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

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 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.

I just swish it around in the water in the bowl. Yes, water gets in the scales but I just try to be extra careful in drying the razor afterwards. It's worked for me so far anyway.

James.

I rinse under the tap while shaving. At the end, I rinse and then wipe the blade with toilet paper. If I see any soap residue, I repeat as necessary. Lastly, I let the blade sit, open, for a few hours (or until I remember to close it).

I wipe the razor on a sponge and after the shave I rinse and wipe the razor with toilet paper and let it air dry till I finish with the rest of the clean up.

I'm a rinser as well - holli's procedure is pretty close to what I do. Dunking/swishing seems a bit foolhardy (sorry Jimbo ;p), and wiping every time just seems too messy. I should also mention that I've never had a problem with water spots or rust.

Well you see my swishing behaviour stems from the great drought of 2001 when water was at a premium and rinsing under a running tap was just not an option for any responsible citizen of our Great Nation. After that it just stuck.

James.

I wipe the lather on a sponge. When I'm done I'll give it a quick rinse, dry it in a towel, strop, then wipe it with some baby oil and put it in its box.

I drape a facecloth over the front rim of the sink and wipe the blade on that, works a treat. I still rinse under the faucet or use a sponge from time to time but the facecloth is by far my preferred method.

After the shave I rinse the blade, wipe down with a piece of toilet roll, a few quick strops on linen then leather and it's back to the shelf.

The only time my razors touch water is when they glide across my face. I wipe the lather off on a towel or sponge. Have not had any water spots since doing this.