Olive oil vs Mineral Oil vs Alcohol...

Are there any recommendations for Olive oil, over Mineral oil and Alcohol for storing blades? I have never used an oil or alcohol/spirit for storing used carts before...

 

When I used cartridge razors I would dip them in alcohol post shave, but not store them submerged in anything.

 

I haven't used any alcohol when I used carts, but I put a light coat of homemade pre shave oil on the DE blades. It is olive oil, caster oil, and EO.

 

I store my blades in a cigar box with a desiccant pack or two.
My blade of the week gets hand stropped and put into next razor up.
I've never stored blades in any kind of liquid.

 

Keep in mind Olive oil is a food product. It will go rancid and it will attract insects.

Carry on.

 

I was given a large bottle of Extra Virgin Olive oil a few years ago, I had hardly used it when the use by date had expired. I then used it all up as a pre shave oil. I am not sure how much air exposure will cause it to go rancid, and I have never had an insect issue with oils. I have had Almond and Apricot Kernel oils in my dressing room for years...

 

My thoughts exactly...at least regarding rancidity. I've never had an issue with food oils attracting insects, but maybe I've been lucky.

 

I do use Olive Oil occasionally as a pre-shave oil. Mine is probably a year or so old and is just fine. I have an Italian friend who immigrated to this country a number of years ago who says the best Olive Oils are aged at room temp for 3 to 5 years.
As I recall, I think in the past I have had Olive Oil go bad (or at least darken in color) sitting in the pantry for extended period.

 

I'm not clear on what you're trying to accomplish?

 

The oil/alcohol acts to displace water on the blade surface after use and preventing blade deterioration.

 

I can't see where blade deterioration would be an issue for a stainless steel blade. When I used carts, I kept the thing in the shower and could rely on a few weeks of use. IMO, you're looking for a solution to a non-issue.

 

I agree.

 

There are many individuals who use oil and alcohol to extend the life of their blades/carts...

 

Millions of aromatherapy, natural beauty and cosmetic enthusiasts would disagree.

 

I am not, I am still cynical, but obviously not as cynical as you...

 

Ouch. That's going to leave a mark.

 

I probobaly should have gone into more depth in my previous post. The issue is not galvanic corrosion, but microbial induced corrosion (MIC). The water is keeping the bacteria alive. Some of these bacteria (like Ferrobacillus ferrooxidans) consume the iron in the stainless steel, other bacteria can consume chromium oxides, and others still produce acids or ammonia. On a razor that's only 50-150 microns thick even a few microns of corrosion per weeks can cause a shorter life span. When I was cart shaving, I could get a cartridge to last 6 months by dipping it in alcohol.

 

Thanks. I will give alcohol a go, I have nothing to lose...

 

Mineral oil is the way to go as it's a natural laxative.

 

Is that your way of telling us we're all full of crap?