Thread: Rust Prevention

Hi guys,

Apologies in advance for such a newbie question but I just want to ask the community for any advice on preventing rust on your straight razor in between shaves? My first razor went to hell from rust and I bought a second nicer one recently from the community here - used. It's beautiful and I want it to last and I went through a fair bit of the resources here (e.g. FAQ's) before posting this. I've been stropping the blade after shaving and drying with a paper towel. I then apply some food grade mineral oil I have on hand for kitchen purposes. But this may not be up to the task, so curious what other guys do.

Thanks in advance for any wisdom or advice!

Jordan

If you use the razor every day then dry good and let it air dry =. No oil

If used infrequently then after air drying apply a light coat of oil

Welcome to the forum

That's what I do and I don't have rust issues. I'm sure others will chime in here.

Hello, have been shaving with straights for many years and have over 50 razors. My routine after shaving is: wipe blade from spine lengthwise to within a 1/16 inch (+,-) of the bevel with a square of toilet tissue. Carefully to not touch the bevel. Strop on linen strop to dry the bevel. I use another piece of tissue between the handles and around the pivot area. If it is in my rotation that is all I do. As stated if stored I use a light oil ,ballistol works great for me. I also never keep my razor that I am using in the bathroom. This works very well for all my razors new, vintage , carbon or stainless. Hope this helps in your location.

I will say it has a lot to do with the climate you live in as to what needs done.

Myself, i have over 300 razors nowadays and i dont use oil of any kind. According to my log sheet a razor may sit in my cabinet for as long as 4 years before i use it again. I live in a pretty dry area. My razor cabinet is full of drawers and in each drawer i have a couple of those packets that keep humidity away but thats all i use.

Be sure you dont store your razor in the bathroom. Use it, dry it, strop it then store it away from moisture.

Same as above. But I will add this, the acidity in some people's hands can cause serious rust problems.

I stay away from oils on my blades. Dry and store out of sunlight and dust. Dust attracts moisture. I'm surrounded by lakes

Sort of the same as above. I dry with a towel then with a square of TP in between the scales above and below the pivot, flip the blade around and repeat being careful not to cut the crap out of myself since the edge is now facing down. Then I strop on suede side leather and store open for a few hours or overnight. I keep mine in the bathroom but my bathroom has 15' ceiling and is as big as most master bedrooms. My mirrors never steam up. I also keep the desicant packs in the drawers as mentioned before. Mine never see oil. I have over 200 and some go years without use. It is important though to do a total inventory every so often, not only for rust due to moisture but for cell rot. I do believe that moisture is a big contributor to cell rot also though.

I just wipe dry with tissue and strop. Put in rack so it air dries.

You may not be getting razor totally dry before applying oil. Remember to store razor in a dry area. Not in leather case.

Much appreciated guys! This is all very helpful. Definitely need to not keep storing it in the bathroom, as well as let it air dry before applying oil. I'll try switching to using TP instead of paper towel, paper towel seems a little harsh and hard to control due to size and its a bit stiffer. I've been stropping and then applying the oil, but I think you are right, may still be some moisture there that I'm just smearing around with the light application of oil. Think I might get a little storage tray in the bedroom and a bag of desiccant as well, on top of the little tips you guys have given me.

I have VCI emitters everywhere. Anything long term stored is in VCI paper.