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How long does a razor effectively remained "stropped"? We all know stropping is meant to align the edge of the blade, but how long does it stay aligned if you don't use it to shave with right away? Is it a matter of minutes, hours, days, etc.?
I'm was just sitting around with too much time to think and was curious :hmmm:
IME, overnight is too long. I usually shave within 30min or less.
I usually do more stropping after I shave. I think once or twice I have picked up a razor and used it without a pre-shave strop, only the full stropping I had given it after my last shave. More often I give it a just a few strokes pre shave. I haven't noticed anything different but I'm pretty new at this and don't use a straight every day.
-----Michael
I think once its stropped its stropped. The only thing that would affect the performance of the blade is if its dropped or hit or its left so long that oxide starts to form on the edge. (actually rust begins to form on bare steel immediately on the microscopic level) I would think as long as the blade is oiled even a couple weeks will not deteriotrate the shaving surface but I can't think of a reason why someone would not strop before shaving anyway. But here's a great experiment for someone.
I usually strop the night before, has never been a problem.
I usually strop before shaving, but on those occasions where I've stropped the night before, I've not noticed a difference.
When I use a straight razor, I strop before and after. Always.
RT