Thread: Drying your razor

Originally Posted by DemonsDanceAlone

So, would the oil (Sterol) you guys are talking about prevent the issue I had with my Dovo from affecting my Wapi? I guess I've never come across oiling the razor...but it sounds like a good idea.

It depends on whether or not you dry the razor properly prior to applying a rust preventative coating like Sterol. If you don't dry the razor completely and there is moisture on the blade, Sterol would potentially seal in the moisture. I like the Sterol for a few reasons although I must admit I have not tried other products to compare:

1) It's non-toxic and food safe (If any gets in my mouth, it won't hurt me)
2) Even though a small bottle seems a bit pricey, I can already see that with my three drops per side of blade method after each shave that this bottle will last me years and years and years.

The dark spots you mention sound like "patina". Would patina spots inevitably transform into rust? I'm not qualified to answer but I'm sure others here are. Patina does not really bother me that much. If I had some razors that were highly collectible I'd probably think a bit differently though.

Chris L

Originally Posted by Chrisl

It depends on whether or not you dry the razor properly prior to applying a rust preventative coating like Sterol. If you don't dry the razor completely and there is moisture on the blade, Sterol would potentially seal in the moisture.

Well, I know after my first attempted use, I dried the razor (had one of the cans of compressed air that I use to clean my computer)...but I think it was the humidity...regardless, I ordered a bottle. =) How is it applied? You just drip 3 drops and then rub along with your finger, or do you blot it dry after its coated?

The 'patina' didn't really worry me either, didn't seem to be near the edge, and when I hit it with the Dremel buffing wheel it all but eliminated them. Perhaps if these Wapi's work out, I'll send the Dovo off for a professional once-over.

Sounds like you described what I call "water spots". When the blade isn't dried thoroughly enough and small spots form. It is my understanding that they do evolve (if you will) into rust if they are left alone. This can also happen just by leaving your razors in a humid environment (such as a bathroom). I keep all of mine in a sock drawer. I use mineral oil to coat the blade after it is thoroughly dried after every shave.

Can anyone recommend a local or online source for mineral oil? Any particular brand?

I wipe the blade with a towel (cloth), blow between the scales a few times, and then grab the razor in a firm grip (in the forehand shave grip) and rapidly wave it up and down in the air for 5 or so seconds. Then I just lay it out on the vanity for a half day or so.

James.

Originally Posted by RayG

Can anyone recommend a local or online source for mineral oil? Any particular brand?

You can pick it up at any pharmacy or super market!

Originally Posted by DemonsDanceAlone

How is it applied? You just drip 3 drops and then rub along with your finger, or do you blot it dry after its coated?

I wouldn't use my finger as the salts on skin are reported to be potentially corrosive. I bought a package of actual tissue paper (very thin) in the gift wrap section of a store (I picked a colored paper since the white seemed to have a glossy coating) and cut that into squares. I $2 package will probably last me all year with the approx 4"x4" squares I cut it into.

Here's my method, but I'm sure there a countless variations that are equally good:

I dry my razor thoroughly then apply three drops of Sterol to each side in the following manner: 1 drop near the heel in the middle of the blade (the hollowed area), 1 drop in the middle of the blade in the hollowed area and one drop near the toe in the hollowed area, then I twist my wrist and repeat in the same manner on the other side. Then I take one square of the tissue paper and with the blades edge facing up and spine down I come under and wrap around the spine pinching with my thumb and forefinger in the hollowed area of the heel end. Finally, I very lightly draw the paper towards the toe touching only the sides of the blade and the sides of the edge.

Probably painfully more detail than you wanted, but you probably get the idea.

Chris L

Originally Posted by JMS

You can pick it up at any pharmacy or super market!

Finally, a simple solution! Thanks!

Good Thread, I was wondering about this myself.

Originally Posted by RayG

Finally, a simple solution! Thanks!

It's usually near the laxatives. Seriously, that's what mineral oil is often used for I think.