Thread: How to sterilize my blade?

I've been getting fungal spots on my neck and chin ever since I started straight shaving.

I would like to continue with a straight, but given my recent problem, I want to clean up the blade. How should I go about sterilizing my blade?

IAMA relative Noob, but I put mine in Barbicide after stropping, then I take a shower, then use it. It's in about 10 minutes.
Barbicide can be purchased online or at a local barber/salon supply.

Sterilization is nearly impossible considering the makeup of most scales and/or the high temperatures required for the process.

You can, however, disinfect it using 90% alcohol available at any pharmacy.

Getting a bug from a straight is a really rare thing. The blade isn't a good medium for bugs to grow and a rinse with antiseptic soap would wash them right off unless you were sharing a blade with someone with known serious issues. Fungal stuff especially should rinse off. It might be from something else.

Originally Posted by gull

I've been getting fungal spots on my neck and chin ever since I started straight shaving.

I would like to continue with a straight, but given my recent problem, I want to clean up the blade. How should I go about sterilizing my blade?

That sounds not only nasty but highly unusual. The sterile nature of the razor should not be an issue in my experience. Are you sure it's fungal? Could it be irritation or burn? Do you use an alcohol based astringent or aftershave post shave? I expect these would help any fungal problem.

Maybe see a dermatologist if you have not already.
Good luck.

Wow. It may not be the blade, it may be other factors, too... ??

I went to a doctor already, and it is fungal. I got some medicine for it so hopefully it'll clear up.

I use witch hazel and Spieck ASB after my shave. I think the balm has a little alcohol but I can barely feel it.

Well, in any case, the razor might not be the culprit at all. I just assumed the blade might be at fault considering the placement of the fungus and when it appeared (i.e, it came when I started straight razor shaving). I'll make sure to wipe my blade down with alcohol just in case though.

I've seen a lot of people try to save money using older soaps and brushes. Anything growing on these? If this is a serious problem, I also vote for a dermitologist.

Originally Posted by gull

I've been getting fungal spots on my neck and chin ever since I started straight shaving.

I would like to continue with a straight, but given my recent problem, I want to clean up the blade. How should I go about sterilizing my blade?

Barbicide is the #1 solution.

Alcohol 90% is a very good second bet -- remember to lightly
oil with mineral oil after.

Remember the first seven day set to get is a set of shaving towels that
you wash hot, perhaps with bleach and rinse well.

If reinfection is a concern rotate with different razors. If you
own only one razor add some yellow handle BiC tossables to
the mix so the straight can rest long enough for bugs to die.
Time is a good sanitizer.

You can also pick up some quality UV tube lights
and build a UV sterilizer. Just make sure there is an interlock,
timer and door. It is easy to build one that is intense enough
to do the job now that water coolers and other common
appliances use them. Careful shopping may also find one on the used
market for a good price.

Originally Posted by niftyshaving

Remember the first seven day set to get is a set of shaving towels that
you wash hot, perhaps with bleach and rinse well.

I've not read advice about buying a separate set of shaving towels before this. I've not had any problems with rashes or infections. I use the same towel for a week. It is washed in warm water without bleach. Can anyone direct me to more information on this topic?