Thread: Sterilizing blades

I am working on a couple of razors and before I finish them I want to make sure the blades are clean. Both are vintage carbon steel.

My question is, would it hurt them to run them through a dental autoclave?

Originally Posted by gkofsky

I am working on a couple of razors and before I finish them I want to make sure the blades are clean. Both are vintage carbon steel.

My question is, would it hurt them to run them through a dental autoclave?

From what I've read, an autoclave is probably too hot.

When I need to disinfect a blade, I pull out my jug of Barbicide, mix according to directions, and let sit submersed for the recommended 10 minutes. Barbicide is an excellent product for that...kills everything.

The heat was my concern... I also have access to a cold sterilization bath, does the same as the barbacide.

Thanks for the advice!

Nervermind the heat, what about the heat + 100% humidity + oxygen?
Think about a carbon steel knife in a dishwasher. But worse.

They are not made to be autoclaved. Rinse them with desinfectant if you must.
But honestly, after sanding and polishing, there is nothing alive on that blade anymore.

+1 to Phranks response. IMO Barbicide can't be beat for what you are looking at doing.

Originally Posted by Bruno

Nervermind the heat, what about the heat + 100% humidity + oxygen?
Think about a carbon steel knife in a dishwasher. But worse.

They are not made to be autoclaved. Rinse them with desinfectant if you must.
But honestly, after sanding and polishing, there is nothing alive on that blade anymore.

+1

Honing removes steel, which is removing a lot more than an autoclave. I'd say don't worry about it.

What I do on a continuing basis is I've taken a tall narrow jar (like from olives), fill with mostly 92% rubbing alcohol and a tbs and a half of mineral oil., shake it up before each use and carefully dip the razor I had just used, rinsed off and dried in, and then with my finger distribute a bit of the oil film up to the pivot area. I can't remember which SRP member wrote about it first, but I've had no problem with my razors since I started using this method.

Soap and hot water is all that is needed

Im just curious has anyone considered the use of Iodophor / Betadine as a blade disinfectant? I've see open wounds painted with this stuff so it cant be too bad for you and it's bacteriacidal / virucidal properties are well known. I'm sure you would not want to get it on the scales of a razor as surely it would stain. Any thoughts?

Barbacide works great just follow the directions. I usually just pour an additional rocks glass of makers mark for my razors to sit in while I'm having one myself