Straight razor sharpener. How to properly care for a straight razor: sharpening a straight razor

Just a few decades ago, the razor we call a straight razor was the only tool for getting rid of facial hair. Progress does not stand still, and recently safe machines have been invented, in favor of which many have chosen. But even today straight razors have not become exhibits in museums. People continue to use them, in fact, in the last couple of years, straight razors have experienced another rise in popularity.

However, buying a straight razor is only half the battle, it is also important to properly monitor it - edit and sharpen it. Of course, the quality of a shave depends on the quality of the razor itself. Our online store offers only original straight razors from leading brands. But straightening a razor is the prerogative of its owner.

Straight razor straightening: what is it and why?

First of all, you need to remember once and for all that sharpening and straightening a straight razor are not the same thing. In the first case, it is necessary to remove part of the iron sheet with a special stone for sharpening a dangerous razor. Editing a straight razor involves getting rid of the blade from small burrs, bumps and surface grinding, for this a special belt is used.

The smoother and sharper the surface of the razor, the better and safer your shave will be. Therefore, if you become the owner of such a truly masculine tool as a straight razor, you cannot do without editing. In our article we will tell you how to edit a straight razor correctly.

Straight Razor Editing: Choose the right sling

To maintain a straight razor in perfect condition, you need a small set of tools. An integral accessory for the owner of a straight razor is a special belt. In total, there are two options for the manufacture of such belts:

• equipped with a wooden handle;
• suspended.

Suspended ones are especially popular, since in this case you can independently adjust the degree of belt tension. It is important that the width of the belt is greater than the length of the razor blade. Even the equality of these values ​​is undesirable. If you use a belt that is not wide enough, the blade will not be processed evenly.

A full straightening of a straight razor on a belt is impossible without the use of a special abrasive paste. Modern belt manufacturers produce products with applied paste. If you are a beginner, then you should pay attention to this offer. As you develop your skills, you will be able to apply the paste correctly on your own.

In our catalog you can buy straight razor straightening strap.

How to edit a straight razor on a belt correctly

Straightening a straight razor will require some skill from you. Push into the background all the skills and knowledge that you gained in the process of sharpening kitchen knives, they will only interfere with you here. Straight razor straightening is a unique process that requires full concentration and precise movements.

First of all, you need to remember that the first time you do not become a straight razor straightening master. It will take hours of practice before you can say with confidence that you can make a straight razor blade close to perfect. But each time you will get better and better.

The straight razor blade is made of high carbon steel. This is a very hard material. But the cutting edge itself is very thin, so the blade is sensitive to all your movements. If you start the movement incorrectly or change the angle during the editing process, this will lead to bumps and crevices. The whole process step by step is as follows.

1. Lay the blade flat on the belt.2. Pull the razor towards you and away from you with smooth movements with the ridge part forward.3. The pressure should not be too strong and static to avoid deformation of the cutting edge.

Yes, this is really all the manipulations for straightening a dangerous razor. It looks very simple, it remains only to try and evaluate.

Common Mistakes When Straightening a Straight Razor

People who don't know how to straighten a straight razor often make mistakes. After reading this section, you will be able to quickly achieve perfection in this difficult art.

Don't start over!

You should not pick up a straight razor and immediately try to edit and sharpen it using all kinds of abrasive materials that are in your home. The first step is to assess the condition of the cutting edge. This determines the amount of work required to bring the blade to its normal state. Evaluate the geometry of the tool. To do this, position the razor on an equal horizontal plane. Place the shaver lead and butt on the surface and evaluate their condition. If the razor does not have serious damage to the working parts, then you can start editing.

Unilateral approach

Straight razor straightening belt usually consists of a leather surface and a fabric part with a minimum section. Both sides are important in the dressing process. Even among experienced straight razor owners, there are people who only process the blade with the fabric or leather side of the belt. This is mistake. The ideal ratio is 15:50. To 15 wires on the fabric surface each time add 50 on the leather.

Slowly and surely

In no case do not make sudden and quick movements. Straight razors love smooth, confident movements. Otherwise, your dressing process may end up with a damaged blade, a broken belt, and cuts to your hands.

