6 useful tips and methods on how to sharpen a razor at home

The availability and convenience of razors has led to them being extremely popular among both men and women. But it’s not enough just to choose a good razor, you also need to use and store it correctly so that it lasts longer and performs its functions efficiently. That’s why owners have questions about how to sharpen a razor so that the procedure gives the best possible result.

Most users do not try to sharpen blades at home, thinking that it is difficult and unlikely. But some still decide to find such methods and extend the life of the razor.

Such methods do exist and are quite effective at home. Although, of course, a razor blade is not a knife, it cannot be updated in the usual way.

Why sharpen your blades yourself?

The question of the appropriateness of sharpening procedures for razor blades is relevant, and there are several answers to it. Firstly, it allows you to extend the life of the machine. That is, instead of throwing away the razor, you can renew it and use it for the same amount of time.

Secondly, it saves money. After all, purchasing replacement cassettes regularly requires significant financial investments. And sharpening and updating them will help put off going to the store for at least a few months.

Thirdly, it is not always possible to buy replacement cassettes, but shaving is safe and sometimes simply necessary urgently. In order not to put off shaving until you buy a new blade, you can sharpen it and enjoy the result.

Sharpening a razor is a useful and convenient skill that can save money. Having tried to use any of the blade sharpening methods once, each user will be able to learn and perform the procedure quickly and efficiently.

Do I need to sharpen my razor myself?

The following facts support a positive answer to this question:

1. If you take it yourself, you can extend the life of the machine by approximately the same period of time.
2. Such actions allow you to save significantly, because... When buying a replacement one, you are spending a significant amount of money. And sharpening helps to postpone the trip for new accessories by 2-3 months.
3. In some situations, it is problematic to buy a new pack of replacement blades. For example, when you urgently need to shave. To do this without being distracted by going to the store, you just need to sharpen the blades.

Having used one of the sharpening methods once, everyone has the opportunity to learn how to do it efficiently and easily. If there is no need for these inventions, of course, it’s easier to run to the store and buy a new pack of cassettes. And anyone who sharpened a blade using one of the methods listed below will probably be happy to share their impressions of a positive result.

Using a special sharpening device

Demand always creates supply, so not long ago special devices for sharpening blades at home appeared on the market. The device is a handle equipped with a small strip of plastic, on the surface of which a special abrasive is applied. It allows you to sharpen disposable and reusable razors with equal efficiency, extending their service life several times.

A prominent representative of such devices is the RazorPit device from a Danish company, although it also has a cheaper analogue, Zattoch, made in Ukraine. The devices are easy to use and give good results. The sequence of actions includes the following steps:

1. You need to apply a little cosmetic product – gel or foam – to the surface of the device.
2. Use the cutting part of the razor to move along the abrasive in the direction opposite to how the razor moves during the shaving process.
3. Depending on how long you use the machine, 25-30 movements are enough to get the blades sharp again.

The procedure is simple and effective, but you need to understand that the razor sharpening device itself also costs money. It may be cheaper to update replacement cassettes on the machine.

Trouser belt for straightening razor blades

Leather razor belt

Older readers probably remember the times when they shaved with straight razors. Trouser belts were used to straighten the blades of such devices. The finishing was carried out first on canvas, and finally on leather.

Procedure:

1. A leather trouser belt is attached to a pipe, door handle or other suitable place.
2. the device is guided along the back of the belt, in the direction opposite to the movement when shaving.

Instead of a belt, you can use a homemade one. The leather is attached to one side of a block of appropriate size and the device is ready for use. The same devices were previously used to straighten straight razors.

Handle with leather for tidying up blades

When finishing straight razors, available grinding substances were used, in particular GOI paste. This is not necessary for modern blades.

Sharpening the blade using denim

Instead of a blade sharpener, you can use denim or any ribbed fabric. The effect of this procedure is practically no different from using special devices, but it is cheaper and simpler. The procedure is as follows:

1. Jeans need to be turned inside out.
2. Under a small piece of fabric you need to place some kind of dense thing - a cardboard cylinder, a wooden block or a ruler.
3. Jeans are usually made from bias-cut fabric, so the thick lining needs to be laid flat. If the jeans are sewn straight, then the base must be fixed diagonally.
4. The razor is drawn across the fabric in the opposite direction to a normal shave. This sharpens the blades and keeps the fabric intact.

