Thread: Resting Razor

I understand the concept of "resting a razor" but what I don't understand is how a bent piece of steel magically moves back straight.

Someone care to explain.

I'm not entirely sure what you're specifically referencing - got a link?

I believe what he is referring to is some suggest when starting out that a new shaver purchase 2 razors for a couple of reasons, less time for each to see the hones among them but also with the idea that they be rotated daily as any metal with use including scraping down a face can get out of alignment and for optimal results it is best to rest the blade at least 1 day for it to return to it's original shape, granted this is supposedly on a microscopic level,

personally I don't know whether it is true or not but it is another good excuse to have a 2nd razor and get that rad started right

I think the idea is that resting the metal makes it a little bit stronger on the edge and not as prone to breakage. I believe the actual stropping is what aligns the edge, not the resting itself.

A bit of controversy on this I think. Some say it is a myth. I have no idea. I have a rotation so it is not an issue for me although I would like to know for sure.

I am looking back to see if I can find where I read this. (forgive me but I am a noob and do know know the proper terms) But I did read that the edge of the razor gets pretty torn up at the microscopic level after a shave. However if you rest the razor that edge will straighten back up. It is the same edge you straighten when you strop it.
I want to know how a bent piece of metal will just straighten itself back up, if it is true, and why.

Originally Posted by stdreb27

I understand the concept of "resting a razor" but what I don't understand is how a bent piece of steel magically moves back straight.

Someone care to explain.

It is true and you explained it in your own first post...

Sorry I just could not resist, and I really did try to

Look at it this way, it is the second best excuse to own more than 1 razor that we have.... the #1 reason is, "what if you damage one"....
We all look for any reason we can come up with, to explain away RAD...

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.