Thread: Camellia Oil Residue?

I have a Hart Steel razor that I honed and oiled with Camellia Oil and put into storage about 3 months ago. I got it out today to put back into my rotation and it appears the oil has dried up and left a scum on the razor. I tried a soft cloth and some alcohol but I cannot remove the scum. I thought about trying some super fine steel wool but I thought I would seek advice here first. This is a great shaving razor and I do not want to damage it. Any advice on how to remove the film?

I don't have any advice on removing the film, although I'm sure others will chime in. I can give an opinion on preventing this problem in the future. I stopped using all oils, even Renaissance Wax, about a year ago, have between 50 and 80 razors in various forms of storage and have never had a problem. I get them out every few months and give them a wipe, but most of them don't need it. I never saw a benefit from any oil application (other than to allay unnecessary fears) and so stopped using it. I do keep the razors in a dry environment. They only ever see the shave den for ten minutes at a time.

Maybe try some acetone (nail polish remover)? Although I'm not sure of the effect on the steel itself...

EDIT: I forgot to mention, if you do end up using acetone, keep it away from any wood scales or you'll risk discoloration (I messed up a DR Harris Bowl trying to get rid of the label's glue).

Cheers.

Soap and water should remove the scum. Sounds like you got a bad batch of Camelia oil.

1. Camilla oil is NOT a long term solution, in fact it is bad, anything more then 1 week is a risk depending on the oil.. (Please let somebody dispute this vehemently I enjoy the money I make from cleaning the razors)

2. Actetone and Razor cleaning is a dangerous option, it will destroy most scale materials

3. If it is over 1 month old, you are going to be hard pressed to get it off there (Please let somebody dispute this vehemently I enjoy the money I make from cleaning the razors)

4. Spray Brake Cleaner on a rag is the best option I have found to take it off, again be very careful around the scales..

5. If the cleaner will not remove it then you need a abrasive


Good Luck

If you have any DE or SE razor blades, use one to remove the bulk of the gunk. Then use hot water and soap & a LOT OF CARE as the edge under that gunk is still like you left it for the most part. Once you get it cleaned up, don't bother trying to shave with it, take it to your touch-up stone for a few passes. I found out the hard way too...

The spray brake cleaner on a rag like Glen mentioned works well, but please use the caution he stated as some plastics & celluloid may literally disappear under it into gunk.

I don't use Camellia oil, so I have never had this problem. Glen may be right.

Before Brake Fluid or an abrasive, you might try fighting oil with oil. I would try mineral oil and a Q-tip rubbing as your abrasive. Less likely to damage your scales.

Good Luck.

Just a thought but has anyone tried oven cleaner?
They make some safer/low odor, less volatile types?

Thanks for all the replies. I had a plumber in yesterday to fix a leaky pipe problem. He noticed the razors laying out and I told him about the residue problem. He suggested WD-40. I happened to have a can in the garage and it got all the gunk off the razor. It says on the label that it will remove grease, tar, grime, adhesives etc. I will take the advice and stop using camellia oil.

WD-40 ya say, have heard that it is pretty good stuff for wiping down razors after shaving too

Honestly what you chose to use should be used to match the term of storage..

I have had to take a Dubl Duck 8/8 Goldedge to a buffing wheel to get some Camilla Oil residue off there, Started with trying WD-40 moved to the Brake cleaner and finally had to buff it off, so be careful with what you chose...