Thread: Does 30+30=60?

An old barber told me the razor edge is distorted by shaving and slowly returns (mostly) to its former shape after a shave. It's better to leave the razor alone for a while after shaving and strop right before using it again.

Originally Posted by eod7

An old barber told me the razor edge is distorted by shaving and slowly returns (mostly) to its former shape after a shave. It's better to leave the razor alone for a while after shaving and strop right before using it again.

I agree with this. IMHO the edge does get a bit deformed from the act of shaving and the steel needs time to reset itself. But then it needs to be stropped just before each shave to bring the edge back "in line" and to remove any oxidation that has occurred ( and it will) and also to remove any "gunk" leftover from the last shave.

The only reason to strop on leather after a shave is to help the edge dry out but IMHO it also runs a slight risk of damaging the edge.

Just my 2¢

i know some guys strop the night before when they shave in the morning and the shave is fine. Also when you get a blade from a honemiester they tell you not to strop cause they have already done so. So in my opinon once you strop it should be good atleast as long as the blade doesn't sit for to long a period of time without protection.