Thread: Is Rubbing Alcohol ok for a Straight Razor?

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

Ladies and gentlemen:

Through the years, when cleaning and sterilizing razors, I have come to depend on nothing but soap and hot water — and a good scrubbing.

Regards,
Obie

If you want to sterilize a second hand blade, I highly recommend Barbicide... inexpensive, professional, kills EVERYTHING. Just soak the blade for 10 mins, rinse, dry, and it's sterile.

Can I put the scales in also?

It really depends on what the scales are- I think it would be quite a gamble. Unless you are rubbing the scales all over open wounds, however, I wouldn't worry about it.

I had plastic scales and the alcohol broke the scales. I would not let the scales soak in rubbing alcohol.

Originally Posted by BKratchmer

If you want to sterilize a second hand blade, I highly recommend Barbicide... inexpensive, professional, kills EVERYTHING. Just soak the blade for 10 mins, rinse, dry, and it's sterile.

When I first get a used blade, I will soak it in Barbicide for the required ten minutes, then wipe off. As for the scales, it says you can put them in Barbicide and it won't discolor, but I don't take the chance, just hang the blade itself in the solution.

After that, it's my blade, proper rinsing with hot water, drying between the scales, and letting it air dry is enough. I"ll also place a drop or two of Tuf-Glide in the pivot area, as thats an area prone to rust IME.

Originally Posted by Obie

Ladies and gentlemen:

Through the years, when cleaning and sterilizing razors, I have come to depend on nothing but soap and hot water — and a good scrubbing.

Regards,
Obie

That is all I ever use is dishwashing soap and hot water. Alcohol won't hurt anything as long as you dry it off but isn't any better than soap and water.

Ok, I just got the new razor, and used a Q-tip dipped in 70% rubbing alcohol and swabbed the blade quickly before first use, and wiped it clean with a dry towel. Then proceeded with the shave making sure to not get any water on any other portion of the razor other than the blade to merely rinse the lather off between strokes. I also made sure to keep my hands dry and not allow moisture to get into the scales.

As soon as I finished the shave and dried the blade to get it ready to apply mineral oil before putting it away, I noticed this spot had popped up miraculously! WTF!? Can someone please explain this? Here are the best pictures I could manage to take with my camera.

I don't know if this is the start of a rust spot or what....