Thread: Goo on razor

I recently purchased a razor that was said to have been "in storage in a warehouse."

When it arrived it was in good shape, save for the fact that it had apparently been coated with some sort of preservative oil at one point. The residue is gooey and clings to the blade in spots, as well as making the razor difficult to open and close.

I would show photos, save for the fact that the stuff doesn't show up (I tried, and it wasn't visualized in the offering photo, either).

It reminds me, in a way, of the cosmolene that was used on firearms. It's also reminiscent of old cooking oil that's been reduced to goo in an skillet.

Any suggestions for removing this stuff? I hesitate to even strop it until I get rid of this stuff. Don't want it getting on a perfectly good strop.

Thanks in advance for any input!

I imagine acetone or mineral spirits will make quick work of it- just be careful about getting it on the scales, as either solvent will do bad things to acrylic, celluloid, finished woods, etc...

I would try alcohol on cloth patches first, as it would be less harmful to the scales, although alcohol is bad for celluloid too. Hold the blade pointing down and wipe only from the tang to the toe of the blade, never toward the scales. If it the really stuck on there, you might try a mild detergent and 0000 steel wool with a little water, same method. My .02. Hope this reveals a wonderful razor!

I would also go with rubbing alcohol. I'd stay away from the harsh solvents, just because they can easily ruin the scales. Goof off might work, too. But again I'd be careful with the scales.

So far, the goo has been resistant to rubbing alcohol. I haven't tried the mineral spirits or acetone.

Both razor and scales are in stainless, so hopefully that alleviates any concern about other chemicals.

Is there a scratching issue with regard to steel wool?

Did you try heating the blade under hot water or maybe (although I hesitate to recommend this), very very carefully over some heat source to loosen it up enough to wipe off the Goo?

You may also want to try using oil (new) to remove oil (Goo)...try baby oil??

-Robert

Bob

WD40 is a great solvent for removing sticky from most things. Spray on a paper towel and rub. Works great on Stainless appliances. I squirt down my BBQ and degrease with paper towels.

Also great for removing the goo after peeling off lables.

Marty

That does sound like the cosmoline we used in the Navy. We used JP-5 (jet fuel -- similar to diesel fuel) to remove it.

Do not use acetone if the scales are celluloid -- it will melt and dissolve them -- unless you don't mind having it rescaled.

Get some white kerosene -- the kind used in Kerosun space heaters -- and give that a try. It should break the cosmoline down without damaging the scales.
Namaste,
Morty -_-

Oops. I replied before I read your second post where you said the scales were stainless.

Originally Posted by M Martinez

Bob

WD40 is a great solvent for removing sticky from most things. Spray on a paper towel and rub. Works great on Stainless appliances. I squirt down my BBQ and degrease with paper towels.

Also great for removing the goo after peeling off lables.

Marty

I agree try WD40 it is not as harsh of a solvent or try mineral spirits will work also. I would stay away from the hot water or alcohol as these have a higher probability of damageing the scales. The WD40 sounds like the safest to me

Since the scales are stainless you can use about any solvent you want. Lighter fluid contains acetone and is pretty good IME. Certainly mineral spirits ought to do it.