How to sharpen shaving cartridges

Numerous manufacturers of men's accessories and shaving accessories offer disposable and reusable razors with blades made of quality materials. But sooner or later, any blade will begin to lose its properties, especially if you do not provide the machine with decent care, proper operation and storage. In this regard, experts offer many techniques for sharpening machine blades, many of which can be used at home.

Many men know how to sharpen a razor at home, since several ancient methods have been practiced for many years. Today, many new ideas have been invented that also sharpen blades quickly and easily, extending their service life. It is only important to follow all the details and instructions, otherwise you may damage the sharp cutting surface.

Sharpening a razor at home: what is important to know

Many men believe that sharpening blades for a machine is an unlikely or completely useless task. Especially considering the fact that there is a huge assortment of new blades and cassettes on sale in stores. In fact, high-quality razors cost a lot of money, as do blades for such models. Therefore, experts recommend saving money and sharpening blades, unless, of course, you use a cheap disposable razor.

Only a few types of razors can be sharpened using this method:

disposable machine;
reusable razors with cassettes;
T-shaped machines.

If, in addition to proper use and care, the blades are sharpened, a man will be able to provide himself with high-quality wet shaving and save money on the purchase of a machine or blades. Otherwise, the blades will not only cut hairs poorly and pull them out, but also scrape off the top layer of skin. An important condition for sharpening is to follow the instructions for all stages, otherwise you can dull the cutting surface even more.

How effective is it?

After you have sharpened, you can use the machine one or two more times, after which the procedure will have to be repeated. Regarding efficiency, these methods are about the same, and it all depends mainly on what materials you have at home.

Most often, a single-use machine cannot withstand more than three sharpenings due to wear of the rubber plate, which is located under the blades of the lower part of the device. Because of this, it will not be possible to make the machine eternal, but it will also cease to be disposable. Shaving will become much more enjoyable and efficient. This way, you can save a little, and also use your old machine if you forgot to buy a new one.

Step by step guide

Today, the most pressing request from men in forums and communities is as follows - how to sharpen the blades of a Vest razor. This manufacturer offers high-quality machines with replaceable cassettes, which you can easily extend the shelf life yourself, without the help of a specialist. Most often, two devices are used for this action - a pyramid razor blade sharpener or ordinary denim.

You can make a pyramid yourself from a material that is incapable of magnetization, for example, plexiglass or cardboard. It is secured with glue or tape; it is prohibited to use metal fasteners. Further sharpening is carried out as follows:

mark the pyramid on a hard, straight surface;
then the pyramid is oriented to the cardinal points;
the razor blades should be placed along the pyramid in the north-south direction;
the blades should lie in this state under the pyramid for 6-8 hours.

The same method can be used to sharpen blades for cassette razors such as Gillette and other brands.

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Many men have been successfully practicing the technique for many years, noting its ease of use and high efficiency. Using a special device from RazorPit or Zattoch, blades on a cassette or removable blades are sharpened as follows:

Apply a little shaving gel to the surface of the device;
further along the abrasive surface, but in the opposite direction, as during shaving, movements are made with the machine;
make 25-30 such movements at a time;
At the end, the machine and working fixture will need to be rinsed with water.

Just 5-10 minutes of such manipulations will be enough to revive the blades of the machine and give the razor a second life. This will not only save money, but also provide a man with high-quality and effective shaving of stubble and mustache without irritation and other consequences.

What is important to know

The main accessory for men's daily grooming that requires attention is machines.
Mainly used - disposable, T-shaped or reusable with replaceable cassettes. It happens that the blade becomes dull or the replacement cassettes run out. You have to shave with unsuitable material, which results in severe skin irritation, abrasions on the face, and the hair is shaved poorly.

Home techniques will quickly restore the original appearance of the sharp material, extend the shelf life, help save money and help out in any situation.

Handy tools to help

If a device such as a razor sharpener is not suitable for a man, you can use improvised means, for example, denim. This is one of the first methods that was invented by men many years ago. It is enough to simply turn the fabric inside out, and then run the loom with the blades inside against the direction of the fabric threads 30-40 times, but without pressing.

