Thread: Protecting Your Straight Razor?

I have 34 razors and use them all in rotation. They are stored in a mahogany cutlery box and I carefully wash and dry each blade after each use. The box is kept in a low humidity area. With the exception of a Wade & Butcher razor, I have not experienced rust or spotting issues.

At first, I put a light coat of SRD Camellia Oil on the blade after each use. Then I read about Renaissance Wax. I cleaned several of my razors with Maas and then applied three light coats of Renaissance wax. At this point, I like both products. It seems to me that the main advantage of the Renaissance Wax is the spot free appearance. I have searched SRD and Google and know that both can be effective. There seems to be a consensus that Camellia Oil is best for everyday use and Renaissance Wax is best for long term storage. Some concern was given about using Renaissance Wax on "food" knives but straight razors was not part of that discussion. I want to give my razors the best protection and would like your advice.

My basic reactions

Camellia Oil:
Pro: easy to apply, protects against rust, food-safe product
Con: leaves a light greasy film on the razor, oil can disintegrate over time

Renaissance Wax:
Pro: protects against rust, longer lasting than Camellia Oil, prevents finger prints, water beads up during razor use
Con: a little more time to apply, health safety issues of ingredients (application to razor & use of razor on skin), does it hold up to everyday razor use?

Questions

1. Does anyone use Renaissance wax as an everyday application to their razor?
2. Does use of a razor remove the Renaissance Wax and thereby require an application after each use?
3. Are their any health issues from using either product?
4. Should you only use one or the other?
5. How do the two products interact with each other?
6. Is it possible or advisable to use Camellia Oil daily on a razor that has been coated with Renaissance wax? (i.e. Renaissance wax once a month & daily application of Camellia Oil?)
7. When used on daily use razors, is one better at protecting the razor?
8. If you have used both products, which one do you prefer and why?

Thanks for your help on this issue!