Thread: Daily oil

Is it really neccesary to oil the blade after every use? I'm using the same razor within 24 hours and it seems a bit over kill to me.I'm using mineral oil on it now.Thanks for any info.

Depends on the humidity where you live I guess. I never oil my razors as it's quite dry here.

If you dry the razor completely including between the hinge points there may be no need to oil the razor.

I have read that others do not oil up there razor after each use but it must be completely moisture free to my understanding.

If there is any sign of moisture the blade can oxidize within minutes.

I personally oil my razor with baby oil (mineral oil) after each use as it is a cheap option.

A few weeks ago I just finished shaving and gave the razor a wipe down and I was about to oil it up when I had a visitor arrive at my house so I just place the razor in a cupboard. After my guest had departed I remembered about my razor and I had found it had rust spots within an hour or so. They polished away before any real damage was done but I am not taking any more chances not oiling my razors.

Oh by the way I do not live in an overly dry climate and it can be quite humid in summer and damp in writer which plays a factor in needing to oil the razor.

In my view that is a definite yes. I have seen blades that have developed water spots over night. If the scales got water in them double that risk. Why risk it for that drop of oil and the few seconds to but it on. You can't imagine what we have seen with blades that weren't oiled. YMMV by why risk it.

Take it from another Ohioan, better safe than sorry. Carbon steel can rust if you look at it wrong.

I oil my carbon and stainless razors. I suppose if you live in Arizona you could just dry the blade. But I agree with soaking every blade with oil, carbon or stainless. Better safe than sorry. I also use a silicon sock after oiling.

This web site has silicon infused sleeves that prevent moisture also. Sheaths, Cases, and Rolls for Straight Razors they are very cheap and very effective at preventing moisture. The site is run by a man in Florida which is very humid.

I keep an old olive jar (tall and narrow) filled with rubbing alcohol, to which I have added about a tsp. of mineral oil. After each shave I rinse the blade with hot water then give it a dip in the alcohol/oil solution. (The solution will separate, so it must be shaken before each use) I then set the blade aside to air-dry. The alcohol soon evaporates leaving a thin coat of oil which protects the blade and pivot from any rust. I have used this method for well over a year, and have not seen any damage to any of the scales regardless of composition. No rust even when left unused for long periods. Quick and easy enough to use after every shave just to be sure.

I should add that this was not my idea, but one I read about either here or on B&B, but it works very well.