Thread: Barbicide

Immersing in Barbicide has the same effect as immersing in water with a bit of ethanol in it.

I use a 2 oz spray bottle with Balistol; dry the razor after use with a towel, then with tissue paper between the scales, and spray blade and shank lightly with Balistol before I wipe off the excess oil.

As some people don't like the smell of Balistol; camellia or some gun oils are other suitable alternatives, while baby oil, WD-40, or similar oils either cover the blade unevenly (baby oil forms small beads on the blade) or may not have been evaluated for possible negative health effects (WD-40).

Storing in a moist bathroom is also not recommended, a drier environment like bedroom or study might be more appropriate.

I life half a mile from the sea and have noticed no rust or pitting on any of my 30-odd razors protected this way.

It adds a minute or two after the shave, but is IMO worth it.

If you are so inclined, consider a stainless steel razor. Good ones can easily compete with carbon straights.
Conventional wisdom has it that they are slightly more labor-intensive to hone, but they hold their edge longer.
Aust and Dovo produce stainless steel straight razors; vintage stainless straights like Henckels Zwilling are deservedly popular too.


B.

stainless will rust also if not taken care of just a thought tc

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

stainless will rust also if not taken care of just a thought tc

True, hence the name: stainless, not rust-free.
It is safe to say though that, due to the composition of the steel, razors made from stainless steel are much less prone to corrosion.

I also use Balistol on my razors. I like it because it doesn't get "gummy" or sticky and can be used for short term or long term storage.

I guess I'm fortunate. I have central air and heat. All I do with any of my "users" is run HOT tap water over the blade. I don't get the pivot or scales wet when shaving or rinsing. Anyway, I get the blade as hot as the tap water will get it, no idea what the temp of the water is but it's too hot to hold your hand under, then wipe it off on a dry towel, set it out open while I'm rinsing out my brush and putting up my toys. I then move the razor to my big Plano tackle box that I use to keep my razors in. I set it in the top shelf still open and close it when I grab another one to shave with.

Two years and no rust or water spots on any my users.

Those that don't get used regularly, get wiped with mineral oil and stay in one of the snap top boxes.

Originally Posted by dudestyle01

Attachment 179911

I just got this antique MAX MERGENBAUM razor, it's in real nice condition and I don't want to damage it.

that's gorgeous

Originally Posted by beluga

True, hence the name: stainless, not rust-free.
It is safe to say though that, due to the composition of the steel, razors made from stainless steel are much less prone to corrosion.

Just as an aside there is really no one singular steel "stainless steel". There is an almost infinite variety of alloys termed stainless steel depending on the amount of nickel and chrome. In Germany they make a stainless alloy used for the outer hull of submarines which is virtually rust proof. They use it in current construction of U boats.I don't know if it would make a good razor. They also use it for watch cases.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Just as an aside there is really no one singular steel "stainless steel". There is an almost infinite variety of alloys termed stainless steel depending on the amount of nickel and chrome. In Germany they make a stainless alloy used for the outer hull of submarines which is virtually rust proof. They use it in current construction of U boats.I don't know if it would make a good razor. They also use it for watch cases.

THe 300 series stainless steels are pretty much rust proof. They're used in marine and food grade applications.

Unfortunately, they aren't suitable for cutlery other than table knives and the like.

For storage, ziplock bags with dessicant packs. One can buy bulk dessicant and make your own packs of different sizes. I use then to keep many objects safe and dry in the house.