Thread: will oiling a razor for storage protect it from cell rot?

Just like the title says, I met a n old barber that wants to preserve his collection with out having anything restored. I noticed he has a few razors with celluloid scales, I suggested he keep them seperate from the rest. Is there anyway of saving them or preventing cell rot from happening. The guy is a purist and doesn't want then to look any different.

Most celluloid razors don't end up with cell rot. There are some colors that are more susceptible than others. Oil or ren wax may help, but if the gassing begins the only sure cure is dump the scales. IMHO.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Most celluloid razors don't end up with cell rot. There are some colors that are more susceptible than others. Oil or ren wax may help, but if the gassing begins the only sure cure is dump the scales. IMHO.

Thanks Jimmy! That makes sense. He has one with the pretty green see through scales, I suggested he keep that one in its own box just to be safe, thanks!

It will also help to make sure the celluloid scaled razors are allowed to breathe. Don't keep them in a sealed container.

The see through green of the Otto Duetch Hans, the clear DD Satinedge/wedge the faux tortoise Puma and Robesons were some of the most notorious rotters. The 2 biggest enemies are sunlight, and moisture. If he has them on display, they should be behind UV resistant glass, and preferably in an area with no windows, or at least no direct sun. As many of those moisture absorber packets as can be hidden in whatever storage or display box they are in is also helpful in delaying the rot.
There is no treatment that I know of for the scales themselves to stop it once it starts, and putting any kind of chemical on them in hopes of stopping it runs the risk of actually causing it to break down.

Clear celluloid is risky, treat as above, the few I have and wrapped in a cloth and away from anything rustable... My unused razors have a light coat of oil on the blades and lightly on the tangs, avoiding the pivot pins, I hate slippery blades in scales... but I want oil in the stamps, jibs and such. I forget the name of the Japanese oil but it has been fantastic on my carbon razors and kitchen knives

Originally Posted by DwarvenChef

Clear celluloid is risky, treat as above, the few I have and wrapped in a cloth and away from anything rustable... My unused razors have a light coat of oil on the blades and lightly on the tangs, avoiding the pivot pins, I hate slippery blades in scales... but I want oil in the stamps, jibs and such. I forget the name of the Japanese oil but it has been fantastic on my carbon razors and kitchen knives

Camilia oil I believe is what it's called

Do not use camilia oil for long term (over 30 days) storage: http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ml#post1043004

Originally Posted by shooter74743

Do not use camilia oil for long term (over 30 days) storage: http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ml#post1043004

+1. The collection I just bought had some vintage razors that were in long term storage with oiled blades. Most very gooey but some glued shut with solidified oil. When cleaned the steel had an uneven finish between areas where the oil had pooled and not. It all cleaned up with a bit of careful cleaning and spot polishing.

I have one still kicking around here that needs attention. I will post a picture to this thread later today.

Pulled out some blades that I used Camillia oil on and they are fine, washed them and put on a fresh coat. Old timers also put WD40 on EVERYTHING.... I still get calls to clean out rifles glued shut by that crud... UGH