Thread: Drying your razor

Hey all,
I've seen a bunch of posts on how to dry your razors after use. I mentioned this in the post but have receives a few messages asking for pictures, so here you go. I live in NYC, where in the summer it is pretty humid; and because i live in a pre-war building the heat is from seam radiators. Even air-drying the razors after wiping them down I noticed a black spot or two developing on my razors. So I was looking for an economical, yet efficient way to dry my razors before storing them in my Alembic Cases.

I started with a cedar box (bought for $10) used some silicone to adhere platforms that I cut out from some left over G10, for the razor to rest on ( I did angle them so the razor will be buried, but not the scales) and filled up the box with rice (I've ordered loose silica gel).

The only downside I can think of is for horn or natural scales drying out. So after drying one of those razors I just wipe down those scales with mineral oil.

Any suggestions for improvements? Feedback?
Thanks,
Phil

That's a good concept. I use it for cell phones... never thought to transfer it over to straights.

It looks good.

Loose silica gel will stick to even lightly oiled surfaces. So I put some in an envelope with a window and sealed it well with packing tape. When the indicator changes color I can see that it has and replace it with fresh while I recharge the first batch. After the gel is recharged I place the hot gel in a mason jar and cap it with a ring and seal just like you would for canning. I have stored mine for 6 months and it is still sealed from just the heat of the silica gel.

Jonathan

I use unscented crystal cat litter to control humidity in enclosed spaces.

This also works for a humidor.

Michael

For those who haven't ordered from some other source. Most crystal cat litters are about 90% silica gel, so it is a rather cheap source as long as you don't mind the blue\pink indicator instead of the green\orange. Also you could get silica flower drying kits, electronics rescue kits, a package of small packets, or just collect the silica gel packets found in may products packaging. The flower drying kits are usually composed of smaller pieces of gel, and if I were to get more I would choose a source with larger granules.

Jonathan

I live in a humid climate and do the following:

First, I store them in a room adjacent to the bathroom. After I strop and shave, I wash the blade and dry carefully with a towel. Then I strop (30 laps linen, 30 laps leather) to make absolutely sure that it is as dry as I can possibly get it and there is no lingering soap residue remaining.

Your storage case is beautiful and sounds like a great idea.

After watching a how its made video for straights. I decided I would try using a small tub of climbing chalk.. I just dip my blade in after wiping it off with a flannel cloth I made. The I wipe it off again with another clean cloth and oil then put away.