Thread: beginner question- letting the razor rest

"Beware the man with only Razor!" or was it "Book"? Either way look at a brief history of straight edge shaving. After giving up on "pulling" each hair out with a pair of clam shells; man started with a "Set of 7 Razors" one for each day of the week. The way it should be! Then sadly some greedy retailer said: I"ll advertise the fact that you only need 4 of my razors for the week because there better ( but I'll charge for 7!!!). Then the next guy said the same about 2! (but charge for 4 which was actually 7) and then what most of us are brainwashed into believing that you only need ""1"" which cost the same as 2/4/7!!! So that's how we got to the ""BIC""!!!
The brief History of Shaving!
(You really need 7.)

you need as may as you want............. I started out with one for the first 3 month's. It was only curiosity for different grinds and sizes that has made me buy more.
I would not say you have made a mistake at all. use one only then you will have a back up to keep shaving with when the other is out for honing.

I think the only thing leaving the razor to rest will achieve is allow the microscopic edge to dry out, but to no real advantage (noticeably). I personally like to strop after a shave to aid in removing any matter (from shaving) from the edge so it doesn't dry out/ oxidise with any remains of the shave. I've tried both stropping before shaving, and after shaving to find very little difference for me. It's preference, it's worth experimenting and going with what you find works for you

I agree with Wintchase though, if you have to leave your razor to rest, it's a reason (or excuse) to desire another one so you can alternate between resting. I don't think many wives would question that....

Is there any science to resting razors?

I have studied metallurgy and the science is that the metal razors are made from is generally heat treated. This means that once set, the micro-structure of the metal will only change if heat (significantly high) is applied. Unless you leave your razor to rest in an oven, I can see no reason that the edge of a razor would change. The longer the razor is left to rest, the greater the corrosion to the metal and therefore cause dulling of the edge. This is why a majority of straight users oil their razors, because the oil helps prevent/ reduce corrosion of metal. Not forgetting of course that the environment you leave your razor in will affect the corrosion, humid environments cause more corrosion - this is why I don't leave my razor in my bathroom.

I hope this helps

Where I am coming from is that some well respected,knowledgable people have said stropping after shaving and rinsing will destroy an edge bye vertue of the edge being soft like cheese after using.I do not believe it,they do not offer any scientific proof,I cannot find any.

It's an interesting point. I would say that the edge is soft like cheese before and after using it, hence why everyone would agree that delicate handling is good practise. The general view of using a linen strop before leather is to warm the edge and make it malleable so that when stropped on the leather, it's more pliable and the edge should re-align with less effort. So in the case of stropping after a shave, softer is by consensus, desirable? This is my view, but respect that others have their preferences

I personally like to strop after shaving and before because I like stropping and I have had no problems to my edges...