Razor Maintenance
A straight razor can last a lifetime. In fact, the many vintage razors still around show that they can last far longer than a lifetime. But they need to be kept sharp and they need to be cared for. Maintaining a sharp edge comprises two distinct elements. Firstly, keeping a razor sharp on a day to day basis requires the use of a strop which burnishes and aligns the edge. There are various types of strop and we have provided some advice on how to choose an appropriate strop for you. We also have some advice and a video to help you learn the process of stropping. This is something which almost anyone can manage.
Eventually all razors benefit from the second element which is honing. Also, honing is required if an edge picks up nicks or chips. Honing involves the use of a natural or synthetic stone to re-sharpen the razor by removing steel and then further polishing and refining edge. This could be a simple refresh of an edge on a fine stone or it could involve removing nicks or chips, re-setting the bevel and taking the razor through a full sequence of stones.
We have produced information about both choosing and using honing stones. Honing is something which many straight razor users like to tackle but there is rather more to it technically than stropping. The good news is that we offer a honing service for anyone who doesn’t wish to invest the time or money involved in mastering this skill.
A straight razor can last a lifetime. In fact, the many vintage razors still around show that they can last far longer than a lifetime. But they need to be kept sharp and they need to be cared for. Maintaining a sharp edge comprises two distinct elements.
Firstly, keeping a razor sharp on a day to day basis requires the use of a strop which burnishes and aligns the edge. There are various types of strop and we have provided some advice on how to choose an appropriate strop for you. We also have some advice and a video to help you learn the process of stropping.
This is something which almost anyone can manage. Eventually all razors benefit from the second element which is honing. Also, honing is required if an edge picks up nicks or chips. Honing involves the use of a natural or synthetic stone to re-sharpen the razor by removing steel and then further polishing and refining edge. This could be a simple refresh of an edge on a fine stone or it could involve removing nicks or chips, re-setting the bevel and taking the razor through a full sequence of stones. We have produced information about both choosing and using honing stones.
Honing is something which many straight razor users like to tackle but there is rather more to it technically than stropping. The good news is that we offer a honing service for anyone who doesn’t wish to invest the time or money involved in mastering this skill.
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We have always used the term "straight razor" but in truth most people know this type of razor as a "cut-throat razor" or, less frequently, as an "open razor". It really doesn't matter, all these terms relate to the same implement.
We have a variety of razor starter kits which include everything necessary to start your venture into straight razor shaving. They also make an ideal shaving gift. This section also includes some entry level razors which are good choices for a beginner. Alternatively you can put together your own choices and perhaps upgrade the razor or strop. Please just ask if you need help.
We ship Worldwide, and shipping is free to all countries for orders over £125, but there is a charge for orders of a lower value. Full details may be found in our Delivery and Returns Policy. Prices are determined in GBP. For your convenience you are able to see indicative prices in U.S. Dollars and Euros but payment will be taken in GBP and there will inevitably be some variation to the U.S. Dollar and Euro prices shown. We accept payment by all major credit and debit cards as well as through Paypal.
If you are just starting out with a straight razor then we have a wealth of information on the website for beginners. Please visit our Information section which includes advice about choosing a cut-throat razor, how to strop a razor and much more. We are also always happy to offer advice and assistance where we can. Please just ask.
Our aim is to help our customers keep their razors in use. Now and again every razor will benefit from being honed. As not all our customers wish to learn how to hone we offer a straight razor honing and stropping service where we will sharpen your cut-throat razor on our premises and return it to you. This service is available for all razors we sell, vintage razors and some other brands of new razor but there are brands of new razor that we will not accept. Please see our Sharpening Service section for more details. We also offer a service to fit scales (razor handles) purchased from us.
This term relates to the fact that once unfolded from the scales (i.e. the handle) the razor's edge is open or unprotected, as opposed to a safety razor where the edge is shielded to some extent.
