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

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.