Thread: Question about Camellia Oil

I put camellia oil on my razor after I shave. Should I wipe it off after a couple of minutes, wipe off right before I shave the next time, or not worry about it and just leave it on? Thanks.

Originally Posted by KingHarvest

I put camellia oil on my razor after I shave. Should I wipe it off after a couple of minutes, wipe off right before I shave the next time, or not worry about it and just leave it on? Thanks.

You want to leave it on until your ready to use the razor, then wipe it off prior to stropping.

How do you put it on? I wouldn't leave it dripping. I often put a drop or two on one side and wipe it with a piece of TP to cover the other, then smudge it down to get at the joint. all you need is a thin film

The idea of too much oil makes me wonder if there is any effect on celluloid from petroleum additives like mineral oil.

Originally Posted by kevint

How do you put it on? I wouldn't leave it dripping. I often put a drop or two on one side and wipe it with a piece of TP to cover the other, then smudge it down to get at the joint. all you need is a thin film

The idea of too much oil makes me wonder if there is any effect on celluloid from petroleum additives like mineral oil.

Oil possibly damaging some scales is, at least IMO, a genuine concern. I use mineral oil on my carbon steel blades-yet it is only a VERY light coating and I make certain NOT to leave so much as to drip off the blade.I also use a natural chamois cloth to polish the blades prior to the light oiling.The chamois will remove many stains that may remain on the blade after use-but you must use caution not to polish the edge.Since the chamois also has natural oils, I find just wiping the blades down is sufficient if the razor is in my current rotation.

I store all my razors in a drawer,NOT in the bathroom,so excess humidity and moisture isn't a concern.

Camellia oil isn't a mineral oil, though, correct?

Originally Posted by KingHarvest

Camellia oil isn't a mineral oil, though, correct?

No it's not, but it is mixed with mineral oil, which is why you can easily pick up a bottle for just a couple of dollars.

I have been trying some things out with 100% pure camellia oil, and the biggest problem I am finding is that it becomes sticky after about a week, if you don't use the razor during that time. Another probable reason for diluting with mineral oil.

Hi OS.
I never knew tsubaki would get gummy. I've only had the dilution. The first thought that occurred to me is, perhaps the addition of clove oil will prevent this from happening.

The old myth of why clove was added to sword oil is that it prevented confusion with the household cooking oil, which I always thought was somewhat preposterous.

I use this stuff like water Any carbon steel that is not in full rotation is rubbed down with Camellia oil. Mineral oil works just as well, but is much thicker. So far my wood handles have not shown any adverse affects from this as well.

Originally Posted by kevint

Hi OS.
I never knew tsubaki would get gummy.

IIRC all plant oils become sticky/gummy, but the Tsubaki oil seems to only do so on blades. I only ever used it on bonsai pots because I use a different oil for my razors. Perhaps because the bonsai pots are exposed to the elements, the oil reacts in a different way, I'm not sure.

Originally Posted by DwarvenChef

I use this stuff like water Any carbon steel that is not in full rotation is rubbed down with Camellia oil. Mineral oil works just as well, but is much thicker. So far my wood handles have not shown any adverse affects from this as well.

If need be your local pharmacist can order very thin mineral oil for you