Hey guys, odd question here. Are old straight razors sanitary; ... say- those that you might buy at an antique store and restore. I understand that you have to clean them up and everything before using them, i was just wondering if it was safe (not that i have any concerns what so ever). More in particularly, the barbers. In my state (CT) the barbers say that the REAL straights are unsanitary and harbor a lot of bacteria, even the leather strops do. So thats why they use shavettes with disposable blades. Is there any truth to it?
Are straight razors sanitary?
- Thread starter ThatGuy
- Start date
Absolutely no truth to it.
In fact a an actual straight razor has far less nooks, and crannies to hold germs than a Shavette does. The holding mechanism of the Shavette introduces lots of small little areas that would be difficult to keep fully clean on a daily basis.
On the other hand, there is very little that can survive a Barbercide bath. It kills just about everything!
In fact a an actual straight razor has far less nooks, and crannies to hold germs than a Shavette does. The holding mechanism of the Shavette introduces lots of small little areas that would be difficult to keep fully clean on a daily basis.
On the other hand, there is very little that can survive a Barbercide bath. It kills just about everything!
Amazing what length they go to to dis straight razor use. The fact is they don't want have to mess with sanitizing and insurance costs and state statutes so they come up with some excuse.
My barber told me that she does not use real straights simply because of the time and effort involved in maintaining them versus disposable shavettes. So, a large part of the answer may lie with efficiency and time management.
The other part of the answer may lie with some regulation. But, from watching what goes on, I have not observed a changing of the blade for each customer. Rather, I have seen them just put the razor in Barbercide and reuse it. My two cents
The other part of the answer may lie with some regulation. But, from watching what goes on, I have not observed a changing of the blade for each customer. Rather, I have seen them just put the razor in Barbercide and reuse it. My two cents
The law here in Modena, which is probably very similar to health department regulations everywhere, says that any instrument that can cut must be sterilized before it can be used on another client. I think your barber gave you an honest answer: the maintenance of a straight razor (honing, stropping and sterilization) is just too much work for a part of the barber's business that is diminishing and not very profitable.My barber told me that she does not use real straights simply because of the time and effort involved in maintaining them versus disposable shavettes. So, a large part of the answer may lie with efficiency and time management.
The other part of the answer may lie with some regulation. But, from watching what goes on, I have not observed a changing of the blade for each customer. Rather, I have seen them just put the razor in Barbercide and reuse it. My two cents
Our local barber uses a shavette for this reason as he told me that if he had to strop each time he could shave at least 2 people in the same time, also if you want, though no body round here will want this, he will also shave you with a mach 3
Some states (including PA I believe) apparently require barbers use disposable blades. It's simply a case of some lazy people not disinfecting properly between clients, so it's simpler to make this law then enforce sanitation practices. Same as disposable syringes and other devices in hospitals.
I can't wait for the day they mandate cooks use disposable knives.
I can't wait for the day they mandate cooks use disposable knives.
some states and municipalties insist on an autoclave as Barbicide is not enough.
A straight in an autoclave is a good way to screw it up
A straight in an autoclave is a good way to screw it up
But, from watching what goes on, I have not observed a changing of the blade for each customer. Rather, I have seen them just put the razor in Barbercide and reuse it. My two cents
Ewwww!
Again regulation here in Ireland in regards to sanitation etc means all barbers use Shavettes and the like. However the guys at the wonderful Waldorf will happily use your personal straight for you if you bring it in shave-ready.
B
buyandhold2018
I was told that some barbers use some sort of 'steam machine' to disinfect scissors... I would imagine straights could be cleaned in a similar fashion as long as the handle material was steel/metal as well, maybe.
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I'm sure it all comes down to health regulations. Its so much easier to pass some kind of rule that will take any liability off of the governing body, regardless of the consequences. As far as I'm concerned its just big, or small, government sticking its nose into things that they don't understand or know anything about. 
The government regulates minimum health standards (which I'm glad of!), and barbers have to decide whether or not it's worth their time and effort to comply. There's no nefarious plot here, barbershop shaves just aren't economically feasible now that everyone has a Mach 3 and hot running water at home.
My barber lets certain customers bring in their straight and will shave you with it if you wish (I try and treat himself to a shave once a month.) If not, he'll use a shavette. I took all my razors in and he's narrowed it down to three razors I now take with me. He also likes the practicality and low maintenence of shavettes.
I think it's important to draw a distinction between your use environment (antique razor cleaned up and used on your face exclusively) and that of a commercial barber (razor used on a different person each time).
- Chris
- Chris
I think the best to answer the question are the long time straight users. If they're still kicking it's good enough for me
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+1 on Chris though point though.
.+1 on Chris though point though.
A local shop uses a real straight to clean up the back of their customers necks.
I had him show me.
Will NOT be going there for even a haircut.
Dried whatever, and hair stuck to the blade, that he unceremoniously picked at with a thumbnail
uke:
I had him show me.
Will NOT be going there for even a haircut.
Dried whatever, and hair stuck to the blade, that he unceremoniously picked at with a thumbnail
uke:Similar threads
