Hello all,

My name is Tom; I'm a college student and new to straight razor shaving. I recently turned 21 in May and received a beautiful Solingen razor - with gold inlay, no less - as a gift from the family. It has become my prized possession. Sadly, rust and patina have already started accumulating on the blade and ridge. Oil and leather from stropping has also left some unwanted residue. After a little research, I started using linseed oil as a countermeasure after shaving, but am unsatisfied with the results. The oil soon dries and leaves a gummy residue of its own. (I have also read that sewing machine oil works wonders, but have not tried it.)

My two questions: 1) how does one remove rust and residue on a decorative blade? 2) How does one prevent the stuff from accumulating in the first place?

Many thanks!

Tom