Thread: Does hot water dull straight razor and DE blades?

Originally Posted by kikito1

Any WWII veteran, metalurgist, or someone who lived through the great depression knows the answer to this one. Use as much hot water on your face as you want. This makes the bristles stand up for a closer shave so that's good but never rinse a razor in any water that is not as cold as it can possibly be. [ edited ]

To test this, lather and shave only half your face with a new razor (be sure to always rinse it in very cold water). When finished this side of your face, rinse the razor several times while changing the temperature of the water from hot to cold. Now lather and shave the other side of your face. If you do not immediately notice that the blade is now more dull you will for sure notice the next time you use the razor. Mine usually last until the wife takes them in the shower. I have had some blades stay perfectly sharp for at least a few years of daily shaving.

As for the temperature of the water that you use on your face that is a personal preference but if you want your blades to stay perfectly sharp for considerably longer they must never touch anything other than cold water.

Wow, kikito1 of one post resurrecting a two year old thread, and a quality one at that! Mods, please don't delete this or ban him, I want this post in whatever archive of incredible posts you've got! This one's a keeper!

There are those (well respected Honemeisters) that feel stropping a warm blade after shaving will ruin an edge.
I do not know why or if any real science is involved,I wish I knew more,perhaps just a factoid.