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.
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?