Thread: Resting Razor

Here is a link to an interesting and informative article from Dovo:Sharpen a Razor Instructions In paragraph 5 they discuss "resting:"
5. The straight razor I bought a short time ago no longer shaves properly. Do I have to whet it, and how often is this necessary?
DOVO straight razors are whetted in the factory for use (whetting on leather by hand). If you own a suitable strop, you should nevertheless take into account that the razor must first "rest" after use. After the razor has been carefully rinsed and dried, it should not be used again for at least 24 - 48 hours because the fine "fin" on the cutting edge straightens up again extremely slowly. If the razor is stropped too soon (or stropped incorrectly by moving it backwards and forwards without turning it over), the "fin" which is necessary for a close shave breaks off. Between six and fifteen shaves are possible without stropping in between.

that''s almost alchemic!

I've also read this and follow this, just in case - here is one of the links that mention it abrasion, strops

Well I disagree with Seraphim and I am trying to understand why this is so.

I actually think that the more modern levels of honing used by many today, take the razors edge to a level of refinement that things like "fin", "teeth" "alignment", "resting the blade" don't matter.

By this I mean the use of Chromium Oxide, diamond powder etc.,

These new pastes have redefined the level of sharpness that can be attained. However, it doesn't automatically follow that that sharper means better. Easier yes, but the edge doesn't last as long and maybe it doesn't have teeth, maybe it doesn't need need resting and realigning.

My edges improve with a rest between shaves, the teeth also get cleaned realigned and smoothed with a good stropping and I can feel the differences on the edge. The feeling changes from sharp to sticky sharp.

Reality Check!

How many people shave more than once a day? I would say very few. So, in that case, the point is moot because if you shave once a day, the edge has rested for 24 hours.

I have a rotation of ten razors but about two months ago I fell in love with one (a Le Grelot 3/4 full ground) that I have been shaving with every day. Using it every day hasn't affected the edge.

As far as the advice from Dovo, I would like to say this. I have worked as a salesman for manufacturers in various industries and the one thing I have learned from my experiences that surprised me the most is how little manufacturers know about their own products. This is because the people making the product don't necessarily use it and are just repeating what they have been told. The people that use the product every day know alot more about it. This is probably why manufacturers will make products that don't sell.

Originally Posted by Seraphim

Mettalurgically, the blade can either deform elastically (will spring back immediately), or it can deform plastically (will never spring back, no matter how long you wait).

Not always, e.g. ...
YouTube - nitinol wire