Thread: Autoclave a razor?

I'd like to sterilise one of my razors as I have a feeling it's what is leading to minor red bumps on my neck when I use it (despite a smooth shave). Is it safe to use a local dentist's autoclave, in particular with regard to the celluloid scales?

I wouldn't

oh no!
200°C is almost tempering temperature.
not to speak of the scales.

Originally Posted by Doc

I wouldn't

Wow, that was quick! Any idea what a better course of action might be? Would a quick rub down with some surgical ethanol followed by an off the shelf (first aid) antiseptic spray kill the majority of nasties?

Keep it dry and out in the sun.

Sterilization - Straight Razor Place Wiki

I use H-42. You can try Barbicide, Mar-V-Cide as well.

Originally Posted by rupert87

I'd like to sterilise one of my razors as I have a feeling it's what is leading to minor red bumps on my neck when I use it (despite a smooth shave). Is it safe to use a local dentist's autoclave, in particular with regard to the celluloid scales?

If this would be some nasty bug on the razor, wouldn't your whole face suffer.

Could it be that they would be just razor bumps, irritation or ingrowns from shaving too close? Do they come if you skip the ATG/XTG?

I have no idea how celluloid would react to autoclave, but I would hazard a guess that not very well, since they are plastic. They might bend. Celluloid might also ignite, but I'm not sure if the autoclave is hot enough to do that.

It occured to me that you can certainly bring agents to your skin by touching or stretching the piece with your off-hand, that much is certain. I'd think it is also more probable, since bugs generally don't live long on surfaces, but hands wander constantly.

I've also read somewhere that one should avoid touching one's face for a while after the shave. That might be complete hogwash, though.

Originally Posted by ursus

If this would be some nasty bug on the razor, wouldn't your whole face suffer.

Could it be that they would be just razor bumps, irritation or ingrowns from shaving too close? Do they come if you skip the ATG/XTG?

I have no idea how celluloid would react to autoclave, but I would hazard a guess that not very well, since they are plastic. They might bend. Celluloid might also ignite, but I'm not sure if the autoclave is hot enough to do that.

I was just thinking that. The razor feels as smooth as the others in my rotation but the bumps are just confined to a certain part of my neck. Thinking about it, I've been using that razor on the day I've had reason to wear a stiff collar and tie right after the shave. It just occurred to me that that might be the cause of the irritation. Maybe I'll give it another chance.

Originally Posted by 0livia

Keep it dry and out in the sun.

Sun in November?! Now that's crazier than autoclaving a razor!

Originally Posted by rupert87

Wow, that was quick! Any idea what a better course of action might be? Would a quick rub down with some surgical ethanol followed by an off the shelf (first aid) antiseptic spray kill the majority of nasties?

Use an alcohol based aftershave. It is worth a try as it will keep infection down. It actually might be that the blade is too sharp for your beard!!!