Buying or trading used and/or vintage brushes.used soaps, creams?

[Chefbaze]

Is it just me, or does it seem a little unsanitary and borderline disgusting to use a brush that was used by who knows who? This goes for creams as well. I see alot of posts of people offering and trading half used tubs of cream. I don't get it. Hope I'm not being too negative as I love this forum. I guess I considered buying a used brush to save a couple of bucks, but in the end, just couldn't get myself to pull the trigger. It seems to me that even if you clean the brush, a persons oils would speak up into the bristles the same way it soaks up water no?

[Chefbaze]

*soak

[eyesofgrey]

I'm putting up a half used tube of toothpasete on the BST in a few minutes... :)

[Chefbaze]

Toothpaste alone? You should package it with your old toothbrush and upgrade to a vintage bone handled one...lol

[franz]

Is it just me, or does it seem a little unsanitary and borderline disgusting to use a brush that was used by who knows who?

Not to me. And it's who knows whom. :wink:

I have a sanitizing routine that I'm happy with -- wash with dish soap, soak in a vinegar solution, dry in full sun if possible. Then a test lather and it's good to go.

People have different levels of comfort on this issue, though. You're not alone in your view.

[noahpictures]

Is it just me, or does it seem a little unsanitary and borderline disgusting to use a brush that was used by who knows who? This goes for creams as well. I see alot of posts of people offering and trading half used tubs of cream. I don't get it. Hope I'm not being too negative as I love this forum. I guess I considered buying a used brush to save a couple of bucks, but in the end, just couldn't get myself to pull the trigger. It seems to me that even if you clean the brush, a persons oils would speak up into the bristles the same way it soaks up water no?

Door knobs will always get ya! :devil:

[Slivovitz]

I agree with you, but obviously a lot of people do not. Actually, I don't know how much bacteria would tend to settle into a soap, seems like washing off the exterior would be all you would need, but I don't have actual data, and at any rate, you'll waste some of the soap this way. Creams might be more of an issue, particularly ones in tubs, but again, don't know for certain. Generally, though, I'd rather pay full price for a new soap anyway than get 10-20% off on one that's "barely used".

Seems like brushes wouldn't be that hard to sterilize, but I'm satisfied with my inexpensive new brushes, and haven't seen any deal on a used one that would even come close to tempting me. Of course, buying one cheaply just to get the handle for re-knotting might be another matter.

I regularly shave with some vintage razors which were probably bacteria farms when I got them. The amount of cleaning and disinfecting I've done on them satisfies me, but maybe I'm kidding myself.

[Chefbaze]

Thanks, I didn't know there was a proper sanitizing method. P.S. Thanks for the grammar lesson. Believe or not, I was an English major in school. I just write how I . Being born and raised in Queens, NY, a little Archie Bunker rubbed off......geeeez der meathead#

[Fbones24]

I don't believe in the "germ theory" of disease, so I see no problem using soaps, creams or brushes previously used by someone else. Assuming I did buy into the germ theory, I would follow a sanitizing routine prior to use and see no reason why that would be an issue.

I think for some, buying used creams, soaps and brushes is very beneficial financially. It also gives people the opportunity to buy or trade for products they would not normally be able to get. I know part of the fun for me is trying products and then passing them on to others to make room for new stuff. That is, until my new years resolution to minimize....

[Chefbaze]

I have no problem with razors as metal.sterilizes easily. And we use new blades. After all most stainless or metal medical supplies.are used over and over, with just sterilizing, but soaps and bristles do not seem the same to me.

[franz]

Thanks, I didn't know there was a proper sanitizing method. P.S. Thanks for the grammar lesson. Believe or not, I was an English major in school. I just write how I . Being born and raised in Queens, NY, a little Archie Bunker rubbed off......geeeez der meathead#

Haha. I was just kidding around with the grammar thing.

This is a good thread (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/115800-How-to-Clean-a-Shaving-Brush) on sanitizing brushes. You can use the same process to get rid of mineral deposits, too.

[aceinyerface]

It seems to me that even if you clean the brush, a persons oils would speak up into the bristles the same way it soaks up water no?

