What to replace a razor with. Choosing the best method of depilation

Men's life hack: how to sharpen a razor, even if it is disposable

An excellent life hack for all representatives of the stronger sex. This thing called marketing forces us to use certain things in a certain way: chew two chew pads instead of one; apply a full toothbrush of toothpaste, not a pea-sized amount; and buying new razors instead of learning how to sharpen them. Yes, yes, this can also be done.

But today OFFICEPLANKTON will look at a great way to save on shaving and avoid buying new shaving machines. By the way, you can try this method with replaceable cartridges for a razor.

Today in our article we will talk about the representatives of the stronger sex, or more precisely, about what they have to do with their appearance on a daily basis in order to look well-groomed and attractive. Did you guess it? You are right, we will talk about the daily, so boring, shaving procedure. Let's look at how to shave, what to shave with, and even reveal little secrets.

How to sharpen a straight razor

The main item of personal hygiene for many centuries in a row for representatives of the stronger sex has been a razor.

The first special device for hair removal was a straight razor. It’s not without reason that it got its name: if handled improperly, you can easily cut the skin or even damage an artery.

It was often shown in crime films as a tool for committing crimes, and English gentlemen carried it with them as a means of protection. This razor needs to be sharpened before each use.

We bring to your attention some tips when purchasing it.

The blade should be wide, with a rounded head; it is difficult for even a beginner to cut himself with such a blade. And the wider the blade, the easier it is to choose a comfortable shaving angle. When choosing a handle, you should pay attention to the quality of the material. Typically, plastic handles are not durable. And don’t forget to check the mobility of the razor in the handle case.

It should expand 270 degrees. Particular attention should be paid to the manufacturer so as not to run into a Chinese counterfeit. The main feature of a high-quality razor is a uniform, deeply engraved mark on the surface of the blade.

And don’t forget to buy a special shaving kit, which consists of a belt for straightening and sharpening the razor, as well as a shaving brush.

Let's start the procedure:

So we come to the issue of sharpening a straight razor (honing). In factories, as a rule, only the blade is shaped, and editing and sharpening is the work of specially trained people. But you can learn on your own.

The simplest method is sharpening on a water stone. You just need to moisten the stone with water and run the blade along the block. You need to drive away from yourself and towards yourself, changing the blade sides, and moving the blade itself perpendicular to the stone.

You can also sharpen your razor with ceramic sharpening stones. In this case, you can sharpen the razor either wet or dry.

The cheapest and fastest way is to sharpen it with sandpaper. Please note that the sandpaper should ONLY be the finest grit.

Once the razor is sharpened, all that remains is to trim it before shaving.

Why and how to edit a straight razor

If the razor is only sharpened, but not straightened, then during shaving due to the beveled blade and jagged edges, you can seriously cut yourself. Now all that remains is to bring it to perfection with the help of a smooth leather belt. A wider belt is best so that the blade fits completely on the belt.

Next, GOI paste is applied to the leather of the belt, and you can straighten it. The movements for editing are exactly the same as for sharpening the blade. In this case, the belt should be well tensioned and without distortions. Once you have adjusted the razor, you can proceed to one of the favorite men's methods of dealing with stubble.

After shaving, wash the razor with hot water and wipe dry. Beginners should remember that a well-sharpened guard will last 2-3 months.

How to sharpen a disposable razor

As a rule, the blades of a disposable razor very quickly become unusable. Even the highest quality and most expensive razors become dull very quickly. It's all about the cartridges and their design.

You have to throw them away and buy new ones. With the advent of disposable and reusable (with replaceable cassettes) machines, people completely forgot about the sharpening method. Advertising and marketing showed us a new way to solve the problem - you can simply throw away the cartridge and buy a new one. After all, throwing it away and buying a new one is much easier, and not at all troublesome.

However, this solution has a significant drawback - good cassettes are expensive, and it is not always possible to buy it, but you always need to look presentable, and the “presentable” prices in supermarkets for new blades perfectly confirm the unprofitability of this solution to the problem.

Therefore, we suggest not throwing away disposable machines, but simply cleaning and sharpening them)

Sharpening a disposable machine on your jeans

Sharpening a disposable machine on jeans.

We bring to your attention a trick that will make your razor blade 10 times sharper in just a few minutes.

The method is simple and cheap - we will sharpen it on ordinary jeans. The essence of the method is that during use, small deformations appear on the blades that cling to the skin and bristles.

So we will get rid of them.

So let's get started:

1 The blade must be dry.

2 Turn the jeans inside out and lay them out on a flat surface. Place some flat object under them, the width of which should be less than the length of the cutting part in the cassette, since there are protrusions along the edges of the cassette that will not allow you to sharpen the blade.

