Thread: razor oil questions

Originally Posted by LAsoxfan

I live in Los Angeles, so I don't have a huge humidity problem. Even so, I apply a light coat of mineral oil w/ a Q-tip to all exposed steel after I give the blade a good post shave rinse and stropping

+1 on the above. Maybe not after every shave, but often. I just use the pre-shave oil (it's handy!), also applied with a Q-Tip.

Congrats on your first & here's my 2ç

Do i really need to oil my razor?
1. No ~ but the day you see rust on your blade you will then think oiling is in fact a necessity. Any razor 'can' rust, even a stainless one.

If I do how often and the consequences of not oiling ?
2. If you do, after every shave is about right. the consequences of not oiling depends on the steel. Some just rust faster than others & you won't even see it on the edge unless you use magnification.


Which oil to get and the differences between the variations.
3. Only use oil known to protect steel . Something that can be sprayed into a wet pivot is a good idea & something that is food safe & non toxic will have no side effects on your skin or strop should it come into contact.

I have a large surplus of CLP, i usually use it on my guns. Just wondering if anyone else has experience using it on razors?

Originally Posted by joshb1000

I have a large surplus of CLP, i usually use it on my guns. Just wondering if anyone else has experience using it on razors?

I was wondering that myself, mostly for razors that may be stored for a while. I'm pretty certain I wouldn't want to use it on a razor in daily use

Originally Posted by LAsoxfan

I was wondering that myself, mostly for razors that may be stored for a while. I'm pretty certain I wouldn't want to use it on a razor in daily use

Well the main reasoning behind it is simply that is is an oil intended for use on steel, acts as a lubricant and protectant, and it doesnt get gummy. I've hear people mention gun oil, but i may be mistaken.

Originally Posted by joshb1000

I have a large surplus of CLP, i usually use it on my guns. Just wondering if anyone else has experience using it on razors?

I use it everyday. I have a rag sprayed with it I keep on the shelf along with my razors. i have the razors warm and dry them with a towel, then I wipe them with the rag before closing. I don't have an exhaust fan in a cool basement bathroom so it gets pretty cloudy after a hot shower and I haven't had any issues with rust in about 6 months. The first thing that I do when I get a new razor home is spray and wipe it down whatever shape it is in. I have noticed no negatives in the short term with scales or anything. I can't comment on museum quality Ivory.

Tim

Originally Posted by 32t

I use it everyday. I have a rag sprayed with it I keep on the shelf along with my razors. i have the razors warm and dry them with a towel, then I wipe them with the rag before closing. I don't have an exhaust fan in a cool basement bathroom so it gets pretty cloudy after a hot shower and I haven't had any issues with rust in about 6 months. The first thing that I do when I get a new razor home is spray and wipe it down whatever shape it is in. I have noticed no negatives in the short term with scales or anything. I can't comment on museum quality Ivory.

Tim

I really appreciate the tip. Do you notice the smell stays with the razor? Its not a bad smell but doesnt go well with lather. I'm not too worried about rust but every little bit helps so thank you for all your support.

I would like to add the point that humidity, although a primary factor to consider, is not the only reason to oil a razor. The very edge that you just spent time and effort honing is starting to oxidize the minute you stop honing. The thinner the metal at the tip of the edge the faster it will oxidize. The only way that I know to stop it from happening is to use oil of some type. Another point to be made is that why wait for that black spot to appear? I have been using one of my razors for about 3 years now and it is in perfect shape. I oil the blade after every shave after drying it.

Take Care,
Richard

Great tip Rich, thanks for the heads up...now if you'll excuse me i have a couple razors to oil!

I live in SC. I didn't oil my first few straights -- big mistake.

Now I dry the blade, using a cloth towel on it and then a paper towel between the scales and around the pivot. Then I strop X 10 on linen. Then I use RemOil (gun oil) in an aerosol can, squirting directly on the pivot fr both sides, then along the blade and tang and wipe with my fingers.

I've used the same can of oil for about a year now -- feels as full as when i first bought it ( for a couple of dollars).

I haven't had a problem with the pivot going "loose" on me -- others have warned about this, though. No rust since using this strategy, and sometimes it may be a year or more before I revisit a particular razor.

Oh -- one more thing. I always wash the blade with hand soap post-shave before drying it. Shaving soap, in my experience, leads to the dreaded black spots and stains even with rinsing, and I want it off the steel.