Thread: To use or not to use

I just received my first collector quality razor. It is a Henckels that is absolutely pristine. My intention was to send it out for honing and use it. I do not collect razors just to look at, but this thing is so nice, that I hesitate to use it.

How do I use a razor and keep it looking perfect? Is this even possible? In the past, despite my efforts, my razors always show some signs of use. My after shave razor routine is as follows. Wipe the razor and between the scales with tissue, use a hair dryer on the pivot point and between the scales. Leave the razor open several hours before closing.

Open to any advice.

I am pretty sure we all have razors that we save for special shaves. I have a few. They do not get a lot of mileage, but they do get used and they are kept in premium condition. I have to admit though I do have a few NOS pieces that do not get used and are for display. There are very few of those though.

There are tons of NOS Henkels out there. Is this one particularly rare? I've got a handful of razors that are very special to me. I shave with them on special occasions.

My great grandfather's Wade & Butcher is rarely used, twice in the past 7 years. It gets lubricated & store.

I use everything I have. What is the point in not using a razor? Eventually you will die and (more than likely) no one else will care about your razors. Why not enjoy them?

As far as taking care of them...I just dry them after use and strop them. That's it. It's awfully hard to wear out a razor.

Use them all - maybe save for a special occasion as others do.
Rather focus on keeping it clean and dry - with a little oil if needed and you will have something that's functional and looks good too - for may years

The truth will set you free. Who are you saving it for? I have to agree with this fine gentleman. I am 72 and I save nothing for no one. I procure such and such for my pleasure, should someone garner from my tid bits after my expiration date arrives, then great. But for now, my procurements are for me and my enjoyment. If you wish to save for someone else then start an investment plan, or something that will be of a benefit to the heir.

What lubrication do you use??? I have not found one that does not gum up at some point and creates heart ache later. I only dry mine well put them in a box with silicone moisture absorbers and lock them down tight in an air lock sealed box. So far they stay in very good condition.

Originally Posted by Glock27

What lubrication do you use??? I have not found one that does not gum up at some point and creates heart ache later. I only dry mine well put them in a box with silicone moisture absorbers and lock them down tight in an air lock sealed box. So far they stay in very good condition.

Much depends on the razor.
Gun shops have some great choices that apply to old and blue steel.
WD-40 gets a bad rep but is good for displacing the water that sometimes gets in the hinge.
Camellia Oil is one choice.
A light oil like sewing machine or gun oil is easy to find and works well.
Renaissance Wax is well regarded and makes sense to protect gold plating and highly polished steel.

All vegetable oils are a risk as they go rancid and acidic.

Dry is good but old cellulose scales in a sealed box will be trouble.

My choice has been Camellia oil from Woodcraft and a bit of WD-40 for the hinge.



Gummy oil will soften with fresh oil of the same type and can be wiped off.
Wiping any excess oil is always a good practice.

Machine shops have their favorites to keep fine tools from rusting, ask there.
I have seen Gerstner Tool Chests where every drawer had two moth balls to
displace air.

I would use it. I'm not a collector so whatever I buy I use and enjoy them. The only reason I would not use it is if after getting the razor I realized I don't like and and would like to sell or if I'm saving it for my kids to use when they are old enough.