Your hair can crack steel when it hits the right spot
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ส.ค. 2020
- Imperfections on the surface of razor blades cause them to fail
Read the research: scim.ag/31I3w8d
Credit
producer
Meagan Cantwell
supervising producer
Joel Goldberg
special thanks
Sarah Crespi
Brett Grocholski
Gianluca Roscioli
Cemal Cem Tasan
research
Roscioli et al., Science 2020
DOI: 10.1126/science.aba9490
photos
Dave out and about/Flickr
video footage
Gianluca Roscioli
Videoblocks
Pond5
archival footage
Duke University Libraries/Internet Archive
illustrations
Meagan Cantwell
Gianluca Roscioli
music
"FreeJeans"
by Chris Burns - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
that's literally cutting-edge research :)
Razors have always been cutting edge technology.
Beautiful
XDD
“With new blades we can cut that waste off at the source.” I see what you did there.
Hur hur hur hur
Waste reduction means people can shave a lot of money. - Sean Connery
Greg Feneis, LOL!
OH MY GOD I WHEN I READ THAT SHE SAID IT AT THE EXACT SAME TIME.
I KNOW THAT IM OVERREACTING OVER A COINCIDENCE LIKE THIS, BUT IT WAS SO COOL THAT I WISH EVERYONE HAD EXPERIENCED IT WITH ME BUT THAT WOULD BE WEIRD BECAUSE I DONT WANT PEOPLE TO READ MY MIND.
SO COOL THOUGH.
@@lepotato135 AHHHHHHHHH
Literally all the waste from razors is due to the fact that the cartridge system makes the company the most money and has the most marketing. Anyone that has tried a decent safety razor knows just how much better it is and enjoys the freedom of not having to worry about blades being crazy expensive or being discontinued.
totally true. the only material waste from my shaving is steel ~ although there doesn't seem to be a great way of practically recycling that. not in my neighbourhood at least. i could put it in the recycling bag, but that's just asking for trouble.
@@ciderandthorazine realistically you could throw it in a forge or collect it for a crap yard, metals are extremely easy to recycle
I still use my heat vision for shaving beard
@@ciderandthorazine Find a bin strong enough to collect the used razors and eventually use them to create the "edgiest" artistic sculpture this world has ever seen!
Hell, you could probably even just find some weirdo to buy them off you for $5-10
Reduce > Reuse > Recycle! ;D
Edit: Just having some fun agreeing. Not trying to tell anyone how to live their life or anything like that...
You can strip safety razors too and really get em to last with clean shaves.
it’s so soothing to watch hair crack steel
But more soothing if you are on cracks!
the very large number of hair against that single razor is the main cause
Razor makers don't want to make longer lasting razors because they want to sell more razors. This is called planned obsolescence.
The trick I learned that saves money and environmental waste is an old school double edge razor, doesn't take long to get down, a 10 pack of blades is around $5 or less, far less plastic waste
2:05 "working to create longer lasting razors" Way to put a target on their backs for Gillette's snipers
Wiping dry your razors will vastly increase their lifespan. Drag them in the opposite direction on a towel.
I woke up from a weird dream thinking about razors and blades. I remembered watching a StarTalk episode where they talked about the relationship between surface area and pressure. The smaller the area, the higher the pressure. I was wondering if razors manufacturers design blades so the surface of the tip is just small enough to cut the hair but not too small that it can be extremely hazardous. I woke up hoping someone took a blade under a microscope to see my theory and here I found this amazing video. This perfectly fits the idea discussed in the episode. In theory we can design a knife blade that will cut a tomato in half without applying any force. The force resulting from the weight of the knife maximized by a small surface (of the sharp edge) will result in high pressure. But this giving that it must sit on a 90 degrees angle as mentioned in the video.
