Thread: How do I disinfect my straight razor?

I only disinfect blades that are new to me or that I am sending out because I have honed them or sold them. Rubbing alcohol is cheap, available and effective.

I use a plastic 100ml graduated cylinder. This minimizes the volume of Barbicide needed to to submerge the blade. Even though do not believe I carry any transmissible cooties, I still disinfect all blades for others, as a courtesy. I do not disinfect my own blades, as I see no need to protect myself from myself.

Originally Posted by bricktrevor

I have heard some people say to soak it in barbicide, but what kind of container should I use?

All are good answers as to what to use in place of barbicide. But only one person answered the original question.

Substance

A tall glass, jar, container or Pyrex measuring cup. Deep enough to submerge 3" of the bade. The nature of the container is to be non porous. You can clean the jar and reuse for whatever purpose, but if I was trying to remove the possibility of Hep-C, HIV or the likes. I wouldn't use it for anything but.

Go to a local thrift shop and pick out something for $2 or spend $25 on a barber jar. Your choice.

Also only soak the blade as some scales will stain blue

Originally Posted by Utopian

I use a plastic 100ml graduated cylinder. This minimizes the volume of Barbicide needed to to submerge the blade.

Originally Posted by lethalgraphix

All are good answers as to what to use in place of barbicide. But only one person answered the original question.

Substance

I don't think that is correct.

Originally Posted by lethalgraphix

All are good answers as to what to use in place of barbicide. But only one person answered the original question.

Su

Barbicide makes containers too.

Originally Posted by lethalgraphix

All are good answers as to what to use in place of barbicide. But only one person answered the original question.

There are two questions!

Re-read the title to the thread.
How do disinfect my straight razor?

Originally Posted by bricktrevor

I have heard some people say to soak it in barbicide, but what kind of container should I use?

The Barbicide containers are glass, but a good plastic container should do the job as well. When I use my Barbicide, I'm probably going to use a Ball Mason Jar. They are cheap, made of sturdy glass, and can be sealed watertight.

If I were going to use Barbicide or another disinfectant, I'd get one of the Barbicide jars, just because they're kind of cool looking.

But unless someone is a professional barber, I don't really see a need to use a disinfectant on a straight at all. A steel blade is a lousy host for bacteria if it's kept reasonably clean and dry, and anyone who cares about their straight should be keeping it clean and dry. There might be a very small potential for some types of scale material to harbor germs, but disinfectants could potentially discolor or otherwise damage some scales, and so routinely dunking your scales isn't a good idea. Best bet is just to keep all your gear clean and dry, and then not worry about it.

Originally Posted by Montanan

If I were going to use Barbicide or another disinfectant, I'd get one of the Barbicide jars, just because they're kind of cool looking.

But unless someone is a professional barber, I don't really see a need to use a disinfectant on a straight at all. A steel blade is a lousy host for bacteria if it's kept reasonably clean and dry, and anyone who cares about their straight should be keeping it clean and dry. There might be a very small potential for some types of scale material to harbor germs, but disinfectants could potentially discolor or otherwise damage some scales, and so routinely dunking your scales isn't a good idea. Best bet is just to keep all your gear clean and dry, and then not worry about it.

When you buy/sell a razor it is nice to be able to sterilize the blade between users.
Also, you don't have to dunk the scales in the Barbicide, so that it isn't even an issue.