Thread: Handles in Water

I'm another dry razor guy. I dry my hands before I touch the razor, and normally don't even get my hands wet at all. The blade only gets wet when I wash off the accumulated lather.

I do find my razors see much less exposure to water than when I was a beginner. But this is more out of change in my habits than concern for the razors.

I would go as far as saying that if you are genuinely worried about your razor getting wet then it is not fit for the purpose. Keep it in a display cabinet.


On the safety aspect ... I have never had a problem with grip, whether the razor is wet or dry. I think the real danger is if you always keep your hands and razor dry! Because then, when a splash of water makes it slippery you won't be expecting it. Those of us who started with water all over everything will be less reliant on dry friction for keeping control.

I try and keep them dry and usually do but if they do get wet I don't worry about it. I just make sure they are dry before putting them away and I never get them soaking wet anyway.

Usually I get them wet. Some natural materials like bone or horn I attempt to keep dry, but all of them get a good rinsing and drying before being hung up to dry. I dont mind the plastic scales as much. I'm more concerned about keeping them clean from old hair and soap. A quick towel usually does the trick for me.

Havent had any problems yet.

I try not to get the scales wet if I can avoid it, but no biggie if I do. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only guy who does not worry about damage or rust to my razor/scales. I just don't ever think about it. I always dry my razor well and wipe the scales off before closing her up and putting it back in the holder.

Mine get wet. I rinse the blade in the sink while shaving and water will get on the scales. I have some with wood scales and haven't had any problems.
I dry them off good when I'm done and leave them open to dry.

I don't allow water to touch the tang or scales of the razor I shave with except for the occasional droplet.

dry tangs and dry handles are easier to grasp. I keep my fingers dry too

I had a nice heljestrand with rubber scales which were very grabby. I'm not sure if much present moisture would have the same slippery effect on them as on celluloid or ivory for example

I'm really careful not to get the scales wet, I guess for two reasons.

Firstly because I dont want to drop a wet (and slippery!) razor and staple my foot to the floor or damage the blade.

Second, because I dont want to mark the scales or miss some water in the hinge and have rust develop.

I'm pretty OCD-ish when it comes to looking after my razors!

My dear Lynn,

As my shaving guru, you advised me to keep the handle dry.

I keep the handle dry.

Regards,
Obie

Well, I'm a bit of a Klutz so I do get the scales wet when shaving.

When I am done, I let the hot water tap run a bit to get really hot then rinse the whole blade, including the pin area and adjacent scales, with this super hot water. My theory is that after after a quick towel dry the heat will help it dry thoroughly. I do find that after sitting there for a few minutes while I clean up the blade is very warm to the touch and apparently dry. I still use a folded up length of toilet paper to dry everything, concentrating on the inner scales. I then do complete stropping (50 cloth, 75 leather) to be sure even the very edge is dry.