Thread: Purchased first used razor.

I just purchased my first used razor. I know I am probably overly concerned, but I am worried about Hepatitis/HIV. What are steps I should go through before using? I know there are other threads but nothing seemed conclusive and something seemed to contradict. Does anyone know what to do for sure? Or someone I can send it to for disinfecting and sanitizing? Thanks!

Bleach and then alcohol. HIV cannot live long outside of the body. By the time the blood dries it is dead. So unless someone who just shaved with the razor handed it to you you are fine. Not that sterilization is not a good idea, I always sterilize my blades.

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.

I agree that sterilization with bleach and alcohol will be sufficient if you're not autoclaving.

I understand the concern. I also feel uncomfortable shaving with a condom.

Seriously, I may be paranoid but I always barbicide my purchases... A lifetime supply costs maybe 20$.
Eric

Originally Posted by epd

Seriously, I may be paranoid but I always barbicide my purchases... A lifetime supply costs maybe 20$.
Eric

Do I just purchase it from Amazon? Or is there a certain place to buy it? It doesn't seem I can purchase it from the manufacturer.

You can use rubbing alcohol. Put some on a paper towel and wipe down the blade. Dont get it on the scales.

Originally Posted by suits123

Do I just purchase it from Amazon? Or is there a certain place to buy it? It doesn't seem I can purchase it from the manufacturer.

Your barber will probably give you some if you ask him. If not I think Sally beauty supply has it.

Here's what I have gleaned from those posts.

1. Survival time out side the human body for 99% of viruses is less than one week.
2. Bleach at the concentration found in a swimming pool is lethal to HIV outside of the body.
3. Soaking the blade for 5 min in 70 to 90 % rubbing alcohol will not achieve medical grade sterility, but will disinfect the blade. Other solutions will do just as well.
4. An autoclave/pressure pot would be very bad.

If you want to worry check out the survival time for prions. Not that your razor was used to do brain dissections.

Jonathan.

What about barbicide plus? Overkill?