Corrosion Test

Hey Guys,

Often we get asked about which product is best for your razor to prevent rust.
There are many ways to prevent rust. While doing a search a few minutes ago, I stumbled on this article about a corrosion test.

Interpret the article as you wish. I have stock in none of the companies. I do think you will find some of the results interesting. I currently use a product that ranked in the top 3 of the positive results.

Enjoy the information.

Comprehensive Corrosion Test: 46 Products Compared : Day At The Range

John - that was a really great article. I stopped using frog lube on my weapons due to cold weather failures, but now, I think I'll frog lube all my straight razors. Been using Break Free CLP forever, but looking at the data and the videos, well proofs in the pudding.

Very nice!

I was actually looking for another test of rust prevention done on brake disks.

This is a REALLY good test

this part is something that so many forget about

Compatability:

Next up is evaluating compatibility with non-metal compounds. This is a tough claim to challenge since there are more plastic and rubber compounds and types of finishes than anybody could possibly check. Some products clearly stated they are not safe for rubber or plastic or finishes and cautioned the user to first test on a discrete location. Other products stated they are safe for (or outright encouraged use) on finishes, leather, wood, etc while still others made no warning nor statement in this regard. A simple check for reaction is to place a small amount of each product on polystyrene (Styrofoam) and observe the reaction. We know what Gas and Acetone do to Styrofoam and we wouldn’t use those harsh products on our gun finish or plastics or rubber so I will use that as a base for this evaluation. Compounds known to destroy polystyrene are Gasoline, Benzene, Toluene, Acetone, Xylene. There are other agents harmful to polystyrene but you get the point. Since its not practical to do a compatibility evaluation with every known type of plastic and every type of gun finish and paint, I only tested polystyrene and took the warnings about compatibility from the product labels.


I try an mention it when people start mentioning many of the names in this test

Great it prevented rust but ruined your scales :(

When I bought my muzzleloader, my first rifle, I read a lot about rust inhibitors. I also encountered many comparative tests of products. The main thing that surprised me was the complete lack of agreement among the tests. That is, the top three performers identified by one test would be mediocre in another guy's set of tests.

For my rifle, I stick with Ballistol and WD-40. For my razors, I stick with Maas and mineral oil.

Yep, them lubricators are like gun nuts & razor guys. :D

Silly me, thinking a dry and clean towel would come first.
Great test Hirlau, thanks for sharing.

Your welcome, as I said, I stumbled on it while looking for a test I saw on a lubrication forum a few years ago. It was a test involving Napa Chain & Cable Lube. I hear that is what loggers use on their cables that are left in the forest for periods of time. Napa Chain & Cable is highly respected for its rust prevention.

That was a great read, though I admit I skipped through parts. Personally, I use Balistol, combined with the dry environment here, my careful placement of razors in a place with some air movement, and a few small bags with silicon balls (usually found in garment boxes in your regular shopping, such as shoes and bags... ok maybe my Mrs's usual shopping[emoji14]), I never have the issue with rusting.

Oh how the mighty have fallen ! :gaah:

I've been using R.I.G. (Rust Inhibiting Grease) for 50 years. I am very surprised at the outcome of these tests. I wonder if the fact that I'm using RIG that I bought 20 + years ago, before Birchwood-Casey took the brand over might be the reason it has always protected whatever I've applied it to ? IOW, did they change the formula ? Anyway, time to get some Frog-Lube.

If you get Frog-Lube, you might want to read THIS concern about it.

And strictly for curiosity you might want to read THIS as well.

For lubrication I have seen a lot of guys recommend Mobile One motor oil. Right now I'm using Miltec 1 and it has been working well. Also trying out Break Free CLP for cleaning, as opposed to the old standby Hoppe's No. 9.

I have tried Frog Lube and soaked razors in it , did not rust but developed black spots from some of the razors sitting in it.
I have used Ballistol for a long time and have never had issues although upon wiping razors that have been sitting for a while I can see some color residue on the wipes.
WD-40 Specialit seems like an optimal choice IMHO.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Oh how the mighty have fallen ! :gaah:

I've been using R.I.G. (Rust Inhibiting Grease) for 50 years. I am very surprised at the outcome of these tests. I wonder if the fact that I'm using RIG that I bought 20 + years ago, before Birchwood-Casey took the brand over might be the reason it has always protected whatever I've applied it to ? IOW, did they change the formula ? Anyway, time to get some Frog-Lube.

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Not so fast Jimmy; the Rig used in the test is not the same product that you & I have been using. The test product was Rig # 2, an oil, not the grease version that we use. The grease version has not changed & is still available. Still works great.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Utopian

If you get Frog-Lube, you might want to read THIS concern about it.

And strictly for curiosity you might want to read THIS as well.

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Excellent reading! Maybe I'll just use coconut oil!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Johntoad57

Excellent reading! Maybe I'll just use coconut oil!

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Well, I would not do that. The article said that there are other additives along with the coconut oil. If nothing else, the additives keep the oil liquid at room temperature.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Utopian

Well, I would not do that. The article said that there are other additives along with the coconut oil. If nothing else, the additives keep the oil liquid at room temperature.

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You know actually, it was good to think about different options. It keeps the grey matter working. However, I believe I just stick with CLP for the time being. It works well for my needs. But I appreciate where you are coming from!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

This is a REALLY good test

this part is something that so many forget about

Compatability:

Next up is evaluating compatibility with non-metal compounds. This is a tough claim to challenge since there are more plastic and rubber compounds and types of finishes than anybody could possibly check. Some products clearly stated they are not safe for rubber or plastic or finishes and cautioned the user to first test on a discrete location. Other products stated they are safe for (or outright encouraged use) on finishes, leather, wood, etc while still others made no warning nor statement in this regard. A simple check for reaction is to place a small amount of each product on polystyrene (Styrofoam) and observe the reaction. We know what Gas and Acetone do to Styrofoam and we wouldn’t use those harsh products on our gun finish or plastics or rubber so I will use that as a base for this evaluation. Compounds known to destroy polystyrene are Gasoline, Benzene, Toluene, Acetone, Xylene. There are other agents harmful to polystyrene but you get the point. Since its not practical to do a compatibility evaluation with every known type of plastic and every type of gun finish and paint, I only tested polystyrene and took the warnings about compatibility from the product labels.


I try an mention it when people start mentioning many of the names in this test

Great it prevented rust but ruined your scales :(

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YES! Will it cause problems?

If my razors are exposed to rain, sleet, snow, or salt water I have many other things to worry about.

All or at least most of these will protect my blades in their envirionment.

But will they cause harm is the biggest question.