I should also do my part in helping this thread get back on track by stating that my technique encompasses a 2-pass shave, with my 1st pass being N-to-S, using longer passes. I generally rinse under hot running tap water after each pass (turning water off in between) and then flip to the other side of the razor head for the next pass. [I imagine when my DC head comes in, I'll complete all these "1st passes" with the OC side, and the second shave with the SB side.] After the first set of completed passes, I rinse off, re-lather, and perform my second set of passes -- working from ear-to-nose (E-to-W), or whatever others call that, with perhaps a few short S-to-N passes at the bottom of my neck & chin. If I've done my job well, my shave ends here and I start my clean-up process.
This process begins by rinsing my razor in HOT tap water and then:
I generally only handle my blades when I first install them and the again when I remove them for the blade bin. I recently returned from the 10-year-or-so hiatus from these forums since the flurry of activity I had when I started on B&B [just noticed that today is the 12th year anniversary of me joining]. As such, I honestly didn't realize until recently that so many people removed their blades after each shave - I've even now seen racks with magnetized blade holders and dice incorporated in them to track the number of uses. I don't recall that being the way most did it back then (perhaps I am wrong?)... Heck, back then I thought I was adding a lot of "new work" when folks on the forums convinced me to start using a DB brush scuttle instead of only my old camping mug + MWF puck! *yet, I still use that old rusty mug + MWF from time to time*
As a precision rifle shooter, I appreciate the level of record keeping, dutifulness, and care that many of you put in as you enjoy shaving to be far more than 'just a chore' -- it's a fully-fledged hobby. As such, many of us obsess about parts of it...and that's great! Yet, and I say this for me only, I'm reminded that a common error many shooters make is "overcleaning" their rifles -- sometimes doing it to the point of premature wear & tear. The "white glove" cleaning I used to do in the Marine Corps is not analogous to what I do, or is necessary, for my personal firearms now (or razors, as the case may be). I'm sure that's not likely the case for most of you (i..e., you're probably not overcleaning to the point of damage), but I also don't think I'll be one to start removing my blades each shave anytime soon. My hot water rinse (which heats the razor) + 99% alcohol rinse + towel buff has resulted in a pretty darn dry & clean razor for the past 20 or so years I've been following this routine. My coated (Perma-Sharp & Nacet) and uncoated (Astra SS) blades aren't dirty or rusty when I replace them after 3-5 shaves, and I like my routine.
So in keeping with the OP's topic: This is my way -- not suggesting its better than anyone else's -- but I hope it offers a different perspective.
As always YMMV.
This process begins by rinsing my razor in HOT tap water and then:
I generally only handle my blades when I first install them and the again when I remove them for the blade bin. I recently returned from the 10-year-or-so hiatus from these forums since the flurry of activity I had when I started on B&B [just noticed that today is the 12th year anniversary of me joining]. As such, I honestly didn't realize until recently that so many people removed their blades after each shave - I've even now seen racks with magnetized blade holders and dice incorporated in them to track the number of uses. I don't recall that being the way most did it back then (perhaps I am wrong?)... Heck, back then I thought I was adding a lot of "new work" when folks on the forums convinced me to start using a DB brush scuttle instead of only my old camping mug + MWF puck! *yet, I still use that old rusty mug + MWF from time to time*
As a precision rifle shooter, I appreciate the level of record keeping, dutifulness, and care that many of you put in as you enjoy shaving to be far more than 'just a chore' -- it's a fully-fledged hobby. As such, many of us obsess about parts of it...and that's great! Yet, and I say this for me only, I'm reminded that a common error many shooters make is "overcleaning" their rifles -- sometimes doing it to the point of premature wear & tear. The "white glove" cleaning I used to do in the Marine Corps is not analogous to what I do, or is necessary, for my personal firearms now (or razors, as the case may be). I'm sure that's not likely the case for most of you (i..e., you're probably not overcleaning to the point of damage), but I also don't think I'll be one to start removing my blades each shave anytime soon. My hot water rinse (which heats the razor) + 99% alcohol rinse + towel buff has resulted in a pretty darn dry & clean razor for the past 20 or so years I've been following this routine. My coated (Perma-Sharp & Nacet) and uncoated (Astra SS) blades aren't dirty or rusty when I replace them after 3-5 shaves, and I like my routine.
So in keeping with the OP's topic: This is my way -- not suggesting its better than anyone else's -- but I hope it offers a different perspective.
As always YMMV.
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