Q&A for How to Clean a Razor Blade

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How do I keep my razor blades sharp?

Woody Lovell
Professional Barber
Woody Lovell is the Founder of The Barbershop Club, a gentleman's barbershop-as-social club rooted in 1990's traditional barbering based in the Hotel Normandie in Los Angeles, California. He is also the Founder of his own line of quality grooming products. He has over 20 years of experience in the male grooming industry and has consulted clients including professional athletes, musicians, and A-list actors throughout the Los Angeles area.

Woody Lovell

Professional Barber

Expert Answer

Wash the blades in soap and water. Then, dry off the razor and put it in a case or a box in your drawer. If you leave it out in a cup or holder, the moisture and humidity in the bathroom will cause the blades to rust. Remember that all razors blades are disposable, and they just cannot be sharpened because they're inside of some type of handle. You can only sharpen a razor if you use an old-fashioned straight razor that can be sharpened on a leather strap, a honing rock or a stone.

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Question

My razor is full of hair from when I shave my legs. I have tried washing it and scrubbing it, but the hair is still all there. What do I do now?

Community Answer

You could take a dry towel and rub the blade against it.

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Question

Can I soak my razor blades in oil to keep them sharp?

Non-Casual Anti-Triangles

Community Answer

Oil will not keep the blades sharp. Razor blades will eventually become dull through normal wear. One way to prevent blades from rusting is to clean the blades with alcohol, then let the blades air dry. The alcohol will get rid of water, preventing rust, and will also sterilize the blade as a bonus. If your blades are dull, there is sadly not much you can do other than buying new ones, but most blades are fairly cheap.

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Question

How often should I sterilize the razor?

Community Answer

You should sterilize it after every shave and just wash it with tap water before using as this minimizes the chances of you getting a skin infection. Always remember, do not use anyone's razor nor give your razor to someone else.

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Question

After how many uses does a razor go dull?

Community Answer

A razor usually goes dull after 5-7 shaves. Make sure you replace your razor head to ensure that you do not get nicks and cuts.

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Question

Can someone sterilize a new razor?

CageyCat

Top Answerer

If it is brand new, there is no reason to sterilize a new razor. It is generally best to buy a separate razor for each person who needs one.

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Question

Except for alcohol, what else can I use to keep my razor clean?

CageyCat

Top Answerer

You could put peroxide in a glass (not used for drinking) and water, up to about 1 inch total. Swish the razor round and round in the fluid. Remove, rinse with flowing warm water. Dump the peroxide-water mixture so no one drinks it. Wash the glass thoroughly.

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Question

How would I get hair build up out of blades?

CageyCat

Top Answerer

Hold under warm water with a forceful stream. Turn the razor so that water hits it from various angles.

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