3 Place the cassette blade on a flat object and move it across the fabric AWAY from yourself with slight pressure. AGAIN - the directions of movements should be the opposite of the movements with which you shave. So we do it 50 times in one direction. Then we turn the razor around and similarly grind the cassette in the other direction. That's it, quick, easy and quite effective.

This way you will not only save money, but also have a clean shave.

By sharpening cassettes in this way, you can significantly extend their service life. In addition, do not forget to use a needle or toothpick to clean the space between the blades, freeing it from accumulated bristles.

If you feel sorry for your favorite jeans and are afraid to take a risk, then you can use a strip of leather of the required width. Please note the method of sharpening and stropping with a leather straight razor belt.

Only sharpen the razor on the back, unpainted side of the skin. Sharpening occurs somewhat faster than on fabric. 20-30 passes in one direction will be enough.

There is no need to sharpen in the opposite direction, as with jeans.

Just in case: some tips on how to shave properly

1 Shaving should not be done hastily. The procedure should take an average of 3-4 minutes. This is necessary so that the foam has time to soften the skin and hairs. And enough time to shave each area of ​​skin carefully step by step.

2 Before you begin, you need to wet your face with warm water. You can also use foam. This will avoid micro-cuts and the blade will glide easily.

3 After washing, pat your face lightly with a towel or do not wipe it at all; it should be damp - not dry. Dry skin is susceptible to foam, and basic irritation can occur.

4 You need to shave slowly, carefully and carefully, with a minimum degree of pressure.

5 Shaving occurs strictly along, and not against, the hair growth.

6 After the procedure, do not forget to wash your face with cold water and apply aftershave balm to your face. They are usually not too expensive and are great for soothing the skin. Well, as a bonus, a pleasant smell is guaranteed.

Source: https://www.officeplankton.com.ua/lifehacks/kak-zatochit-odnorazovyj-stanok.html

Hair removal cream

You can also make your skin silky using a special depilatory cream. It is simply rubbed into the skin and left for a while, and then removed with a special plastic spatula-scraper, and the residue is washed off. The chemicals contained in the cream dissolve the keratin scales that make up the hair.

Pros : depilatory cream removes hair easily and painlessly. It is especially convenient to use when traveling.

Cons: the cream is not suitable for depilation of the bikini area, as it can severely irritate delicate skin. In addition, many women have an allergic reaction to the components of the cream, so before using it, you must first test it on a small area of ​​skin. New hair grows at least a week and a half earlier than with other types of depilation, in which hairs are plucked from the roots.

How to properly sharpen a razor at home?

As the razor is used, the blades lose their sharpness over time. The shaving process becomes unpleasant: the stubble is not shaved off, long hair is pulled in and pulled out, causing irritation on the skin. To restore functionality and return comfort, it is important to know how to properly sharpen your razor.

Razor with blade

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.

Devices for sharpening razors

You can sharpen your razor using the following devices:

• special sharpener;
• grindstone;
• denim;
• leather belt;
• sharpening pyramid;
• sandpaper.

How to sharpen a razor blade

Principles of sharpening a razor at home:

• maintain correct sharpening angles;
• safety measures when working with sharp objects;
• when processing, there is no need to press the abrasive tool with force;
• turning should be done from the front and back sides;
• after 2–3 passes you need to control the quality of sharpening;
• if there is significant damage, it is necessary to perform fine-tuning, then grinding;
• Sharpening should be done evenly along the entire cutting edge.

Subtleties of sharpening on a stone

You can sharpen a razor on a stone as follows:

1. Apply lubricant or shaving gel to the surface of the cutting part in a thin, even layer.
2. The stone is inspected for defects: there should be no chips or curvatures of the abrasive plane.
3. In the direction against the cutting edges, stone turning is performed using reciprocating movements. The force should be the same as when shaving.
4. The blade is washed with water and the cutting quality is assessed. If necessary, it can be sharpened again.

Process Features:

• the entire surface of the cutting edge must touch the abrasive surface;
• during long-term turning, you need to change the lubricant and remove chips;
• The pressure of the razor should be uniform;
• Depending on the degree of dullness, it is recommended to use stones with different grain sizes.

Using the belt

The razor can be sharpened using a regular leather belt:

1. A belt with a complete structure and a smooth back surface is selected.
2. The machine is taken, cleaned of dirt, degreased and dried.
3. The belt is placed on a flat, hard surface and secured motionless at both ends.
4. The machine is applied with its blades to the back of the belt. Moves are made in the direction of shaving until the razor is sharpened.

Sharpening a razor on a belt

Using sandpaper or sandpaper

Sharpening a razor with an emery cloth is carried out in compliance with the following rules:

• the sandpaper is securely attached to the edges;
• the surface of the canvas should not have folds or damage;
• The shaving machine must be clean and dry;
• If there is significant damage to the cutting edge, it is recommended to use coarse-grained sandpaper.

