Thread: Handles in Water

I've been pondering this very issue. I try to keep the scales and pivot dry, but water always migrates into the pivot. I'm going to try wiping the blade on a towel and hosing everything off with canned air before oiling and putting it away.

I'm all for the dry hands - mostly because I'm afraid to have the razor slip out of my hands. I often use a really heavy Bengall wedge with a deep shaft and it would only take a second to have the blade wipe out...since I'm not honing yet, I can't afford to drop my stuff!

Julian

I do the old "wipe the lather/whiskers on a cloth" technique, like I watched my Dad's old barber do when I was little, so my blade & scales don't get wet at all.

Matt

Yes, I do this same technique when I shave. I first lay out a small towel on the counter, then I lay my razor on it and get everything else ready while it sits there. I like to look at the razor as I get things all in place. I then shave and wipe the blade on the towel. I rinse the blade only after I am done shaving. I too am cautious of my hands getting wet and slippery. Great thread!

I try to keep the scales dry. When making them I apply several coats of tung & teak oil to protect them and that also keeps them from being too slippery when they do get wet.

Rich

"There is no native criminal class except Congress,"- Mark Twain

I get the handles wet. At the end of each shave, I run the entire razor under hot water.

I would like to know the reason why you run the entire razor in hot water?

Originally Posted by sharpshavefun007

I would like to know the reason why you run the entire razor in hot water?

I have a tough beard that requires multiple passes and I find that wetting the blade often during the course of the shave makes the blade cut more smoothly, so in between strokes I just slosh the blade in my sink full of hot water to clean the blade instead of wiping it with a towel -- this keeps my blade wet, warm, and clean. This technique results in getting some water on the handle, which is no big deal since all my handles are plastic or some other water-proof material. Because I often get a little lather on the handles as I shave, I simply clean the entire razor under running hot water when I'm finished just to make sure that everything is clean. There really is no reason not to. And then I let the razor dry with the blade open. Having been a "wet-shaver" for over 45 years, I guess I've just gotten used to lots of water.

I get my scales wet all the time, never noticed any effect on them.

What do I know? But since you asked.

I tend to clean the blade off by running under the water. Two reasons for that: (1) fear of dulling the blade with a sloppy wipe on the towel and (2) the ease with which the shaving cream/soap leaves the edge gives me some indication as to whether my lather's too thick / dry. When it's just right, the water washes the blade with no problem. If the lather's too thick/dry, it lingers on the blade for a bit when the water hits it.

I have horn, bone, celluloid, and plastic scales. I don't pass them under the running water, but I don't freak out if they get wet, either. I wipe dry after the shave and leave the blade open only for as long as it takes me to get dressed. I check once again for water drops and none are visible, I close and store. No oiling, paper towels, blow drying. No rust so far . . .