Thread: Urban myth or true

Hi

Just found this forum by accident.

I used to shave with a SR when I was in my early 20's, I gave up after a couple of years, I am now thinking of starting again because I remember the quality of the shave being second to none.

Any how I remember hearing although I can remember where, that its good practice to have a razor for each day of the week, apparently it has some thing to do with resting the steel after stropping, is this a truth or myth?
Also is it true that the blade should be rinsed with cold water when shaving?

Thanks

Ian

Welcome to the SRP Ian.
I can't answer any of that, hopefully some of the real gurus will chime in. Come on fellas, how about it.

Welcome Ian!

Both should be true
opens up a lot of possibilities to buy nice razors

Having a razor for each day of the week and letting them rest is very nice. There are many here that only have one razor and are doing just fine. Think Barber back in the day giving straight shaves with real straight razors. They would need to have a slew of straights if they let them rest a day after each shave.

Rinsing the blade off after a shave is a good idea but be sure to dry it completely and try not to get the pivot area wet. I grip the pivot area when rinsing to protect it from water. Be sure to get all of the soap/cream off the blade and out from between the scales if there is any. Soap/cream and touching the blade after wiping it will enhance rust and Devil's spit. Many people like me have corrosive skin oils that cause rust.

Welcome to SRP. Here is the SRP Wiki beginner's guide that will start you off in the right direction. I was like you, someone who shaved with a straight years ago and then gave it up, found this forum and returned to it. Been having the time of my life since.

I rinse my razors in hot water before and after the shave. I am shooting for a 365 day set but haven't quite got there yet .... but it is fun trying.

That would be myth and myth.

IArmstrong,

I have encountered that same piece of wisdom myself, but it is a half truth, not the entire truth. It is good to own a razor for each day of the week, but it is not a necessity.

I have read somewhere that in reality, you only need to "rest" your razor overnight or approx. 24 hrs. to achieve a close shave with it the next day. Of course if you want to purchase an additional razor or two to insure that the blade will be completely recovered from the previous shave, by all means feel free to do so.

Jhenry's advice is insidious. One razor is all you need. The whole thing about needing a second one is a plot to seduce you into addiction. I started with one and let others talk me into thinking I needed two. So I bought a second...then a third..then a fourth. and a fifth, and then a sixthseventheight...Somebody, stop me!!!

Stropping your razor will recover it better than resting ever could.
I have heard that resting may apply to stainless blades, but the only instructions I've ever seen that encouraged resting the blade also gave some very poor advice about stropping and honing.
don't believe it.

Originally Posted by leadduck

Jhenry's advice is insidious. One razor is all you need. The whole thing about needing a second one is a plot to seduce you into addiction. I started with one and let others talk me into thinking I needed two. So I bought a second...then a third..then a fourth. and a fifth, and then a sixthseventheight...Somebody, stop me!!!

That's right!

LOOK OUT! IT'S A TRAP! ()

Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.