Pull on the belt

If the dressing belt is relaxed, then its surface will become wavy, which is highly undesirable. This results in edge bending. Then you have to re-sharpen the razor on coarser abrasives and again proceed to editing. Understanding that the belt is tight enough is easy. You will hear a distinctive sound as you edit.

Dirt

Beginners do not always monitor the condition of the belt. It must be dry and perfectly cleaned. Remember that the smallest particle of sand can affect the condition of the blade. The same rule applies to the razor itself. Check for cleanliness before editing.

Short movement on the blade

When you edit a straight razor, make sure that your hand does not make any action directed at the blade. This happens when you bring the razor to the extreme point of the belt and turn it over. To reverse, flip the razor over the ridge, not over the cutting edge. Otherwise, you may damage the blade and belt.

Don't lift your razor!

Guide the straight razor along the belt only flat, do not lift either the comb or the cutting edge. In the first case, the blade can be deformed, and in the second case, you will not get any benefit for the sharpness of the razor.

Neither more nor less

The number of passes through the belt is from 3 to 50. Less is too few to make the blade sharper. More - do not try in vain, the razor will not become sharper. At in large numbers cycles, your hands get tired, you start to act inaccurately, which can lead to unpleasant consequences for the cutting edge.

Consequences of mistakes when straightening a straight razor

If you ignore the editing instructions and other people's mistakes, then this can turn into trouble for you. Remember that a dull straight razor is more likely to cut you than a sharp one. If you encounter such a problem, adjust the blade again until you achieve a positive result.

Improper handling of the belt can lead to the fact that you will ruin the tools: not only the belt, but also the razor. All movements must be accurate and precise. Engage in straightening a straight razor only at a time when you are not in a hurry and nothing distracts you.

After we figured out the question of how to straighten a straight razor, it is worth paying attention to the little things that will help extend the life of the blade and make it as sharp as possible.

1. Before or after? Many owners of such tools argue over how to straighten a straight razor is better: before shaving or after. Seems very comfortable to edit immediately after shaving. If necessary, you can use the ready-made tool. But still it is better to do the editing before shaving. The fact is that over time the blade loses its sharpness. Try both methods and see. 2. What is the best material for the belt? The modern market is ready to offer many belts for straightening straight razors, but which one will be optimal? Experts recommend purchasing horse leather belts. She is the smoothest and rules the best. Cow skin is also suitable for dressing, but works worse than horse skin. As for belts made of synthetic materials, they cannot be rejected. But to find the right one, you have to spend a lot of time and money. 3. Does the selected belt work? It is difficult for a beginner to determine whether a particular belt is suitable for straightening a straight razor or not. There are no tricks here, you have to turn to practice. Blunt your razor and test different belts with several strokes. If the razor gets sharper, then the belt works. Pay attention to the editing technique. Perhaps you are doing it wrong. 4. Before each use, wipe the belt with a dry palm. This is a kind of preparation for work. Thus, you remove invisible dust particles from it, which can affect the quality of the edit. Also, the belt is lubricated with your sebum and works better. 5. Do not store the belt in a twisted state! This can lead to wrinkles that are very difficult to remove. In turn, wrinkles on the belt negatively affect the quality of the dressing. Belt storage the best choice becomes a closet. 6. If you are using a hanging strap, install a secure hook. If the belt breaks, then you can cut the belt, your hands or drop the blade (impacts are unacceptable, as they lead to chips and irretrievable loss of the tool).

To keep a straight razor sharp

Do not forget that between sharpening and editing a straight razor must be treated with care. This is a very sensitive instrument that can be damaged by a careless touch. Never drop your razor as this will cause chips. Keep it in a dry place out of the reach of children. Use the tool only for its intended purpose, no matter how attractive it may seem to you to check the sharpness of the cutting edge on something foreign. If you follow these rules between trims, your razor will stay sharp for a long time and last for decades.

You can buy a high-quality straight razor at a reasonable price in our online store britvaopasnaya.ru. We cooperate directly with manufacturers and give an official guarantee for all products.

