Stropping, Hones and general razor care.

I have found it extremely relaxing to strop my razor, I have to stop myself from doing it too much (you can over do it, right?). Not to mention the satisfaction of seeing a imperfection in the blade, and fixing it.
But on the note of razor care, does anyone know of a good site I can buy a quality hone at a decent price?
Also, what types of oil should I use, as my house is rather humid, and I don't want my blade to rust. Is there a specific oil to use, or with anything work? W-D 40, gun oil, or something else?

I use baby oil on my razors and haven't had a problem yet.

As far as hones, head over to the classifieds section. I don't own any, but I'd be more comfortable purchasing one from a SRP member. Re: razor care, I've been using mineral oil for 15 years. If you are automitively-oriented, you could always try some WD-40, but YMMV :rofl2:

No, you really cannot over strop a razor so go for your life.

There are many reputable vendors who sell good hones - a bit of research around the place will show you who they are.

A light machine oil will do the trick - I use sewing machine oil.

James.

Most everything you asked has been answered so I will just throw in that gun oil works well to. Been using hoppes number nine for years with no problems.

Strop all you wish,no harm done. Baby oil is the most effectual for the money. For the occasional edge maintenance I would either check ebay or the classifieds for a quality barbers hone.

The best bang for the buck is the Norton 4/8K. That's the only stone that you'll need. The 8K side will give you a perfectly usable keen edge. When you master it and money allowing for luxury, you can get the Naniwa 12K for smoooooothness. Those two stones are all that you'll need, accidents excepting. I wish someone had told me that when I started... would've saved me a lot of money.

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Originally Posted by Jimbo

No, you really cannot over strop a razor so go for your life.

James.

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Can over-stropping lead to blindness? Hairy palms? Reduction of acne? :nono:

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Originally Posted by jbtusa

I wish someone had told me that when I started... would've saved me a lot of money.

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Ahem......:)

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Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

Can over-stropping lead to blindness? Hairy palms? Reduction of acne? :nono:

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If it does, I'll just do it 'til I need glasses... :)

Matt,
The library above is a wonderland of information. If you use the "Advanced Search" button on the upper right & put in the "key words" of your interest, it will return the threads on the topics that contain your "key words". I actually find it faster than waiting for replys.
I hope this helps.
John

Baby oil is mineral oil with added scent,mineral oil will serve you well.is non-toxic and Bio friendly,not to mention cheap.

I've found that mineral oil actually beads up on some of my blades. Gun oil or sewing machine oil are preferable, in my opinion. WD-40 has all sorts of odd stuff in it; I'm not comfortable with it near some of the scales. Stay away from 3-in-1 or any other blends that contain vegetable oils, as those oils will polymerize and set just like paint. Sticky, nasty.

What I really like is Renaissance Wax on the blades. It makes them shinier, protects from water, and makes the blade way, way easier to rinse. Downside is that it probably wears off the spine and actual edge from stropping. It's very dry where I live, so that's not a problem for me. If I lived back in my humid homeland of Iowa, I'd probably use oil regularly.