How to Sharpen a Straight Razor

Straight razors are sharpened in the factory before they are sold at the store. When using a new straight razor, allow the razor 48 hours to rest after it is carefully rinsed and dried--the fine "fin" on the cutting edge of the straight razor needs time to straighten up again. If the razor is used too soon the fin can break off. You will get between 6 and 15 shaves before your straight razor needs sharpening.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Straight razor hone (sharpening stone)
• Leather

1. Lay the straight razor flat on top of a honing stone. Push the straight razor down the hone at a diagonal.

2. Bring the straight razor across the honing stone using very short strokes. Make sure the strokes are long enough so that the entire straight razor edge connects with the hone.

3. Flip the straight razor over on its spine. Push the other side of the razor's edge, at the same diagonal, moving up the honing stone. Sharpening the razor in this manner creates an "X" on the stone.

4. Sharpen the straight razor with an extremely light touch as the blade crosses the stone. Pass each side of the blade five times to properly sharpen the razor's blade.

5. Strop (or slide) the straight razor's edge on leather to complete the sharpening process. Slide the edge 10 to 20 times on each side before the shave.

Tips & Warnings

• Test the sharpness of the straight razor by slicing a piece of hair in two. If the blade easily goes through the hair, the blade is properly sharpened.
• Be very careful when you are sharpening your straight razor. The blade can get so fine it will slice through body parts with very little effort.