Beware: Couple of Newbie Questions

**Drew S** · 06-12-2007, 09:31 PM

I have a couple of newbie questions. Be prepared though, these questions might make you dumbererest.....

First, does a DE blade have a designated top side and bottom side when installing them into a safety razor?

Second, what are some tips for keeping shave soaps "healthy" between uses? For example, Monday seems like a citrus day, but Tuesday might feel more like sandalwood. How can you keep soaps ready to go when you're alternating among several cakes?

To say thank you for your help with these questions and others is a gross understatement on my part. B&B has completely changed and improved my daily routine despite still being a newbie. Thanks!

**michaelskar** · 06-12-2007, 09:39 PM

1. It doesn't matter which side faces up.

2. I let the soap dry out after I use them, then I place them in ziploc bags and store in the cabinet. You can also put the pucks in small 1-cup storage containers.

**RAD... Me? No...** · 06-12-2007, 10:27 PM

I agree with the post above.

1. If you have Derby Blades you can see that the edges are labeled 1-4. Some people flip the blades others do not. You can search the forum to find those threads if you like.

2. Most of the people here suggest letting them dry out. If you shave in the morning let them dry until you get back home from work.

**Steerpike** · 06-13-2007, 06:28 AM

I really don't get all the fuss with drying out soaps. They don't go mouldy or anything, just drop the lid on and leave it! I even heard people talking about washing soaps...WASHING SOAPS!?!????? Seriously folks, you have to worry when you wash your soap... You'll be drying out water next!

**Leisureguy** · 06-13-2007, 08:11 AM

Blade goes in either side up, as noted, and once you've tightened the razor's grip, leave the blade alone until it's time to replace it.

I just plop (or screw) the lid back on the soap after I've used it, and use it again when the mood strikes. No particular care there. And no problems.

**michaelskar** · 06-13-2007, 10:25 AM

I do agree that if your soap has a container, just pop the lid back on when done. the drying out/ziploc bag advice is for those "loose" pucks that have no container (the position I am in after a 6 soap puck buy from HBS).

**Leisureguy** · 06-13-2007, 11:56 AM

I got some small widemouth jars for my Honeybee Spa soaps, and melt them over hot water (temp around 150 degrees) and pour them into the jars and then make labels for them. Before that, I used 1-cup Rubbermaid containers.

**WebGeezer** · 06-13-2007, 12:50 PM

I finally see an opportunity to share a recent discovery!

No pressure. Check. Blade angle. Check. Lather. Check.

I was still getting a small amount of burn because of The Twist, most apparent on the cross-over side of my face. I was twisting the razor ever so slightly and negating much of the careful pressure/angle considerations.

My face is growing back!