Thread: Rusting

I use sewing machine oil because it is super cheap, formulated for high-carbon steel *and* non-metal materials, and it is easily available and doesn't harden up.

Don't use just any oil.

Paper shredder oil is really bad. I used that once and within a couple of weeks it had turned to gum, ugh! It was difficult to remove, what a mess.

Vegetable oils can do the same thing.

Tuff glide is OK, but fairly expensive and it has a strong odor. I don't know about long-term preservation with Tuff Glide as the carrier solvent evaporates quickly leaving a dry lubricant. In a moist environment you *might* get corrosion, I don't know.

I just purchased a razor made in 1851 and it is remarkable how little corrosion it has. It also had no oil on it. It was just stored in a musty dry attic for a century. The horns scales were eaten up by bugs, but the steel still looks good. Dry is the key.

Originally Posted by toolarts

Tuff glide is OK, but fairly expensive and it has a strong odor. I don't know about long-term preservation with Tuff Glide as the carrier solvent evaporates quickly leaving a dry lubricant. In a moist environment you *might* get corrosion, I don't know.

I started out trying to use Tuff glide and got corrosion on my SRP Special Edition razor. Switched to Carnelia oil and have not had a problem since.

Dovo also makes other products that are great at preventing corrosion!

Guys remember you are putting this on your face and all the ones mentioned leave a film thats what the are meant to do. They do work though. Stick with the natural oils. I would stay away from Tuff Glide I have seen it leave a stain on a razor that was stored awile more then once.

How long will natural oils prevent rusting? Lets say the razor is stored away in a cool place, like a computer desk drawer

It depends on the exact oil actually. Vegetable oil might go sour quite fast, which may or may not create problems down the line. Mineral oil is stable and you can find food-grade mineral oil.

My longer blades are kept in a cool (but slightly humid) place. I tend to give them a wipe, a full inspection and a new coat of mineral oil once a year. There hasn't been a trace of new oxidation on those blades.