The oils are ok, it's the cooties that will get you. :yikes:

I personally wouldn't just pull a brush out of the 'bay and lather up. But, if I knew who was using it and trusted that they maintained an acceptable state of cleanliness, I'd go with a used brush (I'd give it a proper cleaning, though).

But really, do you think the animal it came off of was more sanitary? I think you are worrying too much, and probably being selective in your caution.

I don't know about you, but my screening process for kissing pretty ladies is fairly rudimentary. There are some nasty bugs one can catch from that.

My dog eats cat turds and rolls in who knows what. She still gets in the house after a fairly mild shampoo.

Anytime someone sneezes, it aerosolizes their saliva so you can breathe it in. Just being in public puts you at risk.

The human body is a wonderful thing, at some point you have to trust that it can take care of the nasties in the world. A carefully selected used shave brush or some soap is a weird place to draw that line.

That is just my take.

[aceinyerface]

Thanks, I didn't know there was a proper sanitizing method. P.S. Thanks for the grammar lesson. Believe or not, I was an English major in school. I just write how I . Being born and raised in Queens, NY, a little Archie Bunker rubbed off......geeeez der meathead#

Phrase to remember, "It is the vernacular."

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vernacular

[djm2]

I don't know about you, but my screening process for kissing pretty ladies is fairly rudimentary. There are some nasty bugs one can catch from that.



Let me guess -- if she'll let you???:001_tt2:

[aceinyerface]

Let me guess -- if she'll let you???:001_tt2:

If she doesn't ask for money first. :cornut:

[kg0mz]

As a rule, I would never trade in opened or used colognes, aftershaves, soaps, creams, etc. I made exceptions for a Slim and a Pils, but no used brushes. I fear no germs, but I think it is unseemly to use another's personal items. I was raised in the what's yours is yours, what's mine is mine school.

[bbarton713]

No cases of the cooties yet from any used brushes that I've purchased.

[hugh4]

The oils are ok, it's the cooties that will get you. :yikes:

I personally wouldn't just pull a brush out of the 'bay and lather up. But, if I knew who was using it and trusted that they maintained an acceptable state of cleanliness, I'd go with a used brush (I'd give it a proper cleaning, though).

But really, do you think the animal it came off of was more sanitary? I think you are worrying too much, and probably being selective in your caution.

I don't know about you, but my screening process for kissing pretty ladies is fairly rudimentary. There are some nasty bugs one can catch from that.

My dog eats cat turds and rolls in who knows what. She still gets in the house after a fairly mild shampoo.

Anytime someone sneezes, it aerosolizes their saliva so you can breathe it in. Just being in public puts you at risk.

The human body is a wonderful thing, at some point you have to trust that it can take care of the nasties in the world. A carefully selected used shave brush or some soap is a weird place to draw that line.

That is just my take.

+1
I don't think I could have said it any better myself.

[Snargle]

Think about it a minute, guys. What do we use when we want to rid our hands and bodies of dirt, germs, bacteria, amoebas, parasites, and other nasty critters?


SOAP!

(The bugs don't like soap!!!)

[BZiel]

It doesn't matter who, what, or how you keep it...if it's stored anywhere in your bathroom, it's going to be a bacterial cesspool. There's going to be trillions of microbes and bacteria living on ANY surface in there, including your razor, brush, and soap.

I don't 'trade' used products, but I wouldn't be particularly afraid of them either.

I'm a proponent of licking doorknobs to boost the immune system...what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger...right?

[conroygc]

You aren't the only one that feels this way, but it doesn't bother me in the slightest. I'm about the least germophobic person I know.

[franz]

Think about it a minute, guys. What do we use when we want to rid our hands and bodies of dirt, germs, bacteria, amoebas, parasites, and other nasty critters?


SOAP!

(The bugs don't like soap!!!)

Oh, pshaw. That was in the dark ages, before antibiotics.

I don't even wash my hands anymore -- I just crush a couple amoxicillin tablets between my fingers.

