Sterellize straight razor

[Mastropiero]

I do like to disinfect my razors, or have them disinfected by the seller. Ehen doing it myself, I use a product that's easy to get in Spain called Darodor. 20 minutes at a 12% dilution does the trick, allegedly.

When buying pieces to restore I usually don't bother much. I mean, the blade - and edge - get a full sanding, polishing and honing, I might be wrong but once you remove metal I can't really see the point of it. Happy to stand corrected though.

 

[R181]

When buying pieces to restore I usually don't bother much. I mean, the blade - and edge - get a full sanding, polishing and honing, I might be wrong but once you remove metal I can't really see the point of it. Happy to stand corrected though.

Just a thought, but what happens if you cut yourself while restoring the razor?

Bob

 

[Mastropiero]

Just a thought, but what happens if you cut yourself while restoring the razor?

Bob

Well, that is a fair point. The tit in me screams for me to reply "Oh well, I try not to."

Seriously speaking, I make it a habit to tape the edge when doing most of the heavy stuff and then, when I do all the sanding, I just try to be really careful and smooth with my movements.

True that the danger is still there.

 

[UKRob]

Just a thought, but what happens if you cut yourself while restoring the razor?

Bob

I think there’s another factor here Bob - just how long can anything dangerous survive on metal? I have to say that I’ve never even considered the chance of infecting myself when restoring old razors - maybe I’m wrong but I’ve always believed nothing harmful can survive long enough to be an ongoing threat.

 

[R181]

I think there’s another factor here Bob - just how long can anything dangerous survive on metal? I have to say that I’ve never even considered the chance of infecting myself when restoring old razors - maybe I’m wrong but I’ve always believed nothing harmful can survive long enough to be an ongoing threat.

Yes, that is certainly something to consider too. OTH a quick wipe down with bleach takes but a minute to do as an extra precaution.

Bob

 

[Rusty Blade]

Hi, I would like to sterilize my straight razor (Koraat and Thiers Issard). Can I put the blade for 5 minutes in boiling water, or will that damage the blade?

Why do you want to sterilize your blade? If it is a used, new-to-you razor rinse under hot water (assuming the blade is in good condition)...wipe dry with a clean cloth, then a light spray of rubbing alcohol, then let it dry. Otherwise, there is no need to sterilize the blade after each use. I have never sterilized any of my blades beyond what I have described above. Don't use bleach, Barbicide or other harsh agents. There is no need.

 

[Rusty Blade]

I think there’s another factor here Bob - just how long can anything dangerous survive on metal? I have to say that I’ve never even considered the chance of infecting myself when restoring old razors - maybe I’m wrong but I’ve always believed nothing harmful can survive long enough to be an ongoing threat.

When I restore straight razors I give the blade a quick spray with rubbing alcohol, let it sit a minute and then wipe it dry. Then proceed with my cleaning and polishing.

 

[Twelvefret]

Wouldn’t bleach work?

 

[R181]

Wouldn’t bleach work?

A relative who is a doctor suggested the bleach would work. Good enough for me.

Bob

 

[Twelvefret]

The reason I ask is bleach is how we make sure our chef tools are okay to use.

 

[UglyDuckling]

As a lab worker (biologist) I can say bleach is safe to starilize pretty much anything.
Alcohol is a good disinfectant (I use 70% Ethanol per routine use in biological research lab) but bleach is even harder if the blade is safe to being exposed to bleach. A minute or so of bleach and you're good to go!

 

[R181]

A minute or so of bleach and you're good to go!

Yes, a minute or so but do not soak a blade in bleach for any long period of time because it can do not so funny things to the metal. I swab my blades to be worked on with a Q-Tip and bleach, rinse with water and dry. You can use alcohol after that and wipe dry to ensure the blade is dry.

Bob

 

[SeanC]

I've learned the hard way that bleach, toilet cleaner and other highly reactive substances are not good to metal. I've used nothing but 70%+ isopropyl alcohol for the last 3 years and lived to tell the tale. The same substance is also recommended for dispatching Covid

 

[Twelvefret]

Just in the spirit of full disclosure, I’ve never used bleach on a blade holder or a SR, just on kitchen knives and cutting board. My board is some type of synthetic that does not dull the blade.

 

[DaltonGang]

All I do, for my acquired Straight Razors, is use very warm tap water, a toothbrush, and some Palmolive with antibacterial in it. This cleans out all the gunk, and makes it smell good too. What people dont understand is that most bacteria will die off, if dried out and left exposed to air for a couple of days. Dont let soap and shaving gunk build up in the scales, keep it clean, and you shouldnt have to worry about your own germs.