Thread: 3-in-1 Oil?

I have a few blades I was looking to start restoring soon and was wondering if a soak in 3-in-1 oil would take off the minor surface rust. I plan on popping the pins and just setting the blades in a small ziplock with the oil in it. I know this works great for old tools and have even used it on an old injector that was stuck shut. Just curious if anyone has any insight as to whether this will do anything to the blade or stain the metal. Also there is no etching or gold wash or anything on the blades just a few old Torreys.

I'm VERY new to straight razors and I'm trying to restore a few as we speak.
I've not used the 3-in-1 oil method myself.
After I pop the pins I soak the blade in white vinegar for a few hours, then scrub with
an old toothbrush and rinse thoroughly in detergent and warm water. I then soak in WD40 overnight
and then scrub with the toothbrush, washing again with detergent.
After that I soak in baby oil for 24 hrs and again scrub with toothbrush. Then I'm ready to start with wet'n'dry.
Sorry for the long winded reply, this is how I've been restoring bayonets and other pointy things for the last few years and it works for me.

I use 3-in-1 oil to lubricate small moving parts on different items around the house. I have never used it to soak blades, but do not see it being a problem as far as staining the metal.

I have always soaked my scaleless blades in "Liquid Wrench" to loosen light rust. I actually leave my blades in the Liquid Wrench until I get around to scaling them. Some have been in the Liquid Wrench for a year, no problems. I does not remove all the rust, but makes cleaning a lot easier after a few weeks soaking.

Liquid Wrench does penetrate a lot better than 3-in-1.

I guess it depends on how far you want to restore the blades. If you plan to sand them there is need to do more than scrape off surface rust with an old razor blade, DE or similar works, then head to the abrasives. No chemical means will remove the pits.

Eventually I'd like to get a tumbler but I was thinking just for now to get them ready for a rescale and maybe a little honing it get the rust off and at least make them shiney again. I'm not so much a perfectionist and don't expect them to look new. I guess I just want them to look presentable. If at a later time I feel the need I can always pop the pins again and go to town.