I tried something new today

**BOGARTUS** · 01-25-2007, 06:23 AM

While I was doing my prep. I was about to start my stropping. I stopped and ran the blade under hot water until warm and then did 20 laps as usual. Then turned the cold water on and cooled the blade down. I began the shave, rinsing the blade in the same cold water. At the neck where I do all testing I noticed that the Genco, that I used just last week, with nothing different than the water temp, shaved better than ever. I think I know why, what do guys you think?

**Lancer** · 01-25-2007, 07:09 PM

mmm well there is some supposition that the canvas strop is intended to warm/heat the edge to improve the malleablity of the edge so I would guess that it is possible to do the same with hot water...

But them Im no metalurgist so...

**berzerkeleyan** · 01-25-2007, 07:20 PM

Reminds me of "Miller's Crossing," at the end just before Caspar gets it:

Caspar: Ya put the razor in cold water, not hot--'cause metal does what in cold?

Driver: I dunno, Johnny.

Caspar: 'Ats what I'm tellin' ya. It contracts. 'At way you get a first class shave.

**netsurfr** · 01-26-2007, 03:44 AM

From what I have read, part of the purpose of the canvas is to heat the blade. The hot water may actually do a better job of heating up the blade just before taking it to the strop. If heat is the real goal, you are going to get more even heating of the entire blade.

Then again, you may have just done a better job of stropping your razor that day, performed better face prep, stood in the shower a little longer letting the heat and moisture soak into your face... or any of the various other variables... ;-)

Steve

**BOGARTUS** · 01-26-2007, 04:29 AM

Good ole Shrinkage, thats what I thought. Going to try again with the next razor in the rotation.

**BOGARTUS** · 01-26-2007, 06:04 AM

Today,with Henkels I used the same method as yesterday, and again seems to be a bit better. Although the Henkels always was nice.

I dunno maybe shrinkage, in some cases, can be a good thing