You can typically get about 30 - 40 shaves on a good edge on good steel, but you do have to adapt to the edge as it gets less keen. Stropping can work against you if you are using heavier pressure. It will round the edge. All that said, except for AA challenges, I find myself refreshing edges after 10 to 15 shaves. This is definitely excessive, but here at Hones-R-Us, I need to keep busy.
Comment on Sunday SOTD Thread, January 25th, 2026 (#957)
snooting@wetshav.ing 1 month agoYeah I was also wondering that.
How often do you typically touch up your edges? How often do you do a full rehone?
I was hoping that a straight edge would last for quite some time as long as I strop regularly. Is this wishful thinking?
gcgallant@sub.wetshaving.social 1 month ago
snooting@wetshav.ing 5 weeks ago
Interesting. I think I’ve been using light pressure – what would a rounded edge feel like while shaving?
I think I need to start by picking up a finishing stone so that I can try to touch up my own edges. I’d hate to have to send my razors out every 20-40 shaves for a full rehone… Though I guess that could help keep you busy! 😄
gcgallant@sub.wetshaving.social 5 weeks ago
I think I’ve been using light pressure
Then you probably have been.
what would a rounded edge feel like while shaving?
It is a very gradual change. It is an edge that feels smooth but is looses its ability to cut well. If the edge feels harsh, and it was not originally that way, then you likely have a breakdown of the edge at the apex. This would look very toothy on one of my microscope photos.
I think I need to start by picking up a finishing stone so that I can try to touch up my own edges.
Another thing you can do is to take some worn, clean denim (cut from an old pair of jeans), stretch it over a 2x4 and apply a light amount of green chromium oxide paste. Then, about every 10 shaves, or so, do 20-30 stropping laps on this “loaded” strop. This will significantly extend the time between honings on your razors.
Though I guess that could help keep you busy! I have no idea what to do if I’m not busy 🤔
PorkButtsNTaters666@sub.wetshaving.social 1 month ago
So, I cannot really count, since my sotd.el has acquired straight usage tracking very recently, but…
In any case, if it feels rough, try maybe refreshing it just on your finishing stone. But @gcgallant@sub.wetshaving.social gives certainly better advice than I.
gcgallant@sub.wetshaving.social 1 month ago
I think it is mostly a combination of steel and technique. While beard hair diameter may vary greatly, I bet shear resistance has a very narrow distribution.