Thread: Rust???

I just bought my first straight razor, and I thought I was taking great care of it. I've only had it for a little over a week, and I dry it thoroughly after shaving, and even oil it every time. I thought I was overdoing it...but apparently not. I have actually already noticed a couple of rust spots on the blade. Is this possible?? Any advice?

Let it air dry for at least 15 minutes before oiling it.

X

Make sure you get all the shaving soap/cream off of it and that it's dried thoroughly. You can wipe it down with rubbing alcohol to displace any remaining moisture, then wipe it dry and, like xman said, let it air dry for awhile until you put it away. Wherever you store the razor, it should not be in a moist or humid area. That can help facilitate rust.

That is interesting. I have a number of razors and after I shave I just towel dry them and put them into this cigar box I keep on my bathroom shelf. No rust for over a year.

First, the rust spots have to go. Get some MAAS (available at many Wal-Mart stores) and polish the blade. Once the spots are gone, I recommend cleaning the blade with a little soap & hot water to remove any reside left behind.

I typically let my razors air dry on the desk in my office. Each razor sees use about once a week, and I have not had any issues with rusting or discoloration. If you choose to oil, heed Xman's advice & make sure it's thoroughly dry before oiling. Otherwise the oil traps the water next to the blade.

Originally Posted by RichZ

That is interesting. I have a number of razors and after I shave I just towel dry them and put them into this cigar box I keep on my bathroom shelf. No rust for over a year.

This is what I do, i think it helps keep rust from forming because the box (either wood or cardboard) helps absorb the excess moisture. I have an old wooden cigar box that I keep my straights and DE's in and I haven't had any problems with rust. The worst place to store a razor would have to be in one of the plastic cases in which some razors come. There would be no place for the moisture to go.

Originally Posted by Jim Thompson

This is what I do, i think it helps keep rust from forming because the box (either wood or cardboard) helps absorb the excess moisture. I have an old wooden cigar box that I keep my straights and DE's in and I haven't had any problems with rust. The worst place to store a razor would have to be in one of the plastic cases in which some razors come. There would be no place for the moisture to go.

Now that makes alot of sense to me

Thanks for all of the great advice! I'm going to clean it up, dry it off, and we'll see what happens. It's very possible that I was putting the oil on too soon and trapping the water...that makes a lot of sense. Somebody also mentioned on somebody else's thread that it could actually be shaving cream residue as well. I do notice that some of the residue doesn't rinse off well. I think the water here is very hard. Well...thanks again!
-Dan

Cigar boxes are typically made from or lined with cedar, which has the uncanny ability to absorb loads of moisture. If you have a cigar shop in the area, they'll usually have plenty of the empty boxes on hand. We used to sell ours for a dollar to give to the Make a Wish Foundation.

Originally Posted by SharkHat

Cigar boxes are typically made from or lined with cedar, which has the uncanny ability to absorb loads of moisture. If you have a cigar shop in the area, they'll usually have plenty of the empty boxes on hand. We used to sell ours for a dollar to give to the Make a Wish Foundation.

The shop near my office is selling empty cigar boxes for $4. What crust!!