Why is it crucial to maintain a sharp shaving blade?
We all use shaving blades, but over time, and even the high-quality razors become blunt and ineffective. I used to get rashes and itchy skin after using a shaving blade for a month or two depending on the brand. I was very restless and less productive at the office every morning with all the scratching and oiling over the shaved skin. It took time for me to realize that the blunt shaving blade in my bathroom was the cause of all these, but I knew I had to start changing my razors often of keeping them sharp.
There is plenty you can do on your end to avoid having dull shaving blades and the nick and cuts.
Why do shaving blades go blunt?
Just like other tools, when the razorblade is used, it slowly becomes blunt. However, moisture is the most significant cause as it destroys the blades making the sharp edges ineffective.
Here is a handy guide on how to maintain a sharp shaving blade.
How to maintain a sharp shaving blade
Strop the blade while shaving
Stropping your shaving blade is a proved way of making it remain sharp for longer. Traditional shaving blades used to have a sharpening tool, unlike most modern razors. Stropping is quite easy, and you only need a pair of jeans to get it done. Firmly hold the denim and push the blade along the surface of your denim in the reverse direction you are shaving for about 20 strokes.
Rinse after every use
While shaving hair and the shaving cream can get stuck in the blades. Over time, this makes the blades gunky and rusts, rendering it useless. An undeniable solution for this is rinsing the razor after every use. To get better results at this, rinse between shave with running water instead of blowing off whatever jams inside the blades.
Clean with a cotton ball
Besides rinsing the shaving blade after use, it is essential to clean it using cotton balls. Even with the regular rinsing, there are still hair strands and shaving cream that gets jammed in between the blades making the razor seem blunt. To rid yourself of this problem, use cotton balls to clean the shaving blade because they get into the spaces between the blades and remove all the dirt there.
Dry the shaving blade
Water and metal are not a good match as the blades rust over an extended time. This means you want to keep your shaving blade dry. Before you put the shaving blade away after rinsing, use a dry piece of cloth to wipe down the shaving blade. Be sure to use a thick fabric to prevent damage from the blades. I prefer using a towel as it is made from a thick and sturdy material.
Sterilize it
You want to keep your shaving blade free from bacteria to protect yourself from getting any infections or the blade from becoming ineffective after weeks of regular use. The best component to use for sterilization is alcohol. Alcohol kills bacteria and hastens the drying process. Dip your shaving blade in alcohol after use to dry quickly plus you also get a very clean and shiny edge.
Soak in olive or baby oil
Water and oil do not mix, and this means using olive oil is an excellent way of preventing the shaving blade from rusting. This keeps your shaving blade sharp for a long time by preventing moisture from oxidizing the metal. Pour some mineral or baby oil in a small pot or glass and leave your razor head down after every use.
Sharpen the blade
The idea of sharpening your shaving razor might seem like an easy and straight forward way of keeping them sharp, but the trick is in the shaving blade sharpening technique. The technique itself is simple, but you need to do it right to get it right. You can either sharpen by stropping or by buying a razor blade sharpener from the store. I prefer using a pair of denim to avoid overdoing it. If you prefer using the razor blade sharpener, be sure to set intervals of when to sharpen to prevent making the shaving blade too sharp or damaging the blades.
Storage
Besides all your other efforts to maintain a sharp shaving blade, where you store the shaving razor plays a vital role. The idea behind proper storage of the shaving blades is to keep them away from moisture. It makes a lot of sense having your shaving blade in the bathroom, but this is the wrong place to keep it. The bathroom is moist most of the time, and that means leaving the shaving blade in the bathroom exposes it to a lot of moisture.
All shaving blades come with a razor cover. Before you put away your razor, ensure you use the razor cover when it is dry to cover the razor. Even with the cover, you still need to store your shaving blade away from the sink or bathroom. In case you misplace the razor cover, you can keep your shaving blade in a leather sheath and then lock it in your closet.
Go slow with the shaving cream
If you prefer using shaving cream to get a smoother shave, then you need to be cautious with the amounts that you use. There are different brands of shaving blades and creams, and all have a different effect on each other. Too much shaving cream clogs the blades making it blunt and leads to nicks and cuts. When shaving, ensure you use just enough of the cream. Remember to rinse in between shaves to clear the spaces between the blades.
Conclusion
Depending on how often you shave, you may need to replace your shaving blades often. Either way, you must take care of the razor and keep it sharp while its service to you. I hope these techniques will be of great help to you no matter the shaving blade brand you use.