After a long period of stagnation, there has been a trend towards an increase in the number of users of the classic straight razor, colloquially called "fear". The pages of glossy magazines and video clips on TV screens are full of advertisements for mass-produced T-shaped safety machines and electric shavers, however, “safety razors” have taken root in hairdressing practice and are gradually regaining the leading place in domestic use that was lost half a century ago. It has become fashionable, stylish and brutal to shave them, although it is not possible to immediately acquire the skills of non-traumatic use. It is even more difficult to learn how to sharpen a dull point on your own, since sharpening technology requires a competent approach to its execution.

How is shaving "fear"

Stages of sharpening "fears"

Straight razor sharpening at home is the machining of the cutting edge of the blade plate. It is customary to sharpen the blade in three technological stages, each of which has its own intended purpose:

Stage 1. Rough sharpening, the purpose of which is to restore or correct the geometry of the leads that form the cutting edge of the blade (sting). Geometry violations are:

• chips and jams;
• edge bends to the side;
• large radius in the cutting edge area.

The sharpening angle, made at the factory during the manufacture of the "guard", does not change.

Blade machining on a grinder

Stage 2. Finishing of the cutting edge and the blade itself, in its purpose, is similar to the honing operation in metalworking. The goal of step 2 is to obtain the exact dimensions of the point and the clean surface of the blade plate. In step 2, all risks from using the abrasive in step 1 should be removed.

Stage 3. Cutting edge dressing to form an ultra-fine cutting edge for a close shave.

Before recklessly starting to sharpen a straight razor at home, it is necessary to consider defective changes in its geometry. This will determine which abrasives will be sharpened - coarse or fine. Correction of the geometry is a mandatory operation, since it will not be possible to achieve the required sharpening parameters on distorted cutting edges.

Sharpening methods

There are three ways to sharpen a razor, which differ in the type of materials used:

1. Sharpening with abrasive stones.
2. The use of sandpaper (skins).
3. The use of flexible belts.

If you sharpen the razor correctly in compliance with the requirements for abrasive grit at each stage, then it is enough to sharpen the product once, then only edit. Numerous videos on social media pages describe step by step techniques when moving a razor on abrasive bars or on a belt.

It should be remembered that editing is divided into two subtypes:

• editing on GOI-type pastes (once every 4 months);
• dressing on the belt - regularly before each shave.

A blade is considered sharp and ready for shaving if it can cut through hair or tissue paper.

Video: how to sharpen a razor

Why does a razor get dull?

In the process of shaving, the blade of the tool has an enormous specific load. The cutting edge of a razor sharpened according to all the rules has an unusually small thickness - 0.12 microns, surpassing any cutting tools in sharpness. (A medical scalpel is significantly inferior to the "fear" in sharpness - it has an edge of 20 microns). In the process of cutting the bristles on the cutting edge of the razor point, there is a huge pressure that destroys the hair in the contact zone. At the same time, both side faces, like a wedge driven into a tree, separate the hair until it is completely separated from the root in the skin. Thus, shaving is accompanied by a complex mechanical action of three forces on the edge of the tip:

• wedge penetration efforts;
• compression forces from the cutting edge of the tip;
• friction force with hair.

On the face of an average man, there are approximately 100 bristle hairs / sq. cm. If we take the average bristle thickness of 0.1 mm, then shaving in two passes of the bristle from the entire face is comparable to cutting a hard rod of the strongest horny substance with a diameter of 2 cm.

A good sharpening allows the razor to cope with this, but the edge is slightly dulled. The cutting force immediately increases, which deflects the hairs. With oblique cutting of inclined hairs, the cut area increases, respectively, the load on the tip increases.

The beginning slight blunting proceeds with increasing acceleration until the tip becomes completely blunt. The super-thin point is not resistant to bending loads, therefore, when blunted, it is covered with scratches and microscopic chips that can eventually turn into notches if it is not correctly sharpened in a timely manner.

The picture below shows a dull razor before sharpening. On its tip and blade, lines show zones of progressive bluntness and scratches. It is easy to notice violations of the form on the oval of the canvas.

This is what a blunted “fear” looks like.

straight razor design

In order to properly sharpen a dangerous razor on your own, you need to have an idea about the design and know the names of its elements. Experts call such products bladed razors because they have open blades. This category of razors came to be called "dangerous" after the invention of the T-shaped razor in the early 20th century, which was called the "safety razor" in advertising.