Proper blade care

To maximize the service life of your razor, you need to follow these care rules:

• After each shave, you need to rinse the blades with running water to remove any remaining foam and stubble;
• It is recommended to store the tool in a dry place, it is recommended to lubricate the blades and cover them with the provided protective cap;
• Special foams or gels should be applied to the skin, which soften and moisten the hair, making it easier to cut;
• It is not allowed to cut various materials for which the razor is not intended;
• For an optimal shaving process, it is recommended to slightly stretch the skin;
• the temperature and humidity levels should be observed when storing and using the tool;
• When cleaning, it is prohibited to use abrasive objects;
• for cleaning, it is not recommended to tap the tool with the cutting part on a hard surface;
• Mechanical impact on the edges, which could damage or deform them, is not allowed.

You can increase the life of your razor by sharpening it correctly. But as the blades become shorter each time, the process of cutting hair can become uncomfortable. The number of sharpenings usually does not exceed 5 times, so sharpening should be performed only if this procedure is really necessary.

With repeated sharpening, you can save money on purchasing a new razor. However, it is not recommended to sharpen a disposable machine. This is due to the use of thin and flexible metal, which is difficult to sharpen at a minimum angle at home.

Source: https://metalloy.ru/obrabotka/zatochka/britvy

On a note

After depilation, you need to treat the skin with aftershave or hydrogen peroxide. By the way, it lightens the hair, so that those hairs that are not immediately removed will become less noticeable.

Skin irritation usually goes away within a day after the procedure. At this time, you should protect your skin from soap, salt water, and sunlight. For those with sensitive skin, it is recommended to apply aftershave cream, which helps relieve irritation, or an emollient cream with moisturizing and nourishing ingredients such as lanolin, vegetable oils, vitamin F, chamomile extracts, and aloe vera.

By the way, there is also a special cream that slows down hair growth. It should be applied to the skin immediately after depilation. Once it gets into the hair follicles, it weakens them, causing hair to grow more slowly. As a result, if previously you had to remove them once every 2-3 weeks, the cream delays the need to repeat the procedure for a month. If, after applying the cream, you feel a tingling sensation, do not be alarmed. This is a normal reaction.

How to sharpen razor blades at home

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.

Methods and step-by-step guide

Specialists, barbers and men who practice self-care for the machine use several methods.

Sharpener RazorPit and cheaper analogue Zattoch

The Danish company RazorPit has developed a sharpener for sharpening blades. This method is proven and has proven itself among users. There is also a budget analogue of the Ukrainian company Zattoch on the market.

An oblong leather plate on an adhesive tape, the surface of which is treated with diamond chips and is itself sharpened.

Using the RazorPit (Zattoch), the blades are sharpened as follows:

• A few drops of shaving gel are applied to the surface of the device.
• Then the razor moves in the opposite direction.
• 25–30 movements are recommended.

One procedure per month is enough to turn the machine into a reliable shaving tool. The video shows how to sharpen 3 different blades with a Zattoch sharpener.

Denim

You can sharpen a razor at home on jeans. Denim fabric on the reverse side is dense and rough, copes well with a dull blade.

Step-by-step instructions:

• The jeans are turned inside out.
• You need to place a hard thing made of cardboard or wood under your jeans. A ruler, a block, or a sleeve from plastic bags will do.
• The razor moves across the fabric in the opposite direction to a classic shave, without damaging the jeans.
• 30–50 times is enough.

As the machine is used, the procedure is carried out regularly until the material is completely thinned.

Leather belt

You can also sharpen your razor at home using a leather belt. The procedure is similar to the method with denim. A strong belt is selected from thick leather, turned inside out and 25–30 movements are made in the opposite direction. No less convenient and affordable way.

Pyramid

Some sources claim that the pyramid for sharpening a blade was invented by the Czech engineer K. Drobal. It can be bought or made from improvised materials. Cut a square from chipboard or cardboard, and the edges are parallel to each other (the size is indicated in the pictures below). Secure them with tape or glue in the shape of a pyramid. Further, according to the instructions:

• place the pyramid on a hard, flat surface;
• the design is oriented with its edges to the cardinal directions;
• place the blade inside the pyramid on a cardboard pedestal at 1/3 of the height, in the direction from south to north (or vice versa);
• keep the cassette in this condition for a week.

The surface of the blades must not touch anything!

Sharpening with a stone

Not everyone can succeed in sharpening shaving blades with a stone the first time; it also all depends on the material. For the procedure, synthetic stones without lumps with a uniform surface are used.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egcjPZrCeuw

The procedure goes like this:

• The stone is wetted with water.
• The razor carefully moves along the stone in the opposite direction.
• 25–30 movements are enough.
• When sharpening a straight razor, carefully hold the blade with your thumb and forefinger. You should sharpen first on one side, then turn it over and sharpen on the other side.

