What is the wax or grease spots on new blades?

[moshidog]

I'm new to DE shaving and am curious why when you unwrap a new blade there are a few dabs of some kind of clear grease on one side of the blade. I was thinking maybe it's to prevent rust, but it's not evenly applied, and only on one side. Does it tell you what side of the blade should be inserted in the razor a certain way? Is it just to keep the paper wrapping in place?

 

[Wingnut]

Hi Moshidog, welcome to B&B!

Those spots are wax, and they serve to keep the blade edges from rubbing against the paper wrapper, damaging or dulling the edge. Once you open the wrapper, they have served their purpose and can be scraped off, rinsed under hot water until they dissolve, or just left alone and the blade loaded as usual--your choice!

When you get a chance, You might want to check out the Shave Clinic and Newbie Check-In forum. While you're there, please head over to our Hall of Fame and tell us all a bit more about yourself. There are links in my signature to areas of B&B of special interest to beginning shavers--perhaps you might like to have a look at them. If you ever have questions or run into problems, don't hesitate to post them up. We're a welcoming and friendly group here, and there's always someone around to offer advice or lend a hand.

Enjoy your time here, happy shaving, and once again, WELCOME!!

 

[Mike H]

They are there to keep the paper in place, and annoy members here.
I ignore them.

And Welcome to B&B!

 

[moshidog]

Thanks for the quick reply. I thought maybe it was to hold the paper in place, but had no idea why it was important. And thanks for the welcome!