Protecting Goldwash

[GuybrushThreepwood]

What's the best way to protect/prevent decay of the goldwash on a blade.
On my Dovo Special the goldwash on the blade is already starting to get some faint spots on it after only a couple of uses.
I would post some images, but I'm not really sure how to, I tried it in another thread and they didn't appear.

[Moggs]

First and foremost, don't even think of cleaning it with any metal polish or abrasive. It is microscopically thin and will disappear in an instant. Having said that, I found some stubborn water spot stains on my Dovo that I carefully removed with metal polish - just avoided the fancy bits! Longer term, meticulous cleaning and drying (I clean mine immediately after shaving and then allow to dry open to air currents (safely stored) for 12 hours or so before putting back in rather a nice wooden, velvet-lined box).

Hope this helps.

[ben.mid]

As Moggs advised, it'll come off very easily, so the best thing to do it ensure no further deterioration. Even after a wipe down I leave my razors to air overnight after an evening shave. Many of the guys use a light coat of oil. Camellia oil is natural & should be ok with your skin. If you've got skin like leather then you may get away with mineral oils. Whatever you use, just wipe it off before you shave.

[JimmyHAD]

I haven't bought the stuff yet but I have read great things on Renaissance Wax. It may be a good thing for both the blade and for wood scales. I do know that Windex or a similar glass cleaner is recommended for cleaning gold plated Gillette DEs without damaging the plating or the lacquer.

[singlewedge]

Just a thought but would Gold Leaf sealer be of use?

Its use is to seal the area once the leaf is applied. Just google Gold Leaf and you should be able to find the sealer.

[GuybrushThreepwood]

Alright, so careful cleaning, without any soaps/ polishes that could damage it, and make sure to let the blade dry thoroughly.
What about getting rid of a few watermarks on the blade? Windex? Clean it under the tap again, and let it dry properly?

[hults]

I haven't bought the stuff yet but I have read great things on Renaissance Wax. It may be a good thing for both the blade and for wood scales. I do know that Windex or a similar glass cleaner is recommended for cleaning gold plated Gillette DEs without damaging the plating or the lacquer.

Renaissance wax is awesome for wood. I use it on my bagpipes, Steven's Woodworking brush, and some scales.

I think it's petroleum-based, though... and does contain polishing agents. So, I probably wouldn't use it on a blade.

[JimmyHAD]

Renaissance wax is awesome for wood. I use it on my bagpipes, Steven's Woodworking brush, and some scales.

I think it's petroleum-based, though... and does contain polishing agents. So, I probably wouldn't use it on a blade.

I was talking to Robert Williams (Papabull on the forum) and he said it is good to use on the iron......... at least I think that was what he said ......... old age y'know.

[leadduck]

As Moggs advised, it'll come off very easily, so the best thing to do it ensure no further deterioration. Even after a wipe down I leave my razors to air overnight after an evening shave. Many of the guys use a light coat of oil. Camellia oil is natural & should be ok with your skin. If you've got skin like leather then you may get away with mineral oils. Whatever you use, just wipe it off before you shave.

What about WD-40? It works great for everything else. Has anyone tried it on their blade?

[zib]

WD-40 is a bad idea. Although it's good on metals, it's bad on scales. It can actually eat through some. Also, if you get any in the pivot pin, it'll only gunk it up later with hair, dust, dirt, dna, blood, etc...you get the idea. Plus, your bathroom will smell like a garage. I know the Camelia oil can be pricey, You can use regular old Wahl Clipper oil available at Wal Mart, which is nothing more than mineral oil. It's fine for your blades and harmless to your skin.....Rich