Thread: Should I Oil??

I only shave evry other day, just starting to sr8 razor today...should I oil between shaves?? If so, what oil should I use?

oil would help to keep the razor rust free....just make sure its dry before you put it away and you wont have to worry abut rust too much.

But if you want to use oil there are lots you can use. I use ballistol oil that came with my razor when i bought it, i used to use baby oil which everyone always has. or just a normal mineral oil will work fine.

I oil every time but I don't think it's necessary. Some people oil others don't, if you keep your razor in a dry place and humidity is not a problem then I would say it's a matter of personal preference. Some people have bad luck and if they don't oil they will end up with some degree of corrosion.
Kingfish started a thread about an oil he uses/ makes that doesn't bead up on the blade.
 
I haven't tried this yet but it looks like a good idea.
I hope this helps,
Adam

I received a thing of Japanese camelia oil and I use one smal drop on each side of the blade, and each blade sees action probably once or twice a month. Having a good routine of drying and storing your razors is very important. Supplementing that routine, oil can't hurt, but it can help.

Originally Posted by bassguy

I received a thing of Japanese camelia oil and I use one smal drop on each side of the blade, and each blade sees action probably once or twice a month. Having a good routine of drying and storing your razors very important. If supplementing that routine, oil can't hurt, but it can help.

+1 on the camelia oil. Some guys use mineral oil. Some WD40. Keep your babys oiled up nice and they will be around a long time. Cameilia oil is very nice light stuff. I had never heard about it till I joined SRP. It's good for your skin too.

+1 on the previous advice. If you do so 2-3 times a week, that should suffice as long as you make sure that your razor is dry after shaving. You can also strop it 10-15 times each on the fabric and leather of your strop after shaving and before applying the oil.

Make sure too that you apply a drop of oil on the area of the pivot where the blade and the scales meet. That will retard/prevent rust & corrosion in that area of your razor.

Originally Posted by jhenry

You can also strop it 10-15 times each on the fabric and leather of your strop after shaving and before applying the oil.

This is a big part of it. Tissue paper is good to dry it right before stropping also.

I got a bit of surface rust over the winter with the condensation from the shower. It was only on the exposed surface. Now I use a light coat of gun oil and wipe it off before stropping. There might be better oils to use but that's what i have on hand. I've also moved my razors to a less humid spot.

Yes, you should oil. I don't know much about Camel oil but this is what I use:

Straight Razor Maintenance & Repair Needs

Classic Brand Razor Oil is a sterile lubricant/protectant which is applied to all newly made razors and other instruments. Ideal for long or short term storage.

Used worldwide to both protect fine cutlery from rust or corrosion and to lubricate the moving parts of surgical instruments due to its being sterile, non-toxic, and inert. Safe for use in close proximity to any synthetic or natural handle materials, will not damage or stain. Does not dry or build-up on the blade or gum up joints. Can be easily wiped off with a soft facial tissue.

Comes in a generous 2 0z bottle with precision applicator tip to reach even the most inaccessible areas.

Personally, I don't oil.

I don't get anything but the blade wet while shaving - no water on the tang, pivot or scales. Dry the blade after shaving. Let it sit open for a while, just to be sure. Store it in a dry place (a box with dessacants will work if you are in a humid climate). Don't leave fingerprints on the blade; they can cause rust.

I've had some blades for about 2.5 years, and no problems yet. If you take care of your blades, you'll have no problem (unless you live somewhere very humid). If you don't want to take the time to take care of your blades, oiling can be a good idea.