Cleaning Question (the sticky didn't cover)

[jdh1007]

Gentlemen,

I recently acquired a lot (5) of Gillette razors which included a superspeed. the silo or barn doors look to be in good shape but don't open. I think the problem is in the twist to open mechanism.

Around the twisting part at the bottom of the handle there is a black. green buildup that smacks of hard water and shaving byproducts. My initial though was to use CLR (calcium, lime, rust) cleaner... but I didn't see that recommended in the forums. Is that not a viable option?? I was wonder what your thoughts on the topic were.

Thanks.

[Robxcarlson]

CLR is too harsh I would think. An overnight soak in warm soapy water can do wonders without ruining your razor.

[ginhud]

I've used penetrating oil to good effect. Yes it stinks, but cleans up and the smell goes away after a bit. Hope whatever you do works well!

[Go West Young Man]

A long soak in warm soapy water can unjam almost any stuck razor.

[GoVegan]

I've used penetrating oil to good effect. Yes it stinks, but cleans up and the smell goes away after a bit. Hope whatever you do works well!

Penetrating oil = KY Jelly?

[Tony_B]

Vaseline works as well for a sticky TTO

T

[GentsInstinct]

Penetrating oil = KY Jelly?

I'd suggest a long soak in hot half water/half scrubbing bubbles.

[Eclectic]

Soak in vinegar overnight.
Or even 50% vinegar solution.
This will dissolve the limescale.

[jdh1007]

Thanks for the ideas... all of them seem less caustic, I'll give it a try.

[jdh1007]

I could probably start a new thread for this question... but I'll just tack it on here:

In the lot of razors I also got a 1930's era Gillette NEW Long Tooth. The head of the razor is tilted (i.e. one side of the non-shaving portion of the head is lower than the other). Is it supposed to be like this?

[jdh1007]

Left to right, top to bottom... the fourth razor is the one with the tilted head.

[csmorris]

Penetrating oil = KY Jelly?

Depends on what you plan on.... er, never mind.