single-Edge Disposable Sterile Razors are sold in singles and cost about $2.30 each.
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