You can repeat the blade sharpening procedures several times until the steel becomes so thin that it can no longer be restored. But before this happens, you can use the machine much longer without spending much money.

If you need to sharpen the blades of an electric razor, it is better to contact a specialist. Its peculiarity is that for any action the razor will have to be partially disassembled, which means that then it will need to be assembled. For a beginner, this is not always a simple and easy procedure. But sharpening the blades of a conventional machine is a very real process that is worth trying at least once.

Source: proydalenievolos.ru

How to sharpen a Gillette machine at home using improvised tools

Receive one of the most read articles by email once a day. Join us on Facebook and VKontakte.

Every man who has ever held this particular razor in his hands is well aware that one cassette for a multi-blade razor costs a lot of money. In reality, it's not about the brand at all. Any similar cassette, due to the complexity of its production, will be like this. Unfortunately, blades “kill” much faster than men would like. But there is one simple and very effective way to sharpen razor blades. We are talking about the method of sharpening using denim, but there is just one “but”.

How to sharpen a gilet razor on jeans

A razor is an indispensable attribute of a man, designed to maintain personal hygiene. The device is used to eliminate excess hair.

Today, the following types of shaving systems are distinguished: rotary and foil. Unlike a machine, these devices do not require the use of water, are mobile, simple and safe to use, reduce the likelihood of cuts to a minimum, do not irritate the skin, and require rare blade replacement (depending on the model - once every 0.5-3 years ). However, they are not able to remove stubble “at the root” and ensure smooth skin. As a result, the number of adherents of wet “inexpensive” shaving is not decreasing.

Intensive use of the machine leads to rapid dulling of the blades. Today, the network presents various variations of restoring the performance of a device with a detailed description of the technology for performing the work and videos.

A striking example of a high quality razor is Gillette. For a century, the Company has been producing devices and skin care products that are popular in Europe.

There are cases when the need to extend the service life of an old device is urgent, and it is not possible to purchase a new device. Let's look at how to sharpen a vest razor on jeans and quickly solve this problem.

Advantages of a razor

At the end of the 19th century, the American inventor King Camp Gillette first proposed placing a sharp blade in a handle holder. Due to the undeniable advantages of disposable machines, they have become firmly established in everyday human life.

Advantages of the Gillette razor

1. High shaving quality. When removing unwanted vegetation, the device comes into direct contact with the skin of the face. The first razor blade lifts the hair, and the second blade cuts the stubble at the root.
2. Low cost.
3. Availability. You can buy a disposable razor or replace the razor cassette either at a newsstand or in a supermarket.
4. No need for electricity.
5. Hygiene. Due to the fact that a disposable razor is used for a short time (2 – 3 weeks), the risk of harmful bacteria appearing on the blades is minimal.
6. Easy to maintain. Cleaning a Gillette razor involves rinsing the device under running hot water.

To increase the service life of the machine, it is important to know how to properly sharpen a straight razor.

Algorithm for sharpening a razor on jeans

The sharpness of the cutting blades is the main criterion for choosing a quality razor. Since a “dull” machine leaves excess facial hair and causes micro-damage to the skin, it is therefore important to maintain it in “good” condition.

Let's consider the least expensive way to sharpen the “handle-blade” - rubbing it on jeans.

• tight jeans;
• a block or foil sleeve;
• disposable razor.

It is important to perform the blade sharpening procedure on a flat, stable surface.

Method for sharpening a razor at home

1. Place the block under the jeans.
2. Sand the machine blades. To do this, rub a safety razor on jeans 50 times in one direction and 50 in the other. The direction of movement of the device is “pull away”.

After this procedure, the sharpness of the blades increases 2-3 times. Thus, properly sharpening a razor on jeans is a safe and economical option, which increases the service life of the cutting product by 2 times.

Source: obvi.ru

Nuances

A classic straight razor (“safe”) allows a man to effectively deal with overgrown stubble on his face. A good shave is only possible with a sharp blade. A straight razor should be sharpened at least once every 2-3 months. The procedure can be done on your own at home. Its correct execution is the key to obtaining a good result.

Many men are interested in the question of how to sharpen a straight razor at home. Sharpening involves mechanical processing of the cutting edge of the tool.

