Thread: Rinse, wipe or dunk? How to clean lather from the blade while shaving

Originally Posted by MikekiM

I have a strong background in DE & SE shaving and it's my practice to dunk the razor in a basin full of water between strokes, then post shave, a sterilizing dunk in alcohol after it's been rinsed followed by a blow to get water out of the crevices and a gentle towel dry before it sits on the cabinet (not in) to dry until it is used again. I use this same technique for my Feather DX & RG.

There is little concern of dinging a Feather, DE/SE blade on the sink or faucet (I have one of those faucets that can spin out of the way). A straight is a totally different animal. More vulnerable for sure.

So, what is your routine for rinsing between strokes and post shave for storing? (You can leave the stropping out..)

I think your concern about dinging is warranted. I keep a sponge on hand, wet it, and wipe the lather on it when needed.

I just want to shake my head,this thread is like: when you brush your teeth,do you spit, use a glass to rinse,drink out of the faucet than spit into the sink.

I wipe the blade with toilet paper whilst shaving, once I've finished shaving check to make sure all lather is gone.
Strop then wipe a little inox mx3 on the blade to protect from rust.

I once went to see Oz as I had a new Bismark in need of a hone, he found a spot of rust near the edge.
I had used it only once before rinsing the blade, drying it off, then leaving it open to dry before stropping and lightly oiling.

Since then I've only ever wiped, water no longer touches my blades. Touch wood haven't had any more rust.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

I just want to shake my head,this thread is like: when you brush your teeth,do you spit, use a glass to rinse,drink out of the faucet than spit into the sink.

I use a 3oz Dixie cup.

I've been rinsing, but after reading this thread, I think I'm going to try just wiping on a facecloth instead. Seems quicker, as sometimes when I rinse under the tap it doesn't always get off all of the lather/whiskers, and I have to carefully run my fingers along the edge to get it off while running under water. So wiping seems more efficient, and safer...

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

+1 on this. Renissaince wax helps too.

+1. I use Renaissance Wax also. I rinse under faucet, dry on towel with light stropping between strokes while shaving. No water spots!

Originally Posted by Jetmech

+1. I use Renaissance Wax also. I rinse under faucet, dry on towel with light stropping between strokes while shaving. No water spots!

Did a search on the R-Wax.. how often to you apply that? And is there any blade material it ISN"T compatible with?

Originally Posted by EggSuckingLeech

I used to rinse using the tap. However, I found I was getting water spots. I didn't know where they were coming from until I realized it was actually due to this water sitting on the blade as I was shaving! Weird... Since then I rinse using the tap but I promptly dry the blade every time I rinse it before I touch it to my face again. Never had a water spot since.

Me too. Rinse and wipe.

I also learned that if I fail to rinse all the lather off and let it sit for more that a few seconds, it stains.

Originally Posted by MikekiM

Did a search on the R-Wax.. how often to you apply that? And is there any blade material it ISN"T compatible with?

I look at how fast the water is beading off of the blade and reapply as necessary. Kind of like a car wax, if it's not beading real good, reapply. As far as blade material, I use it on the Carbon Steel Razors, stainless steel knives, my Damascus Steel Japanese chef's knife and no problems. I believe it you research the ingredients and what all they use this stuff on you'll find it's safe to use on pretty much anything. It's used for oil painting restoration, antique furniture, etc. I also apply it to the wood scales of my razors. I use a microfiber cloth and with my finger in the cloth just get the tiniest amount on the cloth and apply. It dries hard in a few seconds. Buff off with the same cloth using a clean part. BTW, I got mine at Woodcraft.

Thanks... Dropped it my cart on Amazon.

Woodcraft... Love that store.