The figure below shows a typical straight razor with an indication of its main elements. Its design is not so simple as it might seem at first. It has many zones and details.

Typical design of "fear".

A blade razor consists of a handle (a handle, sometimes called a handle for the sake of old models) and a steel working blade (blade). The handle is assembled from two halves, fastened with two or three rivets. The blade rotates in the plane of the handle around the axis of the connecting rivet. For safe storage, the blade can be hidden in the handle like in a sheath.

On the back of the blade blade and on the bottom of the tail, which is also called erl, there is a corrugation in the form of a transverse notch. In this way, unwanted sliding of fingers on metal is prevented in order to prevent accidental cuts.

The blade blade is given a concave section, which allows sharpening the cutting edge with maximum sharpness. The backrest is needed as a basis for holding the most optimal cutting angle (about 12 degrees).

It should be borne in mind that the sharpness of the cutting edge is ensured if the steel plate of the blade is sharpened to the minimum possible thickness. In this case, the concave zone becomes a stress concentrator and will crumble at the slightest load. Attempts to cut with “fear” wood products or softer materials will simply ruin the edge of the edge, called a sting for its sharpness.

A rarity razor from the 19th century.

"Opaska" shaves cleaner than machine tools and electric shavers. For owners of a straight razor, prepare it for

Shaving is done different ways– disposable machines, etc. It is the last tool that can achieve maximum quality and smooth skin to the extent that it is impossible to achieve by other methods. But working with her is not easy and, as her name implies, dangerous. In some countries, hairdressers need a special certificate that allows them to work with this tool.

Straight razor - a classic of the genre of stylists

Conditions for a good shave - good sharpening

The basis of a good dangerous shave is a sharp razor. It must be made of durable metal, not have bends and deformations. It is important to keep it as sharp as possible. If it is not sharpened too well, then it will become difficult for the master to work with it. To obtain a high-quality result, it will have to be held at a very sharp angle to the skin.

This leads to the client feeling uncomfortable and irritated. It also increases the likelihood of scratches. Therefore, entrust the regular sharpening of the razor to a professional. He will not only sharpen it quite sharply and evenly, but also at the right angle.

Razor sharpness: you can change the blades, but it is better to sharpen them correctly

To understand whether your tool is well sharpened, whether it has become dull during operation, you need to know a few rules.

1. Visually, the sharpness of a razor cannot be checked;
2. Popular test. The razor is fixed on . On top of it, perpendicular to the blade, hair falls smoothly and gently. If he only touched the blade, but broke into two parts, then the sharpening was done correctly;
3. Experienced craftsmen can check the sharpness with their finger, but this method is not recommended for beginners, since cuts cannot be avoided.

You need to edit a straight razor on a belt using a special paste. At the same time, you need to hold it at a certain angle to the belt. This is a rather complex and specific process. But every master should learn it, since straightening a dangerous razor with a large flow of customers should be done quite often.

WATCH THE VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

How to hold the instrument correctly

There are two ways to hold a straight razor correctly. Sometimes they are distinguished more, but the rest are only a variety or derivative of the main ones.

• main method. We hold the instrument in the right cyst (or left for left-handers). The blade is facing down, the handle is facing up. Thumb rests against the lower part of the razor, to the left of the cutting edge, closer to the heel. The little finger lies on the unsharpened edge, at the end of the razor, behind the junction with the case. The rest of the fingers are on the unsharpened edge;
• Second method. We take the tool in the leading hand. The blade is turned up, the handle is down. The little finger is under the ponytail, behind the screw of fastening to the case. The thumb is on the inside of the unsharpened notched edge, all other fingers are on the outside.

The second method is considered more convenient. But each master must choose it individually.

Bristle slope

All body hair grows at a certain angle to the surface of the skin. This angle is approximately equal for identical hairs growing on the same part of the body. This important fact to consider when shaving. In particular, when moving the razor, when it is tilted and when the skin is pulled.

