The Magic Behind Smooth Shave Experience
Why would some people want a relatively dull blade? Do you think of “ sharper blade, better blade”? It depends on the user. Here is an incredible truth, the sharper the blade you use, the more risk of causing razor burn and general irritation. That’s why most people prefer to use a blade that effortlessly and painlessly removes stubble.
Why is some blade more skin-friendly? How the blade manufacturer made it?
Here we have to mention a word—coating.
In the dictionary, coating means “a thin layer or covering of something. “
In Wikipedia, here is also a definition of coating:
A coating is a covering that is applied to the surface of an object, usually referred to as the substrate. The purpose of applying the coating may be decorative, functional, or both. Coatings may be applied as liquids, gases, or solids e.g. Powder coatings.
In the blade manufacturing industry, the coating is one of the most important parts of the safety razor blade manufacturing process, which is after the blade edging and polishing processing.
Today, many different coatings are used on the edges of razor blades to make them more durable, smooth, and rust-proof. Manufacturers add a coating to their blades to help them glide across the skin easier or last longer.
What Does The Coating Do?
What we used to cover the blade is not simply a pure substance, but different types of polymers.
What is a polymer? And what are the characteristics of different coating?
As we mentioned before, coatings are put on the blade to help provide a smooth cut without irritating the skin. They are often covered with polymers. A polymer is a thing that has multiple similar molecules connected to form a strong link, which also allows for strength while maintaining flexibility. In that case, safety razor blade coatings allow for durability that lasts and a shave as smooth as glass.
The Types of Coatings
Since the elements are different, different coatings have different minor effects. There are three common elements—platinum, chromium, and tungsten.
- Platinum
Platinum is one of the best choices for safety razor blade coatings. Platinum is known for its lustrous appearance. And it has a very durable composition that allows the blade to keep its sides smooth and its edges sharp. When you examine the shine of a platinum-coated blade, you can see that it gives your face an old-fashioned shine.
- Chromium
Similar to platinum, chrome is known for its luster, which helps blades last longer and looks better. Chrome plays a big role in making stainless steel as stainless as it is. If you want a slick look, get yourself a safety razor blade with a coating that includes chrome.
- Tungsten
Tungsten is unique. It also contains the same properties as platinum and chromium, but with its own special characteristics; this rare metal is stronger than steel and can make precise and solid cuts.
Although there are various coatings, all the coating do have the same purpose—to increase and prolong the sharpness and durability of the safety razor blade and subsequently make it become the best double edge razor blade for shaving.
What Is The Best Coating?
Since there are a few coating types, which one is the best?
This all depends on the demands of the customer. Also, we would give the customer some advice for which one can meet their requirements if they need it.
Preferences for safety razor blade coatings depend largely on the person using the blade. Different coatings are considered better for specific hair textures and skin types, but they all accomplish the same general task.
There are three examples.
The first one is long-lasting while still maintaining the platinum coating that makes for “comfort and durability”.
The second type of safety razor blade also has a platinum coating, but is known for its “very gentle and forgiving blades”. While they accomplish the same task, a gentler approach is recommended, perhaps for those with sensitive skin and those who have recently started using safety razors.
The last is a safety razor blade coated with a platinum-tungsten-chromium polymer - also emphasizing that their blades are made for an “extremely smooth and comfortable shave”.
We offer the most common coatings for extended wear life on any blade. Ask us about these or describe your application. You can test options and select the coating that is best for you. We offer coatings that provide lubricity and strength that maximizes the blade lifetime and translates into production savings for your customers.
The Side Effect Of Coating
We see coatings like platinum and Teflon very often. They give additional features to the razor, but they also slightly increase the thickness and reduce the sharpness of the edge. In addition, after a few shaves, these coatings wear down and the blade’s performance starts to decrease.
Some people’s skin can show allergic reactions against Teflon or platinum coating. Therefore, we do not recommend choosing a blade just by looking at the coating. Lots of coatings don’t make a blade great. Or course, coated blades, especially Teflon-coated models, comfortably glide over the skin and offer various advantages. But many uncoated blades can also offer very good shaves too. After all, the durability of the edge is not affected just by the coatings.
Conclusion
Ultimately, sellers have to investigate the preferences of their target customers - sharpness, smoothness, appearance, price, and quality of safety razor blades. We recommend that you try many different types until you find the one that best suits your target customer.
For example, a certain type of blade may be suitable for people with easily irritated skin and thinning hair, and some with coarse hair and rough skin. Try different blades and you will reap the benefits you want for your customers.
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