Oy What is safe (as in safe for the razor itself) to use for lubrication? I'm not talking everyday, but once in a while I go havoc and clean all the parts to remove all dirt and grit and I thought, especially on the Super Speeds etc., that it would be wise to oil the moving parts. I thought about sewing machine oil? Acid free, small container with tiny tip to apply it with. Would that be a good contender?
There was a guidance I once saw, can't remember where, but it stated that once in a while it was good measure to oil the moving parts of the razor. But then again, I doubt any of the vintage out here has ever been oiled... I just know from my bike, that an oiled thread is a happy thread..
Oil has a tendency to get washed off razors, so the lubrication affect would really only be temporary. You could put a little Vaseline on the thread of a three piece now and then, but as a rule, it's generally not advantageous to oil de razors...
I've actually used the Vaseline on the threads once in a while, but uncertain of it did any good at all (dunno how lubricant Vaseline is). I'll stick to the Vaseline then.
I never do. I never even thought about it until today. But my razors have stood the test of time and they're still working fine.
Here's a reference from the Badger and Blade Wiki concerning razor lubrication.."All TTO razors, including adjustables, were designed to work without lubrication" http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Safety_razor_maintenance There was a BB thread discussing this very topic in which was mentioned the idea that if any extra lubrication is needed for the razor, the slip is provided by the water and soap to which the shaver is habitually exposed to. This point makes sense to me...
Good question..the information in that section of the Wiki seemed to have been compiled by four different BB members. I imagine the data has come from their own experiences and those of the membership in general and perhaps from some written material such as found in say old Gillette archives. Though not everything posted in the BB wiki should be considered absolute gospel, I've found much of what I've seen there so far, to be useful and accurate information. In fact we at the Den, more often than not, routinely say many of the same things...
The issue behind oil is that in a TTO mechanism hair can get attracted to the remaining oil and can create a binding action inside. For a TTO, WD 40 or old style Tuner Contact Cleaner is good to use and if it is a post cleaning they will eliminate the water as well without leaving an oily film inside. Mineral oil works well in a bath method. Let the razor stay submerged in mineral oil for a day and then clean in warm soapy water and let thoroughly dry. Then give it a blast of WD 40 / Tuner Cleaner to remove any remaining moisture. Mine information comes from cleaning a whole lot of razors over several years. As to the TTO being designed to work without lubrication, that is true, but most of the razor companies hoped that you would have newer razors to replace the old ones as well. Their approach was a new razor every 5 years or so would keep the user from having to thoroughly clean and lubricate an older razor.
I know tools need to be cared for (general knowledge info passed down for ages), and for many tools that means a light coating of oil to prevent rust and ensure proper, safe operation. I see the razor as a tool, so I oil them.
