"dont start a shave with a dirty tool, clean your razors people" best quote ever

This is why internet is great - I just found my late grandpa's Gillette razors and decided to clean them up - and now I know exactly what to do, step by step :) bless you from Belgrade, Serbia

Thank you Matt for this video. Very informative since I really had no idea how to care for a razor in regards to what I can use without damaging them.

Great video - it’s good to have an all-in-one resource like this. Plus one one the polishing cloth from RE - it’s perfect for those of us who may not be super confident in our polishing skills, or who overestimate how much plating remains on a razor.

I've used Novus plastic polish as a very very low abrasive polish. The final wax step for Novus will also work well as a protective layer. Flitz is only really aggressive if you've let it sit a long time, which means you have a lot more abrasive per drop (the solvent has evaporated, even through the bottle sides). It's often used for polishing fountain pens. I use scrubbing bubbles first to loosen things, then Dawn, then the ultrasonic cleaner. The one thing I didn't hear you mention is what you'll see on really old Gillette razors, which is the nitrocellulose lacquer, which was REALLY new when they were using it. It was the "space age" technology of finishes at the time. It _will_ come off with scrubbing bubbles as well as any ultrasonic. Don't panic. The original nitrocellulose lacquer was also tinted, which is part of why the gold looked more 'gold'. You can also buy spray nitrocellulose lacquer - I tried it, and it looks very good, especially for a display razor. It'll come off again if you start heavily using it, but that's the breaks. As for the sterilizing part? If it's a standard razor, just mix up some Lysol concentrate and dip the razor. No need to buy special chemicals. 30 seconds should be plenty of time. Most of the disinfectants are quaternary ammonia products, and they _will_ corrode metal over time. Bleach is an absolute no-go - chlorine is as corrosive as oxygen, if not more so for some things. Do not use alcohol on razors with acrylic handles! The alcohol will craze the acrylic (it will give an antique feel, though). If you want to use alcohol, set the handles aside, and only dip/soak the heads. Again, 30 seconds is plenty.

Hi Matt- Very nice video packed with great DIY techniques; thank you! I hope you have a great weekend ahead and all the best!

Great video Matt. Dawn, alcohol, and Arm & Hammer toothpaste is what I use as well. Final buff with a polishing cloth for that showroom finish and all my vintage Gillettes and Gems are gorgeous 👍🏻💈

This was so helpful. I found a Gillette Old Type at a flea market and thanks to this it looks practically brand new

Love your videos Matt. I cleaned and polished my vintage razors with a wet toothbrush and Turtle Wax. Rinse with water and dry with a microfiber cloth. Leaves the razors clean and shinny without damage to the nickel platting.

Like this new and improved video on restoring razors. Followed your directions on an older video on about 10 vintage Gillettes I purchased and they turned out great. A step I used on some without paint is using my ultrasonic cleaner.

Great video Matt!! Thank you for sharing your insight! Very much appreciated!

This is actually amazing information to keep in mind! Thanks a lot.

Thank you for that education Matt. Thumbs up!

Really cool video, Matt! Very in depth and highly informative. My hats off to you sir for taking the time to make a video on this, when part of your livelihood comes from professionally cleaning and restoring razors. A lot of other people wouldn't give tips on something that could potentially detract from their business. This is one of the many reasons you're respected in the community and why, if I ever need a razor restored; it's going to you. Again, excellent advice!

Another excellent video, great cleaning advice...Thanks! I can’t wait till tomorrow. I’m getting my Fat Handle Tech in the mail I bought from you! I’m also looking forward to shaving with it Saturday morning! This is going to be Fun! Thanks again👍

Thank you for the tips, some of my vintage razors are in need of a good cleaning and polishing.

Phenominal Help, I just started a Cut throat razor buisness, self taught, I shave men and women, with cut throat straight Razor , Sword, Shavette, Safety Razor, and Rambo Knife, I myself shave with butterfly knife and switch blade and other knives. This is extremely important for me and all my customers sanitation of safety razors is key always, thank you so much for posting.

Super informative video!! Many thanks to you Matt! 👍

Thank you Matt. Good to know about the dishwasher.

Great video Matt very informative. Thanks!

Another great video Matt. Thanks for Sharing

FANTASTIC advice.