Pulling the leather belt

To properly shave with a straight razor, you need to know how to properly stretch the skin. It must be tightened with each movement of the tool in the direction opposite to the movement of the blade. Place your finger 1.5 - 2 cm from the cutting edge and move by pressing on the skin. Use the index finger of your non-dominant hand (i.e., not the one holding the razor).

Tool angle: even if you have Solingen, the rules are the same for everyone

The instrument moves head forward, in short movements, strictly on a stretched area of ​​the skin. To keep the skin smooth and the quality of work high, hold the razor at an angle of 30-40 degrees to the skin surface. If the angle is even sharper, the better. Movements are smooth and frequent.

Such a shave will take place with maximum comfort for the client and convenience for the master. This reduces the chance of scratches and injury.

The correct shaving technique with a dangerous razor: instructions for men

You need to use a straight razor according to certain instructions. The face is processed in several stages, following which is mandatory. This will allow you to get the best result, combined with the speed of work and comfort for the client.

The instrument must be sterilized after use on a previous client and placed in a separate box. Before applying it again, it must be treated with an antiseptic. Some craftsmen repeatedly use an antiseptic in the process of work.

before shaving

The beard or stubble is lathered with a shaving brush. The master pours a glass of warm or hot water and put the razor there for a few seconds (the working surface of the tool). This is done so that it warms up and manipulations do not cause discomfort, goosebumps or a desire to shudder in the client. All this hinders the process.

It only takes a few seconds for the instrument to reach a comfortable temperature.

Shave right side

Shaving training with a straight razor always starts on the right side of the client's face. Some masters start on the left, as it is more convenient for them.

• The first movement is directed from the temple down, parallel to the cheekbone;
• The second movement is along the angle of the lower jaw;
• The third - above the second, from the center of the cheek down towards the chin;
• Fourth - from the chin up to the lip;
• Fifth - three movements along the mustache area above the upper lip;
• The sixth - on the side of the lip, begins a little to the right of the corner of the lips, moves to the zone of the fifth movement;
• Seventh - from the chin to the angle of the lower jaw along the edge of the face;
• Eighth, ninth and tenth - three movements along the neck from top to bottom.

During the whole process, the skin of the face should be stretched.

Shaving the left side

The straight razor shaving technique involves a different way of working on the left side of the face. This is due to the fact that most masters own hands severely block the view.

1. The first movement from the temple down, as on the right;
2. The second movement - on the cheek - is similar to the third on the right;
3. Third - three short movements above the upper lip;
4. Fourth - from a place to the right of the corner of the lips to the mustache zone and from the same place down to the chin;
5. Fifth - a series of movements along the line of the lower jaw, from its angle to the chin;
6. Sixth - On the chin to the lip, from the bottom up;
7. Seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth - a series of movements from the chin and jaw line down to the neck.

No matter how sharp your razor is, after this, the remnants of the bristles will still remain. To eliminate them, repeated shaving against growth is carried out.

Second phase

Starts right. The first movement is along the neck, closer to the ear, from the bottom up. The second - along the angle of the lower jaw to the temple. The third is from the jaw up. The fourth is from the jaw to the ear. Fifth - from the jaw to the chin. Next, the chin itself is shaved and the area to the side of it, towards the mustache growth line. After that, re-shave the area under the lower lip and neck, moving from the bottom up, i.e. against hair growth.

On the left, also start with the neck. Then shave your cheek in three strokes from bottom to top. The fifth movement starts from the corner of the lips down the chin, the sixth - from the same area up to the nose. Then the area under the lower lip and neck is shaved.

After the procedure

Wipe the foam off your skin with a towel. Now wash with cool water. When skin is prone to irritation, use a warm compress with a damp towel for a few minutes.

Shaving with caution is a whole range of activities, be prepared for them

Now apply any aftershave that suits your skin type.

A dangerous razor ("fear") is a tool for men's shaving, which appeared in the 18th century. Despite the emergence of many safety machines and electrical devices, the straight razor does not lose popularity both in domestic use and in hairdressing practices. For the most comfortable and safe shave, the blade must be sharp. Therefore, the device requires regular sharpening and maintenance. At the same time, sharpening a straight razor must be done carefully and scrupulously, because this will affect the quality and safety of shaving.