Sharpening with sandpaper

Sharpening with sandpaper is a simple and straightforward method. Sandpaper with a grit of more than 2000, water and a flat surface are suitable for this.

Features of sharpening a disposable razor

If you find yourself in a place where your razor is inaccessible, then disposable razors come to the rescue. Therefore, sometimes you shouldn’t throw away the machine right away. You can rinse it thoroughly with water, then use one of the already known methods, and the machine will serve you well.

Features of sharpening Gillette

You can sharpen a Gillette razor at home using a pyramid or denim. Mak 3 machines have advantages over others, since the company has been producing razors for a long time and knows the needs of consumers well.

To properly sharpen a Vest razor blade using denim, watch the description above or the video.

Features of sharpening a straight razor

Sharpening a straight razor at home is not easy. It takes care, practice, and proper technique.

Sharpening features:

• Use belt or stone sharpening methods.
• Observe safety precautions with sharp objects.
• Maintain the correct sharpening angle.
• During processing, there is no need to press the device hard.
• Sharpen first on one side, then on the other.

Source: https://badhairs.ru/for-men/kak-zatochit-lezviy-britvy

Why do razor blades become dull after shaving?

Have you ever wondered how certain objects that surround us every day work? How a refrigerator cools food, how a microwave returns it to its former warmth, how Wi-Fi works, why windows do not allow raindrops to pass through, etc. To some, such questions may seem a little childish, naive and even slightly useless. It works and that’s it, but how it doesn’t matter anymore. However, scientists from MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA) decided to answer one of these questions, namely, why do steel razors become dull after shaving? What mechanical processes occur during shaving, how does human hair, being 50 times softer than steel, damage it, and what is the practical application of this research? We will find answers to these unusual questions in the scientists' report. Go.

Basis of the study

Over the many years of evolution and development of the social component of our species, we have managed to create a great variety of sharp objects from a variety of materials.
Unfortunately, the purpose of most of them is to cause damage to the enemy: swords, daggers, arrowheads, etc. But there are also many pacifist “witties”: razors, scissors, knives, sickles, scythes, etc. Over the centuries, people have created new alloys and techniques aimed at increasing the degree and extending the durability of the sharpness of the above-described objects. The very process of cutting something is present in many industries: medicine, household appliances, food industry, etc. Each case has its own characteristics, but the principle, and therefore the requirements for blades, remain the same - sharpness and hardness (durability).

For example, a typical metal material used for razor blades is flake martensite*

High carbide stainless steel honed to a 17° wedge geometry with a 40 nm tip radius to achieve the desired sharpness (
1A
).

Martensite*
is the main structural component of hardened steel, which is an ordered supersaturated solid solution of carbon in α-iron of the same concentration as the original austenite (high-temperature face-centered modification of iron and its alloys). Martensite is a microstructure of acicular (plate) and lath (packet) type.

Image No. 1 An
even harder material, diamond-like carbon, is often used on top of this material, and a layer of polytetrafluoroethylene is applied on top of the latter to reduce friction.

Despite such a complex structure, razors still become dull over time, coming into contact with a material ～50 times softer - hair (hardness scale at 1A

). Razors are not unique to this problem, as other uses for blades of one nature or another have also seen their sharpness decrease over time. For example, a kitchen knife will become dull even if it is used exclusively for cutting cheese or potatoes.

However, there is a big difference between kitchen knives and razor knives. Yes, dulling occurs both here and there, but in razors the dulling mechanism itself is much more complex.

First, the two interacting materials have hierarchical microstructures with anisotropic and size-dependent mechanical properties. Lath martensitic steels have a hierarchy of primary austenite, packets, blocks, subblocks and lath boundaries, as well as a high density of heterogeneously distributed dislocations. Intermediate carbon is captured in solid solution during quenching, but tempering or automatic tempering*

can cause carbon to cap dislocations or precipitate as carbides

Tempering*
is the process of heat treatment of an alloy or metal hardened to martensite, the main elements of which are the decomposition of martensite, polygonization and recrystallization.

All these structural features provide martensite with high hardness but an inhomogeneous micromechanical response.

Hair in section.

Similarly, human hair is a highly anisotropic composite with a non-circular cross-section and an average diameter of 80 to 200 µm. The outer layer of hair is a hard cuticle (~170 MPa), which forms a shell of cells arranged like tiles on a roof. The middle layer (cortex) is three times softer and consists of a hierarchy of fibrils elongated along the direction of the hair. In the very center of the hair there is a medula - a hollow inner layer that has a fairly small mechanical contribution to the cutting ability of the razor. Because hair is hygroscopic, in the presence of moisture its cellular structure changes to accommodate water molecules, reducing both its elastic modulus and yield strength.