[RazoRock]

would I personally use someone's used soap/cream/brush... probably not unless I knew the person very well, and there would have to be a good reason to do so...

but, I think the chances of getting germs is low.

[turtle]

Think about it a minute, guys. What do we use when we want to rid our hands and bodies of dirt, germs, bacteria, amoebas, parasites, and other nasty critters?


SOAP!

(The bugs don't like soap!!!)

Soap has been used as a sanitizing and cleaning agent for centuries. What is in that tub of shave stuff? Soap. What is in that brush? Soap


Oh, pshaw. That was in the dark ages, before antibiotics.

I don't even wash my hands anymore -- I just crush a couple amoxicillin tablets between my fingers.

The insane use of antibiotics causes more problems than it cures. There are a few antibiotic resistant strains lurking in hospitals around the world that, if they got loose, would wreak havoc on human kind


would I personally use someone's used soap/cream/brush... probably not unless I knew the person very well, and there would have to be a good reason to do so...

but, I think the chances of getting germs is low.


How many of you grab a bar of soap and wash your hands? Do you ever think of who else touched it or do you just pick it up and have at it? I was taught to go through the "happy birthday song" while soaping my hands. This gives you aprox 10 seconds contact with the soap which is enough to kill most germs you have picked up.

Now with a used brush.....'

I wash it by palm lathering it in Palmolive vinegar dish soap at least 4 times with clear water rinse between each palm lather. Then a do a 5th lather and put it into a glass of water and let it soak for about an hour. Rinse again and then plopped into the barbicide for a 10 minute soak. This agent pretty much kills everything from HIV to hep B to any other nasty on the planet. Then the brush goes through 2 more Palmolive vinegar soap palm lathers. Gets a good rinse then a final palm lather with hair shampoo and conditioner. Final rinse and let it air dry for 2 days. If anything is still alive after this it would be capable of taking over the planet.

[echotron]

There are a few antibiotic resistant strains lurking in hospitals around the world that, if they got loose, would wreak havoc on human kind ...

MERSA Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (Hard to cure Staph infection - can be lethal!)

From what I understand MERSA comes in 2 nice varieties: Hospital Acquired & Community Acquired ...

9 months ago, I got the Community Acquired version - that means it came from somewhere but a hospital!!! I popped a pimple on the back of my neck at the base of my skull and BAM! it developed - treatment was cut/drain/wick in place/ certain antibiotics (pills & cream) and twice-a-day dressing changes with peroixde & the AB cream. Almost 3 months later, I was cured!

So you can be ever so careful and still, some "bug" can jump on you at anytime!

[Crixus]

I'd be more concerned with that fast food employee that's just coming out of the bathroom :scared:

[jcwit]

If on a trip and one stayes in a hotel or motel the sheete, towel, wash cloths ect., ect. were washed but the room is not sanitized. Ever go swimming in a lake with all the fish, bird, animal, human, poo?

Some of the city folk aught to spend a few days on a farm and see what goes on daily. Ever eat sliced mushrooms on a salad? What do you think they are raised on?

Not trying to scare anyone, these are just facts.

[FL shaver]

I got over my initial fears. In the last few weeks I have rescued an antique store boar brush, won an ebay Super Speed, purchased a BST Semogue 1305, and traded for an open tub of TOBS Jermyn Street. I am still standing.

My wife thought I should have a brand new razor when I first started DE shaving, though. Thanks for the shiny 34C, Honey!

[Go West Young Man]

Everyone has a different ick-threshold, but at the end of the day everything can be cleaned and unless you bring your own utensils to restaurants you have little worry about.

[KeithTheSnake]

I got over my fear of germs by having grandkids.

If you've got a problem scraping a used razor across your face or using somebody's old brush or open tub of soap, brother, you're gonna hava huge problem when some snot-faced little angel wants to give you a peck on the cheek or worse yet, smack dab on the lips -- on the lips! Once the little darlings make it into incubator of a classroom, it's all over. Now you've got every germ known to man coming home on your little science experiment you call your grandchild.

Just a thought.

I don't own a new razor. All of mine are used. Matter of fact, my wife was divorced when I met her. Hmm.

