How to stop rust on a straight

[UKRob]

These work very well.
View attachment 18492
Picture credit: Agravic

The problem is that I like to have my straights on display because they are worth looking at. These undoubtably work but, aesthetically, you may as well wrap your razors in an oil impregnated army sock.

 

[Migralda]

Looks interesting, will check for a UK source

I'm in the UK but my wifes hairdresser gave it to me after I gave her a Dovo hair thinner I was never going to use.

 

[lloydrm]

The problem is that I like to have my straights on display because they are worth looking at. These undoubtably work but, aesthetically, you may as well wrap your razors in an oil impregnated army sock.

I am sure they are. Maybe you should take them to a photo session and share with us
Share the joy!

 

[HardLight]

Old thread.

Firm believer in Ballistol. I’ve used it on a multitude of items, knives, antiques, fishing gear..etc. Given the period of time I’ve used it, several years, I haven’t detected any ill effects. It works quite well. If I don’t want something to start oxidizing I use it, pretty good lubricant If you use it wet.

There was a story about someone, supposedly in Germany, taking a bunch of K98 Mausers, coated them with Ballistol wrapped them up and crating them. Twenty-something years late, they unwrapped them with no detectable issues. Far easier to deal with than say, cosmoline.

I believe it bonds to metal at the molecular level. The surface will feel slicker—no residue,

If applying directly to a surface, i.e., metal or what have you, allow it to sit. Wipe residual off after about 20 minutes.

Curious about the strop usage. Does it darken the leather?

 

[JamieM]

I have always used 100% Silicone spray, It's perfectly safe on all plastics or horn or Ivory, never had a single razor with a watermark or rust, It's also not oily or greasy with no smell.

 

[HardLight]

Downside to Ballistol….hope you like black licorice smell.

 

[Twelvefret]

I live in a humid area and have always been able to follow the previous advice of drying by stropping on linen and allowing the razor to dry open for several hours.

 

[HardLight]

I live in a humid area and have always been able to follow the previous advice of drying by stropping on linen and allowing the razor to dry open for several hours.

It’s not that bad here, 40-70%’ish depending on the weather. Hot hot summers and chilly winters. We’re also land-locked; salt in the air isn’t a concern.

However, my wife likes skin-melting hot showers—steams the joint up pretty good. I do have silicone clothes and Ballistol on hand, play it by ear.

 

[Twelvefret]

I watched this video some time back. This is a person who used the razor as a tool. He also made them. Note how he put away the razor after use.
Grinding, Setting In and Whetting of Open Razors and Using a Razor - Billy Hukin (1966 & 1993) - YouTube

 

[Steve56]

I have always used 100% Silicone spray, It's perfectly safe on all plastics or horn or Ivory, never had a single razor with a watermark or rust, It's also not oily or greasy with no smell.

Silicone oil is what’s in the ‘razor socks’. You can also get it in a bottle and wipe it on if you like.

 

[Steve56]

I tested a product recently, Hornady 1-Shot, on a cracked Gold Dollar and a broken razor with some light surface oxidation. I hung these on a line on my front porch in East Tennessee, Chuck @Twelvefret knows the climate well. Anyway, these razors were out in the ambient conditions and exposed to some rain for about 4 months and there was almost no degradation of the steel. The problem is that this is a product marketed to firearms users and is difficult to source in the UK/EU.

@SammieM also tested a product that is not available stateside and had good results.

I’ve also been told that machinist’s slideway oil, like Mobil 1 Vactra 2 inhibits corrosion. This is a water soluble oil and has an odd scent. I haven’t tested it yet but maybe soon. Should be available in the UK/EU. As with all oils, do not get it on bone scales, and I have not tested it on other natural materials.

 

[SammieM]

The product I tested is readily available in EU/U.K. The length of my test was similar to Steve’s . I kept the razor in a humid environment (my shed and I live in Ireland). No direct rain on the razor, but you’d often get a lot of condensation in the shed. It doesn’t really gum up. Easily cleaned up with soap. No rust on the razor even now. The product is XCP Professional Rust Blocker Clear Coat. There is also a regular XCP Professional Rust blocker. It is about 20€ for a can of 400ml.
I haven’t truly tested it on natural scales, but it has a little yellowish colour which might colour bone and Ivory so I’d stay away from those… I might have gotten it on some wood with no I’ll effect…