Both blade and hair are anisotropic and exhibit different mechanical properties depending on size. This causes a mechanical response that depends on the state of stress and on the volume that contributes to the deformation.

Another important factor is the fact that the boundary conditions for the joint deformation of the hair and the razor blade can literally change during one shaving operation ( 1B

).

As the scientists explain, during shaving, each individual hair can be represented as a flexible cantilever, quasi-fixed at one end towards the skin and completely free at the other. In this configuration, the hair is free to bend as the blade approaches and penetrates it during cutting, affecting the deformation mode.

Hair predominantly experiences type I solid fracture mechanics (opening - tensile stress relative to the crack plane). Depending on whether the hair bends or not, stress is applied either to both surfaces of the crack (straight depression, g = 0°) or to only one of the two surfaces. This leads to the occurrence of pure type II failure in the first case or to mixed type II and type III failure in the second case.

Solid fracture mechanics is divided into three main types according to the method of application of force that promotes crack propagation:

• Type I (opening) - tensile stress relative to the crack plane;
• Type II (slip) - shear stress acting parallel to the crack plane and perpendicular to the crack front;
• Type III (rupture) - shear stress acting parallel to the plane of the crack and parallel to its front.

Research results

As we can see, behind ordinary shaving there are many complex aspects that require detailed consideration for a better understanding, as scientists themselves say.
To do this, they conducted this study, in which the object of study was blades made of martensitic stainless steel. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis revealed their lath martensitic matrix ( 1A

) with heterogeneously distributed carbides (inset in
1A
). Hardness values ​​within 70 µm from the tip were also measured (average value was 8.7 ± 0.7 GPa). The variability of this indicator is caused by the presence of carbides, retained austenite and the heterogeneity of the martensite substructure.

To measure the evolution of blade wear under real-life shaving conditions, staged testing was carried out on disposable razor cartridges (Sample 1 in the image below), monitoring different areas using SEM after various stages of use (Video #1).

Step-by-step wear tests (after 1, 5 and 10 shaves).

Next, the average sharp edge wear rate of the blade was quantified using image analysis. Wear levels were low: 12 nm3/nm after 5 shaves and 13 nm3/nm after 10 shaves. However, these tests revealed chipping along the sharp edge ( 1C

).
Although razor blades are sharp and flat on a macro scale, on a micro scale they are rougher, even when unused ( 1C-1
).
The initiation of microcracks occurs precisely from these irregularities during shaving ( 1C-2
). Of all the protrusions, and these may not even be the largest of them, only a small part of them forms cracks.

These microcracks initially propagate perpendicular to the edge ( 1C-2

), and then deflect in their direction, forming the final cleavage geometry (
1C-3
).

Traces of deformation ( 1C-2

) show that part of the sharp edge belonging to the created chip bends out of plane when the direction of the microcrack changes. The presence of pits on the resulting fracture surface indicates that the martensitic structure exhibits plastic deformation before failure. Hard coatings, on the contrary, showed characteristics of brittle fracture as a result of bending of the substrate.

To better understand the development of this process before the activation of other modes of failure (fatigue, corrosion and wear), 25 SEM tests were performed at the microstrain stage using clamps that can hold a blade on one side and single or multiple hairs on the other (image #2 and video No. 2).

Image No. 2
Experiment on shaving individual hairs using SEM.
Creates more realistic conditions by tilting the blade 21° to the shaving direction ( 2B

) resulted in a non-equivalent force component and, in turn, plastic deformation and spalling in several cases (
2C
).

Tests using hairs of different diameters allowed us to conclude that the size of the chip does not depend on the diameter of the hair, the number of successively cut hairs, or the angle of the cut.

The same part of a sharp edge can cut several hairs at different angles g ( 1B

), resulting in no visible deformation until the blade suddenly begins to break (video below).
Experiment on shaving several hairs using SEM.
It was also found that chipping occurs most often at the edges of the hair. For example, one single hair can create two chips on the blade, each starting from one edge of the hair ( 2C

).

In addition, chips typically extend beyond a highly deformed ~5 µm area near the tip of the blade ( 1C

). Therefore, the observed phenomenon is not due to effects caused by honing.

Comparison of SEM images from two types of experiments (step-by-step with moistened hair and constant with dry hair) shows an identical mechanism of destruction in both cases (with the exception of an increase in the intensity of destruction in the first case).

Next, 3D finite element modeling was used to determine the role of asperities and direction of applied load on deformation and spalling ( 3A

—
3C
).

Image #3

Martensitic steel was modeled as a homogeneous isotropic elastoplastic material with a yield strength of ~1690 MPa. Recesses (slots/notches/notches) were added to it with a size determined by SEM analysis (for example, 1C-1

).
This allowed us to reproduce extreme roughness conditions along a sharp edge, and to model the cutting stress on the blade as a uniformly distributed surface adhesion (50 MPa) acting on only one side ( 3A
).

