Thread: Corking my shavette blade

I have been on again off again with SR shaving and am trying to get the hang of it with a Bluebeards Revenge shavette. I was going to buy a SR but decided to wait until I can get the hang of the shavette.

The purpose of this post was to mention that I have consistent problems with the blade feeling too sharp for my skin. So this morning I tried corking my Derby Blade and it really seemed to make a difference. The shave was not as "edgy" and I had fewer weepers (just a couple on my chin...my usual difficult spot).

Now, I realize corking the blade may have made no difference at all...maybe my technique is just improving and maybe I am finally getting the hang of the razor, but for the first time I got a BBs shave without even aiming for one!

In my opinion corking does help even with a straight razor. It gets so sharp you can't feel the hair come off your face, and you are smiling because you have accomplished something with that edge. How ever latter if feels like someone struck a match in a wrinkle near your atoms apple. Corking can help that.

Originally Posted by AlienEdge

In my opinion corking does help even with a straight razor. It gets so sharp you can't feel the hair come off your face, and you are smiling because you have accomplished something with that edge. How ever latter if feels like someone struck a match in a wrinkle near your atoms apple. Corking can help that.

Thanks...this is helpful. When I started DE shaving I never thought a blade could be too sharp...but now I realize that is not true. It can be too sharp for comfort. With my DE blade I usually change my blade every Sunday and the first two shaves are very sharp and I have to be extra careful. My 3rd and 4th shaves are the best (ie. very smooth) and then I can feel it beginning to dull (but still give a great shave on day 5 and 6).

Yes, too sharp without comfort is useless.

Try corking in a pre-cut slice in the cork for a milder corking, so the razor is not cutting into the cork, the cork is just wiping any micro burrs off the edge.

Originally Posted by Whizbang

Thanks...this is helpful. When I started DE shaving I never thought a blade could be too sharp...but now I realize that is not true. It can be too sharp for comfort. With my DE blade I usually change my blade every Sunday and the first two shaves are very sharp and I have to be extra careful. My 3rd and 4th shaves are the best (ie. very smooth) and then I can feel it beginning to dull (but still give a great shave on day 5 and 6).

I noticed the same thing with my straights that they seem to start shaving better the second and third time I use them. After hearing about corking I realized I was corking with my face. Any how I tried the cork and I too believe it works

Just an observation. Early on I tried Feather DE blades and found that it took several shaves (3 or 4) before they settled down and provided a smoother shave. I am beginning to realize that some of the cheaper blades probably have more micro-burrs that are causing the rough shave. I know some guys who strop their DE blades before they use them...this likely accomplishes the same thing as corking. n my DE I have settled on Astra SP blades...they seem to provide a fairly smooth shave...after the first two shaves. I should try corking them I really find a rugh shave annoying.

For those of you who have played hockey you probably noticed that the first skate after you get your blades sharpened is very edgy...and after the second or third skate they smooth out a bit.

Face corking… now that’s one for the WIKI…

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Face corking… now that’s one for the WIKI…

Yup...I've been corked, had a cork thrown at me, swallowed bits and pieces now and again, but never used my face as a cork...until now.