Thread: Why sterilize? Public service message.

Hepatitis C is transmitted by the blood of the infected person being transmitted into the bloodstream of the recipient. This is certainly a possibility with straight razors. I think disinfection is mandatory for those honing razors or having their own razors honed by others, or those buying a razor used by others. The likelihood of transmission is low, but the consequences if undetected can be devastating. Most carriers of Hepatitis C have no symptoms for many years and no knowledge of their infection. I believe that those honing razors for others have a moral obligation to sterilize the razors by a proven effective method. The honers themselves are at the highest risk if they are shave-testing multiple razors. The CDC now recommends that ALL persons born during the years of 1945 through 1965 have a single routine blood screening test for Hepatitis C antibody. This is especially relevant now, because there is highly effective oral antiviral therapy that can cure over 95% of cases.

I seriously doubt there is much danger as it can only live maximum for several days outside the body and the very act of honing will likely kill or remove anything that is there. Now shaving multiple people with the same razor on the same day very well could cause an issue.

From the CDC website:
"How long does the Hepatitis C virus survive outside the body?

The Hepatitis C virus can survive outside the body at room temperature, on environmental surfaces, for at least 16 hours but no longer than 4 days."

10 percent bleach solution in a squeeze bottle and a Q tip wiped on the bevels.

I try to use a clean Q tip…

Thanks. I always try to sterilize new razors. Even though the chance is low it is still there. Especially if someone is test shaving your razors. I would rather be safe then sorry.

I do sterilize my razors, but all my razors are vintage and have a completely new bevel set on them exposing virgin metal. Metal that has never seen light before let alone skin.

I do think it's wise though, to sterilize a razor coming from someone else.

Originally Posted by shavindave

Hepatitis C is transmitted by the blood of the infected person being transmitted into the bloodstream of the recipient. This is certainly a possibility with straight razors. I think disinfection is mandatory for those honing razors or having their own razors honed by others, or those buying a razor used by others. The likelihood of transmission is low, but the consequences if undetected can be devastating. Most carriers of Hepatitis C have no symptoms for many years and no knowledge of their infection. I believe that those honing razors for others have a moral obligation to sterilize the razors by a proven effective method. The honers themselves are at the highest risk if they are shave-testing multiple razors. The CDC now recommends that ALL persons born during the years of 1945 through 1965 have a single routine blood screening test for Hepatitis C antibody. This is especially relevant now, because there is highly effective oral antiviral therapy that can cure over 95% of cases.

I Guess the people that hone for others also need to sterilize the hones they use between each blade,the water they soak stones in.
The DMT plates,the list go's on and on.
I suppose one day people that Hone for others will have to Pay OSHA to certify them.
This is all B.S,wash the blade in soapy hot water if you must,you will be good to go.

Sorry, pixelfixed, but this is not BS. You don't need sterile hones. OSHA is not coming to get you. Just sterilize the razor before use by the honer, and before use by the user. Bleach along the cutting edge should be fine. If you don't think it is necessary, that is your decision. Others may feel differently.

The same CDC that told us that ebola would never spread to the US?

Unless the person comes to your house with a freshly used razor for honing I doubt there are any issues. if the razor is mailed you have at least a three day transit period and then another few days before it's even handled. if it's a razor I've bought myself after the transit period it's hit with metal cleaners which contain pretty strong cleaners which would kill anything.

I think the bottom line is common sense.

I would be MUCH more worried about a brush than a razor personally. The very act of shaving uses soap all over your face which is a disinfectant. You are also stropping the edge at least 30+ times on linen and leather pre-shave and I give it at least 10 more laps post shave as well then let it air dry over night or at least 8 hours.

Dry polished steel is a very sterile environment unlike rusty pitted steel.

There is is nothing wrong with using caution, but unless you are a barber shop using the same razor on numerous people I just don't see the danger.