A newbie to straights

[gatorfan]

I've been using double edge razors for a little while and have decided to take the plunge into learning to shave with a straight.

I have purchased 4 straights from a local antique shop, they are:

1.) Joseph Elliot's 4/8
2.) H Boker & Co Extra Hollow Ground 6/8
3.) GENCO 6/8
4.) Unknown brand with "First Class,original Solingen" in gold on blade, made in Solingen, Germany one one side of the shank and the number 7802 on the other side of the shank. This straight has "pearl" scales with "Cutlery World" embossed.

The straights need to be cleaned up, sterilized and be made shave ready.

Do I clean and sterilize like I would a DE? Can anyone recommend a honemeister?

I apologixe in advance for the picture quality - still learning.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=10921
http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=10920
http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=10919
http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=10918
http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=10929
http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=10928
http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=10927
http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=10923
http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=10926
http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=10925

[Thebigspendur]

I don't know how you sterilize a DE however strong chemicals and high heat are a no no here because most of those razors appear to have celluloid scales and that would destroy them. In general you can wipe witrh alcohol, or soak just the blade in a mild bleach solution or use an antisptic soap to clean them. The scales I would use warm water and mild soap to clean. You can polish the celluloid with a cape cod polishing cloth. As far as honemeisters there are several you will find here and over at SRP who can do the job for you.

[gatorfan]

Typical sterilization for a DE would be to let the razor soak for a minimum of 10 minutes in Barbicide.

[kestrel]

gatorfan


I use Dettol and boiling water to sterilize my straights. The razor goes in a small bowl, with the scales outside the bowl. I pour a small quantity of Dettol over the blade, and then cover with boiling water and let it stand until the water cools. After that it gets whatever cleaning and polishing it needs, and then goes to the hone.

Graham