Thread: How to stand razor while it dries

SRD carries a stand that works well for that. My MK 32 is resting in one right now.

There is nothing like air drying to ensure it's really dry everywhere. If water gets into the pivot area it can be hard to dry and stropping won't help.

I usually leave it open propped against something with the tail sticking up in the air. Of course you need to make sure the place is safe from clumsy or inquisitive people and if you have kids around that can be a no-no.

Something else that would be useful for drying between the scales and around the pins would be the compressed air that you use to blow dust and other crud out of your computer keyboard, mouse, etc. I typically dry with a facial tissue, strop ~20 passes on the leather, and oil lightly (mineral oil applied w/ a Q-tip) and back into the case. No need to let it air dry

After my shave, I give the blade a good wipe down with a damp towel, followed by a quick drying of everything except the very edge of the blade with a soft dry towel. After that I use 90% Isopropyl alcohol on a q-tip over all parts of the blade, including the edge. The iso alcohol ensures that there is no moisture, as well as doing a deeper clean/sterilization (not really something i worry about, but it's an added bonus). Then I do 40 linen/60 leather on the strops and set it on this stand: Straight Razor Stand, Metallic - Nickel Plated | Fendrihan Shaving Store

It works for me, but I also live in a very dry climate and dont need to worry as much about moisture/oiling.

I'm careful not to get the scales or pivot wet by keeping my shaving hand dry then I wipe the blade down and strop it before putting it away. I learned my lesson early on with spotting and some rust that I need to pay as much attention to the blade after the shave as I did before.

Sheaths, Cases, and Rolls for Straight Razors

At the very bottom of this page is a razor sleeve that apparently some people have had success with as it is made from a moisture wicking material. I've never used it but I was thinking of just buying one because it's only $6 and couldn't hurt.

It's funny that this came up because I was just thinking about that after watching several videos and no one (that I could see) was washing the razor off. They were wiping it on their hands/towels/sponges/etc. Since I started with a SR (an entire week now!) I've been very diligent in wiping it off and storing it in the driest place I could find but I have been rinsing it while I use it. Because of this revalation, I looked closely and noticed that there is some discoloration in the area around the pin - not cool. So, I've changed my technique and will keep it oiled and dry as possible. If/when the discoloration gets larger/darker, I'll send it off to be repaired.

This is something I wish I had known in the beginning! Oh well, just another nuance.

Good luck!


Robert