Thread: good or bad idea for preservation?

Good day,
I have been repeatedly having the problem of tarnish and minor oxidation on my blades from time to time. (for a while there I got rust on the pivot, then I started drying the razor thoroughly with hair dryer on cool setting and that seemed to help)

I have bought a cotton sleeve from superior shave. The gentleman insists that once you slip the razor inside you don't have to worry about anything but frankly I can't believe they are THAT effective.

I am planning to get a relatively large airtight jar (like this but bigger) and put silica gel inside to dehumidify the inside. and store my razors in there.
my concern is desert ironwood and cocobolo scales of my razors will crack due to no humidity, will that happen?

is that an alternative to oiling the razors? I don't like oiling razors because with mineral oil usually the oil forms tiny drops on the blade and some parts of the blade get uncovered.( I have not tried camelia oil or gun oil etc). I also like to avoid oiling because it is very inconvenient to oil the razor each time after use.

I would appreciate to know your ideas regarding this.

Thanks
Dan

If you don't like oil you could try Renaissance Wax. It's more pricey than oil but protects great. It is the same stuff used by museums for preservation.

Originally Posted by Theseus

If you don't like oil you could try Renaissance Wax. It's more pricey than oil but protects great. It is the same stuff used by museums for preservation.

Thank you but that still requires coating blade after use also I will have a hard time with the pivot. do you think the method I mentioned is safe and effective?

It should work as long as you don't introduce too much humidity to the jar.

Originally Posted by Theseus

It should work as long as you don't introduce too much humidity to the jar.

Thanks very much. no I am still going to totally dry my blades before putting them in the jar and there will be enough silica packs. I was rather concerned if too little humidity will warp or shrink or crack the beautiful wooden scales.

Daniel,

It would be interesting to know your whole set up. Where do you store your razors now?

The reason I'm asking: I live in Toronto, which isn't too different in humidity from the Tri-city area. I wipe my blades with Kleenex, and store them in a box in the bedroom. I have never oiled my blades, nor do they form any discolouration, oxidation or rust. there are two small silica packs in my razor box. My razors are stored in the bedroom.

How is it that you're getting rust spots on the pivot? Are you rinsing the whole razor after a pass on your face? If that's part of the issue, you may find that sponge in the bottom of your sink will allow you to wipe the blade free of gunk, while keeping the pivot and tang dry.

Just some thoughts.

Originally Posted by Maxi

Daniel,

It would be interesting to know your whole set up. Where do you store your razors now?

The reason I'm asking: I live in Toronto, which isn't too different in humidity from the Tri-city area. I wipe my blades with Kleenex, and store them in a box in the bedroom. I have never oiled my blades, nor do they form any discolouration, oxidation or rust. there are two small silica packs in my razor box. My razors are stored in the bedroom.

How is it that you're getting rust spots on the pivot? Are you rinsing the whole razor after a pass on your face? If that's part of the issue, you may find that sponge in the bottom of your sink will allow you to wipe the blade free of gunk, while keeping the pivot and tang dry.

Just some thoughts.

yes you are right I rinse the entire razor after use and the water is really hard to get off the pivot especially if there is no spacer.
I keep most of my razors out of box on the dresser with my fragrances. I have not had rust problems but tarnish. one of my razors is inside a cotton sleeve I bought from thesuperiorshave, I wonder if this will make a difference.

most of the time the tarnish is not too visible but when I use autosol to polish the razors the difference is striking.

Try to get in the habit of NOT getting the shank wet,is really no reason to even if you rinse.

I have the same problem with my Dovo Forestra. What I found to work was baby oil. Seems that a liberal coating of baby oil doesw the trick. I live in south Florida so humidity is always an issue. My Dovo is especially proned to tarnish spots.

To get the spots out I use Turtle Wax Crome polish with a Q-tip let it sit and the buff it off with a clean Q-tip. Takes a while though. I few applications and it is as good as new.

Originally Posted by ItalianJoe

I have the same problem with my Dovo Forestra. What I found to work was baby oil. Seems that a liberal coating of baby oil doesw the trick.

Thank you for your response friend. I know that wax and oil work but it is inconvenient. I was asking to see if what I am going to start doing is a safe (and convenient) alternative.
I will post pictures as soon as I get it going.