You should sharpen the blade of the old “danger” in stages:

1. Carrying out rough sharpening. The procedure is performed to restore or correct the geometry of the leads that form the cutting edge of the blade plate (sting). At this stage, the problem of chipping is solved, and the edge bends to the side are corrected.
2. Finishing the tip and the blade plate itself. The manipulation is similar to honing in metalworking. At the second stage, the exact dimensions of the tip and the cleanliness of the blade surface are achieved. Finishing removes risks from the abrasive applied at the initial stage.
3. Formation of an ultra-thin cutting edge by straightening it.

How to properly sharpen a dull straight razor yourself:

• sharpening is a manipulation associated with the risk of injury. Follow safety regulations!
• ensure that the straightening belts are tightly tensioned - this will avoid bending the cutting edge;
• be sure to determine the correct sharpening angle;
• Avoid pressing hard on the blade. Otherwise, there is a risk of damaging it. The blade must be in close contact with the surface of the sharpener at all times. ;
• When performing movements in both directions, try to keep the pressure on the blade equal. Otherwise, you won’t be able to sharpen the tool evenly;
• Cover the comb with tape in advance to prevent it from being scratched;
• You can sharpen the “harm” to maximum sharpness by bringing the thickness of the cutting edge to a minimum. However, the tip will become brittle.

The optimal indicator of sharpness for a razor is its ability to easily, effortlessly cut hair “in weight”.

What is important to know

The main accessory for men's daily grooming that requires attention is machines. Mainly used - disposable, T-shaped or reusable with replaceable cassettes.

It happens that the blade becomes dull or the replacement cassettes run out. You have to shave with unsuitable material, which results in severe skin irritation, abrasions on the face, and the hair is shaved poorly.

Home techniques will quickly restore the original appearance of the sharp material, extend the shelf life, help save money and help out in any situation.

How to sharpen a razor at home: instructions for different methods

Numerous manufacturers of men's accessories and shaving accessories offer disposable and reusable razors with blades made of quality materials. But sooner or later, any blade will begin to lose its properties, especially if you do not provide the machine with decent care, proper operation and storage. In this regard, experts offer many techniques for sharpening machine blades, many of which can be used at home.

Many men know how to sharpen a razor at home, since several ancient methods have been practiced for many years. Today, many new ideas have been invented that also sharpen blades quickly and easily, extending their service life. It is only important to follow all the details and instructions, otherwise you may damage the sharp cutting surface.

Preparation

The preparatory stage involves making a preliminary assessment of the geometry of the razor tool in order to find out what type of sharpener will be required (coarse or fine).

Evaluate the geometry by placing the instrument on a flat surface (preferably glass). It should be in contact with the leads and edge of the razor. If the fit on the side of the cutting edge and the backing is not tight enough, preference is given to a coarse abrasive.

The geometry of the tool is assessed from both sides.

Examine the “caution” for the straightness of the cutting edge line.

If there is a geometric defect - a “reverse smile” - it will not allow you to properly sharpen the tip. It will need to be fixed.

Step by step guide

Today, the most pressing request from men in forums and communities is as follows - how to sharpen the blades of a Vest razor. This manufacturer offers high-quality machines with replaceable cassettes, which you can easily extend the shelf life yourself, without the help of a specialist. Most often, two devices are used for this action - a pyramid razor blade sharpener or ordinary denim.

You can make a pyramid yourself from a material that is incapable of magnetization, for example, plexiglass or cardboard. It is secured with glue or tape; it is prohibited to use metal fasteners. Further sharpening is carried out as follows:

• mark the pyramid on a hard, straight surface;
• then the pyramid is oriented to the cardinal points;
• the razor blades should be placed along the pyramid in the north-south direction;
• the blades should lie in this state under the pyramid for 6-8 hours.

The same method can be used to sharpen blades for cassette razors such as Gillette and other brands.

Many men have been successfully practicing the technique for many years, noting its ease of use and high efficiency. Using a special device from RazorPit or Zattoch, blades on a cassette or removable blades are sharpened as follows:

• Apply a little shaving gel to the surface of the device;
• further along the abrasive surface, but in the opposite direction, as during shaving, movements are made with the machine;
• make 25-30 such movements at a time;
• At the end, the machine and working fixture will need to be rinsed with water.

