How To Get A Smoother Shave From A Double Edge Razor Blade

You’ll sometimes hear wet shavers say that the first shave from a new DE blade can be rough. After that first shave, the blade seems to ‘break in’ and the blade gives nice smooth shaves for the rest of its life; let’s say three or four more shaves. This phenomenon seems to be more prevalent when using the really sharp blades, like the Feathers.

That sucks, right? Wet shaving is about comfort and treating yourself right. Why should I suffer through the first shave from a new blade? Is there anything that can be done about that?

Glad you asked.

To make a new double edge razor blade as smooth as possible, try ‘corking’ it.

The idea is pretty simple. You run the edges of the new blade through a piece of cork, or maybe stiff styrofoam, a couple of times each direction before using it. This is a similar idea to stropping a straight (cutthroat) razor. You’re honing the edge a bit, smoothing any burrs or rough spots that may be left over from manufacturing.

The jury is still out on this practice. There are those who feel corking blades is fussy overkill. Those who regularly cork blades are enthusiastic about the method.

If you’re using a Slant Bar razor, which you are if you read the prior post about what is the best DE razor, you’re living on the wet shaving edge to start with. You’re shaving with a potential face shredder. You don’t need the additional risk of a new blade being rough.

Next time you open a nice bottle of wine, toss the cork into your medicine cabinet. Don’t worry about what your wife or girlfriend says. If you’ve gotten into wet shaving and are collecting gear like mad, she already thinks you’re a little bit nuts.