How to Sharpen Old Razor Blades

Co-authored by Woody Lovell

Last Updated: October 6, 2022 References

Buying replacement razor blades can be a costly expense over time. One razor blade typically lasts just a few months, maybe even less if you have especially thick or coarse hair!^{[1]
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Research source} As your razor dulls with use, you'll notice that it is less efficient. This can result in stubble left behind or a painful pulling sensation when you shave. But with a few tricks to prolong the usefulness of your razor, you can save yourself some bucks by preserving your blades.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Stropping Your Razor

1
Gather a pair of old jeans for sharpening. A traditional strop is made of leather, but an old pair of jeans will work almost as well. You should use old jeans as opposed to new jeans or jeans you wear regularly. You'll be using the cloth to rejuvenate the blades on your safety razor, but doing this could cause the fabric of your jeans to fray or deteriorate over time. Use old jeans so you don't do damage to a good pair of jeans!^{[2]
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2
Place your jeans on a flat, clear, sturdy surface. A table or the counter top of your bathroom sink should be suitable as a sharpening surface. Clear the area first; an uneven surface could negatively impact your sharpening, and clutter might obstruct your sharpening motion.
- You should also make sure the area is dry when using this sharpening technique. For the best results, you'll want to sharpen your blade when it's dry.^{[3]
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3
Clean your razor blade. Wash your razor with hot water and soap. Dish soap should work well for busting up any razor gunk that's accumulated on your blades. For best results, allow your razor to soak in a cup of hot, soapy water for 15 to 30 minutes, swirling your razor in the water occasionally.
- Disinfect your razor with an astringent or alcohol-based cleaner.
- You might also use a specifically formulated razor blade cleaning solution. These are designed to work especially well on skin and hair buildup. Explore the shaving section of your local pharmacy or online vendors to find a razor blade cleaning solution.^{[4]
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4
Dry your razor completely. You can remove much of the excess moisture from your razor by holding it firmly and shaking it into the basin of your sink. Then, to ensure the blade is completely dry, you should use a cloth to wipe away remaining moisture. Do this by running your razor along the cloth with a motion that follows the direction of the blades.
- To prevent fuzz or lint from building up, you might consider using a lint-free or microfiber cloth to dry your razor.^{[6]
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- Store your razor in a dry spot, like a case or drawer, instead of leaving it in the sink shower, or bathroom, where it's exposed to moisture and likely to rust.
5
Run your razor along your jeans. You'll want to do this with the direction of the blades and not against the blades. Do this about approximately 20 times in one direction with short, quick strokes. This process, called stropping, will remove burrs and irregularities from your blades, honing your razor's edge.
- To evenly and completely strop your blades, you'll want perform the same motion in the opposite direction (on the same section of denim) as well. Switch directions and run the blade along the jean fabric around 20 times in the same fashion you did previously.^{[7]
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- Use light pressure when stropping. Pressing too hard can actually cause damage to the edge of your blade.^{[8]
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6
Run your razor along your forearm for jeans-less stropping. Be careful while doing this; you don't want to cut yourself while sharpening! Use moderate pressure and run the blades of your razor along the straight part of the top of your forearm with the direction of the blades and not against. Use quick, short strokes, and perform this motion about 10 - 15 times.
- Your arm is very similar to an old fashioned leather strop, which is a piece of leather used for sharpening blades. In the same way a strop sharpens a blade, so should your arm.^{[9]
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- Since you are running your razor with the blades and not against, your safety razor shouldn't cut the hair on your forearm. Be careful not to slip and run the blade side-to-side, as this could result in you cutting yourself.^{[10]
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Strop your razor again for very dull blades. Especially dull blades might require more strokes for best results. With the same motion you used for your first stropping, run your blades along the jeans with and not against the direction of the blades. Use light pressure and short, quick strokes for roughly 20 strokes, running your razor back and forth along the jeans, always in the same direction of the blades.^{[11]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Maintaining Your Safety Razor

1
Clean your razor after shaving. Your skin has natural oils that protect it from the environment, but these oils can also harm the quality of your blade over time. Shaving cream and decaying hair can also lead to your razor dulling rapidly. Clean your razor thoroughly after each use to maintain the sharpness of your blades. Use hot water and soap to clean your razor.
- A good way to remove gunk and grime thoroughly is to use a toothbrush to lightly scrub your razor when you are finished shaving. Then, rinse away the gunk under running water.^{[12]
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- Use an alcohol-based cleaner or astringent to disinfect your razor.
2
Dry your razor always after using it. When your razor is wet, the metal is vulnerable to corrosion and rust. This will cause your razor to dull more quickly. Thoroughly dry your razor when you are done shaving to prevent this. Then, store it in a cabinet, drawer, or case instead of the sink, shower, or counter where it will be exposed to moisture.
- Many approaches can work for drying your razor. For example, you might use a blow dryer or blot your blades with a towel.
- Always exercise care when drying your blades. Rushing while blotting your blades with a towel might cause you to accidentally run your fingers along the sharp part of the blade, which could cut you.^{[13]
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3
Consider using a skin safe blade lubricant. You might consider using a mineral oil or a small amount of cooking oil on your blade after drying it. This will coat the outer surface of the blade, making it less susceptible to moisture in the air, airborne dirt, and other environmental factors that can lead to a dull razor.
- Some companies offer special formulated oils designed to prolong the life of your blade. Search for these in the shaving section of your local pharmacy, or online through a shaving vendor.^{[14]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can I sharpen multi-blade razors?

Community Answer

Yes, you can definitely sharpen these and get more uses out of them. You should also clean them off with rubbing alcohol after using them to make them last longer.
Question

What about the more common multi blade razor cartridges? Can they be successfully sharpened the same way?

Community Answer

No, because it would be nearly impossible to sharpen one blade without damaging the others.