Drying and cleaning your razor

[AZBronco]

I've had an EJ DE89 for about 2 years. The other day when I was changing the blade I noticed some corrosion on the threads. Is this a common problem? I tend to be pretty meticulous about keeping my razor nice and make sure I keep soap scum and water spots cleaned off. But now I'm wondering if I should be doing more than just drying the exterior of my razor when I'm done shaving.

What at does everyone else to do prevent corrosion on the threads or elsewhere?

In the meantime, I'm looking for a vintage Gillette but haven't found anything at the local antique shops, but it's time for me to add a second child to the family!

 

[Stampede]

I have some of the canned air like used to dust off a computer in the shave den and also a needle point oiler. After a quick wipe with a towel I use the compressed air to blow out the water from the inaccessible areas. Then about once a week or so I will use the needle point oiler to lube the threads on the 2 and 3 piece razors and the TTO mechanisms of the 1 piece razors.

 

[Badger Bill]

Wow I never even thought of this. I like to keep things simple. What I do is, after I finish shaving, I submerge the head of the razor briefly in isopropyl alcohol. This not only cleans the razor but also gets any water out. Then, the alcohol evaporates away leaving the razor pretty much dry. At least that's my hope.

- Badger Bill

 

[urkel]

I guess I'm slacking. I just shave with and wipe it off then every few weeks clean it with scrubbing bubbles. I do air dry my shavers but don't much think about it

 

[Fbones24]

I guess I'm slacking. I just shave with and wipe it off then every few weeks clean it with scrubbing bubbles. I do air dry my shavers but don't much think about it

You think you're slacking. I just rinse the razor under hot water for about 5 seconds after every shave and put it back in the rack. I've noticed some soap scum buildup, but figure it could easily be cleaned off if I so desire....or maybe not.

 

[Teppanyaki]

I rinse my razors and put them back on the shelf. If you're seeing corrosion on a plated razor, that suggest to me that the plating is defective/isn't working. It may also be soap scum/etc. You can douse it with Scrubbing Bubbles and let it sit for 20 minutes, then take a soft toothbrush to it.

The problem with many modern razors is the "pot metal" (Zamak?) is susceptible to corrosion/damage in a way that makes them vulnerable. Moreso than a standard brass razor from yesteryear.

 

[Jeff_H]

Well, and if the thread post is plated, which I assume it is, as the handle is screwed on and off time and time again, the plating will wear off the threads, exposing them to potential damage. I think a drop of oil on them is the best suggestion, other than making darn sure they are nice and dry.

I disassemble my razors after every use, pat dry all surfaces including the blade and then reassemble. However, I don't use compressed air or alcohol. Maybe I should. I don't wait an extended period of time before reassembly. I just do it right away...and there probably is some residual moisture left, however small.

Regular maintenance and good drying after each shave is about all you can do, really.

 

[imatabor]

Most of the gillettes I use were found in the wild. They were filthy and so soap scummed (not sure that is a word) for at least 60 years. I figure if I just rinse it and quickly dry it off, is more love than they have received in years.

 

[Jim1968]

I dry it with a towel and then place it in a 300 degree oven for 1 hour....
I'm sorry thats the cast iron instructions. I just rinse with water and towel dry.

 

[Mitty]

I use a stainless Weber ph, so I rinse it, towel dry it, disassemble it, vigorously towel dry the pieces and pat dry the blade, then set them on a towel to dry during the day.

M

 

[Teppanyaki]

I dry it with a towel and then place it in a 300 degree oven for 1 hour....I'm sorry thats the cast iron instructions.

 

[Badger Bill]

I dry it with a towel and then place it in a 300 degree oven for 1 hour....
I'm sorry thats the cast iron instructions. I just rinse with water and towel dry.

That gave me a good laugh. Thanks.

- Badger Bill

 

[FaceScraper]

Rinse with water and towel dry after every shave.

I change blades every three days. I look to see if there is any soap scum buildup inside. If there is i use an old toothbrush i keep aside for this and scrub it clean. (less than a minute)

Thats it.

 

[duderubble]

I'm with the "just give it a rinse" crowd. I use vintage gillettes so I figure they will be fine with an annual scrub and probably take less wear to the plating that way.

If I had a razor that was corroding on the threads I think I would use a grease like silicone grease, it would stay on better than any oil, and would coat the female threads too.

 

[The Dean]

Well, and if the thread post is plated, which I assume it is, as the handle is screwed on and off time and time again, the plating will wear off the threads, exposing them to potential damage. I think a drop of oil on them is the best suggestion, other than making darn sure they are nice and dry.

I disassemble my razors after every use, pat dry all surfaces including the blade and then reassemble. However, I don't use compressed air or alcohol.
.

This is what I do. Because I'm lazy, I'm typically in a rush after I shave. I let the pieces sit on a towel until I return and/or feel like reassembling. My house isn't very humid, so I think I'm fine.

Once every week or two--or whenever I notice the razor isn't s clean as I'd like--I take out some q-tips and alcohol, and do a bit or touch up. I probably could do more, but I'm not that concerned.

 

[Icebear]

From time to time I use a cotton swab (Q-tip) to clean the threads of the handle. After it's cleaned I used the other side of the swab and a drop of oil and go in there again, basically screwing the handle onto the cotton and unscrew it again as it is pretty tight.

 

[Ronnie Aloha]

Rinse, disassemble, dry, reassemble, hang in stand. Like Jeff, probably very little residual moisture but nothing major. I started doing this because my blades would rust after the first use if I just rinsed it out and nothing else.

 

[FaceScraper]

started doing this because my blades would rust after the first use if I just rinsed it out and nothing else.

I only use my blades for 3 shaves and am yet to notice them rusting in that time. I also "strop" the razor head/blade (no disassembly) on a towel to dry the blade edge before putting the razor away. (i forgot to mention that in my post above)

 

[AZBronco]

Just a quick follow up. I sent my question to Edwin Jagger asking for advice on razor care. They asked me to send pictures, asked about my normal routine and shaving care, then determined that it was a faulty head and are sending me a new one free of charge! I've heard about how awesome their customer service is, and they certainly didn't disappoint!

 

[01HDFXD]

I'm with the "just give it a rinse" crowd. I use vintage gillettes so I figure they will be fine with an annual scrub and probably take less wear to the plating that way.

If I had a razor that was corroding on the threads I think I would use a grease like silicone grease, it would stay on better than any oil, and would coat the female threads too.

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