Sharper is better, because then you don’t have to bear down so hard which can lead to accidental slips and cuts while shaving. The blades aren’t made more dull because of safety. It’s just that there’s a physical limit on how sharp a blade can be. If manufacturers were able to consistently get the edge of the blade down to the width of a single steel molecule I’m certain they would. But it isn’t possible.
@@weallwould7246 they wouldn't even if they could. It would just eat their profits, because people would buy less of them if it lasted longer. Like the gentleman in the video said that a single razor blade lasted somewhere from 10 to 15 times. Do you know what is the number now? Maximum 5 times (for me). You see what I mean?
@@beactivebehappy9894They absolutely would if they could. Practically every company is looking to get the edge on the market if they can offer a better product than their competitors. The real issue would be whether people are willing to pay for more expensive but more durable blades. Heck I bet it's already out there if you looked around, it's just most people won't know, or at least don't see a big enough difference to justify the cost. Better blades are a smaller market.
It's like that myth that (incandescent) light bulb manufactures conspire to refrain from making longer lasting bulbs. The reality is that longer lasting bulbs usually had thicker filaments, making them more expensive to make and run. Cheap shorter lasting incandescents were more economical all around.
Conversely LEDs are running into the problem of offering better products for higher prices, and smaller markets. The big brand LEDs last far longer because they have better heat dispersion, yet so many people pick the crappy ecosmart bulbs simply since they're cheaper. It doesn't matter if they last half as long, people want the lower head cost.
While you were shaving your neck beard, I was here, studying the blade
Waste-reduction is a big driver in my use of straight razors, steel tools that can be rehoned across lifetimes. Unfortunately, I've also accumulated a pile of shave soaps, most of which come in . . . plastic . . . tubs.
I’m going to be a bit snobby here, plus infodump, so sorry in advance, *BUT* If Reused as much as reasonably possible, then Recycled and/or Disposed of Properly (Thermal Recycling via Pyrolysis and/or Gasification, or Incineration (both with STRICT pollution controls) *Plastics aren’t *that* bad.
Most metal is made using coal, and you have the “Direct Land Use Change” from mines+mine tailings etc. Also additional mass in transit probably has impact on Fuel/Energy use of all the vehicles.
Not that I’m some fossil fuel lover, but Petrochemicals can be made from Bio-Methane, , Syngas, Methanol, Dimethyl Ether, or even Pyrolysis Oil/Hydrothermal Liquefaction “Bio-Crude” in conventional refineries (short of maybe more desalter units made using existing designs etc)
I’d say the only valid concerns are improper use/disposal (mostly fixable by Deposit+Return Systems, and regulation encouraging the use of biodegradables wherever reasonably possible), and using Fossil Fuels as feedstocks. Also micro plastics to an extent although those can be mostly controlled,l via the methods mentioned above and potentially other interventions such as filters for water pre-discharge from Wastewater Treatment Plants.
That’s my overly long rant, thanks for reading this far lol, hope my infodump shared something neat.
We need critical thinking, @@ericlotze7724, and the challenging of assumptions. Thanks for the input.
_"Unfortunately, I've also accumulated a pile of shave soaps, most of which come in . . . plastic . . . tubs."_
I like to use regular conditioner for my shave soap. It works well, at least in my opinion. There are brands of bar conditioner that come in paper packaging, too.
I hope that the researchers will have success :D
lol the hair under the microscope black and white looks like metal rebars!
As an experiment, I reused the same disposable razer for almost 3 years. The only thing I changed was I sharpened it for less than 5 seconds every time I am about to use the razer. Literally takes 5 seconds. It stayed sharp enough to be comfortable all that time. The plastic eventually broke and that's the only reason I needed to change it. If you want to cut your expenses on disposable razors I highly recommend simple sharpening yourself.
How do you sharpen a disposable razer?
@@patronofsaints2062they're likely talking about double edged safety razors. The blade is just a single piece, so it's easy to sharpen. I believe there's even some old school crank like tools that sharpen both sides at once.
