Can Safety Razor Blades be Reused?

Safety razor blades are the same as any standard razor blades.

Not only are they used for safety razors like Clear Confidence’s reusable bamboo safety razor, but they’re also used in DIY tools like Stanley knives.

Here is a typical example of a standard safety razor blade:

In the case of safety razors, these slot into the reusable housing.

Instead of thrown the razor away (like you would with a disposable razor), or inserting a new cartridge, you simply replace the razor blade alone.

Standard double-edged razor blades like the above are inexpensive and can usually be recycled.

But can safety razors be reused, and how long do they last?

Can Safety Razor Blades be Reused?

Safety razor blades are manufactured from high-quality stainless steel. They slot into the housing of the safety razor.

If you look at our bamboo safety razor below, you can see where the blade slots into the razor head:

The grip itself is totally reusable. You can reuse the grip for decades, maybe even your entire lifetime!

However, you will need to replace the razor blades periodically.

Replacing Used Razor Blades

How long a standard razor blade lasts depends on 3 variables:

• How often you shave
• Your hair type and thickness
• How much hair you’re shaving

If you shave 3 to 4 times a week and have average-thickness hair then you can expect to go through around one razor blade every 10 days or so.

Bear in mind that body and facial hair tends to be thicker than head hair. Those with the thickest, gristliest hair will have to replace their razor blades more frequently.

On average, a standard razor blade should last around 7 to 10 light to medium shaves.

The Cost of Razor Blades

A pack of 100 razor blades costs between £7 and £12 on average. High-end razor blades cost more like £10 for 50 – though these likely aren’t tangibly better than standard razor blades.

You’re looking at around 7p to 20p per blade. 20p per blade per week works out to just £11.20 a year!

Now compare that to cartridges that typically cost £2.50 to £4 each. That adds up to well in excess of £150 a year – the savings are quite incredible.

Scale this up to a period of 10, 20 or 30 years and you’re talking about a saving of well in excess of £1,000 to £2,000 or more.

Fancy an extra luxury holiday every 10 years just for switching from a disposable or cartridge razor to a safety razor?!

Can Safety Razor Blades be Reused?

They can be reused some 5 to 10 times, depending on how thick your hair is.

After that, you’ll need to replace the blade and dispose of the old one.

Most safety razor blades can be recycled in the UK. Read our post on how to recycle safety razor blades here for more information.

Safety Razor Blades – The Eco-Friendly Choice

Safety razor blades don’t just save you money, they’re also sustainable and eco-friendly.

Millions of tons of disposable and cartridge razors end up in landfill each year. Contrastingly, standard safety razor blades are generally recyclable along with other scrap metal.

The benefits are there for all to see – make the switch to safety razors today for a sharper, ethical and enjoyable shave!