3 in 1

Recently, I got a haircut. I usually start the haircut on my own using clipper attachments, then Ingrid fine tunes it after I am done doing what I can do. After we were done, I got out the bottle of 3-in-1 oil to lubricate the clippers.

3-in-1 Oil

As soon as I open the bottle of 3-in-1 oil, the smell of it brings back memories. In my childhood home we had a utility closet in the kitchen. The closet had many shelves and drawers that were crammed with all manner of things, among them being hair clippers and a can of 3-in-1 oil. My mom had briefly worked as a hairdresser before she was married. And after my parents married, she was in charge of all the haircuts and perms in the family. Whenever she was done with the hair clippers, she would brush out any stray hairs from the clippers and then put a few drops of 3-in-1 oil on them. This is the main thing I remember this oil being used for. We had a more typical oil can in the basement for use with motors and other things.

But as I got the oil out this time around, I was wondering how it got its name. A quick look at the label seemed to offer up this explanation:

   ✔ Lubricates
   ✔ Prevents Rust
   ✔ Removes & Protects

That last one is a bit cryptic: removes what? Does it remove hair? Maybe that's why I'm bald.

Before we went to Thailand, I used to keep a regular oil can in the garage. But these days I don't do as much mechanical work and so having a small can of 3-in-1 is enough for what I usually do: lubricating things and sharpening knives with my Arkansas sharpening stones.

Another nice thing about 3-in-1 oil is that the name is a reminder of the God I worship. We Christians recognize God as being three "persons": the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. So when I pick up my bottle of 3-in-1, it can serve as a reminder that our triune God is present with us all the time, even when doing mundane things like trimming a few locks from the top of my head.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14 - ESV)