Sharpening is not the same as honing a razor blade. Honing the blade helps and extends the life of the razor but it does not work miracles. In the case of disposable razors, rather than honing, it's more effective cleaning and care for the razor after each use and store it in a cool, dry place to slow down the degradation of the edges.
@@patronofsaints2062 I tried to re-sharpen the edges of a twin disposable razor using 2 crossed needles forming a wedge. I got the razor that didn't cut anything before to now cut the beard again; but the price to pay was losing softness. When the edge off the blade passed over the face, it scratched the skin so much that it became unbearable.
This was awesome 👌
Love the video!!! Can you do other videos on hair and skin please 😎
Mature men don't use razors that have any plastic attached to them, thus the blade waste is merely steel - and that can either rust away, or be recycled.
Porque una hoja desgastada no corta bien el pelo pero si puede causar cortes de piel?. Cuál es la explicación física ?
Very informative.
Lovely
Very interesting!
There is a technique from Ranma 1/2
It's like printer ink cartridges. It's makes money for the companies.
Yuppers. The general rule... the cheaper the printer, the more expensive the cartridges.
However, I don't think it's accurate to say it makes them more money. That's part of it... but there's another side to it... which is that it gets them MORE CUSTOMERS.
They gotta make their money somewhere, and consumers that don't know what they want are more likely to buy the cheapest option... which means if you are selling anything with consumables, you want to rear-load the expenses. This is also the reason cheaper printers have unrefillable cartridges that are incompatible with any other brand. They simply MUST make their money somewhere.
If you are in the business of making printers, you have to undercut the competition by making razor thin or even negative return on your printers themselves.
Put it this way. Imagine you have 2 identical printers that will both cost you exactly the same throughout the printer's lifetime. 1 will cost the customer 50 bucks now, 50 bucks over the years, and the other will cost you 20 bucks now, 80 bucks over the years... Every customer would prefer the 2nd one (given they know the math).
So it isn't all a greed thing. Some of it is marketing people a payment scheme that actually sells better.
So you’re telling me that my hair.. can stop a knife.. I know what I must do......
They don't make strong razors so u will be forced to buy again..
Tip: use safety razors. They will save you money and the environment
There is already tech to make razor steel last way longer then what we have. But if they use it the wont sell anymore razors
is this thr same way on skin? asking for a friend
I just shave through the skin under the follicles, never had to replace a razor ever since.
This seems like a video that'll get a million views from the algorithm.
Need some Magnacut razors
I have a shaver
myr razor only gives me one shave before i have to toss it and get a new blade but they are like a cent each.
Is there any good examples of other mammals that have similar hair growth as humans with mostly only like head and facial hair that grows exceptionally long compared to other parts of the body?
Defendor razor is the best i had 6month shave on just one unit they probably use the same technology
It’s like cutting trees the axe can get dull after lot of swings
I must have thick hair my razors are always one use. Got tired of replacing razors so many times so I’m going mountain man style lol
neat
Stretch a wire and as you're stretching it make an edge they'll give you a razor that is so good at cutting hair that'll be difficult for her to get worn down
What happened to having titanium blades from twenty years ago? Mine still works just like new.
Titanium is more expensive than steel isn't it?
@@Bartimayus but owning a blade for 20 years sure is cheaper
@@Bartimayus
That is correct.
hi guys how are u
What do you think Companies want a product to last a lifetime or many or to sell you a new and disposable product everytime
Well thats because the razor blades arent monocrystalline.
I see two choices here:
Either a monocrystalline blade(just so u know, jet engine blades are monocrystalline)
Or katana-like metal folding. It would help bending the crystals to form something like a filament bunch (just like katanas). That said, wouldnt solve the problem but at least would be helpful in reducing the stress on the blades.
I am really interested in a Stainless Steel (or heck even tool steel) Blade coated in “Diamond Like Carbon” (DLC), or heck even Optical Grade Monocrystaline Diamond!
