Silly Straight Razor Question

[SamplingNature]

So, I have a silly question about straight razors.

So, I have two straight razors (actually received in a PIF several years ago, during my last go at B&B). They were both good shavers, and ready to go when I put them away...but that was several years ago. They were stored away in a drawer, and I don't believe they exposed to any harsh humidity or conditions. Would they still be useable with a good stropping, or would they need rehoned? They wouldn't lose their edge just sitting, would they?

If they do need honed, are there any suggestions as to where I could have it done?

 

[Gamma]

Why not just strop them and shave?
Find out for yourself what the story is.

If you do need honing, I always suggest Nelson... @Bayamontate

 

[Wid]

I’d just strop them and see if they shave. For honing, where are you from? Maybe someone here is in your area and can help with that.

 

[SamplingNature]

I'll try to stop them up the next day I have off. Thanks for the replies!

 

[Legion]

an edge will deteriorate over time, but very slowly if it is stored well. It won't hurt to try and see.

 

[SamplingNature]

I think I'm going to dig them out and give them a try Thursday.

 

[Jud]

I would strop then now

 

[SamplingNature]

Not free until tomorrow...

 

[Jens]

If you store them long term, do lubricate them to avoid rust. Air humidity will allow rust building up incrementally. Some cover the blade in a thin layer of oil between shaves. For longer term storage I use Vaseline. I haven't heard of knives deteriorating if you lubricate them.

 

[SamplingNature]

I'll really check them out and will make sure the get treated well. It wasn't an intentional long-term storage. Just everything got in the way.

 

[SamplingNature]

I broke out the straights, and stropped them. Judging by the bald patch on my left arm, and the job they did edging from my jawline down my neck, I'd say they're okay.

 

[Doc Dan]

Fine edges will lose atoms and degrade over time, but that time is longer than any of us will live, I would think. Your stropping and shaving proved that the edges last.

 

[RAM]

Dr. Matt produced a video a while back where he shaves with a 50+ year old edge. Must have been fine as he had his trade-mark smile on his face.

 

[totorlekiller]

My rotation takes about 1 year and a half. So, that how long one of my razor has to wait to be used again. Edge is typically fine. I have not had to rehone a razor yet.

 

[SamplingNature]

My rotation takes about 1 year and a half. So, that how long one of my razor has to wait to be used again. Edge is typically fine. I have not had to rehone a razor yet.

I doubt I'll ever have a rotation like that. I'm still on the fence as to how deep into the rabbit hole I want to go. Judging by my past with safety razors, blades, soaps, brushes, etc, I doubt it will be too far. I tend to find what I like and stick with it.

I've done pretty good sticking with a three pipe rotation, but that's mostly out of necessity. I tend to follow my mood too much for actual rotations.

 

[cajunrph]

I doubt I'll ever have a rotation like that. I'm still on the fence as to how deep into the rabbit hole I want to go. Judging by my past with safety razors, blades, soaps, brushes, etc, I doubt it will be too far. I tend to find what I like and stick with it.

I've done pretty good sticking with a three pipe rotation, but that's mostly out of necessity. I tend to follow my mood too much for actual rotations.

I don’t think I’ll be so lucky. As a reference I have about 30 pipes. And I don’t really smoke too often. I have enough tobacco to last me a lifetime at the rate I smoke.

I have two SR now and one on the way. One strop on the way too.

 

[CpnStumpy]

I doubt I'll ever have a rotation like that. I'm still on the fence as to how deep into the rabbit hole I want to go. Judging by my past with safety razors, blades, soaps, brushes, etc, I doubt it will be too far. I tend to find what I like and stick with it.

I've done pretty good sticking with a three pipe rotation, but that's mostly out of necessity. I tend to follow my mood too much for actual rotations.

I followed my mood with my straights for a long time, but come to realize it was because I liked some more than others, so I trimmed out of my rotation all but my favorites and now following the rotation is a delight, if I'm ambivalent towards one - I set it out of rotation to figure out where to pawn it off to.

My rotation is presently nearly 30, with 3 I love already pending honing to join