Thread: Barbers that use Dry Heat Sterilizers on Straight Razors

Gents,

I have searched the forum for an answer but I would like to hear from the barbers who have actually tried dry heat sterilization on traditional straight razors.

Many jurisdictions seem to have some form of regulation that requires or strongly recommends that barbers sterilize razors with an autoclave or dry heat sterilizer. Here is an example of a guide.

My question is the following, has anyone had continued success using a dry heat sterilizer on say a carbon steel razor with stainless steel scales?

Thank you.

Hy,i can't speak from the point of a barber, but i can speak from the poin of a surgeon and former medical device engineer

Dry heat sterilization uses heat and presure to get the job done. The temperature can go up to 250Celsius and the presure can be similar or above taht in your car tire...Also the time for optimal sterilization should be 15-20 min or more depending on the size of the object and degree of contamination

This been said, the requirements for tempering a blade are well met...so i dont recommend dry heat sterilization for straight razors.

Dry heat sterilization works great for surgical instruments that are usualy made from 316LM steel that DOES NOT RESPOND TO HEAT TREATMENT and is also non magnetic to alow you to have an MRI in case you need it...this class of steel can only be hardened by COLD WORKING.

I hope this answers youre question.

Originally Posted by ovidiucotiga

I hope this answers youre question.

It sure does, thanks Doc!

what about an autoclave that uses steam? how do various razors hold up to repeated sterilizations?