(If possible of course)
I am unsure on the hardness/toughness aspects etc, but in terms of sharpness, and surface roughness I’m quite certain one *very* near perfect could be made (for a cost of course)
Pop that into my Henson Shaving Razor and BAM ultimate setup for life!
so the traditional manufacturing has to have a razor thin margin of error to deliver a cutting-edge blade.
For a set of 4 blades.. the first 3 have a limit of 1 week each.. but the 4th blade, it actually could last for a year...
Put a really friggin strong vacuum on a razor so the hairs and tugged into a position perpendicular to the blade.
Betcha a dollar it makes the blades last a lot longer.
Human hair is harder than steel
Ha I'm lucky to get 3 shaves with out feeling like it's pulling my hair out
How unusual . . . They had someone grow a beard to investigate the beard / blade interaction.
I’m mystified.
Or you could just go back to using a double edge safety razor. Blades are about ten cents each can be used multiple times and are 100% recyclable with no plastic waste. Not to mention that you get a better shave :)
People should try switching to safety blade razors, at least there is no plastic waste and you definitely get more shaves per blade vs disposables.
I switched about 8 years ago and haven't looked back. I mostly use a 1960s Gillette Slim Adjustable which is my favorite, Parker makes decent modern safety razors but don't compare to old Gillette's in my experience.
For anyone looking for one, the Henson Shaving model i got has been pretty good.
Pending further analysis, and i have some minor complaints (less of a pre-blade “landing strip” and no hinge so i have to be a bit more cautious rather than slap it on skin and yank like with my cartridge razor lol)
But otherwise it has been the same quality, and better in some areas (WAY easier to clean)
@@ericlotze7724 definitely easier to clean and with good blades it's a superior shave for me.
Is this true across all razor brands???...
Great question. I was wondering the same. I'm sure different brands use different types of steel/alloys.
Killa Watt
Love to know what brands they tested...
The research is pretty much a generic study of why "hard" steel edges get dull when cutting "soft" things, so it would be very surprising if any particular brand has secretly figured out how to avoid this.
AySz88
Be interesting to know what the control razor brand was...
Or just use metal razors, way better for the environment and the razors are replaceable
Electric shaver is the superior way to shave. You dont need foam, its faster, cheaper. You can shave everyday in 30 seconds and never have to buy a razor again.
Diamond tipped razor blade when?
*THIS* i want a Steel Safety Razor Blade Coated in either Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) or full on *Monocrystaline Diamond* (heck even optical quality lol)
The technology exists, i would do it myself if i had the money/experience. Maybe one day…
What about titanium?
More brittle than steel.
What about vibranium?
those fusion blades are TOO thin and the blade will always fracture! it's like taking a bat to a thin piece of sheet metal and punching a hole through it!
Whiskers are as hard as copper wire of the same guage.
Could rust on the edges play a role as well? Placing the cartridge dipped in oil may avoid rusting.
best practise is to make something cheaply and disposable, sell expensively. Accumulate great wealth.
Gillette!
A stunning image here makes me seeing is hardly believable! Some edge in the footage!
Misleading title, steel is the subject and defects.
Or they can simply make the blades from a better steel.
Metal can be chipped after 50 hair..
Cutting Edge Razor Commercial fu*k y m I watching this
Big shave would never allow good blades
Big Shave. 😂
Just get an electronic razor. I never understood the others.
While good for a quick shave electric razors aren't equal to a razer based shave. A lot of people can't use them due to irritation also.
İngiltere kralı, rahmetli başkan Kennedy, taçsız kral Pele, Beckenbauer, Kaleci Mayer, Nadia Komaneci, Brigitte Bardot, Fenerbahçeli Cemil
Everyone knows side loads chip blades..
I could do it with two steel balls from ball bearings
Science oddities or science fiction !? Duh !!
If you see this comment, do yourself a favor and switch to a traditional double edge razor. You can buy a 100 pack of DE blades on Amazon for less than 10$, and with proper technique, they will give a better shave than any cartridge razor could.
