Case, Stand, Box - Building Advice needed

Summer's here, and with some extra time on my hands, I've decided to undertake a little construction project. I'd love to hear your advice about design and materials.

I have a modest collection (around 25) razors, and although some are great "collectibles," I actually shave with all of them, and my concept of a "rotation" is just to grab whichever fella catches my eye on any given morning. Although many of them still have their original coffins, I find it too cluttering to store them in their coffins, all piled up, and unbox them whenever I shave.

I'd like to build something that a) displays the collection, b) is extremely easy to access -- to reach in and grab what I need, and put it away when I'm done, and c) is extraordinarily carbon-steel-friendly to keep the collection in tip-top shape. (Less important, but worth considering, is a solution that has the possibility to expand, in case the collection ends up increasing over time, which is certainly more than likely.)

A traditional barber's box seems like a not great choice - you can't see much when you open the box but the tail, so it's hard to identify, and it certainly doesn't show off the collection. Then again, if the box were made out of Lucite...

A large framed display with a glass front could work -- with razors positioned on pins. What do you think about storing razors in the open position? I always oil my razors after every shave, so the backing would have to be something that could handle getting oil all over it. But a choice like wood could be dangerous to the edges, if the razors moved around on the pins.

I'm also planning on adding a dessicant to the interior of whatever I build. A reservoir for silica gel seems an obvious choice. Some years back, I lived in Brazil for many years, and I'd keep my cigars in a humidor that I'd outfitted with pure propylene glycol -- this worked great to absorb humidity in that clime. Any thoughts of silica gel vs. propylene glycol vs any other dessicants?

I'm assuming many of you have undertaken similar projects, or have store-bought solutions, or are even in the business of making such racks, cases and boxes. So I'd love to hear thoughts -- see pictures -- all that jazz.

Of course I'll post a pic when I'm done, but right now I'm just gathering intel.

Thanks!

- M.

Mrgad I had a thread going over in the General section a few weeks ago that was related to that somewhat. There are a few ingenious ideas on it.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/gener...-regulars.html

Thanks for sending that link! I had a hunch someone else would've started this same thread some time or another. The pipe racks (and the custom rack that has the same principle) sure looks like a strong contender...

As possible alternates for pipe racks, test tube racks and toothbrush stands both work quite well. There was a thread somewhere about a cheap toothbrush stand that was sold at walmart or target or some such store. Test tube stands can be a bit harder to come by, unless you have contact with a laboratory setting or someone who works in one.

I went the cigar box route -- stopped by the tobacco shop and asked the guy if he had any extras laying around. Got a nice cedar lined box with invisible hinges. Cedar is great for absorbing moisture, so if you leave the box open for a day or two and allow the already-stored moisture to escape, it becomes a great storage option for your blades.

Sorry if that's off topic... I know you hinted at constructing something as a project.

Have fun

Along with the ideas above, pen stands or racks will work.

Right now I have plans to build a teak rack. It will be a 2 tier +/- 8 inch round stand. It will have holes cut in the top around the parameter for about 8 or 10 razors. The center will store my mug and brush.

Pictures will be provided when complete.
Rick