Thread: Straight Razor Sleeves?

I'm just getting started with straight shaving and just bought my second straight from the SRP classifieds. I've been considering the most efficient, space saving, and economical way to store my razors.

My wife is handy with sewing and she is willing to sew up a multi razor roll for me, which seems like it would save space and allow me to store my razors anywhere that's reasonable, from the medicine cabinet to my dresser drawer.

I saw these oil and silicone impregnated sleeves on The Superior Shave site -- Sheaths, Cases, and Rolls for Straight Razors --the sleeve I'm looking at is at the bottom of the page. I am hoping that by using these sleeves it would not be necessary to oil my blades after shaving and drying them out after each shave, which I am currently doing at the moment.

My thought is to use one of these sleeves in each slot in the roll to protect the razor from rust and moisture. They would basically be built into the roll she creates.

Does anyone have any experience with these sleeves? Do they work, are they worth using, etc? I was also wondering if the silicone and oil could damage or stain the scales over time. That may be a real newb question as it seems to me that the sleeve wouldn't damage the scales, but I thought I might ask first before investing any money in them. The scales on the two razors I currently have are bakelite and celluloid (are these just different words for the same material?).

Any info you vetran shavers can offer would be most appreciated. Also, if you have some other razor storage suggestions, that would also be welcome. Thanks.

You still need to dry out the blade before putting it into such a sleeve, it will not protect the razor from moisture already on the razor.

I keep my favorite razor in one. I haven't noticed any ill effects yet.

Originally Posted by whavens

I keep my favorite razor in one. I haven't noticed any ill effects yet.

Thanks. Anyone else out there with any experience with these sleeves or an opinion on the silcone and oil used on the fabric and it's potential effect on scales etc? I'm leaning towards getting these at this point...

Originally Posted by KeithS

Thanks. Anyone else out there with any experience with these sleeves or an opinion on the silcone and oil used on the fabric and it's potential effect on scales etc? I'm leaning towards getting these at this point...

I have several that I use for my razors, but I haven't had them long enough to answer your question.

Another solution to consider is the AlembiCase:

Alembic Products

Like Blix said, dry them first and nothing wrong with taking 3 seconds to wipe some mineral oil on them too.
I use the same style fabric on my rifles. You can buy a silicon impregnated rifle sleeve/sock and your wife could make an easy dozen razor sleeves out of it. The rifle sleeves are cheap.
Remember , they keep moisture out to a certain degree, but they will also keep it in, if the razors are damp when placed in it.
Just my thoughts.

Wow - thanks guys, this is good info.

@PTiger - I'm digging the Alembicase--it looks like a great idea and reasonably priced too. This will be something to save some deneros for in the future.

@Hirlau and Blix - Being new, I am being probably overly careful with drying the razor and scales (inside as well) daily after stropping with linen then leather. I am then oiling the blade. I'm just taking my time with every aspect of the straight shaving until I get used more used to it. Plus, I'm having a blast! I actually look forward to shaving now.

@Hirlau - Thanks for the tip on the rifle stock--SWMBO has graciously agreed to sew up some razor sleeves from one as well as the razor roll, so I'll look for one on the net or locally if I can find a place.

I'll be in good stead in the near future with some extra slots for several more razors (always a good thing)!