Thread: Razor Presevation

I'm wondering what you guys do for Razor preservation? I've always used Camelia oil for long term storage, That is, Razors not out in current rotation, so some can sit for up to a year at a time, maybe more. I have over 100 razors, I think, who's counting. Recently, I decided to take out my Ducks, The Goldedges were fine, 3 of my Wonderedges had some rust on them, nothing I couldn't take care of, but it still ****ed me off. The rust also attacked my Puma's, especially my Puma Gold with the beautiful etching on the blade. I managed to save it as well, and most of the etching, I lost some of the gold....The thing is, these blades were coated in Camelia oil.

Now, Did I use too much oil? I've since gone to applying the oil to a paper towel, rubbing the blade, and then wiping it with toilet paper. It seems to leave enough on the blade, without it being heavialy coated. The razors I took out of storage, looked like the oil had accumulated in some spots, and built up to a gunky mess. Not good. I also decided to use a silicone treated gun cloth. You can actually see what it leaves on the blade.

I talked to a friend of mine, Robert, aka Bladerunner001 and he recommended something called
"Renaissance Wax", so I have that on order. I'm also going to try something made by Boeing for long term storage of Aircraft called, "Boeshield T9" it's a wax and a solvent

Anyway, It's not that I can't clean up these blades, it's that everytime I do, I risk losing some detail, like the Puma Gold....So...Sorry, long winded...My home, in Florida is climate controlled yerar round. I thought of buying a De Humidifier too...Has anyone else had this problem. What do you guys do?

P.S. I did consider the fact that the rust is in the blades, and something I'll have to deal with from time to time. They are old, vintage razors....restored, but old....


Joe, Ben, Mods, Feel free to move this post to another section. Razors seemed logical....

Camelia oil is not actually an oil--it's a fat. It is absolutely fine for short term storage, but any fat will oxidize over time and become acidic and therefore corrosive to steel.

i use ballistol oil that came free with a few of my razors. Iva had some success with them and read good things about them when it comes to longer storage.

Ive heard good things about the renaissance wax but havent found any, where did you purchase it from?

Originally Posted by basil

i use ballistol oil that came free with a few of my razors. Iva had some success with them and read good things about them when it comes to longer storage.

Ive heard good things about the renaissance wax but havent found any, where did you purchase it from?

I have some Ballistol too, It's with my Gun stuff. The Renaissance wax and T9 I got off Amazon.....

Originally Posted by zib

I have over 100 razors, I think, who's counting.

i don't have any insight on an oil for long term storage, but it sounds like you have an awesome collection. i'm sure i'm not the only one here who would like to see a picture of the variety of razors you have, if you have the time.

Originally Posted by Utopian

Camelia oil is not actually an oil--it's a fat. It is absolutely fine for short term storage, but any fat will oxidize over time and become acidic and therefore corrosive to steel.

Well, Thanks, I did not know that. It also clears up a lot....

Did you have any suggestions for long term storage? What do you use...?

Originally Posted by zib

I have some Ballistol too, It's with my Gun stuff. The Renaissance wax and T9 I got off Amazon.....

I've been meaning to catalog them for some time. I've been at this for some time, and managed to collect quite a bit in the process, I'm not even gonna say how many hones I have....

I have limited experience in preserving straight razors, new to the game. Mine are rotated each night with a thick coat of mineral oil on each after shave.
But;
I do live in Florida and have to preserve firearms with different types/ages of steel for long peroids of time. I use the Renaissance wax on occassion. I completely clean and dry the surface, small amount of Renaissance wax to "seal" the surface, so to speak. Take photos, then light coat of "BreakFree", then store. No problems with any of them; after 6 month inspection.
I have done the same process on most of my weapons , skipping the Renaissance wax. Using a thick coat of Break Free, only.
My best result on long term storage, five years without inspection, was with the weapon "coated" with the lubrication "Rigg". No surface problems.

You can Rig the razors and place them in a silicone pistol "Sock" for storage.

Just my thoughts, hope this helps.

P.S.- Renaissance wax can usually be found at furniture/wood working refinishing stores. It's not cheap.

Boeshield T9 is wonderful. It's a mixture of penetrating oil, rust inhibitors, and wax. After the volatile stuff has evaporated, the wax (and maybe other goop) remains on the surface.

I've used a lot of it on my boat. Boat electrical systems are notorious for having corrosion problems. No connection that I've spritzed with T9 has ever corroded.

I don't use it on "regular rotation" razors -- too hard to clean off. But for long-term storage, it should be great. It's also not horribly expensive, compared to gun stuff and razor stuff.

Charles

A.G Russell makes a preservative called no rust. it's specifically designed for guns and knives. It's a silicon based substance very thick and a drop is applied and worked in. I've been using it for years for long term storage and I've had no problems.