How Do You 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. Lay the straight razor flat on top of a honing stone. Push the straight razor down the hone at a diagonal. 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. 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. Sharpen the straight razor with an extremely light touch as the blade crosses the stone. Pass each side o
