Thread: straight blade disinfecting

I was wondering if barbers always disinfect their straight razor blades in between two customers? Hoping some barbers could shed some light. Thanks.

Barbershop came up in the chat a few nights back and from those involved we only knew of shops using Shavettes. They should be using a new blade every time. Those using real straights should also be stropping and disinfecting between. If they aren't disenfecting their razors you can be sure they're not doing their combs and scissors either.
I figure it's basic barber shop policy.
I suppose it's a matter of trust. Just like how you trust the people in the food business to wash their hands. I've heard there is little demand for a shave at a shop these days so if they even have a blade they probably have time to take care of it. Either that or they neglect it for lack of use.

If you are really worried about it and can find a place that uses straights go in with a not-so-close friend, let your wingman get a shave first then watch for the cleaning after. If it doesn't happen ask for it, then don't go back.

In the old days they would use a straight razor and Barbacide to wipe it down. For many years since they have uses straight razors with replaceable blades in most instances if they shave customers at all.

Got a barbershop haircut the other day and while waiting for the owner, Rick, I observed him shave a customers neck with a straight. He doesn't have running water at his station, but had gone to an adjacent room and came out mixing later in a mug. During the brief shave, he wiped the blade once or twice. I didnt see if the last wipe was with barbasol or some disinfectant.

My turn. At the end of the my haircut, Rick asked if I'd like my neck shaved. I did, mostly because I haven't had anyone other person use a straight on me in years. He had an old strop, and gave a few short laps. He took the same razor and did, in short order my neck. Felt fine; was smooth. This was the back of my neck below the hair line where the hair is soft and easily removed. I have contracted no disease.

I told Rick that I hadn't seen many shops that still had strops or straights. He said he no longer does faces because he's out of practice...says you have to do regularly to be good.

Yet, that use of a singal straight on more than one.....


anyway, best to all

Every tool a barber uses on your head should be disinfected. Barbers have UV disinfectant lamps nowadays, and they still use the Barbercide (or Marvycide more commonly. It's the same stuff) jar. Razors are s special case because there is going to be blood in contact with the blade and the blade must be sterilized, or changed between customers. It is assumed that there cuts on the customer even if there are none visible. Nothing used on one customer may be used on another. A shaving brush, a mug, soap, or the strop (the strop may be used on a clean blade, but once the shaving starts, the barber may not re-strop). A disposable is ideal, but the blade must be changed and the handle cleaned as well.

In the old days when it was discovered that germs carried disease, barbers would keep about 20 or so razors and autoclave them after use. Individual customers would have their own mug and brush that the barber would keep at the shop ( mugs would be personalized and there is a pretty active collectors market for them. I think one of our members here is a collector). Stroping a razor with a used blade is considered poor practice.

A sterilized razor is just as effective at preventng the spread of disease as a disposable.

Originally Posted by joesixpack

A sterilized razor is just as effective at preventng the spread of disease as a disposable.

True enough and the same can be said for tattooing needles. We used to inspect the points after use and if they were still good sterilize and reuse the needles. There is nothing wrong with that but in today's world we dispose of them after a single use and each customer gets a new needle. They don't want to hear about sterilization working.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

True enough and the same can be said for tattooing needles. We used to inspect the points after use and if they were still good sterilize and reuse the needles. There is nothing wrong with that but in today's world we dispose of them after a single use and each customer gets a new needle. They don't want to hear about sterilization working.

Sorry to hijack the thread but... Jimmy, quick question. As an artist, are you able to sterilize the gun itself? I have always wondered if that is sterilized between uses.? I know it is not a point of contact but is that seran wrap used on the end of it really going to stop all blood spatter from getting on the tattoo gun itself?

Oh the tattoo shops have ultrasound cleaners and autoclaves sometimes.

I'm wondering if the high pH of the soap doesn't actually do the major part on a razor.

Originally Posted by mg17

I was wondering if barbers always disinfect their straight razor blades in between two customers? Hoping some barbers could shed some light. Thanks.

I always sanatize my razor between clients.. i use disposeables on clients and sometimes if there are no nicks or anything after a neck shave will use it again (but still wash it and barbercide it between). I never use blades from a face or head shave on another person. And i only use my real razors on people i know personally!!!

the last few barbers ive been to actually had autoclaves.
id imagine they use em
and yea now adays 99 percent of barbers are using feather style razors.