Thread: Razor Care

I just wanted to ask about vaseline and razors. I read that someone used vaseline instead of oil when storing razors? Good? And if so, will any kind of vaseline do? This one for example?



..It's quite humid in Cambodia and am planning to bring a couple of razors over next time I go back. I would like to make sure if I can use regular vaseline or if I should get some proper oil for the razors..

And another question about MAAS.. Is it this tube you all use?


It's impossible to find this stuff in Norway so I'll have to get it off ebay and I want to make sure I buy the right thing.

Thanks for any help..

If I wanted to store a razor pretty much permanently, vasline might be an option. Would be far too much trouble to remove before stropping every time. Get some Ballistol oil instead.

My tube of Maas looks different. Sidol Metallpolitur and other stuff you can get in Europe work just as well, though. If you want something stylish, try this: PUMA-Metallpolitur 318000

Regards,
Robin

Thanks for the tips. That puma metallpolitur looks great, but shipping is a bit expensive. I bookmarked the shop though. Lots of nice stuff there. I liked the puma paddle strop.

I was thinking of using the vaseline on the razors when I go back to work in Norway. Just coat the blades with vaseline and roll them up in some linen and place them in the safe. It will be for periods up to 3-4 months.
I liked the idea of vaseline because it wont irritate my skin if I can't get it all off. Unlike some of the oils on razors I have bought earlier. I don't know what oils they were, but on one occasion I ended up with a red face because I didn't clean the razor properly before stropping and shaving. It might have been something else, but I blame the oil

I use oil from DOVO and MAAS in the same tube.

I coat my blades in vaseline when storing them and have never had a problem, just wipe it off, than use alchohol on tissue to remove residue, some as with any other oil. That is the some tube of Maas that have also.

After nightly use, I coat my razor with vaseline. When time to shave, I wipe off with a short strip of toilet paper. I've never had a problem.

There's always the chance I might use a razor, and go to another razor or razors for an extended period of time. I like using vaseline because if a razor by happenstance of use is not used for a long time, I don't have to worry about the blade being adequately coated.

Thanks for the replies guys. I guess I will be using vaseline then. It is so easy to get a hold of anywhere in the world..

I've only been shaving with a straight now for about 2 months. I use a product from Smokey Mountain Knife Works called "Coon P". Supposed to be real high tech stuff. Goes on and comes off real easy.

Vaseline contains water, doesn't it? Or at least mine does. I don't dare using it on my razor...

Originally Posted by petkouzunski

Vaseline contains water, doesn't it?

Vaseline is also called white petrolatum, and is completely water insoluble. I don't know how water could be added to vaseline even if a manufacturer wanted to do so, because the water would separate from the vaseline.

Maybe there is a process or way I don't understand. But, every vaseline jar I've seen is labeled 100% pure. I consider it very safe for metals.

From wikipedia... Petroleum jelly - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ...

Petroleum jelly is a flammable, semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons, having a melting-point usually ranging from a little below to a few degrees above 167°F (75°C). It is colorless, or of a pale yellow color (when not highly distilled), translucent, and devoid of taste and smell when pure. It does not oxidize on exposure to the air, and is not readily acted on by chemical reagents. It is insoluble in water. It is soluble in chloroform, benzene, carbon disulfide and oil of turpentine.


A collector told me the other day that vaseline would hold water onto metal, and vaseline should never be applied to straight razors. I doubt this also.

Am willing to listen to other opinions...