Thread: Oiling the blade

I sent away my first straight razor to Whipped Dog for honing. When he sent it back it came with vaseline on it to prevent rusting. Makes sense. In the instructions it recommends oiling the razor after every use.

Now I don't mean to complain but I'm already a little concerned with how much time it will take to use a straight properly. Do you all really apply oil after every shave? I mean:

• Strop
• Lather
• Shave
• Strop again (optional?)
• Oil the blade

This is fun stuff and I can see the process being part of the allure. But too many steps and I will feel like I can only use a straight on a very rare occasion. Thanks.

Take a look at the thread 'Razor Marks' as he asks a very similar question. I use a TufGlide cloth that has worked for me for many years with guns and knives as a rust inhibitor and lubricant. I find it way quicker than oiling. I only use oil on razors going into longer term storage and switch back to TufGlide when I out them back into rotation.

Oil in bottle with integrated applicator. 2 seconds per day...1 if you leave the cap off

Can I use the same olive oil I used to use pre-shave?

Olive oil can go rancid. I use mineral oil.

I have a Hart which is made of, I believe, O1 steel which rusts readily. I use mineral oil on that but don't oil other straights unless I won't be using them for a long while. I have not had any razors rust if I fanatically dry them after use and let then sit for a couple of hours until putting them away. But then, Sacramento is a very dry climate. This might be inadequate elsewhere (wouldn't try it in Florida). The Japanese used clove oil on their blades. I have some but haven't used it on razors. Anyone know why it wouldn't be good?

Free advise being worth exactly what you pay for it . . . the first time you pull out one of your favorites and it has a rust spot on it, you will wish you had taken the extra time. Long term storage I use mineral oil; daily I swipe the blade with a cue tip and Vaseline after a though drying.

I like Prahston's idea of the TufGlide cloth! Quick and easy.

I do it the easy way, I just squirt it with a spray of WD 40. WD 40 is a water displacer. But for long term, yes, I use gun oil.

Originally Posted by jbtusa

I do it the easy way, I just squirt it with a spray of WD 40. WD 40 is a water displacer. But for long term, yes, I use gun oil.

Water Displacement, 40th formula.
I haven't heard of it being used on razors before, I was discouraged by other members to not use 3 in 1 oil, because of the solvent in it. WD-40 has 50% solvent in it, but also 15% mineral oil. Now I'm torn. In any case, at least the mineral oil I use doesn't have the strong smell to it. Each to his own.

I don't oil every time I use a razor. I just dry it well and put it in a cigar box with some silica capsules inside. I leave the blade open for a day.

That being said, I'm starting to oil razors that I don't plan on using for a while.

Michael