What is a key component in maintaining a straight razor?

Regular honing and stropping are essential for maintaining a straight razor. These practices ensure that the blade remains sharp and in optimal condition for effective and safe shaving. Honing refers to the process of polishing the blade with a whetstone or a similar abrasive surface, which helps refine the edge and remove any nicks or flaws that may have developed. Stropping, on the other hand, involves using a leather strap to realign the microscopic teeth along the edge of the blade, enhancing its sharpness and smoothing any roughness. Together, these techniques significantly extend the life of the razor, ensuring consistent performance and providing a comfortable shaving experience.

The other options, such as adjusting the blade angle or replacing the handle, do not generally come into play for regular maintenance of a straight razor. While blade angle is crucial during shaving, it is not something maintained proactively as part of the razor's upkeep. Similarly, while handles may eventually need replacing due to wear and tear, this is not a routine aspect of maintaining the blade's performance. Using disposable blades is not relevant to straight razors either, as they are designed to have a single, replaceable blade rather than disposable ones.