Thread: micro what

I did finally start thinking about linen as I finished my last post but not quite enough.

I am familiar with the sensation that linen is actually sharpening, beyond what leather can repair. Is there silica or another mineral taken up by the plant?

1 week. Interesting.

[QUOTE=mrsell63;551255]

Originally Posted by kevint

Thanks for your reply. Water is required for rust. Using the strop to dry the edge is a good idea. oiling to preserve a pristine finish-that's cool.

Arguments that straps inhibit oxidation are accepted.

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Actually it is Oxygen that is the culprit regarding rust. It does however combine with H2O from the air/atmosphere to cause the "oxidation" that destroys ferrous based metal.

In the presence of oxygen, more water means more oxidation (rust).
As long as the metal is protected from water and air by oil/grease, the metal should be safe from corrosion.

I oil every razor I have - always.....

I believe I am correct rust(iron, steel) is oxidation that occurs in the presence of water. I could have been more clear.It is not the air but the water vapor in the air.

[QUOTE=kevint;551270]

Originally Posted by mrsell63

I believe I am correct rust(iron, steel) is oxidation that occurs in the presence of water. I could have been more clear.It is not the air but the water vapor in the air.

No, oxidation occurs in the presence of oxygen. water vapor cause rust because the oxygen in water combines with the iron. But iron will rust in air that has no water vapor in it, just not as easily. The reason water speeds up oxidation is because the water vapor easily condenses on the metal, and liquid water is much denser and hence puts many orders of magnitude more oxygen in contact with the metal than gaseous air does.

For general reference:
HowStuffWorks "How does rust work?"

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Whether stropping following the shave to help protect the edge is a waste of time or not at least it makes me feel better. The old better safe than sorry philosophy.

I am surprised and confused to read now to strop right after shaving. Previously I read here and other places NOT to strop for 24 hours, better yet 48 hours, after the shave on account of the edge realigning over this period of time.

Can you please shed more light on this? When is the best time to strop? What oil to use to prevent oxidation to happen in the first place?

Thank you,

Klaus

Originally Posted by Klaus

I am surprised and confused to read now to strop right after shaving. Previously I read here and other places NOT to strop for 24 hours, better yet 48 hours, after the shave on account of the edge realigning over this period of time.

Can you please shed more light on this? When is the best time to strop? What oil to use to prevent oxidation to happen in the first place?

Thank you,

Klaus

this site has a lot of old information (and it stays here even if it appears to be inaccurate) and at the moment consensus is

generally you want to strop before and after the shave
baby oil/sewing machine oil/hone oil. just about any thin mineral oil out there should do

Originally Posted by Klaus

I read here and other places NOT to strop for 24 hours, better yet 48 hours, after the shave on account of the edge realigning over this period of time.

Can you please shed more light on this? When is the best time to strop?

I don't think it's ever a bad time to strop, except while driving or directing traffic. In my own experience of testing razors in rest and out of rest, I have found that if there is any negative effect by not allowing a razor's edge to realign itself over a period of 24 or 48 hours, it must be negligible in my case.

It is not hard to find out for yourself which works better for you; try each method and see what happens

Originally Posted by Klaus

I am surprised and confused to read now to strop right after shaving. Previously I read here and other places NOT to strop for 24 hours, better yet 48 hours, after the shave on account of the edge realigning over this period of time.

Can you please shed more light on this? When is the best time to strop? What oil to use to prevent oxidation to happen in the first place?

Thank you,

Klaus

Klaus, stropping cleans and realigns the edge. The caveat to let a razor 'rest' for 24 hours has pretty much been disproved AFAIK.

Originally Posted by hoglahoo;551459[B

]I don't think it's ever a bad time to strop, except while driving or directing traffic.[/B]

+1, I'd like to see a constitutional amendment banning stropping while driving. I can also advise against stropping while intoxicated.

Also never strop while eating a chocolate donut.

Stropping is one of those things you can do to your hearts content without fear of damaging your razor. Past a certain point I think you are just exercising your wrist and arm. I always do before unless I just honed a razor. I wouldn't worry about having to wait before stropping or any of those old barbers tales.