Thread: Oil after every shave?

Just got my first straight razor back from being professionally honed. A note was included when the razor was returned that advised oiling the razor after each and every use. Is this really necessary? If so is there an alternative to purchasing a razor oil and applicator?

Thank you

I don't know if it's necessary, but I would take the advice given as we learn from experience. As far as alternatives, I use the blade oil that came with my clipper set and apply the oil with a Q-tip.

Stephan sent me a razor afew years ago that was coated with Ballistol. I highly recommend usins it to protect your investment.It's use served me well!!!

Necessary? no. Worth the time/trouble? I think so. Special oil and applicator? I have a bottle of mineral oil, I shake it when closed so that the inside of the cap is coated. I take the cap off and dab my finger lightly on the coated surface. This small dab is plenty enough oil to cover the blade and scales if I want (don't usually do the scales). Takes about 40 seconds. None of my blades have ever shown any sign of rust or other negative effects of excess water. (Disclaimer: I have soft water and live in a dry climate). I do not recommend this for anyone else though because I don't want any repercussions due to you slicing the tips of your finger off while improperly wiping the oil near the cutting edge of your razor. And in fact I actually recommend against this method due to the one or two clumsy users who may actually drop their blade after being cut thereby destroying the edge all in the name of a bit of oil.

But really, it's not that hard. Pay attention, lighten up and don't get cocky. Happy oiling!

And another vote "aye" for the practice. I also live in a dry climate but had one razor pit virtually overnite, tho many others have not. It doesn't take that long so cheap, easy insurance. I value my razors.

I know of the recommendation but rarely oil my blades. Only if I know I won't use the razor for a long time, then I might coat with a thin layer of petroleum jelly. Otherwise, I don't oil my everyday shaver. I'm into keeping it as simple as possible, and removing a coating of oil every day before shaving would be too much of a PITA for me.

I don't oil my razors. The ones I use regularly I keep in the bedroom (bathroom being too damp), and the ones I don't use are in an air-tight food container with some packets of silica gel. No sign of rust or other problems so far. Climate here in the UK is damp but cool, so YMMV.

I was a non oiler for a good while there, but after I had my first ever razor start showing signs of rust on the thin edge, I started oiling after every use. I was thorough in my drying practices, I never stored my razors in the bathroom and I would oil any razor not in current use. The rust that appeared was not visible to the naked eye, but the edge was crumbling all the same. I sent it off to a professional after failing to hone a previously honable razor, and this was how I found out.

So now, PITA or not, I oil the blades after every use, ensuring they're as dry as possible before I do. I am constantly looking for a better way of doing this, and my most recent epiphany was to purchase a small pump spray bottle of INOX. This is kept in the bathroom cabinet ready to go after I dry and strop my razor after use.


Mick

I don't usually oil my razors, I use Renaissance wax. I found to oil the razor easily I purchased a really cheap bingo marker. They work well and are very, very cheap.

Bingo Bottle Refillable Markers with Tips & Caps - Set of 12 from Discount School Supply at SHOP.COM

Originally Posted by ReardenSteel

I don't know if it's necessary, but I would take the advice given as we learn from experience. As far as alternatives, I use the blade oil that came with my clipper set and apply the oil with a Q-tip.

I use good ol WD-40 applied with a cotton ball,Light coat,but I do have a bottle of oil that came with my clippers. Never thought of usin it. Might give it a wack. Shpanks fer the idear RS !