Boiling Razors (with celluloid scales)

Hi all,

I'm following the advice of the experts on this site and purchasing a used blade as my first. I found one that fits the bill but the seller noted in his ad that he boiled the razor in order to sterilize it. The time submerged is not noted, but I would think that this treatment has the propensity to damage the celluloid (assuming it's celluloid) scales. Is my assumption correct? If so, is there a "safe" amount of time the entire razor could be submerged without damage? Also, what questions could I ask that may determine if any damage has been done? I'm guessing this is limited to "are the scales warped?", but given my inexperience I figured I'd ask.

Many thanks,

Todd

I wouldn't advise boiling any straight for two reasons: first you could easily destroy the scales - wood, celluloid or composite. Bone and ivory don't take too kindly to it either. Secondly, boiling it does NOT sterilize it. Sterilization is a process that takes place within an autoclave machine where temperatures are considerably higher than the normal boiling point of water. As to any damage having been done to the scales, it should be fairly obvious - does the blade close without fouling the scales? Do they look straight when viewed down their length? If so they have survived.

If you want to make sure there are no bugs on a razor - disinfect it using a compound such as barbicide. Does the job and no warping!

was it specified that the scales were boiled too, or just the razor before putting the scales on?

I wouldnt boil a razor with or without scales, too much work, too many chances taken, there are far easier and foolproof ways to do this. Alcohol, barbacide, etc,

Yeah, I wouldn't have boiled it either. What's the point if it doesn't kill what you're looking to kill.

I get the sense that the seller doesn't know a whole lot about razors so my assumption has been that the scales where included in the "disinfection" process. We all know what they say about assumptions though. I will ask the question.

Welcome to SRP. Check out the SRP Wiki beginner's guide here. I would avoid that razor. I've been shaving with literally hundreds of vintage razors for the last couple of years and I've never done anything to sterilize any of them. So far so good. Chances are he didn't do the scales any good.

it would be fairly easy to boil a razor with the scales on using an electric hot water kettle. Open the razor and hang the blade into the water with the scales as the hanger (if you are worried about the scales letting loose, you could tape them to the outside of the kettle). I would hang it with the edge pointed away from the sides then start the unit. It will heat the water to boiling. Mine then shuts off.

Haven't done or tested this. I was just speculating on how I could do this with the scales on.

I've been a professional tattoo artist for 20 years. Back in the days when we reused tattooing needles sterilized in autoclaves I had plenty of experience with sterilization procedures. To kill blood borne pathogens you need 265 degrees or better for say two minutes for an item outside of a sterilization bag. In a bag make it 15 minutes. Unless you've gotten a freshly used razor that has blood on it sterilization is unnecessary.

If it did have blood on it and it wasn't cleaned almost immediately the blood will eat carbon steel. Wipe the razor with alcohol and you're good to go IME. These razors laying around for months and years are unlikely to harbor any viruses or bugs that are going to hurt you. Cleaning grunge out of the scales and washing and wiping the blade before use is all that is necessary ..... if that.

Just to be clear, my question is not regarding the merits of boiling to reach the point of sterilization. Rather, the potential damage done to scales as a result of boiling.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by apples439

Just to be clear, my question is not regarding the merits of boiling to reach the point of sterilization. Rather, the potential damage done to scales as a result of boiling.

---

I've no experience in that area. Like you I would think it may have warped them if nothing else. :shrug:

Even if it was just the blade that was submerged in the boiling water the scales would be too close to the heat to remain unaffected IMO. Damage more than likely would occur.

I wonder if a prolonged boil could change the integrity of the scales (i.e. make them more brittle)? This wouldn't be something you could check without breaking so I will take your advice and avoid this particular razor.

Many thanks,

-Todd

Every once in awhile I have run into razors with warped scales. I heat water up to almost boiling, get potholders out, dunk scales in water for just a second or two. That sometimes allows correction for warping.

But, I learned the hard way that scales are just like the old phonograph records left lying in a car window. They warp easily! And, once they warp, you can't easily, or at all, unwarp them.

I really discourage putting scales in hot water. And, if you do, only a second or few.

By the way, I suspect they got warped in the first place by being put into too hot water!

To be honest, I'm not sure they are warped. I have posed the question so we will see. The feeling I get from the ad is that they were boiled for quite some time so I cannot imagine that damage has not been done. The blade may still be decent, however, so depending on the price it may still be a decent deal. I'll report back with the seller's answer (presuming he does answer) in case anyone is interested. Thanks, fellas.

Start here for more info



Fixing warped scales - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Go to the original thread for even more info

Old celluloid scales just warp from the celluloid changing over time, they can expand or contract just because they feel like it :) they don't need heat or cold or God's permission they just do as they please.. LOL..