Thread: Soft Steel Razors

I have a question for the guys that use the old "soft steel" razors. Do you have to strop mid-shave? I have found two now that require me to strop between the right side of my face and the left. I was just curious how common that is.

I have a few from the late 1700s. Only strop after and before the shave. (4 passes )

Just adore the feel of them on my face. Sooo smooth and gentle.

It's not common as far as I know.
In all my years I have never stopped a razor mid shave.

Pete <:-}

Same as Pete
Before and after

Has anyone ever analyzed one of these razors? I'd be really curious as to their Rockwell hardness and composition.

Typically I only stop before and after as well, which is why this struck me as odd.

How old are you talking? There's a bit of a range.

Regardless, I haven't found that I need to strop during a shave. Perhaps the edges on those need some fine tuning? Or maybe it is in fact due to the steel.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

How old are you talking? There's a bit of a range.

Regardless, I haven't found that I need to strop during a shave. Perhaps the edges on those need some fine tuning? Or maybe it is in fact due to the steel.

1813-1850 It was the first time I shaved with it, so I'll touch it up and try it again. I've found honing to be very relaxing, so I don't mind spending some time on it.

So something like this.

Originally Posted by outback

So something like this.

This one.

I would have guessed it to be newer than that.