Prolonging the life of the blade

Hi guys,

Looking for some advice. Will be doing lots of traveling soon all over Asia! I am aware that it will not be easy to find a honing service, so I am looking to prolong as long as possible the life of my blades. I have 2 razors which are shave ready and a strop which also has a linen side. Should I use the pastes and if so which ones? When should I use them, straight away or wait till the blades begin to dull? Please advice on the stropping technique when used with these pastes.

By the way this is a fantastic site, and has already been of great use to me!

Keep up the great work.

The answer to your question depends on the form of transportation that you would be using in Asia and how long before you go on your trip. If weight is not an issue and you have time to practice before you go on the trip, you can buy a minimal honing setup, probably a barber hone and keep your razors sharp that way. Pastes would work too. I personally use diamond spray which is a killer. Finally, the most sensible suggestion that I can make is to reach a compromise and take a DE for your trip. This would reduce the amount of stuff that you need to take and would guarantee you with sharp blades for the duration of your trip. If a good shave is important for you, remember to take beard prep supplies, styptic stick, after shave, etc... And if you are going to be in the jungle, make sure not embark in this adventure without a mirror and a a couple of towels. There are other things that may be useful. Recently another guy posted a shaving setup that he was going to use while backpacking in Asia.

Al raz.

I would leave all my gear at home.

Buy some twin blade throwaway razors and soap if you get stick otherwise just stop off at any hairdressers and ask for a shave. Hotels often give you a razor for free in your room.

It's generally very inexpensive.

I know I often go to Asia.

Good advise from Al and English. If you are set on bring the straights just bring a barber's hone for touch ups. You should not need to set the bevels again unless you damage the edge,

I would be more concerned with how you'd carry your strop around....If you're set on bringing the straight along with you, I would consider getting a paddle strop or a synthetic strop from Tony Miller. From what I understand, the synthetic vegan strop is very low maintanence, so you wouldn't have to worry so much about getting it wet or dirty. But a paddle strop would be a lot easier to travel with and use. A small barber hone is all you would really need to do touchups. Personally, I would bring a little coticule along with me, but I'm a little partial to natural stones...

But, if I were backpacking around for a while, I would just bring my DE. If I brought my straight and supplies I would be too preoccupied worrying about forgetting them or damaging them! But, the choice is your's :p

Dave