Potential risk

**Alfredo Becerra** · 02-08-2010, 10:01 AM

Well, I've been looking at the before and after threads and other before and after pictures online and, I have to say, some guys do an outstanding job restoring vintage safety razors. Some of them are really cool and unique and I'd love to restore a couple.

However, there is a concern I have. It is well known that back in the 50's and 60's manufacturing and safety standards were different, very different.

At the risk of sounding completely ignorant, have you thought about lead? I mean, should lead be a concern when using a vintage razor on a daily basis?

**Synack** · 02-08-2010, 11:59 AM

I think you'll survive.

Vintage razors are usually solid brass; Then have a copper plating underneath the final nickel or gold plating.

There is a good thread covering this here:

http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/sho....php?p=1814515

**cvac** · 02-08-2010, 12:04 PM

Someone else will chime in but I believe most razors were made of plated brass. Not sure what is in the plating. Interesting, never thought about it.

**Loner16** · 02-08-2010, 12:45 PM

From someone who has loaded shotshells for a pretty active clay target career, I'd say there are much more important things to worry about!
It's true that lead can be included in some alloys of brass, I'd be much more concerned about the smog in the air, global warming or the approach of killer bees.

Just kidding... There's nothing to worry about!

**Aussieshaver** · 02-08-2010, 12:58 PM

Originally Posted by Loner16

or the approach of killer bees.

Killer bees!

**moshulu** · 02-08-2010, 01:48 PM

According to the (presumably infallible) Wikipedia:

Lead is a poisonous metal that can damage nervous connections (especially in young children) and cause blood and brain disorders. Lead poisoning typically results from ingestion of food or water contaminated with lead; but may also occur after accidental ingestion of contaminated soil, dust, or lead based paint.

and

Dermal exposure may be significant for a narrow category of people working with organic lead compounds, but is of little concern for the general population. The rate of skin absorption is also low for inorganic lead.

So the lesson is clear: don't eat that vintage razor!

**blackfoot** · 02-08-2010, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by moshulu

According to the (presumably infallible) Wikipedia:

Lead is a poisonous metal that can damage nervous connections (especially in young children) and cause blood and brain disorders. Lead poisoning typically results from ingestion of food or water contaminated with lead; but may also occur after accidental ingestion of contaminated soil, dust, or lead based paint.

and

Dermal exposure may be significant for a narrow category of people working with organic lead compounds, but is of little concern for the general population. The rate of skin absorption is also low for inorganic lead.

So the lesson is clear: don't eat that vintage razor!

Oops.