Thread: Sponge in the sink for wiping blade

Interesting idea, but for now just starting out I think I'm going to stick with the towel method. Just seems simpler to me.

I also use a sponge, but I dampen it and it sits on the edge of the sink with a damp paper towel on it. I wipe my razor on the towel and when finished shaving add any lather left over from my lather bowl and deposit in the trash. I do it this way because lather and beard stubble can build up in the drain pipes and then you have a fine mess to deal with. It took a good part of a very strong drain cleaner to open the drain up. No problems since adding the paper towel to the routine. (And it keep my son who is my landlord very happy he doesn't have to play plumber again.)

Really, if you make the perfect lather, you shouldn't need a sponge... or a towel. Everything on the blade would come off the blade with just a swoosh in the sink or a dunk under running water. But unfortunately, I make said lathers so infrequently, that when I do I still marvel to this day lol .

The reason I use a sponge vs the towel is because the moisture in the sponge aids easing the lather off with less pressure than a dry towel. At least that's what I find. Moreover, because I do fill my sink with water every shave, it helps me wipe off the soap residue in my sink at the end of every shave. And last but not least, its a great place to rest my blade when lathering.

My sponge is an invaluable part of my little system. Maybe I should spring for a better looking one one day lol.

Originally Posted by WadePatton

I use a sponge on the edge of the sink, sometimes a folded towel as well. The trick is learning how to lay the used lather onto the sponge such that the blade comes off clean, and you don't use up all the sponge.

But i don't like running water while i shave, heck my well ain't _that_ deep.

I use the sponge on the edge of the sink as well.

I ordered a rubber drip bowl from a place in England for about $45 with shipping and trust me it doesn't work. You cut the rubber trying to wipe it clean. RAP Rubber Drip Bowl

I use a sponge in the sink as well. It saves a ton of water. I get them from the hardware store, only they're way too big so I cut them in half.

I saw the same video! His name is Chimensch and here's the link. http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...ing-video.html

Best shaving video I have seen hands down. I also use the sponge but not in the sink as my sink is small and risky for damaging my razor so the sponge goes up on the counter. It is much easier to clean and I don't have to waste water washing a bunch of towels so in the long run it is a very effective way to care for my razor AND save water.

I picked up a dry wall sponge at Menards for around $1.00

Originally Posted by Steel

I saw the same video! His name is Chimensch and here's the link. http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...ing-video.html

Best shaving video I have seen hands down. I also use the sponge but not in the sink as my sink is small and risky for damaging my razor so the sponge goes up on the counter. It is much easier to clean and I don't have to waste water washing a bunch of towels so in the long run it is a very effective way to care for my razor AND save water.

I picked up a dry wall sponge at Menards for around $1.00

If you go to the Thiers Issard site, this video is also used as he demonstrates straight razor shaving using a very nice TI 7 day set...great video!

Just a thought for those considering using a drip bowl. I have seen collapsing rubber/silicon dog dishes that look like they may serve the purpose. Just swirl the blade in the water, shake and continue shaving.

Bob

I paid attention to my sponge use while shaving today, because if anyone would endanger a razor it is yours truly, King Klutz.

What I noticed is that I pick up the sponge when I wipe it. That's why I don't have any banging against the sink.

Originally Posted by BobH

Just a thought for those considering using a drip bowl. I have seen collapsing rubber/silicon dog dishes that look like they may serve the purpose. Just swirl the blade in the water, shake and continue shaving.

Bob

I never used the kind of "dog dish" you are talking about. What you're describing might do a better job. What I used was as hard as the rubber in a plunger and let me tell you it does one lousy job.