O-rings and Orthodontic (Dental) Bands

O-rings and Orthodontic (Dental) Bands

Marko’s thread about shaving hacks reminded me of something I’ve been doing for a number of months now.
(Link to the main hack thread: https://damnfineshave.com/thread-shaving-hacks)
This might be one of those hacks where I was just overthinking things, but here goes…

I like to use an o-ring or an orthodontic band (dental band) between the razor head and the handle. For me, this accomplishes three things:

1. It prevents the handle from leaving marks on the razor head when tightened.
   
   
2. It prevents the overtightening of a handle.
   
   
3. When slowly loosening the handle to rinse the razor after the shave, the band or ring helps keep some tension, so that the handle doesn’t loosen and fall off as easily. (Obviously, if you loosen the handle past a certain point, the band or ring will stop providing this friction. However, it usually helps keep things together between shaves, if you don’t want to fully take apart the razor.)
   

Here is a picture of an 8 mm (5/16") o-ring on an iKon ShaveCraft SBS DE razor head:

For the Blackland Razors Blackbird, with its interlocking handle, I’ve found that a 1/8" light force orthodontic band works well:

In a way, you could say this is just an unnecessary thing to add to the shaving routine, but I like having these as a buffer between points that are prone to wear over the years. The only time I need to keep track of these is when I pull apart the razor for cleanup, usually once a week.

Great idea. Where can one find the 8mm O-rings?

Originally I got the o-rings as dampeners for a mechanical keyboard of mine, four years ago, actually. A while later I realized this new use for them. This is the item I ordered:
https://www.amazon.com/008-Buna-N-Ring-D...op?ie=UTF8

Other similar options that should work:
https://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-Rubber-D...ill+o-ring
https://www.amazon.com/COSMOS-Cherry-Mec...+cherry+mx

The silly thing is that you get well over 100 of these with each order. It would make sense to share with friends. (Most of mine are in the keyboard I mentioned above, though.)

These are the orthodontic bands I got for the Blackbird:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OV1...=UTF8&th=1

Note: If I were to order these again, I’d perhaps search for something slightly thinner for DE and SE razors, and something a little thicker for the Blackbird. Just to see what the difference is. (There are lots of options out there. The ones I have work quite well, though.)

This is simply amazing. Absolute genius! My next Amazon order will most certainly contain these bands.

These look perfect for the Blackbird. Can’t wait to try. Wonderful Matt.

Oh boy, Freddy steps in it... I don't get it.  MatsilainenI have never had a problem with two/three piece razors where I thought this was a necessity so what am I missing?  I apologize for my lack of thought here.

Oh boy, Freddy steps in it... I don't get it.  MatsilainenI have never had a problem with two/three piece razors where I thought this was a necessity so what am I missing?  I apologize for my lack of thought here.

I can't speak for others but I do have some Edwin Jagger heads that are flaking apart on the bottom plate where the handle contacts the plate. I also have some aluminium razors that have a color to them (ATT) and I would like to protect those finishes as well. Will I use it on stainless steel as well? Probably, just to see what its like. It just makes sense to me which doesn't necessarily means its correct :-)

Oh boy, Freddy steps in it... I don't get it.  MatsilainenI have never had a problem with two/three piece razors where I thought this was a necessity so what am I missing?  I apologize for my lack of thought here.

I can't speak for others but I do have some Edwin Jagger heads that are flaking apart on the bottom plate where the handle contacts the plate.  I also have some aluminium razors that have a color to them (ATT) and I would like to protect those finishes as well.  Will I use it on stainless steel as well?  Probably, just to see what its like.  It just makes sense to me which doesn't necessarily means its correct :-)

Hmm, interesting.  That is something I never thought about and it makes sense.  However, I have so many razors that I rotate and, at my age (almost 72), don't have tons of decades to worry about, maybe it's a non-issue for me.  There is also the fact that I have some very old razors that are just fine (think 1907 Ever-Ready lather catcher, Gillette Old Type, Gillette NEW, Gillette Superspeeds) and I have to wonder if dealing with today's modern razors with basic common sense, including softer aluminum, would be a problem.  I'd really like to hear opinions on this.

I primarily use them on three (not two) piece razors and find they just really help in preventing any chance of over tightening. The washers also prevent any problems between different metals. Aluminum handles, stainless heads type of stuff. I just find they are a ‘gentle’ addition to overall razor care.

This is simply amazing.  Absolute genius!  My next Amazon order will most certainly contain these bands.

I hope you find them useful. It’d be nice to hear back at some point after you’ve used them for a while.

Oh boy, Freddy steps in it... I don't get it.  MatsilainenI have never had a problem with two/three piece razors where I thought this was a necessity so what am I missing?  I apologize for my lack of thought here.

Like I said in my original post, I may have been overthinking it with this whole idea. Many will find it unnecessary. However, after having used these little things for a while, I kind of like having them around.