Brass is best (for germs)

Discussion in 'General Shaving Talk' started by Bookworm, Feb 20, 2018.

  1. Bookworm

    Bookworm Well-Known Member

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/hea...fixtures-to-cut-superbugs-say-scientists.html

    They'd already known about copper/silver electrodes for swimming pools, and that silver reduced infection, but here's an article (referencing an article in Molecular Genetics in Bacteria) that points out that silver and brass actually kill and denature bacteria, not just kill.

    So, if you're worried about old razors containing bacteria - buy silver plated, or get the ones with the worst plating damage :)

    I wonder if I should drop a chunk of copper into the ultrasonic bath I use for my razors, as I tend to soak them for at least 8 hours anyway.

    In even more detail - http://www.tested.com/science/life/453961-oligodynamic-effect-how-some-metals-kill-bacteria/

    This suggests that it doesn't require that the bacteria be on the surface of the metal. If there's water contact, the silver/copper will sterilize the liquid as well. That bodes well for those wanting to sterilize their razors and stainless blades. Not so much on the carbon steel, because dropping those in water for 8 hours is probably not a good idea.

    Cool - old, worn, brass razors are more sterile than new stainless. Of course, you can boil both, so it's not insurmountable.
     
    canoeroller, Keithmax, MR41 and 3 others like this.
  2. Jayaruh

    Jayaruh The Cackalacky House Pet

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    sdguero likes this.
  3. sdguero

    sdguero Well-Known Member

    Very interesting. Thanks, @Bookworm!
     
  4. Bookworm

    Bookworm Well-Known Member

    What I'm wondering now is how much of a copper alloy you need for the effect. How far from 'Brass' to 'Zamac' could you get?
     
  5. MR41

    MR41 Well-Known Member

    Good to know!
     

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