Wiping down a razor after use

After I have finished shaving, there is invariably a considerable amount of sticky soap film clinging to the blade of my straight razor. It will not rinse off thoroughly or cleanly just with water, even a strong stream of hot water pouring from the faucet. Without thinking about it much, I have dealt with this by wetting the blade with clean water and then wiping it clean with a VERY thick terrycloth towel. I do this by pinching and drawing the entire length and width of the blade, including the cutting edge, between my towel-shielded thumb and index finger. I now wonder whether this procedure might be too rough for the cutting edge. Is this a safe practice, or a bad one? Is there a better idea out there on how to do this?

With thanks,

Steve B

I wipe down the blade as you describe, but not the shaving edge. For that I use a small piece of tissue soaked in rubbing alcohol and I do so in a stropping motion. Then I strop about 12 laps or so on leather.

X

I don't think you have to be too anal about this. Just rinse the blade off and wipe it with a towel (but not the cutting edge)and using a couple stropping strokes strop the razor to the towel. Then just let it air dry.

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I don't think you have to be too anal about this. Just rinse the blade off and wipe it with a towel (but not the cutting edge)and using a couple stropping strokes strop the razor to the towel. Then just let it air dry.

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Sounds like what I do.

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Originally Posted by Wildtim

Sounds like what I do.

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+2, I try to avoid the edge and have wondered if I hit it with the towel if I was dulling it. Seems to be working Ok so far though :shrug: