Thread: My New Razors Arrived!

The razors I ordered off of Ebay arrived yesterday, and I must say, I'm very pleased with them. Three blades in total--a black-handled hollow-ground Henckel (great condition, and definitely the prize of that auction, which ended at $10.99); a "Spike" wedge razor with a spotless blade and green Jell-O coloured scales; and finally, another wedge razor, with faux-ivory celluloid scales. This one's blade isn't as good as the other two, but it's definitely above average and could be cleaned up very easily. Just a couple of tiny spots here and there.

I discovered that the Henckel was shave-ready out of the box. I mowed down a few hairs on my arm with it easily, so to sanitize it I dipped it and the other razors in boiling water for about 20 - 30 seconds each. That should do the trick, right? I hope so. Anyone else ever use this method?

Anyway, after stropping it on my leather belt, it gave a good shave. But I've been shaving with a wedge primarily, and this Henckle is a very hollow ground. When I began shaving with it, the sound was like sandpaper... It shaved well... but the sound! I did find this handy, however, when I was doing the touch ups and was able to distinguish the cutting of each hair, since it rang off the thin blade with an audible click.

Sounds like you got yourself a great deal! Yup, that's how the hollow grounds sound. Actually, I kind of like the sound of my beard being whisked away. However, I don't always hear it as my faucet is usually running while I shave.

Enjoy your new tools!

Jeff

What about my sanitizing of the razor? Do you think the blade is free of any Hep-C or HIV that could have been lingering on the edge? Anyone else use this method around here? I had some whiskey, but I didn't want to waste it. I guess I need some barbicide.

I would use Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol or, even better, bleach to sanitize your blades. I know this may sound kind of crazy but the CDC (Center for Disease Control) here in the states advises intravenous drug users who share needles to disinfect them with bleach to sanitize them of any viruses/bacteria. However, I'm not an expert on this topic, so, I'm only saying what I've heard. I don't know what effect the bleach will have on a carbo-steel blade. I'm not too sure about Barbacide. I know what it is but I don't know what it has in it to sanitize.

Jeff

I would use bleach if I were you.

Originally Posted by Blade Wielder

What about my sanitizing of the razor? Do you think the blade is free of any Hep-C or HIV that could have been lingering on the edge? Anyone else use this method around here? I had some whiskey, but I didn't want to waste it. I guess I need some barbicide.

Barbicide is the way. Barbers have proved its efficacy for ages. I use a variation. The same company makes an aerosol called Clippercide. I just spray it on the razor and let it sit. I like to use it on a razor when I'm putting it away because it also has a lubricant, so I sanitize and lube in one easy step.

In todays day and age if barbicide was effective why do numerous states ban shaving in barber shops without disposable blades? I would not chance it.
But you can do what you want.

You guys are worrying me. I hope I don't have AIDS.

I have 12 ebay razors I cleaned everyone with bleach and that is the best I feel I can do. Hey if bleach doesn't wipe it out nothing will.


PS you only have to worry if you have an open cut

But I boiled the thing! And wiped it thoroughly. Do I still have to worry?!

I did notice one speck of blood on my cheek, but it's not like I shaved over it repeatedly.