Thread: Is Rubbing Alcohol ok for a Straight Razor?

Hey there everyone,
For those of you who read my introduction thread in the beginner's section, you saw the pictures of the brand new razor I accidentally ruined when I took the advice of a Dovo employee and soaked the carbon steel straight razor in a diluted white vinegar & water solution which in turn completely ruined the razor causing it to rust.
My previous thread - http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...-everyone.html
displays pictures of the razor, and the whole story behind it.

Anyways, I would like to know if using rubbing alcohol on the blade and scales would be ok to sterilize the straight razor, or would this pose any threat of causing the blade to rust, or ruining the scales?

Thanks everyone

I guess my first question to you is why do you feel like you need to sterilize the blade? Once the blade is completely dry there isn't any micro organisms that can survive on steel.

In answer to your question, you can wipe the blade down with alcohol and let air dry. I wouldn't soak it in it though.

Alcohol will be fine on the blade, but it might oxidize some hard-rubber scales. I'd test it on a small spot before doing the whole thing.

It discolored one side of my scales on a razor a bought from Sham awhile back. He said it did it when he laid it in a tub of alcohol, but it must have only come up the blade b/c the other scale is perfect.

Hi

I am so confused because in the Wiki there is a Sterilization apge - and at the top it says do not do this it will ruin your razor then it says how to do it.

The reason I want to know as well is because if I buy a razor 2nd hand and want to clean it I would be clueless.

Thanks

that's a very strange article for a straight razor wiki if the disclaimer is true

Originally Posted by CarrieM

I guess my first question to you is why do you feel like you need to sterilize the blade? Once the blade is completely dry there isn't any micro organisms that can survive on steel.

In answer to your question, you can wipe the blade down with alcohol and let air dry. I wouldn't soak it in it though.

I agree with this comment!

Originally Posted by Larzz

Hey there everyone,
For those of you who read my introduction thread in the beginner's section, you saw the pictures of the brand new razor I accidentally ruined when I took the advice of a Dovo employee and soaked the carbon steel straight razor in a diluted white vinegar & water solution which in turn completely ruined the razor causing it to rust.
My previous thread - http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...-everyone.html
displays pictures of the razor, and the whole story behind it.

Anyways, I would like to know if using rubbing alcohol on the blade and scales would be ok to sterilize the straight razor, or would this pose any threat of causing the blade to rust, or ruining the scales?

Thanks everyone

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Larzz
Vinegar is a mild organic acid known as acetic acid but is nonetheless an acid. Acid can destroy. It is used to dissolve lead. Thank the Lord you didn't dip your razor in Nitric or Sulfuric or Hydrochloric acid.

Several members recommended soap and water and you will always be safe with this combination. Dry your razor well and oil with mineral oil or camelia oil or maybe WD-40, And I guess baby oil would be good also. NO ACID of any kind.

Next time you get a brainstorm, run it up the old flagpole and see who salutes it. There are many knowledgable members here and they will stop you from doing something you might regret later.

Originally Posted by Larzz

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Anyways, I would like to know if using rubbing alcohol on the blade and scales would be ok to sterilize the straight razor, or would this pose any threat of causing the blade to rust, or ruining the scales?

Thanks everyone

Rubbing alcohol followed by a thin application of mineral oil to sanitize (not
sterilize) is commonly used (and so is shaving soap and hot water).

Alcohol will strip any oil from the surface of the steel and then steel
will quickly rust right before your eyes so you must apply a thin layer
of oil promptly to keep the rust bunnies at bay.

WD-40 displaces water and can help keep the steel under
the scales near the pins dry and with a small application of
oil rust free. i.e. Oil the entire blade.

Mineral oil (USP) and WD-40 top my list of post alcohol products
with mineral oil topping the longer storage list. For long storage,
gun oil and 3-in-one oil.come to play. I do like the way WD-40 wets
steel and wipes off leaving almost no goo. Other good oils can
be found in barber shops for lubricating clippers and even sewing
machine oil.

Mineral oil (pharmacy grade) is safe and can even be eaten.
where its lubrication properties can astound.... READ THE LABEL!....
Laxative (Oral Route) - MayoClinic.com

Rubbing alcohol does not rust!!! It will completely strip the oils from your blade... Leaving it unprotected ! I use alcohol often to clean my razor and then apply camila oil when the blade dries! Barbacide for sterilization for sure...and like mentioned above... It helps with the drying of the blade