It depends a lot on the quality of the blades, and if you store them dunked in mineral oil between shaves. Some brands of blades I got were garbage out of the box. None of them were much good if they had been left out for a few days after use - same are disposables in that regard.

Even getting a brand new blade just isn't as good as a mediocre modern 3-blade razor. I had to face the facts that I really just moved to single-blade motivated mostly by the savings and the irrational belief that the way we used to do things is better than iterated, market-driven technological advances in consumer goods.

I don't get the money saving aspect. If you want to be frugal, just grow stubble or a beard. A $3 razor will last for over a month.

Also, gros your hair to a length where you can stick it in a bun or a ponytail.