Thread: Corking blades?

Hey all, I got introduced to wet shaving this past Christmas when I was gifted a DE owned by my great grandfather. I used it for several months and then bought a SR from the classified section, now with 40 or so SR shaves under my belt and no nicks I switched back to the DE this morning only to get two small nicks under my nose. Nothing concerning but annoying none the less. I find this usually happens on the first shave with DE blades regardless of brand, will this effect be mitigated by corking the blades? Also after corking I assume I should rinse the blade to remove any cork residue correct? I love the SR but would like the option of using a DE for travel and when time is pressed--

Clayton

Would you mind explaining what corking a blade is? I am unfamiliar with the practice.

This is a good question. Corking is used to remove bur when sharpening knives. My guess is it will mess up the sharpness of the razor blade, but try and see what happens.
IMHO your weeper problem might be some technique issue, blade is not quite compatible for you, or the razor you are using is not quite compatible.

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

Would you mind explaining what corking a blade is? I am unfamiliar with the practice.

Gently run the razor blade edge on the edge of a cork, I think.

Yes. Corking a DE blade is a popular option that people use to reduce the initial harshness. I've never been bothered by the first shave so for me it was pointless but many swear by it. As mainaman said give it a try and see if it works for you.

Thanks for all the replies. I believe mainaman is correct about corking technique at least from what i've read. Perhaps it is a shaving technique problem i'm experiencing. I have tried 3 types of blades: derby, merker, and feather, all of them seem to work well after the first shave which almost always involves a small weeper. Perhaps I should try some different blades, will see how things go on next DE shave and will definitely try corking with my next fresh blade.

Whenever I use a new Feather blade in a Cobra SE razor or my DX straight I run it through a cork - it helps tame the first couple of shaves and is still good for double figures.

My preferred cork is from Lanson Champagne - much superior to others I've tried.

Corking was something started over on that other large forum. Modern DE blades have coatings and should not need any special treatment.

never needed it and I shaved with a DE for over 40 years, but I also don't use a blade but once , I like them fresh out the package , with my Fatboy set on 9. only use feather now , I think its probably technique as you used to shave with it , and something has changed, pressure or long that line , also angle tc

Try any of the persona brand blades. Smoother than any of the 3 you mentioned by far, and almost as sharp as the feathers. I think the Israeli reds are a great value in their line, and tend to be easier on the first shave. I find 3-5 shaves per blade 5 as absolute max. is what I get for best comfort. Ymmv.