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I bought a new Dovo 5/8 from Lynn, and after each use I put a drop of 3-in-1 light oil on each side of the blade, then wipe it across the blade with some tissue paper. The result is a light film of oil on the metal, my idea being to prevent rust, pitting etc.
My question is, is this necessary or useful? If the blade is stainless steel, is it unnecessary? Or if it's carbon steel, is it better to do that? Just wondering because I can save myself a few minutes here. Thanks!
I'm not an expert, but this is a debated thing at times. I personally put mineral oil on my razors that I'm not using. The one I use most, I haven't put much on, only once in a while. I think it's a ymmv issue. Basically, my opinion, is if it's going to be sitting, then it's good. If not then it's not necessary, although it depends on the humidity of where you're keeping the razor as well. Sorry, I'm beginning to ramble. I'll let someone more experienced chime in, if they haven't by the time I'm done typing this. ;-)
Most of us agree that the use of oil is erring on the right side of caution, so you're definitely not wasting your time. Every now and then a newb will post pics of his brand new razor that was used a couple times and is now rusted; that's usually enough to convince a guy that the time it takes to wipe some oil on your razor is time well spent.
Contrary to popular belief stainless steel is not completely rust proof, so it's a good habit to oil all your razors regardless of type.
Should you really be straight shaving if your worried about an extra minute or two oiling?
I find that where I live does not require me to oil my razors. When I'm done using one, after I dry the scales and wipe the blade down and blow out the pin, I strop it 5 or 6 passes to make sure the edge is dry and file it away in a nice razor roll to stay nice.
If I'm going to send it anywhere or take it anywhere, I oil it up for safety sake. I don't know how humid it might be where I'm going.
So long story short, you can never go wrong placing a few drops on your baby, it just may thank you for it later!!
Good Luck!
M
I oil those in my active rotation. I use camellia oil, but I find for long term storage the oil thicken and leave a sticky residue.
So this might be counter intuitive. Those for long term storage, plenty of silica gel in double ziploc bags in tin container with tight fitting lid. Be careful with wood, horn or other natural though as I heard too dry can ruin those material.
I live in Western Aus which is very dry. I keep my blades in terry cloth roll from whipped dog. One day I thought to myself, it's really dry anyway, why should I oil my blades. Wiped out all the oil with alcohol and I start getting dark specks. :(
So I always oil my active rotation, but keep it as dry as possible / safe my long term.
IMHO, I share the view of "erring on the side of caution". That being said, there are steps prior to oiling that I find to me much more important. 1. avoid getting the scales wet at all costs as the water from this is what will get down in the pivot and cause rust issues. 2. make sure the blade is completely dry before oiling or putting away. 3. make sure the inside of the scales are completely dry. Personally, I wipe the blade with a towel, blow out the pivot, run some tissue paper between the scales & around pivot, strop 20 laps on leather, oil and put away the blade. Best regards!
Glenn
I usually oil my razors since i have 12 in a rotation and it may be some time before I get to one again... Not sure 5 in 1 is a good choice as it would likely be bad for skin in the long run..(IMHO) I use Camellia oil...
Oiling became a pain for me, so I just use Renaissance Wax instead. It's easier to apply and unnecessary to remove.