Hey Matt, excellent video. I also use Dawn, Scrubbing Bubbles and always gentle with a toothbrush. I also use Flintz but happy you pointed out to be careful on Gold. I like to use Mineral Oil with a Q-tip for adjustable razors too. I have been thinking about getting and wearing that t-shirt at the next Big Shave West next April. hint, hint, hint. :-) Cheers, Mark

Good update segment on the original video you published approximately 5 years ago. This has a new touch with the DIY information, and uses the same great Matt approach!

Thanks for this video! Very good info as I have developed RAD for vintage Gillette razors (Mostly thanks to you Matt haha)!!

Thanks 😊 for all you do - Great 👍🏻 informative video.

Hey Matt thanks for the videos! I've learned a lot by watching them. Are you guys open tomorrow Columbus Day?

Great Video! I’m a new DE shaver and have purchased a few vintage razors. Would also love a t-shirt!

Great video Matt.

For a cheap disinfecting container I've used an old french press.

For cleaning and even a little polishing ultrasonic cleaners work great if you have access to one. Especially on softer metal.

Finally! A legit clean-your-razor video! Much better than that yahoo from several years ago who recommended a trip thru the dishwasher ...

Washing and cleaning with dishwasher liquid and tooth brush as you mentioned and dry it with microfiber cloth. Also applying castor oil on the sloth of the handle for 2 or 3 piece razors.

Great info-Thank you

Just found your site over the weekend. Very Nice! It looks like I was given a 1957 Gillette TTO that seemed like it was very used and very nasty. The knurl looked like it had plating removed, green to brown residue on the handle and the part that touches the face were very cloudy and almost dark. So I used some of the product that I use in cleaning and restoring Sewing Machines. One thing that I was VERY pleased with was cleaning the knurl with some Dawn Dish Soap added to a “MR CLEAN MAJIC ERASER”! This brought out the luster of the knurl with no heavy black reside left behind. This is on a sampling of ONE razor, but the results are wonderful.

Excellent video, Thank you

Stainless steel was not covered in this one and I have the Rex Ambassador 😊 Thanks Matt as it’s the best razor I have ever owned (N4). I warm hot water in a kettle and pour it into a pot with Fairy detergent. Then I let it sit for a couple of minutes and clean it with a tooth brush. After that I rinse it in cold water and dry with cold hair dryer. To finish off I just pour a little of olive oil in the adjustment dial, which keeps it rolling smooth. Repeat every couple of months or when it looks dirty or dial becomes a bit stiff. I do know that sewing/mineral oil would probably be better but olive oil has worked great for me and I hope the Rex will provide a lifetime of shaving joy! 😁

Great tutorial. I more or less use the same methods as you do. The whitening tooth paste is great tool. I couldn't imagine it works so great. I wanted to purchase your polishing cloth but the shipping cost is just to much to my destination. Unfortunately. I tried baking soda in very hot water and it actually works greatly before you polish them. You get a lot of crap from in and out of the razor. Mineral oil is a must, specially on adjustables. Thanks for the video.

Well done. Thanks.

Great Video, you answer my question about how to clean n deep clean. Killing bad bacteria.👍👍👍 Love you said Firearm.👍 Your information is a winner.🏆. Again you provided great educational material.❤️

I have done all the procedures you have described and they do work great but the last thing I do that you didn’t mention is use a touch of mineral oil on the moving parts. Keeps them working smoothly and protects from wear. Just don’t overdo.

Good video, Matt. Very instructional.

I know that this is an older video but I just saw it. I have used many of the products you mentioned. Important to note what you mentioned about NOT soaking a razor in anything for more than a few minutes! Another one that i have had some luck with is Listerine. Not for a long soak but just for a few minutes then use a retired toothbrush. It seems to work pretty well to cut through old soap plaque. It’s also good to use to clean out the sink of old shaving soap scum.

Great information! 🪒

Great video very good information thank you

Thank you for this video. I usually "attack" my razor with an old toothbrush and some liquid hand soap (basically detergent). A minute or two every once in a while and it looks as good as new. I'm sure Dawn would work better, but the hand soap is handy.

Can use an autoclave for disinfecting. If you don’t have access to one, call a tattoo shop and ask if they will. For cleaning a ultrasonic cleaner works great. A ultrasonic cleaner tip, fill the tub with water, put your cleaning solution in a glass jar, with your razor.

