How to sharpen a Gillette machine

Those of us who shave daily with machines like Gillette are well aware of how much one razor cartridge from this company costs. And the point here is most likely not even in the manufacturer’s brand. Any multi-blade machine is quite expensive, but does not last as long as we would like.
Having searched the Internet for ways to extend the life of a razor cartridge, I came across an article on simple sharpening of any machine on denim. I liked the method, although the comments under the article were quite contradictory. Some said a huge thank you to the author of the article, others shouted that this was nonsense and nothing helps.

I decided to use my own example to test the method of sharpening the machine and support my result with photographs taken on a USB microscope.

Will need

So, all we need is a piece of denim folded in half.

Well, and accordingly a flat surface, like a table.

Sharpening a dull razor

Sharpening a machine is not a tricky thing at all, as they say - even a child can do it. We lay down the fabric, place the loom on it and move it from the bottom up.

We raise the machine, move it down, lower it and repeat the operation 80-100 times. This happens quite quickly, it won't take much time.
Now let's look at everything in detail. Here is the first microscope shot of the blunt machine before sharpening.

As can be seen from the photo, the edges of the blades have an uneven and torn cutting surface. It's like they're eaten away.
We make about 30-40 movements on the denim and again look at the result under a microscope.

And we see a concrete improvement. Not only did the blades become clean and shiny, but the cutting edge was noticeably transformed and became almost even.
Then, after the next 40-50 movements, the result exceeded all expectations. The edge of the blades was completely leveled and returned to almost its original condition. What this photo shows:

Result

My conclusion is this: yes, the method certainly works and helps bring the razor back to life for at least one more period. Personally, when I shaved with the restored machine, I didn’t notice any difference with the new cassette, which means everything works as it should.
So friends, take it on board and use it. If for some reason it didn’t work out, it’s okay, because you were going to throw away this machine anyway. And the 10-15 minutes spent on all procedures are worth nothing.
In general, this method will save a cosmic amount in your budget! Go for it!

Watch the video