Thread: More Newbie Questions

Maybe I've gone into information overload but I'm finding myself confused. Should the razor be stropped both before AND after use? How do you protect the blade (rust etc) between uses?
Thanks,
Zac

You should definitely strop the razor before use and there may be disagreement about doing it afterwards. I spray ilopropol on the blade when finished shaving as it will displace the water. After it is dry, I wipe the blade clean and the run it a few times on the linen/cloth to make sure that it is dry and clean but I do not restrop it on the leather. I don't know the facts but I have heard that it is best to let the steel return to its normal state (metal expands during use) before restropping or doing anything that will alter the blade.

You can put camellia oil on the blade (very light coat) to protect it. If you use the razor daily or in regular rotation, I think that most people don't apply oil. If you live in a particularly humid climate you may want to do it as a precaution.

Also improtant - do not store your razor in the bathroom as the humidity can damage the razor. It is best to keep them in another room.

The most important thing to do is to make sure the razor is DRY before you close it and put it away. leave it sitting out for some time while you do other things to make sure the blade and inside of the scales are truly dry (water in the scales will stain the blade).

Hope this helps.

I live in Florida and am definitely concerned about the humidity! I have already planned on storing the razor outside of the bathroom. Where can I find the camelia oil?
Thanks,
Zac

Most cosmetics store will sell Camellia oil - I don't know about drug stores though. Whole Foods sells it - theirs is organic so it costs more and I am sure that you can find it elsewhere for less. You can also find it on E-bay. You do not need much as you only use a couple of drops each time. A little goes a long way.

It is usually advertised as a hair/skin product but it is the same oil we are talking about. For centuries it was the only oil used to protect Samurai swords and carbon blades in Asia.

it is spelled "Camellia" with 2 Ls.

You can also find Camellia oil at the Japan Woodworker and some other woodworking sites.

Originally Posted by zwoodward

I live in Florida and am definitely concerned about the humidity! I have already planned on storing the razor outside of the bathroom. Where can I find the camelia oil?
Thanks,
Zac

I also live in Florida, and this is what I do:

Before shaving, after applying the lather, I give the razor 50 laps on the leather strop.
Then I clean the blade with an alcohol towelette.
While shaving, I only rinse the blade, not the scales, under the sink, followed by drying it with a towel. You could see how Lynn does it in his video.
After the shave, I towel the blade dry and apply a drop of oil, lightly covering both sides.
I store the 4 blades in my rotation in a coffee mug in the bathroom.
No problems so far.