Thread: Edge Coating, Lucas Gun Oil

I read the post from AFDAVIS11 “Interesting Article” and the attached “Modern Mechanix article regarding effects of stropping and read with interest the recommendation of applying Vaseline to the edge to prevent oxidation. This made great sense, since viewing the edge under magnification after shaving, I have noticed what I assumed are skin particles attached to the edge. I am sure that even smaller microscopic particles are embedded in the stria and the moisture contained will cause or exacerbate oxidation.

So I started looking for other lubricants to coat the edge. One that I am currently trying and am pleased with is “Lucas Oil’s, Gun Oil”.

It is a synthetic oil designed for use in automatic weapons. It is odorless and does seem to penetrate the metal as advertized. It is a heavy lubricant not quite the consistency of honey but close and is very slick. It does not run off the edge or blade and wipes off cleanly with a paper towel or Kleenex. By the way, I found that unbleached paper napkins donated by Starbucks work excellently to dry a razor. They are extremely absorbent and slightly abrasive.

The literature claims the gun oil not only prevents rust but attacks existing oxidation and does appear to do so at the pivot.

I apply a drop to a Q-tip and apply to the edge first, the pivot pin and swab the entire blade with the remaining saturated tip, leaving a thin layer on the blade. I save the Q-tip in a plastic prescription bottle in the drawer.

Having only used for a week I have not noticed if edge sharpness is extended, though it does have good finger print resistance. Amazingly, it also seems to work well on firearms.

I was wondering if any one has experience with this product or any others worth trying for edge preservation, or your thoughts on edge coating. I find the application only extends the shaving process by a few seconds and even if it does not extend edge life it does protect the metal.

Marty

But.... Than I could't use my stones as often

I only use one of two oils, food safe mineral oil, or camilia oil. I also only use these for long term storage blades. Washing the oil off when placed into rotation.

I have break free oil but not that brand. I currently use camilla oil and I notice it browns with age and stains metal a little. This is an interesting idea.
Mike

Just spray some WD-40.

Originally Posted by cotdt

Just spray some WD-40.

The nice thing about gun oil is that it does not evaporate. There is no smell and it is made to protect steel in very harsh environments.
Mike

Originally Posted by cotdt

Just spray some WD-40.

EEEKKKK!!!!!!

RUNS SCREAMING AWAY.........

I hadn't heard of the Lucas oil but I will look into it. I am lucky that years ago I picked up enough R.I.G. (rust inhibiting grease) to last me a lifetime. They don't make it anymore but the stuff was the hot cat dung for blued firearms and edged weapons years ago.

As far as skin and moisture in the striations, that is why I always make sure to strop 20 or 30 round trips on the leather following drying the razor after the shave. Then I wipe it down with an Outer's gun cloth impregnated with RIG.

The impression I got from the article is that the Vaseline coats the edge preventing air from hitting it and starting the oxidation process.

This Lucas Gun Oil is very viscous and clings to the edge very well even when applied heavily. I coat the edge first leaving almost a bead on it. Vaseline would accomplish the same end, except it has a low melting point and right now here in Southern California tempetures have been hovering around 100 degrees and I think Vaseline would make a mess.

The reasons I like this stuff are,
1. It hold on extremely well
2. Has no odor
3. Is inexpensive. I paid $2.50 for a 2 ounce bottle.
4. Wipes off very easily and completely.

I was looking for a simple and quick way seal the edge. The blade coating was just being frugal using the remaining oil on the Q-tip.

What I am most interested in, is if sealing the edge extends blade life, everything else is a bonus.

I do have a couple jars of “Rig” somewhere, but as I recall it is some potent smelling stuff. It took years for my wife to get use to the smell of Hoppys No.9, but don’t think she wants it or anything like it in “her” bathroom. I’ll dig them up and give it a try, thanks Jim.

Marty

Originally Posted by M Martinez

The impression I got from the article is that the Vaseline coats the edge preventing air from hitting it and starting the oxidation process.

This Lucas Gun Oil is very viscous and clings to the edge very well even when applied heavily. I coat the edge first leaving almost a bead on it. Vaseline would accomplish the same end, except it has a low melting point and right now here in Southern California tempetures have been hovering around 100 degrees and I think Vaseline would make a mess.

The reasons I like this stuff are,
1. It hold on extremely well
2. Has no odor
3. Is inexpensive. I paid $2.50 for a 2 ounce bottle.
4. Wipes off very easily and completely.

I was looking for a simple and quick way seal the edge. The blade coating was just being frugal using the remaining oil on the Q-tip.

What I am most interested in, is if sealing the edge extends blade life, everything else is a bonus.

I do have a couple jars of “Rig” somewhere, but as I recall it is some potent smelling stuff. It took years for my wife to get use to the smell of Hoppys No.9, but don’t think she wants it or anything like it in “her” bathroom. I’ll dig them up and give it a try, thanks Jim.

Marty

Marty, when I first saw RIG advertised in gun magazines they had a photo of a nail left in a half a jar of salt water. Half the nail was covered with Rig and half wasn't and of course the half that wasn't was badly rusted while the half that was didn't rust. It would be interesting to try a test like that with the Lucas if you have a nail laying around and the inclination.

I think either way RIG of Gun oil is way above and beyond. Jimmy, think about how protective gun oil is for CW users and the harsh environments like sweat and high humidity. Any razor would cringe. Down here in Humid South Florida most serious people use Break Free gun oil but I would bet any one would be more than up to task.
Mike