There are many different styles of cartridge razor out there. You can find them from anywhere from two blades up to a maximum of seven blades now (I saw this in a cartridge razor recently and was pretty surprised). However, the most popular amount of blades to have in a razor still remain the same – the 3-blade and the 5-blade razor still rule supreme.
However, for those who haven’t used either of these types of razors, it can prove a little difficult to know which one of them to choose. So, when you’re trying to decide between them, what are the key differences between a 3-blade and a 5-blade razor? Well, let’s have a look at some of the differences now.
Overviewe of 3-Blade Razor vs 5-Blade Razor
If you’re trying to decide between the two, then generally a 5-blade razor is advised for most people, especially those who have thicker hair that many benefit from a multi-blade approach. However, if you have particularly sensitive skin, then a 3-blade razor can be the better option.
Many men don’t bother too much about using a 3-blade or 5-blade razor. They think they just need to clean their beard and the variable number of blades doesn’t make much of a difference.
However, reality shows that this really affects their beard and skin a lot. If a suitable razor is selected, the irritation and health of the skin and beard are treated and improved.
3-Blade Razor
The more blades that you use, the more likely it is that you’re going to irritate your skin. Think about it – you’re grazing blades of stainless steel against your skin. This is actually the reason many people opt to use a safety razor, which only has one blade.
Anyway, most people seem to be able to tolerate using a 3-blade razor against their skin. But 5 or6 blade razors can increase the chance you’re going to get irritated skin. This means more razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and red rashes.
Now, this definitely isn’t the case for everyone, and many people seem to be able to use a 5 blade razor without having any problems. But if you do have particularly sensitive skin, then a 3 blade razor is a better option. If you’re shaving somewhere sensitive (like your scalp, or down there), then I’d definitely advise that you use a 3-blade razor instead of a 5-blade razor.
Best 3-blade razor: If you’re looking for a 3-blade razor to use, then you definitely need to check out the Mach 3. It’s one of Gillette’s most popular razors, and it provides a much more sensitive shave than many 5-blade razors out there.
5-Blade Razor
The main benefit of using a 5-blade razor overusing a 3-blade razor is that you’re probably going to reduce your shaving time. Think about it – if you have 5 blades gliding over your skin instead of just 3 blades, it makes sense that you’re going to cut more hair out, doesn’t it? A 5-blade razor will allow you to cut more hair quicker than you can with a 3-blade razor.
According to shaving brands like Gillette, they actually do more than just this – the increased amount of blades is said to minimize the chance you have of cutting yourself as well. However, the majority of people have never cut themselves with a 3-blade razor, either.
For most people, when combined with the right shaving cream and shaving technique, a 5-blade razor will be just fine. If you want a quick way to shave your facial hair, then it’s probably worth looking at getting yourself a five-blade razor.
Best 5-blade Razor: If you’re looking for the best 5-blade razor that’s out there, then I’d advise that you check out the Wilkinson’s Sword Hydro 5. It’s one of the most popular razors in the world, and refill cartridges for it are cheaper than that of Gillette. You could also check out Lee’s Guide to Shave Clubs, which are mainly 5-blade razors.
Comparison factors between 3-blade razor and 5-blade razor
The aggressiveness of razor
Put on the scale for comparison, the more blades your razor has, the more aggressive it is.
However, this also depends on the material from which it is made. For example, alloy steel will have a much lower value than stainless steel. Stainless steel with sharp and thinner characteristics than other materials will help to shave cleaner, more neatly.
If the same material, of course, a 5-blade razor will prevail over a 3-blade razor.
The closeness of the razor
In terms of comparing the same material, the closeness of the razor will not change much with a multi-blade razor blade.
The operating mechanism of the multi-blade razor system will always remain the same no matter how many blades are added.
Skin comfort of the razor
The issue of the number of razor blades does not affect the comfort of the skin. Skin comfort depends on the quantity or quality of the razor’s lubricating strip.
However, if you have sensitive skin, you should consider the number of blades. Because more blades also mean more friction. Excessive friction can lead to razor burns, nicks, and skin irritation.
If you feel uncomfortable with a 5-blade razor, when reducing to 3 blades, the uncomfortable problem will only be reduced without being completely resolved. You need to change the type of razor or razor blade you are using.
The speed of the razor
Still comparing the same material, a 5-blade razor will have a faster shaving speed than a 3-blade razor. This superiority in speed is made possible by the 5-blade system that will deliver more cuts than the 3-blade.
The longevity of blade life
Blade life is affected by many factors. However, without taking into account other influencing factors, a 5-blade razor will be more durable than a 3-blade razor.
Because the workload is divided among each blade of 3-blade razors more, their service life is also shorter.
Conclusion
Like many things in the field of shaving, much of the decision between how many blades you use will come down to your preference and experience.
With the above article, we hope to have given you the necessary information to make your choice easier. Keep in touch and see you in the next post!
I prefer the three blade razor over the 5. I’ve used the 3 for many years and will stick with the 3.
A 3 last three days and I’m satisfied with that …. no razor burn but a good close shave…..
Perhaps I will try your 3 blade razor if possible…
My present 3 blade 4 pack last approx 12 days….
Can the sharpness of your blades out due the 12 day cycle for 4 blade Gillette blades ????
I have always used 5 blade cartridges since starting, find they give a much closer shave and seems done in no time. No problems as I can see or feel.
Safety razors are low-cost, really?
The whole idea of a multi-blade cartridge is to lift the hair with the first blade and cut with the second blade then repeated the process with blades three and four. Actually, blade five is pretty useless without a lifting blade ahead of it. At present, there are no independent, scientific, or clinical studies to determine the effectiveness of a three-blade vs five-blade system. Each blade is going to perform differently on different parts of the body, face, legs, armpits, and so on. It’s not simply about blade count. It really is about the technique your using and which parts you’re using it on. Shaving the knee cap is much, much different than shaving the upper thigh. There is no proof that a five-blade cuts hair any faster than a three-blade. The only real difference is the closeness to the skin, not the speed.