Awesome video. As for scrubbing bubbles I made the mistake of using the SB shower cleaner vs the SB bathroom cleaner. It took the gold right off of the tech I was cleaning. Lucky I learned that lesson on that before I got a toggle. :)

Thanks body good work 👍

Some brass brushe especially those in the 3 brush packs are actually brass plated steel. Test them with a magnet before using😊

As noted, Flitz removes a little plating as evidenced by the discoloration on the cotton towel. For that reason, I only use a mild polish made for cleaning & polishing plastic automotive headlights. It cleans & shines, but doesn't leave the dark metal stain on the towel. Turtle Wax Headlight Cleaner and Sealer is ideal. Plus, once your razor is clean (and disinfected with Scrubbing Bubbles) you can go clean those foggy headlights & make your car look about 5 years newer.

we in mexico we sanitize our old razors with tequila , better than alcohol, thanks for the video , also for silver we use the ash of sigarettes or sigars, works very well

Can you do a video on how to fix a bent safety bar? maybe on a Gillette slim adjustable :) Thanks!

Great videos as always. After I clean my razors I put a few drops of mineral oil for lube.

@RazorEmporium Matt, what a great a great detailed educational breakdown of wet shaving products. I'm very interested in learning more about refurbishing and fixing traditional wet shaving products? Besides KZfaq, are you familiar with any place in the NYC area that does training in fixing and refurbishing traditional wet shaving razor's?

Thanks for all the tutorial videos this one is really help since now I'm getting into collecting razors I'm going to try and clean up some vintage ones I got not too long ago this weekend!! What do you think about using an ultra sonic cleaner?

Thank you for this video. I really enjoyed it. I own an old Gillette 3 piece razor that I believe is date coded November 1964. I'm dabbling with shaving once again after having a beard for 3 years. This was my best performing razor. I have not used it in a couple of years. The threads on the head which screw into the handle seem corroded or just have soap scum on them and I'm looking for a way to clean and lubricate the threading. I'll check your other videos.

Watching these for like the fourth time in several years lol. Would the brass work on brass? If not how to you get the green gunk off, maybe the brush I’m using is not hard enough.

My black beauty had problem with quarter turn so soaked it in dish detergent for almost 2 days, so the result is bingooooo😁😊

Is the contest still going on for the t shirt? Also you should review an olivina brand safety razor

Thanks for the video and others as I'm just getting into single blade shaving. Whiting toothpaste And why it works and if you should use it. My brother is a jewelry so I asked about the metals and platings and what he suggested for at home. My dad is a dentist and I've known from him for years about whitening toothpastes secret. The whitening agent can be from 2 sources. Either chemical like unto a bleaching agent or mechanical like an abrasive grit or both. Most likely grit as bleach in mouth would be bad uncontrolled. The grit removes a thin layer of enamel that exposes clean white underneath. Just know that it's hard to know what it's using for abrasive and how much to use. I did do the dish soap and water and tooth brush and that did pretty well like 80%. The n tried baking soda soak and that got to 95% clean. Good enough I suggest cleaning the razors as one would delicate pots and pans you don't want scratching like copper. Start with baking soda paste and vinegar. If soap doesn't do it. Potentially add salt for light grit. Obviously don't let soak though and get it off Ps that is why it's rare to be both a toothpaste that is whitening and enamel building as it's counter productive.

Excellent video. Very informative. Only metal missing is Stainless Steel. Specifically the Rex Supply Co. Ambassador Adjustable Stainless Steel DE Razor and its laser-etched markings.

Alternate technique #1: Dipping an old razor in hot water, and I mean really hot, will unclog old soap gunk and debris from the inside of the mechanism, something that you cannot do with a toothbrush. Shake the whole thing carefully not to burn your fingers while in the bath. Wait until is at room temperature, rinse, and repeat. If you have a water dispenser with hot and cold water, the one you use for making tea, is the perfect temperature. It will burn your fingers, but is not quite at boiling point. That's how I recovered a frozen TTO Super 109 a few months ago. It needed 5 or 6 baths, but it worked beautifully. That technique is particularly useful on razors that cannot be safely disassembled, as you have mentioned in earlier videos about the Super Adjustables. Alternate technique #2: Ultrasonic jewelry cleaner. I never used one, but I've heard all over the place that it works great, and maybe is safer than the hot water bath.