The first simulation aimed to determine the location of the indentation with the highest stress intensity as a function of the direction of the applied stress.

As seen in 3B

, direct indentation of hair (surface tension 0°) causes increased stresses at the grooves in contact with the hair, but these values ​​are not high enough to promote plastic deformation. In contrast, shaving hair at an angle creates higher stress values ​​in the area of ​​the blade in contact with the hair, with maximum stress in the groove in contact with the edge of the hair.

Analysis of stresses as a function of surface adhesion angle ( 3C

) showed:

• the tension at the ends of the recesses does not change significantly if the direction of adhesion to the surface is in the cross section of the blade (for shaving angles less than 8.5°);
• the tension at the end of the grooves in contact with the hair increases with the shaving angle;
• the tension at the end of the recesses not in contact with the hair decreases with shaving angle;
• The most noticeable increase in tension occurs at the depression in contact with the edge of the hair.

These simulation results are in full agreement with the experiments, confirming their accuracy.
However, there were still discrepancies: microcracks and chips in the experiments were observed at a smaller angle than in the simulation. To explain this difference, the scientists hypothesized a process that links heterogeneity in the blade's lath martensitic structure to increased sensitivity to microcracks ( 3D

-
3H
).
The model was adapted to calculate the energy release rate of an interlaminar lateral crack in a thin bimaterial semi-infinite plate of constant thickness for mixed mode (Type II + Type III) failure, with the crack potentially propagating along the interface between the two materials ( 3D
). Next, a stress of 50 MPa was applied while simultaneously changing the load direction between pure mode II and pure mode III. In this case, materials with the same Poisson’s ratio (0.3) but different Young’s moduli were considered.

As a result, it was found that the energy release increases during the transition from mode II to mode III. Changing the Young's moduli of two materials while maintaining their average constants causes a vertical shift in the energy release rate curve. This suggests that for two dissimilar materials the probability of crack propagation will be much higher than for a homogeneous material with similar properties.

Next, the scientists conducted another series of 3D parametric modeling to analyze the rate of energy release at the top of a single groove in the blade, taking into account the geometry of the blade (increasing thickness in front of the groove itself) and with different directions of crack propagation ( 3E

-
3H
).
One or two different materials were used on opposite sides of the recess. Measurement of the force required to cut a single hair.
The rate of energy release for a crack propagating along its original direction (q = 0°) increases as the mode III stress component ( 3F

).
The rate of energy release also depends on the direction of crack propagation ( 3G
).
The critical direction corresponding to the maximum rate of energy release depends on both the direction of loading and the combination of materials ( 3H
).

When a load is applied to a soft material adjacent to a hard material (C and S in the diagram, respectively) with an interlaminar depression, the crack will be more likely to propagate than in the opposite configuration. The critical crack propagation angle in this situation will also be smaller ( 3G

).

In addition, microcracks initiated at a sharp edge propagate at an angle relative to the blade axis (z-axis at 3E

), deviating towards the area where the load is applied.

This propagation path is determined by the asymmetric component of the force, which promotes bending of the crack out of its original plane, and by the geometry of the blade, which increases in thickness along the blade axis.
Stress distribution in the blade at different shaving angles.
If we assume that the surface energy of the material is constant, then the energy loss due to crack propagation along this axis will be greater than when the crack propagates in the direction of constant (or less increasing) thickness. If propagation occurs continuously along this axis, this will lead to a large propagation area per unit length. For the same reason, the crack eventually turns back toward the sharp edge of the blade, creating a chip.

To confirm the mechanistic effects of microstructural heterogeneity predicted by the analytical and numerical results, hair shaving experiments were conducted. During these experiments, a scanning microscope and a focused ion beam allowed detailed examination of the microstructure during deformation. The blades used in the experiment were partially milled, which created a contrast between the martensitic matrix and the carbides, revealing damage mechanisms (pictures below).

Microscopy of a semi-milled blade.

Experiments showed that microcracks typically initiated at the interfaces between martensite and carbide that border the asperities (left in B) and when the hair came into contact with the more compliant component of the blade. The microcracks then propagate at an angle, causing decohesion at multiple carbide-matrix interfaces, or carbide cracking (right in B), as well as microplasticity in the martensitic regions in between.

The combination of modeling results, calculations and experiments suggests that shaving can cause the initiation of damage, its growth and coalescence*

(in the form of chips) in lath martensitic steel. It also became clear that chips appear earlier than other types of damage.

Coalescence*
is the merging of particles on the surface of a body (in this case) or inside a moving medium (gas, liquid).