[HoosierTrooper]

These two posts sum it up perfectly.


Everyone has a different ick-threshold, but at the end of the day everything can be cleaned and unless you bring your own utensils to restaurants you have little worry about.


I'd be more concerned with that fast food employee that's just coming out of the bathroom :scared:

[djm2]

i don't own a new razor. All of mine are used. Matter of fact, my wife was divorced when i met her. Hmm.

lol

[SteelCity]

Didn't barbers use the same shaving brushes to shave clients back in the day?

[phillylion]

Not to me. And it's who knows whom. :wink:

I have a sanitizing routine that I'm happy with -- wash with dish soap, soak in a vinegar solution, dry in full sun if possible. Then a test lather and it's good to go.

People have different levels of comfort on this issue, though. You're not alone in your view.

+1

[luky7evens]

Me personally wouldn't use a used brush, partly cause of germs partly cause I like new shiny things, but I have no problem with used after shave soaps creams and vintage razors, been thinking of getting a Gillette super speed but im gonna wait.

Hell I don't fear germs I feel that you need to get them so your body can immunize it self against them. Now I'm not a dirty person, hell I have to take a shower everyday, but there are time I wont wash my hands after certain things. I will eat food I just droped on the ground and been laying out on a counter or been in a cabinet for god knows how long as long as it doesn't have mold. I have no problem eating a sandwich while working on my car or in the yard, you get the point and well I get sick maybe once a year for 24 hours then I am fine hell I don't even get flu shots. Pretty much all I'm saying is I think some people worry to much about germs but to each there own.

[packersfan117]

Some things I wouldn't buy from someone, like a soap or a cream. I have enough skin issues without potentially getting more from this. A brush is different, as these are more easily sanitized with rubbing alcohol or something like that.

[TheVeryIdea]

Didn't barbers use the same shaving brushes to shave clients back in the day?

...And the same mugs of soap, and same aftershaves....

I can be kinda OC when it comes to washing hands after getting them dirty - my own and my kids' hands - but I prolly spend more time thinking about whether the people making and delivering my pizza have interfered with my food than whether that nifty used brush or cream is carrying flesh-eating disease.

[bvance554]

I'm not worried about germs or catching anything from another guys brush, but I've always thought it was kind of icky too. Just like if i were using your deodorant stick. I could if thats all I had...but I would rather spend a few bucks and get my own deodorant or new brush.

[CSG]

No interest in used brushes unless I thought I was going to replace the knot. No interest in used soaps or creams either. I did get what I thought was an empty bottle of 50's era Old Spice but it turned out to be nearly full. Same with the bottle of OS talc that I bought for display. It's also full. I'm guessing the AS is reasonably germ free as it's in an alcohol medium and I'll probably use it on occasion. But I'm not going to be buying used soft goods or soaps/creams on BST. More for those who don't care.

Used razor? No problem. I've bought two vintage razors that I sanitized and cleaned myself in spite of the sellers' claims of their own efforts.

[Rob72]

Didn't barbers use the same shaving brushes to shave clients back in the day?
Yes, and a few healthcare facilities got in trouble last year for giving an undisclosed number of people of people hepatitis by following less than optimal practice. :rolleyes5:

Its called "performance bias"- I did it yesterady and it didn't hurt/kill me, so I can do it again today...

Soaps, depending on contents, should be fine. Brushes, if cleaned, also fine. Cremes, oils or waxes, total crap shoot. They will all actively support various types of bacteria.

[jdto]

Sometimes I wonder about the whole "They did it 100/50 years ago/back in the day all the time" argument. I mean, they also advertised cigarettes as a healthy way to relax after a hard day, gave drugs that caused birth defects to expecting mothers and tested nuclear weapons in open air. Not every modern discovery is the result of paranoia and overkill and taking care of oneself is not a bad thing. If that means being a bit more careful of infection and the like, then that's not a bad thing, as long as it doesn't turn into paranoia. Progress is not a bad thing, per se, despite sometimes being over the top. The good old days, when examined under a bright light, are not always all that "good". That said, I don't have an issue with using used brushes or soaps/creams.