Thread: How long does a razor stay sharp?

A razors sharp edge lasts as long as it meets YOUR expectations for a good shave. My expectations are very high for the sharpness of my razor, no amount of stropping on leather will make it last any more than maybe 15 shaves (frequently less depending on the razor) for me, but that does not mean I couldn't continue shaving well beyond that without honing... after all it's still bl*ddy sharp, it's just not as sharp as *I* like it.

Everyone has to find their own comfort level and there's no shame in preferring to hone more often than what some others do.

Regards

Christian

One key I found is that good stropping is so important. I used to do 40 laps, but found I get a better, smoother shave with 60 laps now.

My expectations are a little high too as I always want that "perfect edge" feeling, I usually do a very light touch up on hone after 10 shaves on average. Of course there is a difference between restoring an edge angle, and touch ups. Paddle strops I feel help keep proper edge geo, but take longer, skin is the best finishing strop (I use my palm or thigh while shaving sometimes.)

I've read all of the replies here in this thread, and it appears that everyone agrees that stropping helps a razor stay sharp

What hone would you use when a barber hone or paste don't seem to do the job?
would you have to go back to the 4k? or simple 8k and then barber-paste..?

usually barber hone has to do job if not then go to 8k not to 4k.4k usually used to put bevel if your razor was shave ready then it doesn't need to put another bevel.8k try it you should be ok. hope this helps

I agree.
Generally I find a previously shave ready razor doesn't take much work to keep it that way. I'd just use the finest grit that works.

i watched a video on tv a while back it had a barber getting ready to shave a customer, he got out the couticle and did a dozen passes on it then stropped and shaved the customer so i would think like howard said sometime back, every so often i would touch up on a bout kept in medicine cabinet to keep that pristene edge, you would be able to keep the razor going indefintly like that id think, the hone wear to your razor wouldnt be a factor if you only did a dozen strokes on the hone, i tape all my razors anyway to avoid undightly hone wear on them to the spine just my 2 cents worth