Thread: Options when a razor drags mid-shave

I read a thread recently about stropping mid-shave when a razor starts to drag after you've started. Stopping to strop is clearly one option. I actually swap the razor out for another one nearby and finish the shave with that alternative. Then do some 16K honing and Crox,or whatever, on the draggy one. A third option, I suppose, would be to just finish up with the dragging razor as long it was possible to do so. My question is...what do you all do?

To be honest, I never had this problem. I wonder if your bear prep is good? Dry beard is around the hardness of copper wire, but will soften some 40% fully hydrated so there is a lot to save if you do it well. Or perhaps your lather dries out during your shave? Anyways, what barbers of yesteryear did was give it a few strokes on a barbers hone. I do have barbers hones, but I rarely use them. They are kinda fun tho. Perhaps a few strokes there and a stropping should set it straight? (pardon the pun)

I would say that if this happens only with razor A, forcing you to continue with razor B, but never the other way around, B giving out forcing you to move to A, then the problem is the razor, A. If it happens in both directions, it's either your sharpening or your face prep.

Yes, as the other two posters have stated it is not really a common phenomenon for people, at least down the track.

I would say, as a general thing, that if the edge starts to pull during the shave you need to perhaps take a closer look at your technique, or else the razor needs to go back on the hones for some more work. Stropping during a shave is an option but a "good" edge shouldn't need it (other things being equal).

Good luck!

James.

By the way, I mentioned the possibility of a bum razor because I have one of those. It's a quite nice old 4/8 that was never used, that I bought almost sharp. It sharpens, then loses it halfway through, though a quick stropping puts it back in order so I'm guessing that something's wrong with the steel. I've given it enough chance to behave, but it won't.

I'd suggest having it properly honed. Sounds like a situation that could occur if the bevel is not properly set. If it is old, and a 4/8, chances are it's a decent razor. Decent, in this case, means "build to work, not for show". In which case it (in all probability) has good steel and all those things.

Best of luck.

My opinions, not necessarily all-inclusive:

1. Your technique is blunting the edge
2. Your stropping is not up to par.
3. You're over honing with the Shapton and/or paste, causing the edge to crumble.
4. The razor is made of bad steel and not holding an edge.

It could be any of the four, or a combination thereof. Do you have any razors that make it through a shave without problems? If so your issues would be caused by either #3 or 4. If it happens with every razor the cause is more difficult to pinpoint. Out of curiosity, how many laps do you use when touching up a blade?

I had the same problem with a straight razor of mine. I could get about half way through a shave and it would start to get dull. I have honed and stropped it just like I do my other razors. I don't have a problem with any of my other razors doing this. It's a shame to because, that razor is old and is in very good condition. I still have it because a friend of mine gave it to me. It was one of his Dad's razors. Maybe that's why it's in very good condition, he probably never used it because of this. So, if you don't have a problem with your other razors doing this, then I would say it's your razor.. This is just my opinion..

It actually happens very rarely and not with any specific razor (I have about 3 dozen in my shaving rotation). From time to time I will be shaving and have no problem with my cheeks and sideburns but, when I get to the more tender and tough upper and lower lips the blade will feel as though it's not quite as sharp as I would like. I usually think "why didn't I hone after my last shave with it" and was wondering how others approach the situation. Maybe just honing a bit earlier.

If I'm touching up a blade I generally do 15 passes on the Shapton 16K and 15-20 on Crox on leather. Sound reasonable?