Razor care

[Portra160]

I´ve read a lot of old threads about protecing a straight razor after shaving.
I´m a little confused so I have a few questions.
This week my new razor arrives, a carbon steel goldwashed Dovo.
I also have two Heljestrand Mk 30.
How do I wipe/dry the blade the right way after shaving?
Should I put some kind of oil on the blade after?
Are there any kind of oils who can damage the blade/goldwash/scales?
I live in Sweden so I´m interested in the type of oils, not the brands.
Can you help me please?

 

[mdunn]

Unless you live in a super humid area, or your straights live in the bathroom where they'll get steam from showers etc you dont really need to oil them.

Just dry them off completely after each shave and give it like 5 laps on the strop to make sure theres no water left on the edge.

 

[cityjim]

I use a clean Egyptian cotton towel to wipe the blade only , not the edge . For the edge I use a light stropping motion on the same towel .


I think if you use them frequently there is no need to oil a straight razor . The soap scum and hard water form a layer of protection . At least at my house it does .

Or you could lightly dab some 3-1 oil on the blade . Will not hurt a thing . Gun oil , sewing machine oil , car oil and so on . Vaseline is also good . Anything to form a layer so the oxygen can't go to work on the steel .

Or just buy a stainless razor and be done with it . I tend to prefer a stainless blade . Due to the fact the steel is tougher and cuts better on my wire brush like beard . The edge seems to stay sharper longer "on my face" compared to a regular high carbon steel blade . Stainless is high carbon steel - with cromium , silver , nickel or any other mixture of alloys added .


cityjim

 

[Maximilian]

The most important thing to do when putting your razor aside after drying is to leave the blade open and not closed in the scales. There is and will be humidity and water left between the scales. This is mostly overlooked as many people who call me tell me they close the razor while drying.

 

[cityjim]

The most important thing to do when putting your razor aside after drying is to leave the blade open and not closed in the scales. There is and will be humidity and water left between the scales. This is mostly overlooked as many people who call me tell me they close the razor while drying.

+1

no doubt , leave blade open .


cityjim

 

[Thebigspendur]

Unless you use the same razor everyday I would put some oil on it. I would just tell you that whatever oil you use it should be one you don't mind having on your skin because some residue will remain unless you really clean it before using.