Another handy method is a leather belt, and sharpening the blades follows the same scenario as with denim. You need to choose a belt that does not have frayed areas or creases, otherwise the surface of the blades will be damaged. You need to move the blades along the belt from its wrong side. This will maintain the integrity of the painted side of the belt while improving the functionality of the machine.

Is it important to use special devices?

In fact, any selected razor sharpener should be approved by experts, like a leather belt, pyramid or denim. Other unfamiliar techniques and untested means at hand can easily damage the integrity of the blades, since we are talking about a metal plate with a thickness of 0.5 mm or less. Although there are many razor sharpeners sold online, only a few actually do the job.

If we are talking about an expensive machine and blades, it is better to purchase sharpening options such as a device from the RazorPit brand or its Ukrainian equivalent from the Zattoch brand. In such a device you can sharpen both blades and cassettes of a safety razor without fear for their integrity and functionality. If a man prefers the cheap option of sharpening on jeans, you need to correctly observe the direction of the blades perpendicular to the direction of the threads in the fabric.

Preparation

The preparatory stage involves making a preliminary assessment of the geometry of the razor tool in order to find out what type of sharpener will be required (coarse or fine).

Evaluate the geometry by placing the instrument on a flat surface (preferably glass). It should be in contact with the leads and edge of the razor. If the fit on the side of the cutting edge and the backing is not tight enough, preference is given to a coarse abrasive.

The geometry of the tool is assessed from both sides.

Examine the “caution” for the straightness of the cutting edge line. If there is a geometric defect - a “reverse smile” - it will not allow you to properly sharpen the tip. It will need to be fixed.

Conclusion

Razor accessories all have their own service life, which depends on the materials used in the production of the razor itself and the quality of the blades in it. Disposable razors are used no more than 1-3 times, but T-shaped razors and reusable razors will last longer if you change the cutting parts on time. And in order not to spend money on buying new “feathers”, you can sharpen them in a timely manner. To do this, you may need a special device, as well as a pyramid of improvised materials, a leather strap or denim.

Replacement cartridges for razors are quite expensive. Therefore, in order to save money, men are willing to endure skin irritation using a “dull” razor. This article talks about how to sharpen blades yourself .

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With the simple "
blue jeans sharpening " method, you'll get a sharp and close shave.
After you finish shaving, go to your closet and take out your jeans . Hold the edge of the pant leg with one hand and move the blade along the entire length of 10 to 20 wires with the other, then change direction . The threads of the jeans are laid diagonally, so changing the direction will allow for balanced sharpening of the entire surface of the blades.

The method allows you to remove small nicks and maintain sharpness for a long period of time.

It looks like blade boards on a leather belt. The method is cheap if you have a pair of blue jeans.

Sharpen 20 times before and after shaving - this will keep the edge “clean”.

It is also necessary to blow of water off the blade , since oxidation and rust are a big enemy of sharpness. For 100% water removal, you can store the blades in alcohol .

I hope that after reading this article you will have a pleasant shave and good savings.

Among all the variety of shaving devices, the most effective is the machine from a regular razor. However, this product has one big drawback: it quickly becomes dull and the cassette has to be changed frequently. For owners of razors, several effective home methods for sharpening them have been invented. This is discussed in more detail below.

Aftercare

After each use, rinse the blade with water and wipe dry;
store the straight razor only in a dry, well-ventilated place, protected from moisture getting on the blade;
if you use it rarely, cover the working surface with paraffin;
if you frequently use a straight razor, leading to rapid dulling of the working surface, it is better to get an additional razor tool or a razor with replaceable blades, like the METZGER PR-185 (5.25″);
a straight razor needs to be treated with care; straighten it on a belt in a timely manner;
Do not throw the razor or use it to cut hard material.

"Care" provides a closer shave than a regular razor or electric razor. The owner of a special razor must be able to prepare it for shaving with it. The ability to sharpen correctly is the key to long service and a quality shave.

Do I need to sharpen my razor myself?