Image No. 4
This process requires a combination of several factors to be implemented (image above):

• a sufficient level of hair bending to create stresses with a significant component of type III;
• processing-induced irregularities on the edge of the blade with microstructural components with quite different properties on each side;
• the hair is positioned so that the extreme point is aligned with the above unevenness (to provide maximum tension enhancement) and is in contact with the side containing the more pliable component.

If we consider that such conditions appear extremely rarely at the same time, it becomes clear why conventional razors become unsuitable for shaving not immediately (after the first use), but after a certain number of shaving cycles.
For a more detailed understanding of the nuances of the study, I recommend taking a look at the scientists’ report and additional materials to it.

Epilogue

The fact that razors become dull after a certain number of shaving sessions is well known and understandable.
However, in this work, scientists decided to examine in detail the smallest processes that occur during wear of razor blades. This work is not so much about razors, but about alloys and other materials used in various industries to cut something. Because knowing what causes material damage, you can find a way to avoid it. Scientists noted that blades are more prone to chipping if the microstructure of the steel is heterogeneous. Naturally, the angle at which the blades contact the hairs, as well as defects in the microstructure of the blades, also play an important role in the formation of cracks.

Interestingly, the actual wear on the steel razor blades did not increase much during the experiments. The blades remained sharp for a long time, but chips formed on their edges, which disrupted the “performance” of razors. In this case, chips formed only in certain places, i.e. under certain conditions: when the blade contacted the hair at an angle, when the steel of the blade was heterogeneous in composition, and when the hair contacted the blade in a place where its heterogeneity was higher.

The main conclusion is very simple - razors become dull due to the heterogeneity of their composition. Hair is much softer than steel, but the steel used in the blades is a kind of composite material, which greatly reduces its strength and resistance to damage. If you reduce the heterogeneity of the material, you can significantly improve its mechanical characteristics.

In the future, scientists intend to continue their research, as well as start a new one, in which they will look for new “recipes” for steel for blades, which will subsequently be much more durable, sharper and stronger than the current ones.

Thanks for reading, stay curious and have a great week guys.

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How to quickly and easily sharpen a razor

Most people around the world use various shaving machines to maintain a neat appearance. This applies to both men and women. An easy-to-use device allows you to remove excess hair on the face and body, easily and without unnecessary hassle.

It is also quite possible to sharpen a razor, significantly extending its life

Shaving has been used since ancient times. Most likely, this is due to the inconvenience caused by overgrown facial hair.

There are several types of razors:

• Straight razor . Has an open blade. You need to handle it carefully; an awkward movement can lead to a cut. It takes skill to hold the sharpened surface at the right angle to achieve the result;
• Safety razor . In such a machine, the sharp edge is located at a given angle, making it more difficult to get a cut from touching. The market offers types with replaceable blades, “cassettes” of several blades, and disposable options. They are convenient to take with you on the road, they do not require a network connection and are very easy to use;
• Electric razor . A modern look for such devices. The cutting surface is hidden behind a special mesh, which protects against injury. A special feature of this type is the need for electrical power to operate. Some models are equipped with batteries for autonomy for some time.

One of the main disadvantages of this item is that the blades become dull after a period of time. However, not everyone knows that it is quite possible to sharpen a razor for further use. There are methods and devices that will allow you, to avoid unnecessary costs, or, if necessary, adjust the blade.

Do I need to sharpen my razor myself?

The procedure for renewing the sharpened edge of a blade is not as complicated as it seems at first. Self-sharpening will allow you to avoid unnecessary expenses and restore the sharpness of your razor for a while when it is not possible to purchase a new one.

If you are interested in the question of how to sharpen your razor, then there may be several answer options:

1. Special devices
2. Tools at hand.

Razor sharpening devices

Due to the great demand for machines and the question of how to sharpen an old blade, some manufacturers have launched special sharpening devices that allow you to carry out such a procedure as sharpening razor blades at home. This device is a plastic base with abrasive applied on top. Using this item, if necessary, can give your machine a second, or even a third life. The whole procedure will take 5-10 minutes.

Other methods, alternative sharpening methods

A little about other techniques for sharpening and maintaining the performance of blades, knives, etc. It must be said right away that these options do not have a scientific explanation, but judging by the reviews of people who use them, the service life of shaving accessories and cutting objects is significantly increased.

Attention, further reading is contraindicated for realists: anti-scientific knowledge

Source: https://hardbro.ru/brite/kak-bystro-i-prosto-zatochit-britvennyj-stanok

How to easily sharpen any razor

I've been working in a barbershop for a year now, and a sharp razor helps me demonstrate my skills. Ordinary people use a standard razor for daily shaving, which can be purchased in almost every store or even stall.

People often come to me with the problem of sharpening a razor. Now I will share my experience and tell you how to sharpen the machine yourself at home.

Why does a razor blade become dull?

Some people still use disposable razors. However, if you look at it, their use is completely unprofitable. After all, after the first shave, the blades are completely dull. It is not possible to reuse them.

