top of page
logo.avif
PXL_20260501_151022121_PORTRAIT_ORIGINAL-EDIT.avif

Straight Razor Care

If you just purchased, or are considering purchasing, a straight razor from South River Straight Razors, thanks! Your razor will have been cleaned, disinfected, honed, and stropped—no need to strop before your first shave.

NOTE: The razor has been oiled as a rust preventative measure before shipping. Make sure to wipe off any residual oil before using!

​

For those new to straight razor shaving, welcome! Here are some tips to help make your introduction to straight razors a bit easier:
 

  • ​give the razor about 20 – 25 strops before each shave​
     

  • make sure to dry the razor thoroughly after use
     

  • give the razor a couple of strops after drying to make sure that there is no residual soap scum on the cutting edge (it can cause pitting on the blade)​
     

  • be careful when closing the razor; make sure that the blade is centered between the scales to avoid striking the blade on the scales (this damages the cutting edge)​
     

  • store your razor in a clean and dry location


It is important not to store the razor in a bathroom with a shower, as the high humidity will cause the razor to rust. These razors are made of carbon steel, not stainless steel. Carbon steel gives a superior shaving experience, which is why it is used in quality straight razors.

If maintained and stropped properly, your razor should be able to go up to two years before needing to be rehoned. Of course, your mileage may vary depending on shave frequency, face preparation, type of facial hair, and stropping technique.

South River Straight Razors Honing Service

​

For undamaged razors, the cost is $25 (prices subject to change) with about a three-day turnaround time.

 

For razors needing to have a new bevel set, the price will be about $50 (this should not be an issue for any razors that have been properly stropped and honed).


Lastly, a few words on stropping:

​

  • ​Make sure that you have a high quality strop in good condition. While vintage strops look nice, the leather will most certainly be dried or rough in texture. Using a strop in poor condition will dull your razor's cutting edge.
     

  • If you have a strop with a fabric side, only do about five passes on the fabric side and then about 30 - 40 on the leather side. Some people only use the fabric side after a razor has been honed and their regular pre-shave stropping is about 25 passes on the leather side. Experiment and do what works best for you.


If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via email or use our Contact Us form.

bottom of page