Hey guys! I just started shaving with a DE a few days ago. I'm new to DE razors, so I just have a few questions about how to maintain them. I have been rinsing it off and hanging it to dry, is there anything else I should do to keep it in good working condition? Also, about how often should the blade be changed? I know it depends on how thick your beard is, but is there a ballpark estimate?
I take the blade out, wipe the razor down with a towel, hang it on the rack. The blade gets hand stropped and goes into the next razor. Blade life - some get one shave, some have gone into double digits. No one, absolutely no one, can tell you how many shaves you will get out a blade. You have to ask your face. When your face starts to feel the blade tug and pull, it is time for a new blade. That said, most get 3 to 5.
I do two pass shaves, so I get seven shaves and change blades. You might try belly stropping your blades. The video is a SE Gem blade, but the same principle applies to DEs. Just rinse your razor and dry it. Belly strop your blade and replace it in the razor for the next shave.
I think I invented that. I used to palm strop, and then I would strop on my forearm. Then I graduated to the belly. There is more space there.
You're doing what those of who shaved with DE and SE razors before they were chic, 50+ years for me, have done for more decades than I have fingers to count them. Most of those now cherished vintage razors never saw any more than that. Change the blade when it starts to feel uncomfortable, they're cheap and not worth suffering for.
Sounds like you are well on your way. Remember that razors were made to work in a wet environment (ie, they are not made of steel which would rust) Personally, after a shave, I remove the blade, rinse the razor towel dry it. If I plan on using the blade again, I rinse and towel dry it. I also rinse and towel dry my brush as well.
I don't remove the blade. I rinse thoroughly then dip the razor in a jar full of 91% rubbing alcohol shake it off and rack it. The alcohol displaces the water and evaporates quickly with the added benefit of disinfecting the razor and blade.
I prefer the simple approach: rinse and shake dry. Don't wipe the blade, don't remove the blade. Clean the razor once a week before changing the blade. Cleaning means disassembling, spraying with Scrubbing Bubbles, then scrubbing with toothpaste and an old toothbrush.
If it Your razor starts to look dingy, from soap film or hard water, just hit it with some non-bleach scrubbing bubbles, let soak for a minute and rinse thoroughly with hot water. I just had to clean up the Parker, nice and shiney again! Mineral oil can be used to lubricate TTO razors ever now and again as needed as well.
After a shave, I'll rinse the razor in warm water and give it a squirt or two of rubbing alcohol, and then leave it to dry. I usually don't remove the blade until it needs replacing - when I do, I'll clean the razor with a soft toothbrush and some dishwashing liquid
I have a 8 razor rotation. After each shave I remove the blade and rinse the razor well, shake, then gently towel dry. Put razor back in the rack and if a TTO, I leave the doors open a few hours. I generally don't have to clean any of my razors with Dawn and a toothbrush for at least a month using the above method diligently. It only takes an me an extra 60 to 90 seconds to quick clean and wipe after each shave.
I rinse my razor, blade in, and shake excess water out. Sometimes I might wipe the top with a towel, sometimes not. Then into the cabinet until tomorrow. I get about 2 weeks out of a blade (about 12 shaves give or take) and could go more probably. When I change razors every other Saturday, I will clean with soap and a toothbrush. These razors don't have to be handled like they are going to a "clean room" after every shave. They are tools made to be used wet. Don't sweat the details.
The only razor that I towel dry is my wooden handle Fatip. And that's because of the handle, not the head or the blade. I clean them when I am in the mood; a few times per year. Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk