Larry,

Camellia oil is a vegetable oil and will, like other vegetable oils, polymerize over time. This polymerization is the same process that enables oil paints to harden. The vaunted camellia rust preventing properties likely depend on regular and frequent re-application and wiping, which are done before the oil ages enough to get gummy. So you can use it if you have a regimen for frequently tending your razors treated with it. A friend who has made Japanese swords actually prefers clove oil for this anti-rusting treatment, but then again they who own those treasured blades don't just let them sit around without regular wiping. Use a petroleum based oil for long term parking. Synthetics work too, as I use a Birchwood Casey synthetic oil on some of my guns to good effect.

"wipe on, wipe off", Bruce