How to Restore a Straight Razor

Many men enjoy the close shave of a straight razor, and use them at home. Barbers frequently offer this shaving service also. After time, the straight razor blade will become dull. Sharpen the blade to restore the straight razor and enjoy a smooth shave. The honing and stropping process is a simple and inexpensive way to keep a straight razor in excellent condition. A hone is a stone with a smooth, flat surface and aids in sharpening a straight razor. A strop is a long, flat leather strap that looks similar to a leather belt. The strop also aids in restoring the sharp edge of a straight razor.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Straight razor hone Leather strop

Honing

1. Moisten the natural stone hone with water.

2. Hold the hone in one hand and the straight razor in the other, or place the hone on a flat surface and hold it firmly.

3. Place the straight razor flat on the hone, and slide it diagonally across, with the edge leading, while applying light pressure. Slide the razor up and down the hone.

4. Flip the razor over and repeat the maneuver on the other side.

5. Repeat the process 15 to 20 times before stropping the blade.

Stropping

6. Rinse and dry the straight razor.

7. Place the spine of the razor on the leather strop, near the top.

8. Roll the straight razor over so the edge of the blade is lying on the strop.

9. Apply slight pressure to the razor, while drawing it up and down the strop, spine first.

10. Change by rolling the straight razor over its spine. Repeat the process 10 to 15 times.

References

• Guide to Shaving