Blade storage question

Hey all,

I haven't had the opportunity to put together a proper razor storage box yet, but I have an old Böker that, once restored, will be a daily shaver (yes, the Gold Dollar will be trashed once I have an operable razor - haha). As I acquire two or three more razors, there will be one or two that might sit unused for a few days to a couple of weeks at a time.

The actual question: is it advisable to store razors for more than a day or two in the original box with a desiccant packet, or can they be more-or-less exposed to the air all the time? Does anyone keep a desiccant of some type in your normal razor storage box? The dorms aren't an ideal environment, and the humidity inside the building stays at a fairly constant 70% - 80%, with temperatures varying from mid-60's to mid 70's degrees Fahrenheit.

Thanks all,

Rich

Might be a good idea to lightly coat the blade in oil when you're not using it, especially if it's carbon.
Depending on what the scales are made from, the dessicated packs may not be a good idea, as materials like ivory will cracking if they're too dry

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Originally Posted by Amenrab

Might be a good idea to lightly coat the blade in oil when you're not using it, especially if it's carbon.
Depending on what the scales are made from, the dessicated packs may not be a good idea, as materials like ivory will cracking if they're too dry

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I figured that with wooden scales, but I completely forgot about horn. Shortly after the original post, I thought about it a little more, and a desiccant pack wouldn't make much difference anyway without a sealed box.

It's just a good motivator to push myself to making a decent storage box.

Rich

First, there will always be a thin film of moisture on the metal, especially in a high humidity environment. Oiling the blade will simply trap moisture under the oil unless a water-displacing oil (such as Ballistol) is used.

Secondly, if you are going to store the razor in a box, I would suggest placing a VCI "chip" in the box (Inhibitor VCI Pro is one brand) rather than a dessicant pack.

Finally, after thoroughly cleaning and drying the razor, I prop it up against something (opened 70-80 degrees) for 10-14 hours and then store in a silicone treated cotton sleeve. These are sold by TheSuperiorShave.com and others. I used to stick them in similar sleeves made for guns (the VCI kind, not the "plain" ones) but now prefer the individual sleeves. Since I started using them nearly three years ago, I have not found a single spot of rust or corrosion on any blade and I'm in the same humid area.

Tell you what, shoot me a pm with your address and I'll send a sleeve to you to try out.

rs,
Tack

NOOooooooo! Don't throw the Gold Dollar away. Send it to me. I love those things. Lol. Sounds like a great offer from Tack too. :tu

For the cabinet I plan to make, I was thinking about including a 80mm or 120mm fan in a false bottom or something to constanly change out the atmosphere inside the cabinet (sorry, future engineer here). Have any of you done something like this?

The purpose being to ensure a constant "refreshing" of your oppressive humidity in the cabinet? :gth

I'd put some desiccant in the cabinet and strive to make it as air tight as possible!

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Originally Posted by rkuchenbecker

For the cabinet I plan to make, I was thinking about including a 80mm or 120mm fan in a false bottom or something to constanly change out the atmosphere inside the cabinet (sorry, future engineer here). Have any of you done something like this?

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Wow this is serious stuff ...

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Originally Posted by rkuchenbecker

For the cabinet I plan to make, I was thinking about including a 80mm or 120mm fan in a false bottom or something to constanly change out the atmosphere inside the cabinet (sorry, future engineer here). Have any of you done something like this?

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Computer fan on a timer might be good, Havent done this but just a thought doubt itd need to go 24-7

Houston was the place I got mail already opened by the humidity. A dip in 190 grain alcohol..for the blade that is and a light oiling as suggested above. The grain alcohol / Vodka absorbs more water than other types. a bit of baby oil / light mineral oil in it and shaken well as a blade dip after a shave has kept many of my blades clean and rust free.
We used a metal cabinet with a small electric light bulb to reduce the humidity ( at a low temperature) for our seldom used machinists tools tools out by FM1960 back in the day. It prevented condensation of tools by retaining a constant temperature above normal abient.
~Richard

I've kept mine on a shelf in a cabinet for years without enclosing them in anything. The environment is dry, and they maintain their edges without oxidation of any kind, even on the edges. I can pull one out after a year and it will shave just fine without any need for stropping.

I learned many years ago that storing my guns in a case or closed box was rust waiting to happen. Same goes for my razors. I have boxes but never close the lids compeletely and I always wipe with ballistol when done shaving. why chance it?

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Originally Posted by DennisBarberShop

Computer fan on a timer might be good, Havent done this but just a thought doubt itd need to go 24-7

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That's what I was thinking; although I'd set it up to utilize a 115 volt outlet. Maybe the fan would run in one hour cycles or something.

I'll toy around with a few drafts and see if it'd make any difference on paper.

I've never had the slightest issue using pure NFO or camillia (my new fave) oil. The camillia keeps my high-carbon deba from staining when cutting highly acidic or salty foods (staining is almost instantaneous with bare blade). Cabinets are nice and handy and pretty and functional, but wherever there is air, there is moisture (potential). Oil prevents damp air from contacting metal and works for me anywhere i go.

Also, all my razos are old and I never ever keep old razors in a razor box. My theory is cell-rot can't happen in circulated air.

also and more: 91% Alcohol is a staple in my bathroom and is my sterilization and de-wetter solution. I keep it in a spray bottle. Also works for deodorant, pizzow!

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Originally Posted by cubancigar2000

I learned many years ago that storing my guns in a case or closed box was rust waiting to happen. Same goes for my razors. I have boxes but never close the lids compeletely and I always wipe with ballistol when done shaving. why chance it?

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I keep all my arms, except what I am carrying, in a safe (no ventilation) that is closed (sometimes months at a stretch) and haven't ever had rust issues.

I keep mine in a photographer's hotbox

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Originally Posted by Tack

First, there will always be a thin film of moisture on the metal, especially in a high humidity environment. Oiling the blade will simply trap moisture under the oil unless a water-displacing oil (such as Ballistol) is used.

Secondly, if you are going to store the razor in a box, I would suggest placing a VCI "chip" in the box (Inhibitor VCI Pro is one brand) rather than a dessicant pack.

Finally, after thoroughly cleaning and drying the razor, I prop it up against something (opened 70-80 degrees) for 10-14 hours and then store in a silicone treated cotton sleeve. These are sold by TheSuperiorShave.com and others. I used to stick them in similar sleeves made for guns (the VCI kind, not the "plain" ones) but now prefer the individual sleeves. Since I started using them nearly three years ago, I have not found a single spot of rust or corrosion on any blade and I'm in the same humid area.

Tell you what, shoot me a pm with your address and I'll send a sleeve to you to try out.

rs,
Tack

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Just about to order some Ballistol, which is best spray can or bottle?

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Originally Posted by Anthony1954

Just about to order some Ballistol, which is best spray can or bottle?

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All in how you will utilize it. I get the bottle, this allows me to transfer it to a dropper bottle or syringe. I keep a small (10ml) bottle in the shave den and a 50ml bottle at the work station. I like the Ballistol as it will rinse clean under warm water.