Sanitizing a used straight razor

I have sanitized DE razors several times.

I have read threads on this topic in this forum but I still have a couple of questions.

My personal choice is barbicide as a sanitizing agent.

1) Has anyone had any issues with using this product?

Secondly

I have heard repeatedly that water getting into the handle is not a good thing. Overtime, it will supposedly ruin a razor.

2) When sanitizing a straight razor, do you exercise caution or is it best to do a one time soak of the entire razor.

My thought is if water commonly permeates throughout a razor through poor technique, then so does all the other germs and fluids you are trying to eliminate.

Any thoughts and experiences would be appreciated.

Take care,
Jason

I use Barbicide when I first get a blade & after any honing is done
I only submerge the steel in the solution as it can stain some scale materials blue

this also stops the problem of water or solution egress into the pivot
not problems
Attachment 174311

I just use dove bar soap.

I use soap and warm water on blades (no scales) after I have buffed them and before pinning.
Anything that was on the bevel is gone after honing anyway and some metal polish gets rid of anything on the face of the blade.
As you can see, I'm not too anal about it for myself.
For other peoples razors, I give them a good dose of metho to kill any grozzlies

Thanks. I guess I am sort of a germaphobe.

Barbicide...make sure you mix it properly....soak it for 10 minutes and only ten minutes and you're done. It's not supposed to discolor scales, but why take the chance, I just make sure the blade's immersed in the stuff - the one or two times I actually felt a blade needed to actually be disinfected.

I agree with Phrank. Barbicide soak is effective. I then do a quick dip in a mixture of rubbing alcohol and some mineral oil before I put the razor away.

I clean them with a toothbrush and simple green after polishing. Just to get the polish off. Swath it in tufglide, wipe it off good. To the hones. Strop and off to shave for years, just hot water and wiping off on a clean towel or my shirt tail! No one with a skin condition will get near them. Nothing for germs to feed on. Still here! YMMV

At the top right of the page is the "advanced search" option. "Sanitizing" brings up 4 pages of results. You'll find this search option very beneficial....and if it doesn't cover you're question, then I'm sure the members can fill in the blanks. http://straightrazorpalace.com/searc...archid=2770607

Regards,

Howard :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Phrank

Barbicide...make sure you mix it properly....soak it for 10 minutes and only ten minutes and you're done. It's not supposed to discolor scales, but why take the chance, I just make sure the blade's immersed in the stuff - the one or two times I actually felt a blade needed to actually be disinfected.

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I've never had Barbicide effect the scales & I've put bone scales in the solution,,, but it was for a 10 minutes approx. not an hour or 2 soak.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SirStropalot

At the top right of the page is the "advanced search" option. "Sanitizing" brings up 4 pages of results. You'll find this search option very beneficial....and if it doesn't cover you're question, then I'm sure the members can fill in the blanks. http://straightrazorpalace.com/searc...archid=2770607

Regards,

Howard :)

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Thank you for your input. I actually used the advanced search feature and read the threads on sanitizing as stated in my original post.

I am now in the filling in the gap mode.

I was unsure whether to fully soak my razor for a one time cleaning. I believe the issue has been resolved.

I do appreciate your input as well as all those who have contributed. Thank you.

Take care,
Jason

Jason,

You're very welcome. :)

Best Regards,

Howard :)

I use Mar-V-Cide Spray Disinfectant. It is cheap & comes in an aerosol can. As far as keeping your razor dry after use, I use the canned air that is used on computers to blow out any exta water in those tight places & dry off with a clean towel. I also use Tuf Glide for a lube which is used by Navy Seals. It also helps dissipate water. You can get it from some vendors such as Classic Shaving or even the manufacturer themselves, Gun Cleaning, Knife Care, Gun Care, Lubrication & Corrosion Protection, Rust Stopper, Oil-Free, Sentry Solutions.

I haven't done any more than wipe any oil off of any of the razors i have used, i have been sent a heap of them to try out by a few members here, and even bought one or two.
I have never even considered sterilising them, though i probably should have as i managed to catch imbetigo from a friends cartridge razor a long time ago.
In saying that i probably wont ever bother. :)

The Tuf Glide I use is an oil free dry lube.

Barbicide has been used by professional barbers and hair stylists for decades. In some state (Alabama or Mississippi perhaps?? I can't remember for sure) it was State Law that Barbicide be used to clean combs, razors, scissors, etc. after use.

For a lube solution, I have found Ballistol to work wonderfully. Invented back around WW I, it serves to keep metals rust free and help preserve wood. Environmentally friendly too. I use it on all my razors, firearms, knives, and other assorted sporting goods.

Stay away from chlorine based cleaners. Chlorine can increase corrosion in different types of steels.

I take razors in from time to time to hone or test shave for people here and there & my routine is to dip the blade only in 90% isoprophyl alcohol for about 30 seconds, wipe and shave (if I am testing an edge).

If I am honing a blade I will hone, strop, do a complete test shave to ensure the edge is to my standards, wipe, strop, dip the blade into the alcohol about 30 seconds, wipe, re-strop (yes, they all get a double stropping), oil, & pack it up to be returned to the owner. This way the owner will only wipe the blade down and shave with my unmolested edge.

The number one killer to bad "bugs" or otherwise known as bloodborn pathogens, is the air we breath. Add to the mix alcohol & soap, there is no way a "bug" will get you from a blade. Lots of folks have ruined blades and edges with other stuff/chemicals. Even 90% alcohol is 10% water & we all know that water aids oxidation.

I also use Barbicide. And yes, it WILL stain certain scales if left in there for too long. I have proof.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shooter74743

I take razors in from time to time to hone or test shave for people here and there & my routine is to dip the blade only in 90% isoprophyl alcohol for about 30 seconds, wipe and shave (if I am testing an edge).

If I am honing a blade I will hone, strop, do a complete test shave to ensure the edge is to my standards, wipe, strop, dip the blade into the alcohol about 30 seconds, wipe, re-strop (yes, they all get a double stropping), oil, & pack it up to be returned to the owner. This way the owner will only wipe the blade down and shave with my unmolested edge.

The number one killer to bad "bugs" or otherwise known as bloodborn pathogens, is the air we breath. Add to the mix alcohol & soap, there is no way a "bug" will get you from a blade. Lots of folks have ruined blades and edges with other stuff/chemicals. Even 90% alcohol is 10% water & we all know that water aids oxidation.

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One Scott agrees with another. I sterilize for a living (35yrs). Alcohol is used in OR's worldwide and for good reason. It's plenty effective for razors at home. 91% evaporates fast enough, just wipe it down with a clean cloth and you're good to go.