Unscrewing SEs after every shave

I was watching Blackland Razors video on how to get the most out the Vector razors and Shane suggested that the head should be loosened after ever shave if not completely disassembled to dry properly. Is this a step that is exclusive to SEs compared to DEs? If so why?

I was watching Blackland Razors video on how to get the most out the Vector razors and Shane suggested that the head should be loosened after ever shave if not completely disassembled to dry properly. Is this a step that is exclusive to SEs compared to DEs? If so why?

I  know far more about straight razors and DE razors than I do SE razors. However, the advice given by Shane seems to be warranted.

Most people only get a few shaves out of DE blades. Some of those shavers remove the blade from the razor, rinse it, dry it and store it for  the next use. Others loosen the head to allow them to rinse the blade and inside the head and then blow out the excess moisture. This might be particularly helpful if your water is quite hard. I rarely use a blade for more than 3-4 shaves and I have more blades in my collection than I will ever use, even if I live to be 100. Thus, I am more concerned about shave comfort than I am blade life. 

SE blades are different. They are thicker, they are more expensive, and the tend to last a lot longer than DE blade, which offsets the higher cost. Properly cleaning and drying an SE blade after the shave is likely to prolong the blade life, especially if you have hard water. I do not recommend removing the blade from the razor between uses, although some would make this recommendation. However, Shane's recommendation of loosening the head to allow rinsing the blade and head thoroughly and then blowing out excess water might be helpful in achieving maximum blade life. I think some shavers blow out the water with a puff through their lips. However, if you have access to a hair dryer, that would also suffice. Just do not turn the dryer on high heat. The higher temperature might not hurt, but it is best not to take chances.

On every razor ever owned- from straight to DE to SE - the entire razor is thoroughly disassembled, thoroughly cleaned with fresh water and dried with a microfibre towe.  In the case of DE and SE there is more regular maintainence such as completely removing and cleaning the blade under running water, drying with a microfibre towel, even corking and handstropping depending on the blade.  Under no circumstance is a DE or SE blade ever stored in a razor; instead it is typically left dried and open in a dry environment along with the razor.  DE and SE razors are left loose even when dry until ready to be used.  Straights are subjected to daily stropping and oiling - and weekly maintainence if used.

Would strongly suggest many will not purchase a used quality razor treated less carefully and for good reason.  Do what you will but many choose to carefully care for their tools and instruments.

I even thoroughly clean and attempt to strop carts when used although it much tougher to get great results as they designed to encourage consumption

For DE razors I always removed the blade, cleaned and dried everything and reassembled after each shave. For GEM/AC razors, I never pull out the blade. I rinse the razor well and wipe it clean and that's it. The blade is left to survive as is.

For DE razors I always removed the blade, cleaned and dried everything and reassembled after each shave. For GEM/AC razors, I never pull out the blade. I rinse the razor well and wipe it clean and that's it. The blade is left to survive as is.

My concern is for the interaction of the blade and razor in the presence of residual water and even humidity, not so much preserving the blade per se.

For DE razors I always removed the blade, cleaned and dried everything and reassembled after each shave. For GEM/AC razors, I never pull out the blade. I rinse the razor well and wipe it clean and that's it. The blade is left to survive as is.

My concern is for the interaction of the blade and razor in the presence of residual water and even humidity, not so much preserving the blade per se.

I never gave blade and razor interaction a second thought. Now there's that seed planted and some thought will need to be given on this subject. Deep down I don't think it's much of a concern, but we'll see. It never hurts to be extra tidy.

I was watching Blackland Razors video on how to get the most out the Vector razors and Shane suggested that the head should be loosened after ever shave if not completely disassembled to dry properly. Is this a step that is exclusive to SEs compared to DEs? If so why?

It's a good idea for all razors. Basically you're trying to get some airflow over the blade so that it dries and doesn't rust. When blades rust they stain your razor. More diligent people disassemble and dry their razor entirely, but I'm lazy so I like to loosen the head by a turn or two and leave the blade in.

Like Shane, I loosen it one or two turns. I rinse the razor with a quick blast from the faucet and then lay it on my shaving towel to let water drip out until I’m done getting ready, then I put it on my razor stand still loosened. I tighten it up again before I shave the next time. No rust in year of doing it that way.

Great advice all of you. Thanks!

Slightly off topic but not too much.  I use a Valet Auto Strop which accepts a Feather (stainless or hi-carbon steel) SE blade. 




The razor has a blade holding mechanism that flops back and forth, originally to allow the blade to be stropped while still in the razor.  Alas.....my strop which fits into the Valet deteriorated long ago, but I still "strop" both sides of the blade edge on a barber's towel (not terry cloth) using this mechanism.  While I don't think it really does much to realign the edge, it does clean it and dry it. Even though the blade is stainless steel, and not the stroppable like the hi carbon steel blades are, the edge seems to last a really long time. 

So, maybe removing the blade and towel stropping it does would make a difference.