Thread: Renaissance wax questions

Howdy all,

I've been reading up a bit on this Renaissance wax and had a few questions.

It says ita good as a coat on the balde and scale. Do I just rub it on the blade and reapply after every shave? Also for the scales I wouldn't hurt a natural material like horn or bone?

And does anyone in Canada know if this product is available in stores. Or is it just an online thing?

basil,

You only need a very thin coat on the blade; so thin it hardly is visible !

Apply, let dry, then buff off excess.

I have used it on all my scale materials, save for celluloid.

On wood, bone, horn, micarta & modern plastics - it has done a very good job

It is also very economical - the tub looks like its going to outlast me !!

Have fun !

best regards

Russ

Yes, it only needs the thinnest of thin layers to work. If you put too much on it will go cloudy. I do not put it on the blades of razors that are in my regular rotation. This stuff is more for rust prevention. It was developed by the British museum for suits of armour, swords, polished brass and silver, ect to stop the effects of oxidisation. It seals the surface from the air. If you were using the razor and subjecting it to rubbing on your face, and soap, and very hot water then I would imagine you would need to apply it after every shave.

I really don't think the developers had this in mind for the product. It is more for things in glass cases and occasionally handled, like silverware that you don't want to have to polish every couple of months. I only use renaissance wax on my gear that is for display. The stuff I use regularly shouldn't be corroding if I clean it properly after I have finished.

I know at least one custom razor maker who recommends it for blades as well as scales.

The thing about ren wax is that it wears well to touch. Most lathers will thin it after use, but if you wish to apply it to your daily use razor I would about once a week. As was said before it doesn't need to be applied to your daily use razors, but wiping with a piece of tissue after use (watch those fingers) is sufficient. The tissue will redistribute the wax slightly, but mostly just wear it off.

Just thinking out loud, IMO the areas that will tend to wear off are the edge and spine. The belly of the blade ought to last awhile. The strop and the shave will remove some. IIRC I've seen a cloth impregnated with the stuff that they sell along with the standard jars.

Robert Williams got me using it. It is really good stuff.