Just 5-10 minutes of such manipulations will be enough to revive the blades of the machine and give the razor a second life. This will not only save money, but also provide a man with high-quality and effective shaving of stubble and mustache without irritation and other consequences.

Blade sharpening pyramid

The properties of the pyramids have long been known; the wonders and mysteries of the Egyptian pyramids immediately come to mind. And near Moscow, on the 38th kilometer of the Riga highway, one of these was built in 1999. Excursions are even organized to visit it. There is an opinion that if you visit it, your health will improve, and people bring water and even vodka there for exercise.

In the distant 80s of the last century, the magazine “Science and Life” published material about a homemade pyramid; it was used to restore blades. There were drawings and all the dimensions necessary for its manufacture.

The pyramid was made of non-conductive material: cardboard or thick paper. A pedestal was placed inside at 1⁄3 height from the base, on which the blades were fixed. The pyramid must be oriented with its edges to the cardinal points, and the blades must be positioned strictly from north to south. The duration of the process is one week. In this case, the structure cannot be moved or even touched with hands.

At that time, I made such a design according to the drawings and placed blades inside to improve their cutting properties. The result disappointed me: the blades shaved poorly and remained the same. I don’t know, maybe some conditions were not met. In any case, there is such a method.

Handy tools to help

If a device such as a razor sharpener is not suitable for a man, you can use improvised means, for example, denim. This is one of the first methods that was invented by men many years ago. It is enough to simply turn the fabric inside out, and then run the loom with the blades inside against the direction of the fabric threads 30-40 times, but without pressing.

Another handy method is a leather belt, and sharpening the blades follows the same scenario as with denim. You need to choose a belt that does not have frayed areas or creases, otherwise the surface of the blades will be damaged. You need to move the blades along the belt from its wrong side. This will maintain the integrity of the painted side of the belt while improving the functionality of the machine.

Is it important to use special devices?

In fact, any selected razor sharpener should be approved by experts, like a leather belt, pyramid or denim. Other unfamiliar techniques and untested means at hand can easily damage the integrity of the blades, since we are talking about a metal plate with a thickness of 0.5 mm or less. Although there are many razor sharpeners sold online, only a few actually do the job.

If we are talking about an expensive machine and blades, it is better to purchase sharpening options such as a device from the RazorPit brand or its Ukrainian equivalent from the Zattoch brand. In such a device you can sharpen both blades and cassettes of a safety razor without fear for their integrity and functionality. If a man prefers the cheap option of sharpening on jeans, you need to correctly observe the direction of the blades perpendicular to the direction of the threads in the fabric.

Razor accessories all have their own service life, which depends on the materials used in the production of the razor itself and the quality of the blades in it. Disposable razors are used no more than 1-3 times, but T-shaped razors and reusable razors will last longer if you change the cutting parts on time. And in order not to spend money on buying new “feathers”, you can sharpen them in a timely manner. To do this, you may need a special device, as well as a pyramid of improvised materials, a leather strap or denim.

Source: afmen.online

Required Tools

The following will help maintain the working condition of the razor:

• stones;
• sharpening belt;
• sandpaper.

The blade "guard" is sharpened in the factory. With its further use, only regular editing will be required. We are talking about grinding, which allows you to remove burrs and straighten the edge. If the blade is damaged, they resort to sharpening, which involves the use of a stone and partial removal of the blade.

Stones for sharpening a straight razor should:

• characterized by uniform fine grain (indicator – 4000/8000);
• maintain shape;
• do not have agglomerates (we are talking about dense lumps);
• do not give a large suspension.

To get excellent results, professionals recommend using:

• Super Stone whetstone from Naniwa;
• sharpening stone Ganzo SPEP600 from the company Hansa.

It is also recommended to use the “Iron Grip” sharpener (sharpening machine) or the Profile K03 sharpening device made by the domestic manufacturer, the Profil technostudio.

The blade guard is adjusted using a belt. Its width must be greater than the length of the blade to ensure uniform processing of the entire surface of the tool.

Editing is done on a leather belt (or made of fabric). No abrasive paste is required. It is used for finishing when it is impossible to achieve a good result by editing.

Sandpaper, a budget product, can be used for sharpening, but it is not advisable. The shave will be rough after using it.

Professionals advise using coarse sandpaper (P320) for initial processing if there is a need for serious sharpening.