Thread: Storage Question

More of a collector than a user with a question.
Have been told the practice of storing razors in leather rolls long term is not recomended.
Thoughts from the experts please.
Thx in advance.

I've never heard of that so I'll be interested to read what others have to say about it. I have several razors in about half a dozen oiled leather rolls that have been that way for a few years now with no noticeable ill effect.

Could you please expand on what you were told? Is it supposed to harm the scales or the blade? If it harms the scales, then what kind? Did the person who told you this have razor experience or was he basing it on something else?

I have always figured that the leather rolls were a good option for mechanical protection while still allowing some small amount of air exchange.

I'm afraid I can only vouch for about 18 months at this stage

My razors are all stored in leather pouches that holds 10 each.
It has, this far, worked out perfectly.
I keep them in a cupboard in the kitchen, a dry and dark place.

Page 224,Standard Guide to razors,3rd edition,by Ritchie and Stewart.
:Never store razors in leather or roll them in paper towels,Residual acids in the leather and paper will corrode even SS steel and brass if stored for very long:
Just asking,I have hand guns that have been in leather holsters for decades with no problems.
Perhaps the above is erroneous.

Interesting!
Thanks for the info and source of it.
I hope more people chime in on this with any info they might have

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Perhaps the above is erroneous.

Unfortunately, actually, it makes sense. The leather tanning process involves acids and the leather itself remains acidic. I guess my leather rolls are going to have to be re-purposed.

I've read comments in several places, including here on SRP of guys who found stashes of razors, and the ones stored in leather pouches were the worse off for corrosion.

I do wonder though if being oiled leather makes a difference. The oil protects the blades from corrosion, and may prevent the acids in the leather from causing harm. However, over an extended period of time, the leather will eventually dry out, so long term storage would need maintenance at least.

My best experience (and it's pretty limited I'll gladly admit) has been with razors stored oiled in original cardboard boxes, or my Great Great Grandfather's razor which was stored in a wooden box. Ron can attest it had some corrosion, but that was from being put away wet (most likely the fault of my then young grandfather as he was the last known family member to shave with the razor). The razor was not oiled and had no corrosion beyond the obvious pattern of a less than dry wiping.

FWIW!

Peace,