Thread: Life span of a Straight Razor?

I have a few questions about the straight razors that I was hoping you can help me answer

A. How long before you need to hone it again (Major concern)
B. How long does a SR last before it becomes unusable
C. How long beore you strope it again?

I understand they need a fair amount of maintenance.
The honing is my major concern 'cause AFAIK, there is no professional honer in my city except for the ones who sharpen machetes... and I doubt their technique can be used to sharpen this delicate blades so you can see why this is a major concern.

If the blades need to be honed in less than 2 years then I would probably start with DE Razors until I can afford the right stones and I get the knowledge.(importing such a heavy tools can be really expensive)
As strange as it sounds, 2 years would be the time I would need to get the stones. (Mostly 'cause it is a big investment)

B & C have me less concerned 'cause I know B needs several years to happen and C is somethign I can learn to do

Thanx for your help

How often your razor needs to be honed depends on a number of factors, but it will almost definitely need to be done before 2 years have passed. Annual honing seems to be a stretch, from what I've read it's normal every few months. I haven't really been at it long enough to give a more definite answer on long term maintenance. Again, it varies a great deal.

I've heard a couple of people talk about only stropping, but it doesn't seem to be anywhere near the norm.

You may consider however investing in a small barber hone instead of a large water stone, as it should be enough when coupled with a strop to keep an already sharp razor going for a very long time. The coarser stones are really only needed when you have to set a bevel on a really dull razor. Just be sure the razor you get comes shave ready. Another option may be pasted strops. Some people swear by them.

As for the life span...a good straight razor will out live not only you, but probably any grandchildren you may have if it is properly cared for. A lot of folks here, myself included, shave with vintage razors that date back to around the turn of the century. They're still just fine.

Stropping should be done at least before each shave. Some people do a few laps after each shave as well to make sure the edge is completely dry.

I'm sure people better at this than I am will be along shortly with more specifics.

EDIT: BTW, welcome to the forums!

With care a shave ready razor can be touched up with a barber hone when necessary. It should be stropped before and after each shave. If handled properly it should last long enough for your grandchildren to use it.

You can buy a shave ready razor from one of the vendors here on SRP or from a member in the classifieds.

You may have an old barber in your neck of the woods who could maintain the razor for you in terms of honing and showing you how to strop ?

Originally Posted by Compa

A. How long before you need to hone it again (Major concern)
B. How long does a SR last before it becomes unusable
C. How long beore you strope it again?

a. depending on the steel used, how often you shave, and your beard thickness, 2-6 months
b. 20 years of constant use? no clue. a lifetime, perhaps.
c. every single time you use it.

A. How long before you need to hone it again (Major concern)

10 - 25 shaves

B. How long does a SR last before it becomes unusable

Until it is damaged beyond repair or is worn down to nothing. I shave with razors as old as 200 years, so I should think at least that long

C. How long beore you strope it again?

Almost always before and sometimes after each shave

Originally Posted by Compa

A. How long before you need to hone it again (Major concern)
B. How long does a SR last before it becomes unusable
C. How long beore you strope it again?

C - You need to strop before every shave. Some guys strop after they shave as well, in an effort to promote drying. I've never found it necessary, but climate & storage conditions vary greatly.

A & B - Well, it depends. I use a pasted strop to keep my razors going. It's easier to keep a razor sharp than it is to sharpen a razor. Keeping the edge fresh is super easy with a pasted strop. My razors were honed by Lynn back in 2004 or so. All of them, save one that was dinged when it hit the floor, are still hair popping sharp. Your mileage may vary.

Now, as to question B.... if you mean unusable because of shaving, it depends on several factors (your beard, maintenance of the razor, etc.) If you mean lifespan... well, I have a Dubl Duck Dwarf that belonged to my great grandfather.

Thanx
This has been very elightening. It's almost for sure I'll stick to my decission of buying a straight razor.
Just one more question:
This Barber Hones you talk about... you buy it at special barber supplier stores or you can get one from a hardware store like this one
My father had one to sharpen his knife and one side was pretty rough but the other one was a lot less rough and even got quite soft after some use.


Thanx again. this is very encouraging
It would be sweet if my grand grand son uses the same razor hehe

Most of the hones for knives will be far too aggressive for a straight razor. Most guys like the Norton 4000/8000 grit combo stone as a start. For scale, I finish most of my knife edges at 350 or 500 grit.

I'll see if the local hardware store has a stone with 4000-8000 grit. if not I can always pick up one online.
One stone is a lot less expensive than the whole set
Thanx

Originally Posted by Compa

I'll see if the local hardware store has a stone with 4000-8000 grit. if not I can always pick up one online.
One stone is a lot less expensive than the whole set
Thanx

if you are just doing touchups you can use a barber hone (10000+ grit) or a pasted strop, which is much cheaper.