Thread: Razor Myths & Legends

A long while ago, I was told that one should never allow moonlight to fall on the edge of a razor, as it would dull more quickly. Being a simple country lad, I believed it at the time, though I now recognize that advice for what it is - a heap of steaming, without foundation in experience or science.
Do any of you gentlemen out there have any other examples of the razor myths which circulated as facts amongst the old-timers?

You mean the moonlight thing is not true???

Funny, I heard that moonlight keeps the edge keener!

There used to be a suggestion that you let the razor "rest" for a day or so after using it, and the result would be an edge that lasts longer.

But that could actually have some solid truth. Steel can be "work hardened" by being flexed and stretched slightly. You know how steel wire, like twist ties, can be bent back and for only so many times before they just snap in half? The same is happening (on a smaller scale) at the edge of the blade, and letting them rest actually relieves some of the internal stresses of the steel thus keeping them from deteriorating as fast.

Whether or not a day is enough rest time is hard to tell. I do it anyway because I enjoy using different razor day to day.

Originally Posted by JMS

Funny, I heard that moonlight keeps the edge keener!

Maybe it depends on which side of the equator you're on

Jordan

Originally Posted by JMS

Funny, I heard that moonlight keeps the edge keener!

Foolishness.
Everyone knows that to keep your blade shave ready at all times, all you need is the new Zeepk Power Pyramid holder.

actually, the whole moonlight myth is very true. but of course only for werewolves. cuz as everyone knows werewolve beards are very dense and corse, thus making a great str8 into nothing more than a zeepk in no time.

vgod

Originally Posted by Yorkshireman

Do any of you gentlemen out there have any other examples of the razor myths which circulated as facts amongst the old-timers?

That straight razors are really hard to use and dangerous.

Originally Posted by jnich67

Maybe it depends on which side of the equator you're on

Jordan

I suspect you mean the international date line!
Maybe JohnP or one of our other sailors can confirm or deny this?

Originally Posted by jnich67

Maybe it depends on which side of the equator you're on

Jordan

For honing it certainly does. If you live south of the equator, and you need to do some circular honing, be sure to go anti-(counter-)clockwise. If north, you have to hone clockwise.

In Kenya there is a station on the equatorial line. Local entrpreneurs delight in doing demonstrations of this. They walk you 30 feet north of the line and hone, then 30 feet south of the line to hone, and finally right on the line. If you try to hone bang on the line, your blade will become magnetic.

And if you want to keep your edges scary sharp for as long as possible, keep your blade in a pyramid. I have Chris Giraffe making me one out of cherrywood right now...