Sharpening the razor is done meticulously and accurately, because it will affect the level of shaving

What to use to sharpen a straight razor

Before you start sharpening a straight razor, you need to prepare some tools and fixtures.

Here is the minimum list of required items:

1. Belt. When sharpening, suspension straps or straps with wooden handles can be used. The first option is more suitable for independent use by more advanced users, the second - for beginners. It is important that the width of the belt should be slightly larger than the width of the blade. The belt allows you to edit the "fear" yourself. And when using a stone for sharpening, the belt must be used in conjunction with a protective paste. Such devices are already commercially available.
2. Stone. Only a specialist can carry out sharpening correctly. This option is necessary if the tip has been damaged or slightly chipped. The standard stone size is 50 by 150 mm. The blades are quite susceptible to mechanical stress, so synthetic stones are used in practice. At the same time, the sharpening procedure itself should be carried out as clearly as possible. A deviation from the vector or an incorrect angle can permanently damage the metal.
3. Other devices. Beginners often carry out editing and sharpening with materials such as sandpaper or sandpaper. The procedure is similar to straightening with a belt. It's just that choosing the right grain of sandpaper is extremely problematic.

Take it for sharpening or sharpen it yourself

Only a specialist knows how to properly sharpen a straight razor. Therefore, if a man does not have enough practical skills, it is worth contacting a special workshop. This usually happens only after an unsuccessful attempt to straighten the blade yourself.

The main disadvantage of self-sharpening is the possibility of injury. When contacting a specialist, this will not happen. Moreover, workshops are increasingly using laser procedures. According to statistics, a point sharpened in this way lasts longer than when sharpened with traditional devices.

What is the procedure for sharpening a straight razor

Sharpening and straightening a straight razor blade are completely different procedures. In the first case, it is necessary to remove an insignificant layer of metal. In the second - a simple grinding of irregularities, which you can do yourself.

But how to edit a dangerous razor, you can learn on your own. In practice, sharpening blades at home for the first time is unsuccessful. This is due to the wrong angle, an irrationally chosen motion vector, gaps on a sharp edge, etc. The necessary skills will come with time. However, for this you need to understand the procedure and know all the subtleties of using certain tools.

Straight razors are sharpened infrequently and only when necessary. For example, in case of serious damage.

The bar for the intended operation is rarely used, only with significant injuries to the blade

For sharpening you need:

1. Wet the stone with water (natural stone is desirable).
2. Hold the point on both sides with your thumb and forefinger.
3. Carry out sharpening by leading the edge along the stone.
4. After the blade turn over and carry out the procedure on the other side.

The process itself is not difficult. The main thing is to observe the angle of sharpening a dangerous razor so as not to damage the surface.

Some nuances to simplify the procedure:

• the pressing force should be small, otherwise there is a risk of damaging the sharp edge;
• the plane of the blade must constantly touch the water stone;
• a straight razor will be sharpened evenly if the same pressure is used;
• if you wrap the comb with electrical tape, this will avoid scratches on it.

Belt use

The belt is used to straighten a straight razor. When carrying out such a procedure, it is important to observe the tension.

The process of straightening a dangerous razor on a belt is as follows:

1. Lay the blade on the surface of the belt with the wide side.
2. Do not press too hard on the tip.
3. Do not move the blade quickly so as not to damage the skin of the dressing belt or your hand.
4. Move the tip of the device in the opposite direction after the income to the extreme point.

The main thing is not to make sudden movements. Then the chance of injury will be minimal.

Using sandpaper or sandpaper

Sandpaper or sandpaper is good for sharpening. Moreover, this is the easiest way at home.

How to sharpen a blade with sandpaper:

• use paper with grains greater than 2000;
• use water;
• carry out grinding procedures on a flat surface.

The procedure itself is identical to the belt option. But the use of sandpaper or sandpaper is burdened with the problem that it is difficult to find the right paper grain. Using less or more grit may result in injury or breakage of the sharp edge.

