Just How Clean?

Gentlemen,

Just how clean are you with your safety razor?

Well, my straight razors are spotless, and I don't see why my safety razor should not be. So after the shave, the blade is removed, rinsed and stored in the original pack — I usually change blades after two shaves, with some blades after only one shave.

I then scrub the razor, all parts, with soap and a soft toothbrush — the blasted glue marks from the blade molest my razor — dry it thoroughly, including running a Q-tip in all the holes and cavities, leave it open for a while before reassembling and returning it to the stand. I do this after every shave.

To some, this may be a wee bit anal, but I like everything in my humble shave den clean and organized. After all, the morning shave with its full ritual — for me, seven days a week — is one of the most important parts of my life and, therefore, I celebrate it in every way by, among other practices, keeping things clean.

And you, gentlemen, what happens to your razor after the shave?

My straights are used almost as if I am shaving with a museum piece. Which has made my habits with my shavette leaving something to be desired.

I typically give it a full strip down when I swap blades. Since it is only a Dovo shavette, stainless and cheap-ish, I don't dry it any more than a few shakes into the sink. After my barber uses it or I use it, with no blade change, it gets a rinse and tossed on the counter.

However, if I found a nice 3 piece safety in the wild, my habits would be drastically different and more akin to your methods.

I mostly use my safety razor when I don't have the time for a straight shave. Cleanup can be rushed so I usually rinse off the blade, then pat it dry on a towel, then set it and the razor to the side of the counter to air dry for the day. I will put the blade back in its envelope and put it and the razor back in the cabinet that night or the next morning. I usually notice soap build up on the razor every couple of months, then I will let use a tooth brush to scrub it under running water.

Well I use my straights more than the DE, but with those I rinse and wipe them down. Then it hangs partially open for the rest of the day to dry. That way they stay clean and shiny..........I like shiny:D
Then they are wiped down again with a lint free cloth and a Q-tip through the scales and put back in the drawer til their next use in the rotation.

My DE I rinse well and open it up to wash out the inside. Then all pieces are left to dry for the rest of the day, then in the evening reassembled and onto the razor holder.

Here our water has a lot of lime in it. If they aren't cleaned they get a white haze all over them and look like crap.

For DEs/SEs it is rinse with water and put away. Every once in a while they get a good cleaning.

Bob

I normally shave two passes with a straight and then do a cleanup pass with a DE. I keep my SRs spotless to prevent rust and water spots. I dry and oil the blades after every shave as each razor only gets used once every two weeks.

I use four DE razors in rotation so I do not attempt to remove and store blades between shaves. I get several weeks out of a blade since I only uses it every 4th day and I only shave a cleanup pass, with most of the hair already removed. After shaving, I rinse the razor well under running water. I only open the razor if I see residue packed inside. As long as I keep my lather hydrated, there is little residue. I dry the outside of the razor with a towel. I dip the razor in Barbicide, shake out the excess, and hang the razor to dry until its next time in the rotation.

The Barbicide contains ingredients that help clean, remove moisture and protect the razor from corrosion. I use that in place of the alcohol/oil mixture I use on my straights.

I rinse the razor with the top cap loosened. Set it aside. Rinse my brush, my face, my scuttle. Dry off my face and apply A/S. Disassemble the razor and set the blade aside. I rinse the razor thoroughly and set it on a paper towel (parts) and leave it air dry.

Later in the evening I wipe it down with a dry paper towel, assemble the razor without a blade, and put it in a stand, or a hanger. I will use a toothbrush if necessary to remove anything untoward that is picked up in the shave.

When I was a kid, and we used to leave blades in the razor, the 'tea stains' from the rust were disturbing to me, so I got in the habit of removing the blade following the shave.

I just disassemble my three piece,rinse off the blade and leave it to dry on a square of TP,rinse and wipe down the razor parts with a microfiber cloth then reassemble and store.

For my safety razors I probably do a full clean every 4-7 shaves. I do always take the blades out except for my Injector razor

I just rinse off my fully assembled safety razor and put her in the barn. From time to time I'll do the full cleaning bit with the toothbrush. If I had vintage pieces, I would be far more meticulous.

My straights do get a full detailed cleaning and drying every use. I keep them in my bedroom dresser. I keep a sock full of kitty litter with them to absorb moisture.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wvuhillbilly

I just disassemble my three piece,rinse off the blade and leave it to dry on a square of TP,rinse and wipe down the razor parts with a microfiber cloth then reassemble and store.

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I cannot leave a blade out to dry. I have a cat who loves heights. She can get on top of shelves, cabinets, etc. She can open cabinet doors if they are not latches. Thus, the only safe place to leave a sharp blade would be in a locked cabinet. That is not conducive for drying.

I do the same thing as Obie. Three shaves, remove blade for a fresh one,, dish soap & toothbrush the razor. If I am going to another DE in the rotation, then Scrubbing Bubbles on the DE after the scrubbing with the dish soap,,, two days to dry & back into the collection.

I just loosen mine and rinse thoroughly and let it air dry. Every month I clean with soap and water and polish with stainless polish. I don't remove the blades and don't have rust issues even though with the Mongoose I'll get 5 or 6 shaves out of a blade.

Wow. You guys are making me feel like a slob. I seldom use my Slim but when I do, I rinse it well under hot water, take the blade out and wipe all four bevels on my towel, put it back in the razor and slightly close the doors so the blade doesn't fall out. Only need to brush it off once per year at most. Perhaps the difference is that I use Pinaud shave cream when I use my DE. It's very 'fluffy' and doesn't stick to the razor like better soaps tend to do. Also, it's very dry here. I can take a shower, hang the towel on the shower curtain rod and it will be dry before I finish getting ready for work.

After using any of my DEs and SEs, I take the blade out, give both the razor and blade a good rinse, pat dry the blade and wipe down the razor with a towel, reassemble and then put away with the cap open or loose.

I've heard on some forums where people frown upon this practice. However, I've yet to have an issue with it and my razors always look shiny and clean. I see I'm in good company here!

After using my DE's, I store the blade back in its paper and dry the insides of the razor (Fatboy & Slim) and then store in a cigar box with a desiccant satchet.

With my straights, I dry with a towel, 20-30 laps on my strop and then leave on top of my storage box (cigar box) until I get home from work in the evening. It then gets put away in the cigar box which has a large desiccant satchet.

So far so good and no razor or blade issues.

Good thing I live in a desert. My wife would have a fit if I left anything out, even for an hour. I only use the DE when I travel, usually once a year. Straights at home. Quick cold water rinse, wipe blade with towel, then with tissue, dozen or so laps on linen and leather, then into the razor burka and the drawer. I suppose if I moved to a damp climate I'd be screwed. Probably have to buy an electric, or worse, regrow the beard. Best to stay out of trouble and stay put...

I don't remove the blade unless it needs to be changed. After shaving I rinse the DE under hot water, and dry it with a towel. Any leftover soap residue gets cleaned when the blade is finished, at which time I will disassemble the razor and scrub it.

I keep my straights clean and dry after every shave. For my de I just rinse it thoroughly, remove the blade and make sure all parts are dry before putting it away. I rarely use my de though.

Compared to most of you my DE are downright filthy. I shave, rinse, put up, and leave the blade in for far longer than I should. I live in Hawaii and the humidity is horrible but I have never had a problem with my razor. Granted I don't have nice expensive DE razors. My straights I treat much better, but for me my DE is a utilitarian means to an end. I now feel bad for not giving it more attention. I should probably wax the truck tomorrow too! Thanks for guilting me into more chores!

For the really clean freaks, an ultrasonic cleaner:
Attachment 259059
Cheap but effective.......
~Richard