Thread: Rinsing the blade

I wipe the blade carefully on a towel several times a pass to remove the lather build up. I keep a sink full of hot water and occasionally dip the blade into it just to keep the blade from getting sticky (that tends to happen since I don't rinse the blade under running water). You may be wondering why I don't just dip the blade into the water instead of using the towel? Good question! All I can say is that since I quite rinsing lather and whiskers in the sink, my drain quit plugging up! Once I'm done shaving, I rinse the towel in the tub which does not tend to clog up on me.

I also use a wet sponge in the sink, but also rinse off what the sponge left behind once in a while, as well as heating up the blade.

I rinse every couple of strokes.

I use the faucet. I've had no issues in the years I've been doing it but there are better methods.

Old time barbers would have a shaving towel over their shoulder and use that to wipe the lather as they shaved a customer.

I've been meaning to look into this (methods of cleaning blade, not really frequency). I haven't been using my straight razor too much since I don't think I have a good edge on it yet, but the times I do I've been using the back of my right (non dominant) hand.
I don't really care for wiping hair off on a towel and if I rinse with water I still need to use my hand to wipe off the hair and lather from the edge. I may try using a sponge sometime.

I use a damp sponge. Early on I tried a towel but tended to slash them up fairly readily. The lovely Mrs. GI was not a fan although I could get away with slashing up and throwing away a dollar sponge. I usually get a few months out of a sponge before it gets ratty and mildewy. At that point I just throw it away and bring out a new one. I find that the less water that comes in contact with the blade the better. When I'm finished I simply towel off the blade, strop the razor and put it away. Works like a charm.

apparently i like living on the edge (no pun intended) as i still foolishly rinse under the faucet as soon as the lather covers the blade. i do think of the danger every time though. Like Alice in wonderland said " I give myself some very good advice but seldom ever listen".

I rinse lather off when the accumulation is heavy using hot running water. I hold the razor with the point down at about 45 degrees and rinse no more than half way up the shank. My 5/8 blades need more frequent rinsing than my wider 7/8 blades.

An advantage is being able to judge lather wetness on my face by how the lather sticks to the blade near the edge. If the lather does not rinse off the blade quickly and has residues beginning to stick, I reapply water or thinner lather to my face and rehydrate using my brush.

Heating the razor with hot running water then wiping the blade helps dry the blade.

Negatives include a risk of hitting the edge on the faucet or getting water between the scales in the pivot. I have done both, but not often. I have gashed my face or knuckles on the edge more often, so I stick with the hot water rinse.

Never let any water get between the scales. If you do, dry it out immediately. A hair dryer and canned compressed air can help dry the pivot. Putting a razor away with water between the scales will probably stain and rust a carbon steel blade overnight.

Sponges and towels have been used for years and I probably am being unreasonably concerned that I will hit my edges and dull them on a towel or sponge. For most of the era of common straight razor use, there was no running water and especially no hot running water available for use during shaving. Our ancestors had no issues removing lather by wiping. Since YMMV, try both and use what works best for you.

I have also cut my fingers while wiping my blade and dinged my edge by dropping my razor. There is no substitute for vigilance.

Wiping may be the best technique for blades having covered shanks and frame backs where water can enter hard or impossible to dry spaces and cause serious rusting.

I have to admit I am a rinser too. There are these gadgets too

I admit to having Razordinkaphobia....
So I have been using a washcloth folded at the edge of the counter.
I use squares of toilet tissues to clean the blade when I need to close it (to set it down for any reason) and I give it one careful hot water rinse at the end.

I think this helped me when I was learning - the Razordinkaphobia slowed me down, broke up the pace. I like the quiet, not having to turn the water on and off.
But then I am also one of those Cold Water heathens...

Smooth Shaving....

I didn't know rinsing a blade was considered to be such a risky task. I have an advanced technique for rinsing the blade without causing any damage. I call my technique "don't hit your razor on the faucet". It's kind of like when you shave the mustache area without cutting your nose. Or shaving your sideburn without cutting your ear. Guys, if you are coordinated enough to shave with a straight razor, you can rinse the blade without hitting the faucet.