Over time, buying replacement razor blades can be costly.If you have thick or coarse hair, one razor blade may last only a few months.Your razor is less efficient as it dulls.It can leave stubble behind or make you feel a pulling sensation when you shave.There are a few tricks you can use to prolong your razor's usefulness.
Step 1: You can get a pair of jeans for sharpening.
An old pair of jeans will work just as well as a traditional strop made of leather.Old jeans are better than new jeans you wear regularly.If you use the cloth to rejuvenation the blades on your safety razor, it could cause the fabric of your jeans to degrade over time.Don't damage a good pair of jeans by using old jeans.
Step 2: Place your jeans on a sturdy surface.
The counter top of your bathroom sink should be used as a sharpening surface.Clear the area first so that you don't have an impact on your sharpening motion.The area should be dry when using this sharpening technique.When it's dry, you want to sharpen your blade.
Step 3: You should clean your razor blade.
It can be done in a cup of soapy water.If you want to get rid of gunk on your blades, use dish soap.If you want to get the best results, you should allow your razor to soak for at least 15 to 30 minutes.You could use a specifically formulated razor blade cleaning solution.They are designed to work well on hair and skin.You can find a razor blade cleaning solution in the shaving section of your pharmacy.
Step 4: Don't dry your razor at all.
If you shake your razor into the basin of your sink, you can remove some of the excess water from it.To make sure the blade is completely dry, you should clothe it.You can do this by running your razor along the cloth and following the direction of the blades.If you want to prevent fuzz from building up, you might consider using a microfiber cloth to dry your razor.
Step 5: You should run your razor along your jeans.
You should do this with the direction of the blades in mind.This can be done in one direction with short, quick strokes.The process of stropping will remove burrs from your blades and hone your razor's edge.If you want to evenly and completely strop your blades, you need to perform the same motion in the opposite direction.You can run the blade along the jean fabric 20 times if you switch directions.Light pressure can be used when stropping.The edge of your blade can be damaged if you press too hard.
Step 6: Run your razor along your arm.
You don't want to cut yourself while sharpening!Use moderate pressure and run the blades of the razor along the top of your arm, not against it.This motion can be performed about 10 - 15 times with quick, short strokes.An old fashioned leather strop is a piece of leather used for sharpening blades.Your arm should be the same way a strop is.Since you are running your razor with the blades and not against, your safety razor shouldn't cut the hair on your arm.If you slip and run the blade side-to-side, you could cut yourself.
Step 7: Remove your razor for dull blades.
The best results might be achieved with more strokes.With the same motion you used for your first stropping, run your blades along the jeans with and not against the direction of the blades.Use light pressure and short, quick strokes for roughly 20 strokes, running your razor back and forth along the jeans, always in the same direction of the blades.
Step 8: After shaving, clean your razor.
Natural oils on your skin can protect it from the environment, but they can also harm the quality of your blade over time.Your razor can be dulled quickly by shaving cream and decaying hair.After each use, clean your razor thoroughly.A toothbrush is a good way to lightly scrub your razor after shaving.The gunk under the water needs to be washed away.
Step 9: After using your razor, dry it.
The metal is vulnerable to rust when it is wet.This will make your razor dull more quickly.When you shave, make sure your razor is dry to prevent this.There are many ways to dry your razor.You can use a blow dryer or a towel.Don't forget to exercise when drying your blades.Rushing while blotting your blades with a towel could cause you to accidentally run your fingers along the sharp part of the blade, which could cut you.
Step 10: Use a skin safe blade lubricant.
After drying your blade, you can use a mineral oil or cooking oil on it.The coat will make the blade less susceptible to environmental factors that can lead to a dull razor.Special formulated oils can be used to prolong the life of your blade.They can be found in the shaving section of your local pharmacy or online through a shaving vendor.