Proper blade care

A straight razor is a fairly sophisticated tool that needs special care. The main nuances of storage and care of such a device:

• after each use, the “fear” should be washed and dried until the moisture has completely evaporated;
• store the shaver in a dry, ventilated place;
• with rare use, the tip of the blade must be coated with paraffin oil;
• Razors must be handled with care. Throwing or hitting the tool on something is not allowed.

Since this razor is considered a very delicate tool, it needs special care.

All of these tips will help keep your blade sharp. Also, with proper care, the likelihood of injury during shaving or discomfort is reduced. If you need frequent or even daily use of "fear", it is worth stocking up on several tools. So each of them will last many times longer than if it is only one shaving tool. The more often you use the "fear", the faster it will lose its working state.

If these tips are followed, the “fear” will last longer, and the sharpening procedure will be safer:

• when dressing with a belt, it should be as tight as possible;
• When working with "danger" it is important to observe safety precautions. This applies to both shaving and sharpening or straightening;
• if there are many gaps on the tip, then sharpening on a stone is necessary. If only small chips, then the belt will be enough;
• in any procedure, pressing the blade should not be strong. Otherwise there is a chance to damage the sharp surface;
• for uniform grinding, the pressure must be the same when moving in both directions;
• duct tape or tape will help prevent damage to the comb.

It seems that self-sharpening or straightening a straight razor is not such a complicated procedure. However, in practice, the result of self-sharpening may not please. If the skills are not enough, then you should contact a professional.

The straight razor is the only shaving tool for men that has been used since the beginning and is still used today. If machines, razors and other methods of depilation provoke severe skin irritation, then after using a dangerous razor the risks of such consequences are almost zero. Therefore, this tool is popular among experienced barbers and hairdressers, as well as among men themselves.

A straight razor requires certain rules and regulations for maintenance, as well as regular sharpening, since razor blades must be as sharp as possible. Few men know how to sharpen a razor and with what tools to do it. Therefore, before you start using such a shaving tool, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the rules for sharpening, straightening and caring for a straight razor.

Editing and sharpening a straight razor are two different processes, since in the case of sharpening, a layer of metal on the blades is removed, and when editing, the zone is polished from the presence of irregularities on the metal and burrs of the tip. A straight razor is kept in the right condition, provided that a sharpening belt, stones, sandpaper or special skins are used. About how to sharpen a straight razor, a man can learn theoretically or visually on video reviews.

Belt

For sharpening razors, I use two types of belts - hanging belts or with wooden handles. But the first option is more in demand, as it allows you to independently adjust the stretch. You need to select a belt such that its width completely covers the blade, and leave some more margin. With wooden handles, straps are popular with beginners as they are already fixed and have one level of tension.

For reference! If a stone was used to sharpen straight razor blades, then a straight razor belt must be used with a special protective paste. On sale there are such types of belts that are already equipped with paste.

With the help of a belt, a man can learn how to straighten a straight razor. Such belts, as a rule, have leather on one side, and fine-grained fabric on the other. Dressing with a belt is carried out under precise control of the tension and angle of the functional surface.

Use the straight razor straightening strap as follows:

1. First you need to put the razor blade with the wide side on the surface;
2. Along the ridge side, the blade should be forward;
3. It is forbidden to press on the blade, as this can lead to bending of the edge;
4. When editing reaches the extreme point, it is necessary to do the same manipulations as in the second paragraph of the instructions, but in the opposite direction.
5. All movements must be sedate, so as not to injure yourself with the blade and not damage the integrity of the leather of the belt.

Expert opinion

Alexey Strijnikov

Barber, expert in men's haircuts

Usually, 50 leather wires are made to straighten a dangerous razor, as well as 15 fabric wires. A specialist should apply the paste to protect the belt; for beginners, it is advisable to buy ready-made belts with the presence of such a paste.

Stone

Only specialists know exactly how to sharpen razor blades with a stone. In addition, most dangerous facial hair removers are sharpened during production. If the blades become dull, the use of a belt is usually implied. But if the razor blade has been damaged and damaged during use, a sharpening stone may still come in handy.

Have you sharpened a straight razor before?

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Many companies sell stones, they differ in the materials of manufacture and the principle of operation. The most popular today are synthetic stones with an affordable price and excellent quality work. When using a stone, it is important to remember that razor blades are very sensitive to any rough mechanical stress, the wrong vector of movement and the angle of sharpening with a stone can cause scratches, crevices and bumps.