The following facts support a positive answer to this question:

If you take it yourself, you can extend the life of the machine by approximately the same period of time.
Such actions allow you to save significantly, because... When buying a replacement one, you are spending a significant amount of money. And sharpening helps to postpone the trip for new accessories by 2-3 months.
In some situations, it is problematic to buy a new pack of replacement blades. For example, when you urgently need to shave. To do this without being distracted by going to the store, you just need to sharpen the blades.

Having used one of the sharpening methods once, everyone has the opportunity to learn how to do it efficiently and easily. If there is no need for these inventions, of course, it’s easier to run to the store and buy a new pack of cassettes. And anyone who sharpened a blade using one of the methods listed below will probably be happy to share their impressions of a positive result.

Why do you need to sharpen electric razor blades?

Self-sharpening of special shaving blades allows you to extend their service life and improve the quality of cutting stubble. It will be possible to shave even long hair in one pass without wrapping it around the shaft, thereby eliminating skin damage or irritation.

The reason for sharpening the cutting edges of the razor yourself may be the need to shave in the field. This is especially true when there are no specialized sharpeners or machines at hand.

Using jeans: sharpening from scrap material

For those who don’t know how to sharpen a razor and need to shave urgently, old jeans will help solve the problem. Processing with this material is simple and accessible to restore the sharpness of the device.

Such sharpening of shaving blades will require a little more time than when processing using special devices. However, the result will be at the same level. To work, you need a round piece of jeans and a dull blade.

Additionally, you need to use a foil sleeve, a ruler, or take another flat wooden object. The width of the latter should be less than the length of the cutting part of the razor. This condition must be observed, because The edges of the blade contain ridges that may interfere with sharpening the razor.

Sharpening blades of disposable machines

If disposable razors can be changed without regret, since they are cheap, then changing cartridges in a reusable razor requires significant financial costs. But razors can be given a “second” life by extending their service life several times. Sharpening shaving blades can help with this. This can easily be done at home.

1. Sharpening with denim

This is the easiest way and does not require any financial or physical costs. How to sharpen a safety razor blade if it is a disposable machine? Before you start sharpening, the razor must be prepared by cleaning it from dirt, rinsing it under running water and wiping it dry with a terry towel. After preparation, the following actions are performed:

denim fabric is being prepared. In order to protect it from small cuts, the fabric is turned inside out and placed on the table, that is, on a flat surface.
a solid, even object (ruler, block) is placed under it, having a smaller width compared to the width of the blade. The machine must move freely over the surface of the object located under the fabric.
a dense lining is located under the fabric, the hem of which runs diagonally.
The razor blade is placed on a ruler or block and drawn in the opposite direction to shaving 50 - 60 times.
the machine is turned and the other side of the razor is ground the same number of times.

In this way, the “life” of the razor is extended several times.

2. Sharpening with a leather belt

In addition to denim, good sharpening results can be achieved by using a leather belt or a piece of leather from something. The procedure is carried out according to the same rules as using denim.

The blade of the machine is sharpened on the reverse, unpainted side of the belt.
The result of the action will be faster than sharpening on fabric, due to the density of the belt leather.
You need to move the razor blade along the belt half as much, that is, 10 - 20 times on one side and the other of the shaving surface.

In addition to a regular leather belt, you can use a belt used for straightening straight razors to sharpen the razor. How to sharpen a razor blade on this belt?

A belt for straightening a straight razor is a piece of leather with wooden handles attached to the ends of the belt, or the same piece of leather, but attached to a wooden block, that is, it has a flat surface. Sharpening a disposable razor with this belt is not particularly difficult. After 10 - 20 passes, the blade returns to its previous cutting ability, and the razor becomes as good as new.

3. Sharpening using the forearm

How to sharpen a razor blade if there are no available tools? You can use your own hand to make the razor sharper. The skin on the forearm, covered with vellus hair, resembles the structure of the leather of a belt. This property can be used to advantage.

