Thread: A Pilgrim's Straight Razor Journey

Gentlemen,

I will always consider myself a pilgrim in pursuit of knowledge and wisdom from the masters of the the straight razor. And some of you, indeed, are masters.

The subject may already have been covered in this learned forum and I apologize if I missed it. Tell me, what are your thoughts on stropping the razor after the shave is completed and resting the blade for the next shave?

I have heard differing views on the practice outside this forum, and in some writings by straight razor experts. I would like to hear from you, the masters. Thanks.

Regards,

Obie

I strop 25 on canvas, 25 on leather. I think it helps to dry the blade and I don't think it could possibly do it any harm.

Originally Posted by Obie

Tell me, what are your thoughts on stropping the razor after the shave is completed and resting the blade for the next shave?

You'll find many potential answers in this thread: Letting the razor "rest" - Straight Razor Place Forums.

Gentlemen,

My question centers on stropping the razor after the shave is completed. The resting is given, of course. I do rest my straights at least 24 hours, as do many of you. So that is not the question. Rather, the question is: What are your thoughts on stropping the razor after the shave is completed?

Regards,

Obie

Ah, okay. Sorry for the confusion.

I don't strop after shaving. I have read that some do it to dry the blade to prevent rusting. I just rinse the blade off and dry it with a towel. Then I leave it open to dry completely. I store my razors in a tooth brush stand so the air can circulate around it or in a safe w/ silicone dry packs. Cigar boxes made of Spanish cedar worked well for 5 of my razors stored for 20 yrs in one. I had a few in a china cabinet for a few weeks and the edge started rusting very quickly. Go figure. I think if the moisture in the air has someplace to go before condensing on the razor you'll be fine. Be sure to get all of the lather off the blade and inside the scales as it will tarnish the edge/metal.

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

Ah, okay. Sorry for the confusion.

That's an interesting thread. How did the experiment turn out? I didn't see any links to the followup. Thanks!

Originally Posted by richmondesi

That's an interesting thread. How did the experiment turn out? I didn't see any links to the followup. Thanks!

Bump the thread to see how the experiment went

I always strop after shaving, on linen. I'm going linen until it feels right and then, leather until it feels right before the shave. Let the blade dry and then 20 or so on the linen. So far, I'm happy with the results. Please post criticisms.

What was the result of the experiment on stropping linked to earlier in this thread?