Mach3 edge chipping, what steel do they use?

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Oct 2, 2006
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After shaving with the Mach3, I noticed some pull and looked at the blade edges under a microscope. Sure enough, there was microchipping and the edge was no longer smooth. I resharpened the blades on my EdgePro (3000 and 7000 grit) and it was a better shaver than original, until it wore out again.

Anyone know what steel the Mach3 uses? Because it seems both soft and brittle. Edge retention is terrible. Steel quickly becomes toothy after wear.
 
They're designed to cost more, become clogged fast, get blunt soon,waste resources,create pollution and make us the consumer spend more than we should. On top of all this, they deliver a mediocre shave. Try using an old school double edged blade, after a few tries I'm sure you'll never go back to the multi blade cartridge fraud.
 
My wife just found five packs of Mach 3 blades on clearance for $2.60 each (12 blades per pack). So I'm set for a while without shelling out too much cash. However, when those run out, I probably need to finally go old school.

I've got these. But I still haven't learned to sharpen or use them properly.

SHBK.jpg
 
Wow that's enough Mach3's to last years!

A single one of those straight razors would outlast all the Mach3's, you can try picking the best one for sharpening and use. Straight razors do shave the best but unlike the Mach3 you have to stretch the skin yourself. They are very easy to sharpen freehand since the spine of the razor acts as the sharpening guide. All you need is a set of stones (Naniwa 3/8/12k and Shapton 4/8/16k are the top choices).
 
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Those cut-throat razors are very nice.
Too bad I have shaking hands.......
 
Straight razors are simply the best. They have a bit of a learning curve, but hands down, flat out the best shavers ever.
 
My wife just found five packs of Mach 3 blades on clearance for $2.60 each (12 blades per pack). So I'm set for a while without shelling out too much cash. However, when those run out, I probably need to finally go old school.

I've got these. But I still haven't learned to sharpen or use them properly.

SHBK.jpg

DAMN! Those are beautiful! I must say, though...don't try sharpening them yourself. Send them to a professional for sharpening, and pick up a damaged razor to practice on. It's way different than sharpening a knife, and a small error can do LOTS of damage to a straight razor, regardless of if it looks like it or not. Badgerandblade.com and straightrazorplace.com are some good places to start off looking for tutorials. :)
 
The Mach3 and (venus3) aren't any good for facial hair but for other hair, they do just fiiiiine :p

A good electric or a straight.
Braun Activator is a good choice, it just works. Even the battery indicator works, if it says 3 minutes, you have 3 minutes left. Holds a charge for a month, still after 4-5 years
 
DAMN! Those are beautiful! I must say, though...don't try sharpening them yourself. Send them to a professional for sharpening, and pick up a damaged razor to practice on. It's way different than sharpening a knife, and a small error can do LOTS of damage to a straight razor, regardless of if it looks like it or not. Badgerandblade.com and straightrazorplace.com are some good places to start off looking for tutorials. :)

Why shouldn't he try sharpening them himself? Straight razor users need to hone their razors regularly so the skill is essential. It's a lot easier than sharpening a knife, since the spine sets the angle. You just need a set of much finer stones than what is typically used for knives.

Since this topic has already been derailed I'll show some razors:

beaubrummel.jpg


friodur.jpg


dublducksatinwedge581.jpg
 
I resharpened the blades on my EdgePro (3000 and 7000 grit) and it was a better shaver than original, until it wore out again

Ummm, you didn't actually pull out each little blade, resharpen it on the Edge Pro, and somehow manage to get it back in, or did you :confused::eek::confused::eek:
 
Ummm, you didn't actually pull out each little blade, resharpen it on the Edge Pro, and somehow manage to get it back in, or did you :confused::eek::confused::eek:

I pulled them out and sharpened freehand with a tweezer in each hand on a EdgePro bladeblank and finished on a 12k waterstone.

My guess is that it is probably 13C26 or 440A with a poor heat treat.
 
Why shouldn't he try sharpening them himself? Straight razor users need to hone their razors regularly so the skill is essential. It's a lot easier than sharpening a knife, since the spine sets the angle. You just need a set of much finer stones than what is typically used for knives.

It's easier to hold the proper angle, yes, but there are some other factors to be considered in order to avoid damaging the razor or its geometry. I didn't mean to imply that he shouldn't EVER do it himself, merely that I recommend getting at least one of them professionally honed FIRST. This allows the novice to experience exactly how it SHOULD perform when properly sharp, giving them a point of reference when they do it themselves. Then, starting off with a junk razor (one that's pitted or slightly chipped) to practice sharpening allows them to get used to the feel and specifics of razor sharpening without making any mistakes on a shave-quality piece. It's not hard once you get the hang of it, for sure, but you need to learn/relearn some different things. :)
 
You could always go back to safety razors that use double-edge or single-edge blades.

Ah, but I do use DE blades:thumbup: Would not use a modern cartridge razor any longer.

Shaking hands or not, they are still SAFETY razors...cut-throats are not:eek:
 
Ah, but I do use DE blades:thumbup: Would not use a modern cartridge razor any longer.

Shaking hands or not, they are still SAFETY razors...cut-throats are not:eek:

Ah, I see I missed your statement of use in your original post on this thread.

True while open razors (aka straight razors or cut-throat razors) are not safety razors, it does take a bit to actually injure yourself with one -- using it as a shaving implement. Yes, you can cut yourself, but you can also do so with a DE or SE safety razor. It comes down to good technique for getting both a comfortable and close shave with either implement.

However, there are conditions like yours, that require more consideration and adjustments to conduct a proper shave. Obviously, the DE razors are working out for you, and that's definitely a good thing. ;)
 
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