Couple of Qs after my first shave

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Had my first ever shave today with a safety razor :)

Just got a couple of questions if (that's) OK

Rockwell Model T:

Do you have to dip the razor into water after each stroke? Remove hairs, residue etc etc

Do you have to take the blade out after shaving and clean inside the razor and the blade?

It feels like I had a closer shave than I've probably ever had before and I didn't manage to get any cuts or any bleeding, it felt great tbf but I did do only do 1 pass with the grain. My face feels a little fresh but in a good way. Is this normal for a first time shave or would that mean my technique is off?

Thanks!
 
Had my first ever shave today with a safety razor :)

Just got a couple of questions if (that's) OK

Rockwell Model T:

Do you have to dip the razor into water after each stroke? Remove hairs, residue etc etc

Do you have to take the blade out after shaving and clean inside the razor and the blade?

It feels like I had a closer shave than I've probably ever had before and I didn't manage to get any cuts or any bleeding, it felt great tbf but I did do only do 1 pass with the grain. My face feels a little fresh but in a good way. Is this normal for a first time shave or would that mean my technique is off?

Thanks!

Hi George, and welcome. I tend to dip the razor into the basin just to clean it off between strokes, however it's really just a matter of personal preference. After the shave if I'm using a DE razor I slacken it off, swish it around in the water or run it under the tap, then shake any excess water off and put it aside on its stand until tomorrow. I do know guys who not only remove the blade and clean/dry both it and the razor; but carefully turn the blade over and reverse the ends. But then, I know we have members who carefully clean any small sticky bits of 'gum' left on the blade by the greaseproof paper with spirit prior to use.
So, whatever works for you will be what is best. Enjoy.

JohnnyO. o/.
 
If I am using a DE, then I will rinse the blade once both sides are packed with soap. When finished I remove the blade...give it a careful wash to remove soak/gunk and do the same with the razor, I then just shake off excess water and return it to it's stand. 99 out of 100, I use straights and that means the DE is gonna lie there for some time, so I like to clean the crap out to keep it from jamming or whatever, you will get into a routine...if I was using the razor next day then I would just rinse it off and continue with that until I needed a new blade.
 
Morning George. There's some good advice above. Each razor has different characteristics. During use, you'll want to rinse it before it becomes clogged. This could be quite a few strokes on each side. You'll figure this out the more you use your razor. After the shave, I just give my razor a rinse until the next shave. I'll use a razor until the blade is done and then give it a better clean before either changing razors or continuing with that razor and a new blade. If you switch frequently between razors and blades, you may want to spend a little more time cleaning the razor and blade for storage. Completely up to your personal preference.

With regards to your 'fresh' feeling, you may be using a little too much pressure. Remember the golden rule - no pressure! Let the weight of the razor do the work. You're aiming for a gradual reduction of hair length rather than a napalm takedown on the first pass.

It will all become much clearer the more you do it and what works for some won't work for others so be open minded when you shave.
 
If I'm going to store my razor, after washing it, I dip it in isopropyl alcohol and let that evaporate before reassembling it and putting it away. This way I can be sure it's not going away wet. Occasionally I reapply light oil to threads etc as the IPA tends to remove lubrication.
 
change your lather making. Not sure what your using but if you make lather that is slick enough to allow glide and thin enough to let it FLOW through the razor head, youll get far better shaves.
THINK its called the marco method over on badger and blade.
 
Some good advice on here...
I personally take the blade out after every shave and carefully rinse it and stick the blade on end into the shaving soap.....I only use a blade a maximum of three shaves, sometimes only two, depending on the blade........Then with a small soft nailbrush (kept specifically for this purpose only) gently scrub the razor with warm soapy water, then thoroughly rinse and "shake dry".....Keeps the razor nice, clean and shiny.

If I'm storing the razor between rotations, it gets the same treatment, but the razor is allowed to air dry for a couple of days before going back in its box....

Each to his own at the end of the day...But do enjoy this luxurious morning ritual...And welcome to the club.
 
I don't rinse after every stroke, and with some razors, mostly open comb varieties, you don't really need to rinse them. With the Rockwell Model T, I rinse after every couple of strokes. When I'm done shaving, I slightly open the silo doors and rinse it under running water. Tighten it back up and it's ready to go for the next shave.

The Model T is permanently internally lubricated, according to the manufacturer, so no oiling should be necessary.
 
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