Thread: Time Dulls All Blades

Yes, had a similar experience as Slawman did. I recently got a Heartring razor advertised as "possibly" NOS. It came in a mint coffin in it's plastic sheath. The blade felt a little tacky so I cleaned with some alcohol, stropped it and had a surprising good shave with what I can only guess was the factory edge after all those years. A few swipes on a 12k Nani did improve it a bit but not hugely.

I would have to agree that the drier a blade is stored the longer it will remain sharp and that it is amount of moisture content in the air that will determine how quickly the edge degrades over time.

Bob

I have used some 40-50yr old DE blades that were stored properly (apparently) and they shaved as good as new.

Originally Posted by kelbro

I have used some 40-50yr old DE blades that were stored properly (apparently) and they shaved as good as new.

I bought 40 five packs of Don Juan DE blades last year & they shave great. From what I can tell these were from the late 40's-early 50's era. Shave great! Some have a rust spot that is always in the same place that just wipes off.

Slawman

Originally Posted by outback

Time/ age dulls everything.
Just look at ourselves.

Speak for me yourself Outback. I'm getting sharper with each new grey hair.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

And that the bevels and edge are clean.

Look at a bevel, with magnification, after you have shaved, cleaned it and put it up.

You will see, bits of soap, skin, hair, and blood, all of that contains moisture and will cause oxidation, (rust), unless the razor was stropped.

I agree. I usually do canvas and leather post shave so that it will be stropped and ready for the next time I use it. If I'm pressed for time I just do a few strokes on the canvas to clean the bevel. It doesn't take much effort at all. My main concearn is the soap because it can really hold the moisture.

I also let my blades air dry for several hours before oiling and storing. Oil on a blade that's not completely dry can trap moisture.