Thread: Random thoughts after a year of straight razor shaving

Thanks, EV2. I was being a bit thick-headed. Your explanation of wiping the blade makes sense. And evidently works quite well.

As you undoubtedly know, spots on the blade like that are often caused by water getting in between the scales. I give them a glance after wiping off the blade and, finding any evidence of water run a folded over tissue between them to remove it.

I used to be pretty much a "duck" when it came to getting water all over things. What I do now to rinse the blade so that no soap residue that can also cause tarnish or rust remains on the blade is to open the razor so that the blade and scales are lined up,. I then pinch the tang between thumb and forefinger, wrapping the scales in the palm of my hand, and move the toe blade in a straight line into a stream of water running from the faucet, stopping at the point where the water splash against the blade is just reaching the heel. I then rotate the razor about the axis of the straightened blade and scales by rotating my wrist, thereby rinsing all parts of the blade only, my fingers and palm protecting the rest of the razor. I remove the razor from the water stream by moving my hand straight back, keeping it away from the faucet and side of the sink, afterward drying the blade by - you probably guessed - wiping it on a towel with a stropping motion. This whole process may sound complicated, but it takes perhaps five seconds from start to finish. I rinse the blade during the shave the same way. I have never dinged the blade on a sink in the nine years that I have been using an open razor for shaving.

Good on you for using a "proper" razor for an entire year. Here's hoping you enjoy shaving with an open razor for many more years!

Jeff