How To Sharpen a Razor

Razors become dull for a number of reasons.A dull razor can cut your face and provide a poor shave.Straight razors are more common and practical than disposables.The razor will be able to remove even the most stubborn hairs if you know how to sharpen it correctly and do it on a regular basis.

Step 1: You should clean your razor.

A little soap and water is all you need.Allow the razor to soak in a cup for a few minutes.Give a quick rinse to let the gunk go.

Step 2: The razor needs to be dry.

Rub the razor on a soft towel to get rid of excess moisture.You can use a blow-dryer or fan, hang it upside down, or both.

Step 3: A pair of jeans can be used.

If you want to get more life out of your disposable razor, you can use a pair of jeans.The denim will make a smooth cut and prolong the life of your disposable razor.A pair of jeans should be laid on a flat surface.When you do this, you shouldn't be wearing jeans.Put the blades over the jeans.The blade should be drawn up the length of the leg.It would be better if you moved it in the opposite direction.The blade should besharpened by 10 to 20 strokes.To balance the work, drag the blade both up and down the leg, moving it in the opposite direction you would use for shaving.

Step 4: Use your arm.

The leathery skin on your arm can help hone a blade.You can run the razor along your arm from the elbow to the wrist.Push it along your arm with the edge of the blade facing away from you instead of pulling it.Repeated in the opposite direction will keep the blade away from you.

Step 5: Sharpen with a strop.

There are strops that can help disposable razors, though a thick piece of leather is used to sharpen the blades.Push the blade backwards along the strop to hone the edge.

Step 6: It's a good idea to clean your razor.

A little soap and water is all you need.It's possible to let the razor soak in a cup for a few minutes.The leftover gunk should be washed away with a quick rinse.

Step 7: The razor should be dry.

The razor should be put on a soft towel.You can hang it upside down or use a blow-dryer to get the water out.

Step 8: Use a razor.

Straight edge razors use a thick piece of leather called a strop to sharpen their blades.They can be either the common hanging strop with handles at each end, or the loom with leather attached to a block of wood for a flat surface.Attach one end to a fixed object, and hold the strap taught, if you are using the hanging strop.The razor blade should be in your dominant hand, with the back of the razor facing you.Pull the razor blade down the length of the strop if you apply moderate amounts of pressure.To ensure sharpness, apply 10 strokes.Pull the blade in a different direction.Allow the razor to rest.The strop realigns the flaws in the blade.The blade should sit for 24 to 48 hours before being used again.If you want to keep your straight edge razor sharp, you should use razor strops at least once a month.

Step 9: A sharpening stone is used.

This is referred to as a "whetstone" or "stone hone."A stone is used tosharpen blades.Different stones have different strengths for sharpening different blade sizes and thicknesses.4,000/8,000 is what you want for your razor.The stone should be placed on the flat surface.You want it at a table or counter top that won't move.Wet the stone.A small amount of water, oil, or shaving cream will work.This will prevent the stone from heating up and will clean it off before you use it.The blade should be moved over the stone.Pull the razor towards your body by placing one edge on top of the stone.Make contact with the stone by moving at an angle.If you want to repeat the process, flip the razor over and the other side is on the hone.You should only use the stone once every eight weeks.The life of the razor blade can be decreased by using this tool more often.

Step 10: It's a good idea to shave properly.

Proper use of your razor will help keep it working well.You can rinse the blade as you shave to remove excess hair and dead skin.

Step 11: The razor needs to be dry after use.

After using a razor, dry it off completely.Don't wipe the razor on the soft towel, Shake away the excess water, then rub it on.You can use a blow-dryer or fan, hang it upside down, or both.Make sure the razor is dry.If you don't use your razor, store it in a dry area to prevent it from getting wet.

Step 12: After shaving, apply some oil to the blade.

After drying your razor, rubbing a little bit of rust-preventing oil on the blade can help keep it moist.It's not necessary to dunk the razor in oil.A thin application should do the trick.This step is only for a straight razor.Throw your disposable razor away and use a new one if it begins to rust.

Step 13: You should store your razor in a dry place.

After a hot shower, your bathroom can be very humid.Store the razor in a drawer or other place away from the wet air in your bathroom.