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if used properly a good razor will last thousands probably tens of thousands of years. this is based on the amount of metal that needs to be removed to keep its sharp.
the problem comes from abuse - any nick on the blade means that the metal up to the bottom of the nick must be removed. then there's abusive honing - take a look at the razors on ebay and you'll know how common it is.
I posted a thread a while ago that had a poll, asking if anyone had ever noticed a razor's width changing during "normal use" - meaning a razor that is shave ready and is used and touched up without sustaining any damage that would need to be honed out. Last I remember, only two people voted yes. I'll see if I can find the thread, and I'll link it here via edit.
Here: http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...own-razor.html
seems it's up to 4 now
every single person that posted in that thread (consisting of most the mentors of this forum and those with much more experience than most of us) all said no.Quote:
Originally Posted by holli4pirating
I'm assuming (statistically speaking) one of those yes answers was a mistake and two of them were people that may have over honed. I'm wonder who the one yes was that has been around long enough to actually wear down a razor.
Sadly, most of our possessions, with care, will outlast us. Obviously we try newer things as design and function improves. Obviously not the case with the design of a straight razor I hasten to add.
Much of what wealthy westerners purchase is for conspicuous consumption or out of boredom. I don't think many men would have classed shaving as a leisure interest 75-100yrs ago. Luckily for us, quite a few didn't last as long as their razors.
Everyone here has given great advice. I sold a razor to someone here that the company went out of business in 1852 and with decent care will probably last another century. The maintenance determines longevity. Honing if done ight is only needed a few times per year. One in my current rotation has not been hone in a year and shows no signs of needing honing.
Gentlemen:
These thoughtful posts all point to the fountain of youth: that if a straight razor is used properly and maintained properly, it will stay young.
Regards,
Obie