Thread: Does a stainless blade need oiling?

Thanks a lot

I live on Lake Michigan and I use mineral oil once per week, especially at the pivot. WD-40 also works in a pinch.

I think I'd want to use a dry lube like remoil on the pivot. An oil would collect dust

Although I'm a daily shaver with a single blade (at least for now), I oil it (with Vaseline) after each shave, just to be safe...especially because I live in tropic weather. Very high humidity over here. The whole precess takes like 30 sec anyway!

I've never oiled any of my blades but we've got pretty low humidity here, especially during winter.

Does Vaseline do a pretty good job?

Originally Posted by KenWeir

Find a sword/knife dealer online & get a bottle of clove oil, like they use on Japanese swords. It's actually about 95% mineral oil & does a good job. Cheap too!...

Interesting. As it happens, I already have some Clove oil. Wondering if it's the same stuff you get from knife dealers. This bottle is for medicinal purposes -- it is a remarkably effective topical anesthetic when nerve endings are exposed. If you ever chip a tooth the stuff will save the day until you can get to a dentist. Stings like heck for a minute and then it's as good as novocaine.

I'm pretty sure what you have is a pure clove oil or nearly so. The stuff I'm talking about is mostly white mineral oil with a small amount of clove oil added. It's cheap and a small bottle will last a very long time as it only takes a drop or two. Another method I've used is to just keep a small rag that's nearly saturated with the oil & just give the blade a quick wipe with it.

Depending on how humid your home is, one can usually just be sure to dry the razor before putting it away between shaves. If humidity is a concern, then lightly oiling your stainless steel razor is a good idea. I agree with KenWeir - cutlery steel is high in carbon content and can still rust relatively easily if put away wet.

Originally Posted by mvacca7

Does Vaseline do a pretty good job?

I have never used Vaseline, but I hear it works pretty well. Give it a shot!