Sharpening straight razors
Straight razors must be extremely sharp so that they cut the hair cleanly without pulling. A sharp blade ensures a smooth, precise shave, is gentler on the skin and reduces irritation or small cuts. It also requires less pressure, making the shave more comfortable and easier to control.
Sharpening
or sharpening, use sharpening stones from 800 to 8000 grit. The actual sharpening process takes place on the 800-grit stone. In the subsequent sharpening stages, only the scratches created by the previous stone are polished out. To avoid damaging the spine of the straight razor, we recommend masking the spine with adhesive tape.
- Place the razor on the stone at a 90° angle to the length of the stone and guide the blade carefully with two fingers.
- Draw the straight razor across the stone with the spine leading, and turn it over the spine at the end of the stone. The fingers are used for guidance only, not for applying pressure.
- We recommend 15 to 20 strokes per side.
- Repeat this process until you have an even bevel with no nicks.
- Continue sharpening on all other stones, polishing out the scratch pattern left by the previous stone each time.
Stropping on a hanging strop
- Fix the hanging strop to a secure point, such as a hook or door handle, and hold the strop taut with one hand.
- Open the razor fully and place the blade completely flat on the strop. The blade is always guided at a 90° angle to the strop. The fingers hold the tang, the narrow section between the blade and the handle.
- During the following movement, the razor remains flat on the strop. Even slightly lifting the spine can damage the leather. The movement should be smooth and precise, but not fast. Above all, do not apply pressure. The razor is drawn in the direction of the spine.
Caution: If you guide the razor with the cutting edge leading, you will cut the strop.
- Shortly before reaching the end of the strop, the razor must be turned. Do not lift the razor; simply roll it over the spine while maintaining contact with the strop.
- Now repeat the same movement. The spine leads and the razor is drawn in the opposite direction. When you reach the end again, turn the razor in the same way.
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