I hope gillette dont have this problem
All razors are made by grinding and all razors get dull and gillette is a razor so....
Gillette has bigger problems. A whole generation of men with long memories and no desire to be sold out to woke bullshit.
@@AtlasReburdened Weird how they have 52.8% of the market share. It seems your generation disagrees.
@@AtlasReburdened are you trying to cancel Gillette?
@@filonin2 Do you know what the word generation means? It doesn't mean "everyone living at a certain time".
00:08 because you don’t clean them right
Watch the video
Grow a beard.......Save the planet
The beard is itchy and coarse, gets dirty easily, stops me from washing my face effectively and makes me feel hot. As in temperature. I cut my hair very short to cool off too.
The answer to razor waste: shave like a man with a straight razor. One blade can last multiple generations.
I shave my face with a honed axe, no shaving cream, no water, just 100% axe.
I only wish this information would get more views from the general public than Dr Pimple Popper or some such nonsense.
This is why alot more people the last 20 years have "razor bumbs" it'd cause of cheap metal getting lodged in their pores causing a lifetime of agony.
Cool. Can you work on a cure for tinnitus now?
I feel like "cutting the waste off at the source" would look more like accepting the inevitable existence of facial/body hair.
But I suppose a longer lasting razor is a realistic compromise. Maybe we could even find a way to use 1 nice blade instead of relying on a row of 3-5 crappy disposable ones.
Here's to hoping, and thank you to everyone who had a part in those incredibly satisfying macro shots.
Oh and about the environmental importance. I really hope that the reason people throw away razors because they're not sharp. I believe the reason actually because they think it's dirty/contaminated.
No its cheap metal all the way.
I have a beard now I know I'm saving the environment. Nobody better ask a bearded man to pick up his garbage or buy an electric car . We are doing our part and have been for a long time.
I have so many questions as a researcher. One of which is-
Who funded this research? Because, any findings are irrelevant to help humanity in any way. Money and time would've been better spent elsewhere. Shaving isn't a necessity. Want to reduce wastage of blades? Just don't use them!
You clearly know nothing about the the social sciences, if you think this is a waste of research money.
@@toobnoobify Enlighten us.
@@IScreenshotNFTs I'm just saying that if you think this is pointless, then you better not ever look into what gets funding (much of it public) in social sciences. By comparison, this is like cancer research as far as being a benefit to humanity.
Or have a beard or get a knife.
*Or* we could all just stop shaving.
I hate shaving
Shaving is unnecessary anyway. Shaving is just a marketing gimmick.
Fake
The steel used in razors is garbage, we know this now, make a razor in cpm rex 121 steel and it will last a lifetime without sharpening, or better yet, tungsten carbide, or certain new high grade ceramics, there, problem solved, one razor for life, garbage steel sharpened at extremely acute angles will dull and chip fast and often, we know this now, he'll s30v would be better and last a very long time, or cpm s110v, cpm s90v, lc200n, cpm m4, cpm cruwear, cpm magnacut, cpm 4v, I could go on and on with tons of modern powder metallurgy produced super steels that can do the job, hold an acute angle and not wear or chip hardly ever if all that's being cut is hair, scientists and companies know this, they know the technology and steel exists, they don't want to make quality products that last a lifetime, they want you constantly buying and throwing away and rebuying there garbage product, imagine if every young man when they started to need to shave bought or had bought for them a 30$, $50, $70, or $100 dollar razor made of cpm red 121 or tungsten carbide that lasted them a lifetime, there businesses would collapse, and for all those that say those metals would cost way to much, no, disposable razors have a couple of super thin, very small pieces of metal, a disposable razor with cpm rex 121 should only cost about 5 to 15$, and last 10 to 15 years or longer,
Or, now hear me out, get a straight razor that will last a lifetime and can be passed down through generations. Problem solved. And you get a closer shave than the disposable razorblades.