Lubricating Adjustable Razors – A Question

[REB]

I regularly (weekly) use mineral oil to lubricate my Fat Boy, Progress and Vision. I’m not impressed with the results. What other options are out there? Thanks

 

[kevtex]

I regularly (weekly) use mineral oil to lubricate my Fat Boy, Progress and Vision. I’m not impressed with the results. What other options are out there? Thanks

When you say you're not impressed with the results, what do you mean? Is the adjustment mechanism stiff or hard to turn?

 

[luvmysuper]

Lubricating the Gillette Adjustables is not necessary or particularly desired.
If it is "sqeaky" when you turn the TTO knob, some folks do, but a thorough cleaning is all that is generally required.
Can't speak for the Merkurs, but I would be surprised if the advice is different.

 

[REB]

Yes, stiff to turn. The Vision is the worst offender.

 

[Oldguy]

Lubricating the Gillette Adjustables is not necessary or particularly desired.
If it is "sqeaky" when you turn the TTO knob, some folks do, but a thorough cleaning is all that is generally required.
Can't speak for the Merkurs, but I would be surprised if the advice is different.

+1

My advice is to always keep the razor clean.

Len

 

[luvmysuper]

Yes, stiff to turn. The Vision is the worst offender.

Several posts here on the disassembly and cleaning of a Vision.

Remind me again why I don't have one?

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=12051

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=8564

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=5841

http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2946&highlight=vision+adjust

 

[mmack66]

Yes, stiff to turn. The Vision is the worst offender.

Usually that is an indication of gunk building up within the handle, and a regular dose of mineral oil down the handle probably is exacerbating the issue. I have soaked adjustable razors in hot, soapy water and this usually cleans it out pretty good. The Vision apparently needs to be disassembled and cleaned on a regular basis.

 

[Radar O\'Reilly]

I regularly (weekly) use mineral oil to lubricate my Fat Boy, Progress and Vision. I’m not impressed with the results. What other options are out there? Thanks

I would recommend a thinner oil that carries something with it, like Tri-Flow or Teflon Multi-Use. Both have Teflon in them and provide lasting lubrication with little to no "film".

From what I have experienced, mineral oil doesn't help with gunk that is built up, but in fact makes it expand as it soaks into the gunk. It also displaces water, so if you wash or rinse it, any gunk build up won't be affected by the water. It's like mixing dirt and wax together and then applying it to your car. You can hose it with water, but the dirt won't wash away easily, even if you add soap.

I've also found that mineral oil leaves a thicker film that lighter oils, and that will attract dirt and dust, and that not want to rub off easily.

 

[LeGaulois]

I use BlueLube Lubricant by Benchmade

 

[firehydrant]

You can try a PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) spray. It flows into tight spaces well and the carrier evaporates instantly and leaves only the Teflon. It also does not attract any contaminants.