Thread: Strop in between each client?

I just make sure my blade is real sharp before the day starts at the barber shop. ( we just shave neck and around ears) Strop and hone in my down time. I dont strop between customers. It usually stays sharp enough. I do have a back up razor in case we are real busy. (or someone want a high and tight shave) I knock MOST of the hair down with a 00000 clipper blade then go at it with my straight and warm lather. It is legal in my state too, as long as it's sanitized between each person ( legal or not people should want to be sanitary anyway).

On a side note MOST of the shops in my area DONT shave with a straight around the ears ( dont even own a razor) the real sad thing is ,,,they tell people that request it that it's illegal to do!!!!

Well once you used a razor it is best to let it rest for 24 to 48 hours. This let's the microparticles on the edge settle back into shape.
It is better for the steal and your client. Most old barbers had more than one razor (something like 20). So every client had a new razor...

Thank you very much! I am really just using it on my husband at home and to shave my legs! lol. I have a murdock razor that I got in London that uses the disposable blades and a Dovo shavette. What brand of trimmers to you like to use for edging? I am always looking for better ones. I am also shaving my clients necks with hot lather now and they love it!

For Neck shaving you are much more safe with that. The skin there is much less sensitive and the hair is softer. So much less irritation for most men.

Originally Posted by Dries

Well once you used a razor it is best to let it rest for 24 to 48 hours. This let's the microparticles on the edge settle back into shape.

I'm very willing to bet this is merely an old, urban myth...

I must honestly say I get why you say that. A lot of claims on any sort of forum are not really decently supported by science.

But I experienced this myselve. But here is the twist: Not razors but with kitchen knives.
I sharpen my kitchen knives myselve since I was 17.

Here is a little test you can do yourselve. Cook something and use your knive. After wash them (get them wet). Than feel the edge.
Now let them rest overnight or longer and feel the edge again. You will feel quite the difference.
You can do the same test with a razor but for god-sake just shave with it, don't just feel the edge.

With razors you can see this with a very good magnifying glass. If you look good you will see a difference.
Back in the day there where even razors made of magnetic steel for this reason.
There is even a special holder that has a Magnet in it so the razor is "faster" shave ready. It is not easy to find them these days.


Off course there is only one way to know this for sure and that is via Scientific research but i have no idea if there ever have been such research.

Ooh and by the way, this is exactly the reason why most people have more than 1 razor.

Thats all I know,

Dries

Science... You'll find that shaving with a str8 is more of an Art, rather than Science.
Resting, fins, natural stones. Linen and leather. Art not Science.

Originally Posted by Johnus

Science... You'll find that shaving with a str8 is more of an Art, rather than Science.
Resting, fins, natural stones. Linen and leather. Art not Science.

True indeed but metal and how it reacts can still be studied

I strop mine while I let the client relax with the hot towel for face shaves. As far as neck shaves, which I do on all customers, I just go by feel, as little hairnas a neck shave removes, the edge stays sharp much longer

Originally Posted by Dries

True indeed but metal and how it reacts can still be studied

Ive been a sr user for 15 years, as long as I have been a barber, and ive never found any difference by leaving one sit, under a loupe letting it sit always shows a white film of oxidation on the edge if anything. Pretty sure it is an old wives tale.