I don't think your being overly concerned, I've always polished/cleaned mine up with Maas or Mothers metal polish, and disinfected them with Barbicide, following the directions. I believe 32oz of water mixed with 2oz. Barbicide and a min. soak time of 10 mintues and let it dry on it's own. If you know someone with a chemiclave I'm sure that would work to sterilize it? maybe a tattoo shop? I think bleach would work too although I would keep the scales out of it. I also use rubbing alcohol on my blades, but I use that more for displacing water, so I don't get water spots on my blades.