Preventing rust - oiling?

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10-04-2010, 09:23 PM
loplyg

Preventing rust - oiling?

Hi folks,

I notice on my "old" razor (which is about 2 years old) although it isn't rusty it has dark blemishes on the blade (though nowhere near the edge).

I bought a new one lately and would like to prevent this.

I soaked a lens cloth in 3-in-1 oil and then wrung it out and I'm planning to wipe the razor down after shaving with it, I figure this will prevent rust and may somehow preserve the edge a bit.

My problem is that I'm wondering how much of a pain in the ass it'll be to make sure I don't end up building up too much oil on my strop. I'll wipe it off with a tissue before stropping obviously (I only shave twice a week), but I wonder if it's a mistake...?

Cheers,
Rich
10-04-2010, 10:04 PM
Utopian

Put it this way, are you willing to wipe 3 in 1 directly onto your face? If not, then don't put in on your razor or strop. Camelia or mineral oil are probably safer (less toxic) options.
10-04-2010, 10:49 PM
Mvcrash

I use the Camelia oil which works well.
10-05-2010, 03:40 AM
baldy

I use sewing machine oil on my razors.
I just keep a box of tissues in the cupboard where my strops hang, give the razor a (careful) wipe before stropping and she's good to go.
I've experienced no ill-effect to the strop at all, and I dont find it to be much of a P.I.T.A.
10-05-2010, 11:56 AM
harpman

I use mineral oil (and have used WD40, which is a lightweight mineral oil). After wiping the razor clean prior to stropping, I'd guess any residual would be so small you wouldn't have to worry about your strop.

bill
10-06-2010, 03:17 PM
Snipersnest

I use Nye Oil. It's a really fine oil, originally made from sperm whale oil. I still have some whale oil that I use on our antique clocks.
10-06-2010, 04:27 PM
red96ta

I use mineral oil....it's cheap insurance.
10-06-2010, 07:59 PM
Shoki

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snipersnest

I use Nye Oil. It's a really fine oil, originally made from sperm whale oil. I still have some whale oil that I use on our antique clocks.

Wow I misread that I though you said it was oil originally made from whale sperm. :)
10-06-2010, 08:55 PM
Str8nDE4RAD

I just started using Mineral Oil for a protectant. I have some spots on my razor as well and I am trying to figure out how to get rid of them. For the mean time I am using some tissue to wipe Alcohol on it and after that dries I use another tissue to wipe some Mineral Oil on the blade.

Trying to find an easier way to do this....Any thoughts from anyone?
10-06-2010, 09:07 PM
Obie

Oiling?

Hello, loplyg:

This is what I do after the shave:

Rinse the blade in hot water (keep the scales dry), dry it with a towel followed by Kleenex tissue, strop it (15 on fabric or linen and 25 on leather), apply a little camellia oil on one finger and lightly coat the blade, the shank and the tang, leave the razor partially open for couple hours, and then put it away in the rack. Before the next shave, I wipe off the oil with Kleenex tissue, strop the razor (25/75 or 50/100) and am ready to go. It works for me.

Regards,
Obie
10-07-2010, 02:41 AM
Chelicerae

Although I haven't tried it yet, I thought it would be a good idea to keep a can of air duster (like they sell for blowing off keyboards) and blast the moisture out of the small nooks and crannies of the razor.
10-07-2010, 03:31 AM
riooso

1 Attachment(s)

I use this.

Attachment 49935

It keeps your fingers away from the edge and protects your fragile honed edge from being hurt. I got mine at http://www.japanwoodworker.com/search.asp

I got it in the store in Berkley but I am sure there are other places.

Take Care,
Richard
10-07-2010, 03:39 AM
Tino8787

I might be :deadhorse: but I use camellia oil. Seems to be working well for me so far.
10-08-2010, 12:46 AM
cpcohen1945

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSasser

I just started using Mineral Oil for a protectant. I have some spots on my razor as well and I am trying to figure out how to get rid of them. For the mean time I am using some tissue to wipe Alcohol on it and after that dries I use another tissue to wipe some Mineral Oil on the blade.

Trying to find an easier way to do this....Any thoughts from anyone?

"Utopian" should field this. He uses a mix of 0.5% mineral oil dissolved in alcohol (I'm sure denatured ethyl alcohol will work; I don't know what he uses).

That mix should both remove residual water, and lightly coat the blade with oil after the alcohol (and water) evaporate.

My bete noir is water around the pivot. A previous suggestion -- compressed air -- seems like a good idea. Complexity keep increasing . . . .

Charles
10-08-2010, 01:27 AM
pinklather

+1 for the Utopian rinse solution

That solution approach is great. No wiping before stropping.

Now if I can only learn how to keep the pivot pin dry...
10-11-2010, 12:45 PM
leadingedge

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chelicerae

Although I haven't tried it yet, I thought it would be a good idea to keep a can of air duster (like they sell for blowing off keyboards) and blast the moisture out of the small nooks and crannies of the razor.

Just be careful if you use that, if any of the compressed gas comes out in liquid form, you can freeze a part of the blade and do some damage to it.

Camelia is the best way to go.