Thread: Actual Testing OMG - Alcohol and Razors

There have been a few threads in the last few weeks about using alcohol to clean, loosen rust and sanitize razors...

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...ors-today.html

In each thread there has been no "actual knowledge" presented about Straight Razors, honestly I could careless what any other study found I want to know about my straight razors... I am hoping you do too...
I said somebody needs to actually test this and put it to bed, I guess I will


4:55 pm PST 6/29/2011 Set up

5 old razors 4 are carbon 2 have been buffed to simulate new steel the last one is stamped "No Stain"



70% Isopropyl Alcohol and 91% Isopropyl alcohol were added to clean dry glasses at 5:00pm PST



I will try and take pics every hour for awile anyway if this goes longer I will spead out the times...


Now we sit and wait

Mythbusters, SRP edition!

I am just thinking about the scotch that could be in those glasses! The effect of scotch on razors! Kidding! Lessee what you find !

Originally Posted by sharptonn

I am just thinking about the scotch that could be in those glasses! The effect of scotch on razors!

Hehehe you caught the Irony of using "Rocks Glasses" for alcohol testing in fact I just went and poured a stiff Chivas 18 yo in the 6th glass after reading your post, so much for the precise timing LOL

I'll drink to that, but of course I'll drink to just about anything.

6:00 pm

1 hour No Visable change so this shows that for all practical sterilization purposes using Alcohol, the razors are safe.. Unless you think that soaking longer will kill more germs

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Hehehe you caught the Irony of using "Rocks Glasses" for alcohol testing in fact I just went and poured a stiff Chivas 18 yo in the 6th glass after reading your post, so much for the precise timing LOL

Uh oh! The integrity of this test has been compromised! Stay away from the clear stuff! You should have done one in Vodka! Nothing lives in that stuff! i Am sHurrE oL GLenN WiLLL GeT tO tHe "BOtTm" oF thIs!

Originally Posted by Caledonian

I don't think we have to look much further than the fact that alcohol exposed to the air is colder than that air, colder than water would be, and the razors become cold with it.

Actually, the alcohol would be the same temperature as the surrounding air. Alcohol FEELS colder on our skin because it evaporates so quickly.

Hi,

I'm new to the forum. I'm a tinker at heart and love to work in my shop on various projects.
I hadn't read this thread, but I did my own experiment using 70% alcohol, usually use 90% but the store was out.
I used vintage straight razors from early 1800's to about 1920 with damaged scales moslty celluloid, and a few buffalo horn. in separate glass.
I also separated the black celluloid and the ivory colored celluloid.
I left them in totally submerged for 48 hours. I didn't take pictures but did thoroughly inspect them before starting.
The result: no damage to any razor blade or scale , no rust and about 90% of the gunk was dissolved from the scales.
I got beautiful urine colored alcohol.
The only places that didn't get completely cleaned were around the pivot and the wedge. I used a q-tip and 70% alcohol and cleaned up the rest of
the residue. I know barbicide will stain most light colored things although cleaning with Maas with get rid of it.

I repeated the same test with barbicide with the same result on the black celluloid and buffalo horn with the same result.

This is a GREAT forum and I've learned a TON about straight razors. Thanks to all the members like gssixgun & others who paved the way for other razor nuts!

I think we need a control group. How about Barbasol? Would this also cause the rust spots over extended soaking? I think wiping with oil after use would prevent the rust.