The disposable razor is carried from the elbow to the wrist.
the sharp part of the machine turns away from itself.
The razor is passed over the skin of the hand ten to twenty times.
Having turned the machine, it should be guided from the wrist to the elbow.

This way you can sharpen the blade of a disposable machine. The quality of sharpening in this case will be slightly lower than the same action carried out on denim or on a belt. This is explained by the fact that the “living” skin of the hand is softer, and the grip on the shaving surface is less than when sharpening on other objects. The result of such sharpening is of less quality. But in some cases this method is quite acceptable.

4. Sharpening using a pyramid

The most unusual method of sharpening razor blades is the pyramid method. Despite the fact that it is patented and exists, the mechanism of this action cannot be explained. To carry out this method, it is necessary to make a certain structure.

4.1. Pyramid parameters

The pyramid is made from various materials. You can use drywall, regular cardboard or chipboard.

The base of the pyramid is a square measuring 500 by 500 mm.
the height of the edge is 400 mm.
rib length – 480 mm.
pyramid height – 320 mm.
the height of the pedestal for the blade is one third of the height of the pyramid, that is, 107 mm.

The structure is glued using Moment glue or liquid nails. The main condition for the operation of the pyramid is the location of the faces and base of the structure along the cardinal points. The installation of the pyramid is carried out according to the compass. The edge of the pyramid is located to the north, and the sharpened blades “look” from south to north or vice versa.

4.2. Sharpening method

The blade of the machine is placed on the pedestal in the finished pyramid. A prerequisite for sharpening is that it does not come into contact with any objects. The razor remains in the pyramid for a week. After this period ends, it regains its original quality of sharpness.

Sharpening a cassette in a pyramid

If you are wondering how to sharpen a razor and don’t want to buy any equipment, you can build a special pyramid for this purpose.

This device is useful for repeated use. Sharpening your razor is simple and convenient. When manufacturing, you should proceed from the dimensions of the machine. The device itself can be constructed from wooden slats and any available material that is used to cover the sides of the figure. Using machines with this device is very profitable.

The razor is placed in the inner part of the pyramid with the blade directed north. The device itself is also positioned taking into account the cardinal directions.

Why razor blades become sharp is still an open question for debate. Judging by the reviews of those who tried to build a special pyramid, we can conclude that the method really works.

One razor must be processed in a pyramid for 1.5-4 years. Therefore, the device is considered effective and reliable, despite its secret technique of influence.

Sharpening accessories

When demand arises, supply always appears. Recently, on the windows of some stores you can find special devices that make it easy to sharpen a razor at home. The device itself resembles a special pen, which is equipped with a small plastic strip. On the outer part of which a composition (abrasive) is applied, which sharpens disposable and reusable machines. With this device, the service life is extended several times.

Such devices are easy to use and allow you to achieve good results. To process a razor using such a device, the following steps are taken:

Apply a small amount of liquid soap, gel or shaving foam to the top of the device.
The razor is taken and passed along the abrasive in the direction opposite to the movement during the operation of the blade
To achieve the result, you need to do about 30 movements. And this is enough, the blade of dreams will become sharp.

These are all the methods that solve the question of how to sharpen a razor. Using these simple devices you can save money and extend the life of your blades by several months.

Dangerous design

“Opaska” is also considered a tool that technologically consists of parts. These parts must be used correctly. Like any tool or product, it has a design and technological map. Before you sharpen a straight razor, you need to study its design.

In its structure it has many details:

double base;
blade;
head;
back;
brand;
tail;
heel;
lever.

The “guard” consists of two main parts – a handle and a metal blade (blade). Technologically, as a safety feature, a hole was designed in the handle into which the blade “hides” so as not to injure anyone. The dangerous blade itself rotates freely along its axis during operation, but is strictly fixed between the handle mounts. The handle has ridges and gaps (erlem) that provide a rigid grip between the hand and the tool. The main thing is to sharpen a straight razor correctly.

The blade angle is 12 degrees for maximum grip on the cutting material. The device works as cleanly as possible, unlike modern machines and electric shavers. But not everyone can use it; it requires a lot of skills and training.