Mark aka JMS started a great thread asking for opinion on how important linen is to extending the life of razor edges vs. using a plain leather strop.

That got me thinking about edge integrity, how long edges last between honings, touch ups, etc.

Here's my question I'm hoping to get feedback on from experienced shavers:

How important is "proper" shave prep (whisker softening) to the integrity and duration of a razor's edge?

I ask this question because there are a few things that have been on my mind, I'd say eating at me, after Mark's thread:

For those that can shave for months and months and months on a honed edge stropping only on plain leather, would those razors still shave that long if you either didn't prep sufficiently, or even, didn't prep at all (quick face wash, lather immediately and boom, start shaving with dry hard whiskers)? Regardless of prep or lack thereof, do your razors still whisk off unsoftened whiskers month in month out without skipping a beat?

I know from experience, proper shave prep makes for a closer and more comfortable shave for me. That's a given in my experience. With this post, I'm not concerned with the benefits prep gives for a shave, I'm wondering about the importance of prep in regard to an edge.

I'll give you my answer right now but I'm curious how others will weigh in.

I believe that the lack of proper prep does diminish the duration of the integrity of an edge. I believe shaving without prepping can dull an edge much quicker than if every shave with a razor includes proper shave prep (proper shave prep being any method/s that result in whiskers being significantly softened and easier for the razor to cut).

I've said before that I pay little attention to shave prep for the following reasons: Time, very hard water and dry air in the home. At best, my prep consists of washing my face with soap and rinsing with 20 handfuls of hot water before lathering. Total time: 1-2 minutes.

Thanks for weighing in here.

Chris L