How to Repair Straight Razors

Although the use of straight razors has diminished in today's climate of disposable razors and electric razors, no one will dispute that they provide an extremely close shave if wielded properly. A straight razor can be damaged from being dropped or hitting the edge of a faucet and develop minor nicks and dings on the blade. These will inhibit the sharpness and use of the straight edge. Repairing a straight razor to bring it back to its full potential requires hand honing of the blade. This must be executed with precision and care if the straight razor is to be restored for use.

Things You'll Need

• Hone
• Soft cloth

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Instructions

• 1

  Moisten the hone with tap water. Lay the hone flat in your left hand, holding it firmly with the index finger and the little finger. Keep your fingertips from reaching above the hone.

• 2

  Grasp the straight razor by the handle in the right hand with the index finger resting on top of the side part of the shank and the ball of the thumb at the joint. Put the second finger in back of the razor near the edge of the shank and fold the rest of the fingers around the handle.

• 3

  Place the straight razor on the hone. Begin the first stroke by stroking the straight razor diagonally against the hone, drawing the straight razor's blade toward the cutting edge and heel of the razor.

• 4

  Turn the straight razor on its back, holding your fingers around it in the same way you would roll a pencil, without turning the wrist. Slide the razor upward from the bottom left corner of the hone to the top left corner of the hone as the razor is roiled over on its back to do the first part of the second stroke.

• 5

  Applying equal pressure on the razor at all times, complete the second stroke by drawing the razor from the left-top corner of the hone to the right-bottom corner of the hone so that the edge faces to the right and the heel leads. Slide the razor upward from the bottom right to the top right as the razor is rolled over on its back.

• 6

  Inspect the razor to see whether the nicks and dings have been removed. Repeat the two strokes by using different movements instead of a sweeping motion until the nicks and dings are gone.

• 7

  Wipe the hone with a soft cloth and put it away.