Yes you don't want to put old painted razers in your dish washer especially with dishes you eat with. Paints from before 1975 contained lead and quality paints in the yellow to red spectrum also contained cadmium.

Cool and mostly I just use old toothbrush and Dawn to wash all my safety razors then use my wife's hair dryer to dry them off and then use alcohols to sanitize them and rinse them and dry again and wait for few days to use them

can you do a video on how the adjustable feature on these vintage adjustable Gillette razors works? I just got one and I hear something being adjusted but I cant see with my eyes what it is doing to the razor. could it be broken?

a q-tip with some alcohol works well too.

No one has mentioned using regular PIPE CLEANERS which are great to get into the nooks and crannies of many razors. (Not many pipe smokers around anymore?)

A real pity you're like 9000km from me, because I have a couple razors that would be better after getting the Razor Emporium treatment. They're old but cheap ones, but if I ever lay my hands on a real good model, I'll treat it (and myself) with your services. Your videos make clear you know what you're talking about. Thanks, really.

And bring back Double Edge Discourse!!!

How well would the liquid jewelry cleaner (designed for solid and plated metals) with a dipping basket clean a razor?

As a person who worked in restaurants in high school I can tell you that you are far more likely to get a disease from the local chain restaurant than a vintage razor. Clean it and go, use alcohol if you are particular but know that the restaurants do not do such things.

This is a little after the fact, but is the aluminum in Gillette Black Tip and Blue Tip Super Speeds solid, such that it's safe to use Flitz vigorously on the aluminum?

What do you use to lubricate the TTO mech?

when i first got into collecting razors I used a rotary tool and flitz on a gold plated Gillette. Took all the gold plate off. Woops. It ended up looking kinda cool like a two-toned copper and brass.

I have a slim adjustable what should I keep in mind like what is it made out of what should I do stuff like that

I am just concerned about any gunk that has got under the top plate fixing there are two spaces that I find are hard to get too what do you suggest?

I have a late 40s Gillette and a late 30s McKesson and Robbins. How much would it take for u to restore them. No rust just needs shined up. I believe they r brass maybe.

Do these tips also apply to straight razors

Those clothes are awesome

Homemade Barbacide... equal amounts of Vodka and white Vinegar and little water and 50/60 drops of Lavender Oil.

Would you consider boiling the device or even have it autoclaved??

How long will the polishing cloth last?

Would brasso be good for razors?

Matt I snagged a Gem G-Bar on eBay for a decent deal are you familiar with the plating type on these razors....also I'm considering snagging up a micromatic as well... Did Gem stay consistent and plate their whole line with the same Media???

seems like Bissell steamer would be good. no or yes?

Do you recommend anything for oiling? When I twist the handle to open up the cage, there is quite a bit of squeaking

i bought a vintage Schick eversharp injector 1946 model with red Case and blade's on eBay when it comes to my house The first thing I'm going to do is clean it how do I clean up my vintage Schick eversharp injector when it gets delivered

Is it okay to use plain boiling water as a sterilizer? Or will that damage the razor?

For stainless steel??

I'm curious, have you ever used a sonic cleaning bath to clean razors? I know they use them at the dentist to clean dentures and partials and some people use them to clean jewelry.

Have a lil 10 dollar van hagon am assuming the cheap ones are aluminum. Am gonna try a tooth brush

Do you have to polish it?

I use dish detergent and an old toothbrush followed by an alcohol bath. I worry about what the alcohol does to the moving parts so I use a little mineral oil on them. Any recommendations on storing a razor collection to prevent corrosion?

Hey razoremporium, if i were to order a Gilette fatboy, restored, from your website, would there be any shipping problems on your side or you only do this service for US residents ?

Nev-r-dull works for aluminum.

Do you have any experience with cape cod polishing cloths. I have some and was wondering if it was safe on nickel razors

wish rex ambassador should i go for? the one 2020 made? there ws some issuses with the first series..

I think scrubbing bubbles has the same sanitizer as barbicide. Any tips for sanitizing and cleaning rhodium?

Great video. What do you suggest for cleaning between the teeth of an open comb razor?