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Since I started using a modified Feather disposable straight razor blade in my old Schick Injector razor, I've wondered how long these super blades would last when used as a safety razor blade rather than a straight razor blade.

Back when I was trying these scary-sharp blades in Feather's Artist Club straight razor, I gave up before the blades did, so I have no idea how long they typically last before they start catching on your skin and you need to replace them.

I've read differing accounts on the shavegeek forums, with some guys claiming several weeks of daily shaving with the Feather straight razor blades (Feather's DE blades, designed for DE safety razors, typically last me a little over a week before they give up the ghost). But the Feather straight razor blades are a whole different kettle of fish -- thicker, sharper, and with a different edge geometry meant to mimic a traditional cut throat razor's. So far there's no data on how long these things last in an Injector, because until AndySam came up with the idea on Wetshavers, nobody had tried it before.

Well, now a few of us are shaving with this incredible rig. I finally got to the end of a Feather blade in my Injector, and I can tell you that the Pro Super blade I've been shaving with every day officially went South after eight days. I got amazing shaves with it for a solid seven, and then the eighth shave served unmistakable notice that it was time to change the blade.

I got a nick. Okay, several nicks. I never get nicks anymore, especially now that I've been using the Injector -- you really have to be slashing like a madman to nick yourself with this safest of safety razors. But I got some nicks. Nothing serious, but I had to haul out the alum block just the same.

Also, the shave itself was noticeably rougher, especially on my underchin. This is always a sign that I'm shaving on borrowed time with a blade. This is the shaving equivalent of driving with the needle below empty. How much farther can I go before the tank is really empty? A mile?

So the verdict is in. You get a week with these Feathers in an Injector. You might squeeze another day or two out of these guys, but from now on, just to be safe, I'll be resuming my pleasant Monday morning ritual of changing the blade in my razor, whether it's a Merkur in my DE or a clipped Feather disposable straight razor blade in my Injector. Just like I always fill 'er up when my tank's still a quarter full. As wonderful as these Feathers are in the Injector, they turn on you plenty quick when they're overdue.