Returning after a DE hiatus

[Gatsby]

Happy New Year everyone,

I've been absent from B&B for four or five months.
I apologize; I started law school in September and life has been one wild ride ever since.

During this time, I've used my Edwin Jagger BB Brush, Proraso or TOBS, Thayer's Witch Hazel, and e-Shave's Almond Aftershave.
But, for the sake of expediency, I returned to my Mach 3.
The shaves have been fine.
It's time to bring my Merkur 33c back into the arsenal.
My box of Astras is ready to go.

My question: should I just load up the Merkur with an Astra and start shaving or do I need to clean/sterilize the razor before I use it--I've stored it in the small carboard box it was shipped in. If I do have to clean/sterilize it then how do I go about doing this?

Thank you.

P.S. I promise to be an active member once again.

 

[BrianP]

I would go ahead and use it without giving it a second thought.

The only time I sterilize a razor is when I get a new-to-me razor.

 

[ek.310]

Welcome back sir!!

 

[richmondesi]

WooHoo. Welcome back to the fold

 

[Gatsby]

Thanks for the warm welcomes.

The prodigal son returns!

Just had my first DE shave in about 4 months.
Merkur 33c with an Astra. Proraso from a tub with an Edwin Jagger BB.

Loved it! Fantastic results!

The girlfriend's verdict: DE shaving leaves my skin looking better than the platic multi-blade razors.
And I think I'm quicker with my Merkur than the Mach 3.
I suppose I was seduced in contemporary technology's promise that the new ways are faster.

Great way to start the new year.

 

[BrianP]

Thanks for the warm welcomes.

The prodigal son returns!

Just had my first DE shave in about 4 months.
Merkur 33c with an Astra. Proraso from a tub with an Edwin Jagger BB.

Loved it! Fantastic results!

The girlfriend's verdict: DE shaving leaves my skin looking better than the platic multi-blade razors.
And I think I'm quicker with my Merkur than the Mach 3.
I suppose I was seduced in contemporary technology's promise that the new ways are faster.

Great way to start the new year.

Huzzah!! Good start to the year!

 

[brianw]

Great to have you back

 

[billyjeff2]

I think you'll find the answer to your question buried deep inside the "International Shoe" case..

 

[Slivovitz]

Welcome back! Can't really advise you on the odds of catching something from a razor used only by you, but which hasn't been used for a while. Did you sterilize it when you first got it?

If it were me, I'd probably rinse it in hot tap water and call it good, but maybe that's too lax. I do give vintage razors the full barbicide treatment when they arrive, but have never done this with a new razor. Maybe I should.

Anyway, enjoy the return to DE shaving.

 

[Gatsby]

Welcome back! Can't really advise you on the odds of catching something from a razor used only by you, but which hasn't been used for a while. Did you sterilize it when you first got it?

If it were me, I'd probably rinse it in hot tap water and call it good, but maybe that's too lax. I do give vintage razors the full barbicide treatment when they arrive, but have never done this with a new razor. Maybe I should.

Anyway, enjoy the return to DE shaving.

Thanks for the tip.
I took apart the Merkur, boiled some water, put the boiling water and pieces in a mug, took a shower, and put the razor back together after my shower.

I did spend the whole day cleaning my apartment. Lords knows what's attacking my immune system now.