How to Open Van Der Hagen Razor Blades: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve just bought a Van Der Hagen safety razor, you might be wondering how to open those razor blades without a hassle. Don’t worry—I’ve been there! As a newbie to safety razors, I found the process a bit tricky at first, but after a few tries, I figured out a simple method that works every time. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to open Van Der Hagen razor blades safely and easily, even if you’re a complete beginner. Let’s get started!
Why Van Der Hagen Razor Blades?
Van Der Hagen is a popular brand known for its affordable yet high-quality safety razors and blades. Their blades are often packaged in a plastic or cardboard container to keep them secure, but this can make them a bit tricky to access if you don’t know the right technique. Opening the blades properly ensures you don’t damage them—or accidentally nick your fingers!
What You’ll Need
Before we start, gather these items:
- Your Van Der Hagen razor blade pack.
- A flat, clean surface to work on.
- Optional: A small tool like a toothpick or tweezers (if the blades are stuck).
- A bit of patience (don’t rush—it’s easier than it looks!).
Step-by-Step: How to Open Van Der Hagen Razor Blades
Follow these steps to open your Van Der Hagen razor blades safely:
Step 1: Inspect the Packaging
Van Der Hagen razor blades typically come in a small plastic container or a cardboard pack with a protective cover. Look for a small slit or tab on the side of the container—this is usually where you’ll start.
Tip for Beginners: If the packaging feels too tight, don’t force it open right away. Check for any instructions on the pack, as some versions have a “push here” label.
Step 2: Gently Pry Open the Container
- If it’s a plastic container, use your fingers or a toothpick to gently pry open the slit. Apply light pressure to avoid bending the blades inside.
- If it’s a cardboard pack, look for the perforated edge and carefully tear it open. Some packs have a sliding mechanism—push the cardboard cover to the side to reveal the blades.
Safety Note: Razor blades are sharp, so always handle them by the edges, not the cutting side.
Step 3: Remove the Blade Carefully
Once the container is open, you’ll see the blades stacked inside, often wrapped in wax paper for extra protection.
- Use your fingers or tweezers to lift one blade out by its sides.
- Avoid touching the sharp edges—those are meant for shaving, not for your fingers!
What If the Blade Is Stuck?
Some users report that Van Der Hagen blades can get stuck in the container, especially if the plastic is tight. If this happens, try soaking the container in warm (not hot) water for 5 minutes. This can loosen the blades and make them easier to remove.
Step 4: Store the Remaining Blades Safely
After taking out one blade, close the container or slide the cardboard cover back to protect the remaining blades. Store the pack in a dry place to prevent rusting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When I first started using safety razors, I made a few rookie mistakes. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Forcing the Container Open: This can damage the blades or cause them to fall out unexpectedly.
- Not Handling Blades Safely: Always hold the blade by the sides, not the sharp edges.
- Ignoring Rust Issues: If your blades get stuck often, check for rust. Soaking in warm water can help, but if rust persists, it might be time to replace the pack.
Bonus Tips for Newbies
- Test the Blade First: Before using a new blade, make sure it’s not bent or damaged during removal. A damaged blade can lead to an uneven shave or irritation.
- Clean Your Razor After Use: To make future blade changes easier, rinse your razor with warm water after each shave to remove hair and soap buildup.
- Practice Makes Perfect: If you’re new to safety razors, don’t worry if it takes a few tries to get the hang of opening and installing blades.
Why Use a Safety Razor Like Van Der Hagen?
Switching to a safety razor has been a game-changer for me. Not only are they more eco-friendly than disposable razors, but they also give a closer shave and save money in the long run. Van Der Hagen blades are a great choice for beginners because they’re affordable (around $10 for a pack of 5) and designed to work well with their safety razors.
Final Thoughts
Opening Van Der Hagen razor blades might seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, it becomes second nature. The key is to take your time, handle the blades carefully, and store them properly after use. Once you’ve mastered this step, you’ll be ready to enjoy a smooth, irritation-free shave with your safety razor.
Have you tried opening Van Der Hagen razor blades before? Let me know in the comments if you have any tips or questions—I’d love to hear from you!
Related Questions
- What should I do if my blades are rusted? Soak them in warm water or replace the pack if rust persists.
- Where can I buy Van Der Hagen razor blades? They’re available on Amazon, Walmart, or the official Van Der Hagen website.
- Here I recommend the best Van Der Hagen razor blades I have ever used.
- OUR 85MM SAFETY RAZOR – is made with solid brass and then chrome plated. The compact handle is shorter than most razors, giving you a better grip and more control when trimming your whiskers.
- THE SHAVE OF YOUR LIFE – It’s time to reinvent your morning grooming ritual. This sophisticated luxury double edge safety razor set, assembled by Van Der Hagen, includes all of the essentials for experiencing the perfect shave, day after day.
- LUXURY RAZOR SET – Each wet shave set comes with a premium non-slip chrome safety razor and 5 coated stainless steel double edge safety razor blades. Our 3.3-inch handle fits in any size hand and is ideally weighted and balanced for excellent control.