No idea what the average is, since I've only done it once. I was not careful at all... I think if a guy was careful, he could do a whole one with maybe 3-4 blades. I mean...well... you could probably do it with one if you could be really careful. But knowing a good sharp blade was right there in 10 seconds time I just switched them out as soon as one started cutting a little slower. I wouldn't go into the woods with less than 5 blades. Which is like .1 ounces of extra weight...