Restoring the sharpness and smooth surface of the blades with a stone is performed as follows:

• First, the stone must be moistened with water.
• Hold the razor with your thumb and forefinger.
• Fingers need to simultaneously clamp the comb and the end of the blade.
• For sharpening, it is necessary to hold the razor along the stone itself.
• At the end of the stone, the razor must be turned over, pressed according to the second paragraph of the instruction with the other side and repeat the movements, according to the fourth paragraph.

Turning the straight razor blade while sharpening with a stone is necessary only through the comb, so as not to damage it.

The sharpening angle during work must be stable and constant so as not to damage the integrity of the metal. If a water stone is used, the instructions for sharpening a razor suggest the following rules:

• pressing force should be small;
• the entire plane of the razor should be in contact with the surface of the stone;
• moving the razor blade along the stone, the degree of pressure should be stable;
• the comb of the blade is wrapped with electrical tape so as not to damage it with a stone.

Few people succeed in sharpening a razor with a stone the first time, it takes time to bring efforts to perfection. A good sharpening stone should hold its shape, not release a large amount of slurry, have a uniform structure with fine grains and no lumps. The size of the stone before self-sharpening should ideally be 50x150.

Other materials

Straight razor blades can be straightened and sharpened with other tools, such as sandpaper or sandpaper. These are the most popular materials that are used by beginners in such cases. The method of using sandpaper for sharpening is similar to the principle of using a belt, since it is rather problematic to select the appropriate paper grain. The arsenal for using such devices is simple - water, sandpaper or sandpaper, a flat surface.

Hand over for sharpening or sharpen yourself: all the pros and cons

Only an experienced specialist knows for sure how to sharpen a straight razor and how to do it correctly so that the blades are sharp and retain their original appearance. If a man does not have the skills to work with grinding devices, it is better to seek help from a specialist. Most often, such a solution is resorted to if editing the belt does not give its results.

Advice! Today, modern specialists in sharpening and straightening a straight razor perform various hardware procedures. The most efficient and in a safe way is sharpening a razor with laser sharpening.

Not every man knows how to sharpen and straighten a dangerous razor blade with a stone. Therefore, in the absence of skills and knowledge on how to restore the former appearance and sharpness of the blade with a stone, it is better to contact a specialist. With independent efforts, it is much easier to adjust the sharpness of the razor with a belt, as well as other materials, such as sandpaper. Such work is less risky in terms of the degree of trauma for the razor.

How to store a straight razor?

Only on condition proper care a man will be able to protect his straight razor from rust, dulling the blade and reducing its degree of functionality. A straight razor is a very delicate item that needs special care. After performing manipulations with the razor, it must be rinsed under running water, blotted with a cloth or paper towel to remove any remaining moisture.

Keep the razor in a ventilated and dry area so that the metal rests. If a straight razor will be used very infrequently, paraffin oil should be applied to its blade to protect it from rust. For daily shaving with such a tool, experts advise having several sets so as not to wear out one razor with constant manipulation.

Why is razor care so important?

As mentioned earlier, a straight razor is a vulnerable and sensitive device that can suffer from any mechanical impact. The razor therefore needs special care and careful handling in order to keep the blades sharp and efficient for as long as possible. A good straight razor will last a man for decades, during which the razor will need to be lubricated, sharpened and corrected.

Experts note that the metal of a straight razor needs rest. Therefore, it is not recommended to use a razor every day. You need to store the metal in a place with a low percentage of humidity, the bathroom is absolutely not suitable for this. Humid air and frequent contact with water lead to oxidation of the metal and the appearance of rust. It is not recommended to drop the razor, as this violates the integrity of the blade.

Conclusion

Not every man can sharpen a straight razor with his own hands, so a valuable shaving tool is often handed over to craftsmen for sharpening and straightening. They know for sure which belt and stone to restore the sharpness of the blade, which side of the belt to straighten the razor, and also how to align and adjust appearance razors. Even the average man can get used to such tasks if he strictly follows the instructions.