Thread: Resting a blade before stropping after use?

Newb here. I just read that you should not strop your razor for twenty four to forty eight hours after shaving with it to let the fin straighten out. I am wondering what everybodies thoughts are on this. It said you will damage the edge if you don't let it rest. I also read that some people strop during the shave. All this is really confusing. Help!

I have read that about the fin before and am not sure if it is true or not. What I did find though that I reduced the time between shaving from daily to every 2nd or 3rd day. I have found that the regrowth is slower and is finer (and therefore wife approved). It is also easier on the face resting between shaves.

I only strop before each shave. If you did it between shaves you would have to wipe off the razor then strop. Meanwhile the lather and skin are drying out. Just stick to doing it once before I reckon.

I've paid no mind to this. At my age I may have trouble remembering which razor I used so I strop in all stages right after shaving so any of my
razors are good to go. If there is some difference I cannot tell.

Originally Posted by Danricgro

Newb here. I just read that you should not strop your razor for twenty four to forty eight hours after shaving with it to let the fin straighten out. I am wondering what everybodies thoughts are on this. It said you will damage the edge if you don't let it rest. I also read that some people strop during the shave. All this is really confusing. Help!

Blade resting is poppy****, plain and simple.

Hi,

This 'resting' business is a myth; I have examined carbon steel and stainless blades under powers up to 500 x, and could see no difference in the edge from the time of the end of the shave to one (1) week later. These blades were not stropped after the initial shave (and were then left unused) to allow full reign to any 'mysterious effects'

It may be that 500x was not enough to see any effect, but what I would say is that my daily razors (Dovo EnVogue stainless), which have seen 18 months of continuous use, do not seem to be any worse for wear for being stropped before and after my shave !

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

It's been speculated that the 'resting blade' myth was concocted as a way to get consumers to buy more than one razor. Gillette uses this basic idea in it's adverts. In one commercial, they vaunt that their razor carts last longer than the competition, but in another commercial they urge you to replace their blades often.

Originally Posted by Danricgro

Newb here. I just read that you should not strop your razor for twenty four to forty eight hours after shaving with it to let the fin straighten out. I am wondering what everybodies thoughts are on this. It said you will damage the edge if you don't let it rest. I also read that some people strop during the shave. All this is really confusing. Help!

It's pure hogwash. Waaaaay back when, this was a theory. Carbon steels do NOT need any rest, just a good stropping after use to clean the micro-crud off the edge before you put it away for the next shave.

I used one razor daily for several months when I first started with no ill effects to the blade.

I agree with Shooter, a good stropping (15 fabric and 30 leather or something) before you stow the razor should keep things just fine.

Like others have said, the need to rest the blade is a myth. But having said that, don't let your wife know this. It is a great excuse to buy more razors.

I find that swishing my blades in strong coffee wakes up the edge even if it hasn't rested. I think this practice gave Gillette the idea for the vibrating razor.

regards &c
LG Roy