That is why you have to think about purchasing expensive machines, which, according to the manufacturer, will serve properly for quite a long time.

But often such assurances turn out to be untrue. Therefore, even if you use only expensive brands of razors, it will be impossible to insure against their gradual grinding. There are not many reasons why blades become unusable:

1. Frequent use. Any item that is frequently used will eventually become unusable. This is a pattern that cannot be ignored.
2. Violation of recommendations not only regarding the use, but also storage of the tool. Unfortunately, most men believe that there are no rules for storing a razor. However, this is a common misconception. Like any other tool, a razor needs to be stored properly.
3. Soaking in hot water. For some time now, men have been arguing about the ideal water temperature for soaking a razor. However, experiments have proven that this should only be done in cool water. Boiling water will cause the blade to begin to rust. That is why it is recommended to refrain from soaking in hot water or boiling water.

Sharpening at home or in a workshop: which is more profitable?

When purchasing inexpensive blades, most often, a person does not think at all about giving them away for “repair” after a certain time, since many consider this to be inappropriate. This is explained by the fact that the cost of the services of masters is quite high. Therefore, it is much more profitable to simply buy a new razor.

However, nothing like this can be discussed if an expensive blade was purchased. Throwing it away and buying a new one - such an idea would not occur to any person.

Everyone understands perfectly well that this is a completely irrational waste. And so people turn to private craftsmen or specialized centers where they can order such a service as sharpening blades.

Looking at the price tags of workshops, many men feel nostalgic for the times when they could use a razor with a wide blade. After all, it was sharpened using a small piece of leather.

It only took a few minutes for the blade to become sharp again. But few people realize that this can be done with modern razors. Of course, the set of necessary items for sharpening will change.

But at the same time, it can be done at home and save a lot. The main advantages of carrying out work at home, without the involvement of specialists, are:

• speed of the process - due to the workload of the craftsmen, sometimes you have to wait several days to pick up the sharpened razor. Such a long wait is not always possible. Especially if a person is going on a business trip;
• cheapness - doing it yourself is always cheaper than purchasing from another person or ordering any service;
• the ability to regularly update the sharpening at a convenient time - this is extremely important if the owner of the razor uses it for work. After all, such a tool is used often and becomes dull faster. It is simply not economically profitable to turn to a specialist for help every time. Moreover, downtime is also unacceptable.

As you can see, sharpening at home has many advantages. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that many people prefer to carry out this process without outside help. Let's look at the easiest way to do this at minimal cost.

Step-by-step description of the sharpening process

Any work must begin after the completion of the preparatory stage. In this case, this rule should also be applied. It is important to dry the blade as best as possible before using it. There should be no drops of water on it for sharpening to be as effective as possible.

For further work you will need old jeans. There are probably some of these lying around in a closet somewhere—you just need to look. If you cannot find jeans, it is enough to use only a piece of fabric that is not inferior in density to denim. Of course, the texture of the matter must be similar to achieve a 100% result:

1. Take the machine in your hand and start moving it across the fabric. Movements should be smooth and sliding. Please note that you must use the entire plane of the machine. If you neglect this recommendation, then there is a high probability that out of many blades only one will be sharpened, and the rest will not. This cannot be allowed to happen.
2. After running the loom over the fabric 20 times, change the direction of movement. If in the first case the movements resembled the shaving process itself, now they will be more like stroking. Because after changing the trajectory of movement, the blades will not “shave the fabric.”
3. As soon as the second stage comes to an end, you can begin the final procedure - cleaning the blades. After all, after running the machine over fabric, small fibers are guaranteed to remain on its blades. You need to get rid of them immediately so that there are no problems with the operation of the machine in the future.

By following the procedure described above, you can breathe a second life into your old machine. It is noteworthy that this method is also suitable for “revitalizing” disposable machines.

Of course, it is better not to use them more than 3-4 times. However, it is also not necessary to throw it away after the first use. With just a few minutes, you can sharpen them too.

Conclusion

1. The sharpening procedure should only be performed on a hard surface. It is absolutely unacceptable to hold the fabric in your hands and move the blade over it, since the likelihood of injury is too high.
2. You can use either a small piece of denim or the whole item.
3. Before starting the procedure, you should dry the blade.
   After making sure that there is complete absence of moisture on its surface, you can begin to work.
4. When sharpening, it is extremely important to apply light pressure on the machine so that the blade begins to sharpen. If you don’t put any pressure on it at all, the result will be insignificant.
5. It is recommended to repeat the procedure as necessary.
   As soon as it becomes noticeable that the blade is not as sharp as it should be, you must immediately, without delaying, start sharpening it.

Source: https://leydi-prelest.ru/semya/kak-prosto-zatochit-britvennyiy-stanok.html