New guy intro and bonehead newbie question

Hi everyone!

My name is Michael, I am from the Great Northwest (Portland, Oregon), and have really been enjoying a shaving renaissance for the past few weeks, getting pretty good at making lather and using a DE with (so far) zero blood shed. I've also just decided to go all the way and get my first straight. (Thanks in advance, Jim!) I have also decided to look past false economy and invested in one of Tony's strops.

I've been trying to arm myself with as much information as possible, to avoid a long and painful learning curve, and thanks to all who have contribute without even knowing it!:)

That's me, here's my question:

I have read in a few places that it is a very bad idea to wipe a blade down with a towel or cloth. I assume this is to protect the very fine fin on the edge. I have also read that it is a very good idea to dry your blade after using it to prevent rust. Also, it is a fairly standard technique to use a towel to wipe off lather during the shave.

So my question is, what are some good rules to follow regarding touching a cloth object to the blade of the razor? Or, How can I clean and dry my razor without destroying it?

Thanks!

-Michael

I would think the towel issue has to do with how the edge meets the towel.

I use a towel to wipe water off the blade. I place the spine to the towel and with my finger and thumb pinch the flats of the blade almost to the edge and dry the blade. I inspect the edge looking for water that didn't get wicked away.

So far I have not had any edge catches on the towel. I think that would be more damaging, the edge catching the towel and pulling the fine edge out of line.

Oh ya, Welcome to the site :)

I have heard of guys keeping a paper towel or piece of TP to dry their blade. Honestly, I tend to use my boxer underwear leg! Soft and absorbent and available :) Welcome!

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Originally Posted by DEwey

I tend to use my boxer underwear leg! Soft and absorbent and available :) Welcome!

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Thought those where for drying off a cleaver?

Welcome to SRP!

I do the towel pinch like Chef, but only after I've "flicked" the water carefully from the blade. I do the inspection for water then leave it out to dry. In my experience, as long as you get all the water off, nothing adverse happens to the blade. The main thing is to pinch just below the actual edge and keep the towel off it. If there's water on the edge, you can make a light motion along the towel like you would do with the strop (light!) to wick away the remaining water.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DwarvenChef

Thought those where for drying off a cleaver?

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Yeah, that, too :roflmao