Matt Shares his Ultrasonic Secrets for Amazing Safety Razor Restorations

This may be the nerdiest, geekiest, techy-est (is that a word?) video yet! It was such a fun one to make and I really hope you guys get some value out of it... whether you are looking to buy an ultrasonic machine to add to your arsenal of tools or you're just curious about what we got going on at Razor Emporium, keep watching!
We take you inside the new Razor Emporium shop and show you a $$$$ ultrasonic machine that might just blow your mind with its built in blow dryer :)
Not interested in doing this yourself? No worries, click the link below to see how our professional razor services can help preserve your razor!
www.razoremporium.com/services
I’m Matt Pisarcik, founder of Razor Emporium, welcome to our channel!
At Razor Emporium, we believe in empowering men and women to practice traditional grooming using quality new and vintage shaving supplies. Our business is made up of three core areas, Service, Retail, and Education.
Our service technicians restore, repair, and revamp your treasured shaving items, bringing them back to their original glory. Our downtown Phoenix, AZ lobby allows shavers to experience quality products before buying. And our educational resources are wide and always expanding.
We hope you enjoy us every week for new videos about shaving technique and insider knowledge you can’t get anywhere else. Thanks for watching, and please consider subscribing!
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[@georgewashington3012]

The level of detail, transparency, and passion in your vids is highly appreciated 👍🏻

[@RazorEmporium]

I appreciate that!

[@Rumpleskin]

What i would like to see is the rex machining processes, and assembly. I almost always learn something from your videos. As a reformed machinist I would think people would understand why the rex is somewhat pricey. Great show thanks your taking the time

[@RazorEmporium]

We are planning this for the Rex youtube channel - subscribe to it now so you don't miss out on it!

[@DrRonP]

@@RazorEmporium is there a link for Rex channel. I have a Rex Ambassador. How do I not know about this lol?!

[@tbelding]

I have the middle one - it's my second. The first finally died after 10 years. I use it for fountain pens and razors. They really work well at cleaning out 60 year old dried ink, as well as working out crap that oil/water/etc has loosened up in the middle of the razors. I'm working towards getting one of the larger units, because I end up needing to work on larger parts with solvents that aren't likely to be as friendly to the plastic case of the small one. Most cities that use river water have pretty low minerals, so they tend to be fine for cleaning. I use distilled for rinsing. Where I'm living now? Reverse osmosis water or distilled. (We're on a well with very hard water) Another suggestion - Try Gemtek's SC-1000 biobased surfactant (they call it a Aqueous Cleaner Concentrate). It's fantastic stuff. Just don't drop it on the floor without rinsing well - you'll slide around.

[@dthys]

Thank you Matt for clearly explaining the operation, pros and cons of using ultrasonic cleaning machines. Now I have a better view of it compactly! 👋😃👍

[@JohnHartConductor]

I got to see some of these machines in action on my visit to Razor Emporium back in February 2019. I’m so glad you shared some more behind-the-scenes footage so we get to see the growth in the operation since then! 😁

[@RazorEmporium]

Thank you!

[@GreetingsandSalutations4007]

I have one similar to the harbor freight special I got on the internet and while it’s definitely not as effective as the crest it does do a good job! I soak the razor for about an hour, scrub, then ultrasonic. Seems to work.

[@DYSERT75]

I love the video, Matt! I am very interested in your processes, and the razor world needs this kind of on-the-record assistance. Fun chemistry fact, the "slippery" feeling that accompanies strong bases is the solvent leeching out and breaking down the oils/fats in your skin.

[@BartBuzz]

Great video that shows how professional your cleaning and restoration services.are.

[@robertcochran7103]

Thank you for posting this excellent video. I've learned some new things from it. I have no experience with ultrasonic equipment but like many, I guess, I've seen references to it. This video is a really good introduction to what an ultrasonic cleaner can do, and where it fits in the complete revamping service. Many decades ago, I worked in various lab settings. I am filled with awed respect because I can see that one needs a background in several scientific disciplines to really make this revamp service work as desired.

[@RazorEmporium]

Thank you!

[@bflatbrass]

Thanks, Matt! It’s great to learn a bit more about the cleaning and restoration process at your shop. There’s definitely something to be said about the types of solvents used for ultrasonic cleaning. That smaller unit was used in a shop where I once worked, and my friend and master technician did wonders with such a small machine. Great video!

[@jasonnyc2006]

@RazorEmporium, another great detailed educational breakdown of wet shaving products care.

[@Shaverboy516]

Matt, outstanding video and one of the best ones that you’ve done! Loved watching the process of turning vintage razors into new ones again:)

[@ryangatien6615]

As a person with advanced business knowledge such as yourself, I understand showing people secrets of the trade could be bad for business (your multi millionaire stock broker isn't going to teach you how to trade like he does). But as a consumer, I'm glad to see that the razors we send to you are are well taken care of. In short, I'm happy you found a balance between the two and I commend you for that.

[@302JH]

You are my KZbin hero!

[@doobotz]

Thanks Matt!

[@myblueskynight]

Very Cool and Fun video! I have never seen one of these at demonstrated. Thanks Matt!

[@johnnewell5025]

Great video. Crest all the way! Got mine at an attractive discount from a Crest salesman who had some LNIB returns from dental offices 25 years ago and still going strong. Big caution: Never use Simple Green in one of these with aluminum. You can badly damage an anodized finish and the aluminum itself.

[@nydieselinfl]

Just what I was looking to buy....😊

[@chuckwiderstrom8994]

thanks for this information,,you guys did a great job on my two gillette razors that I sent in

[@dirtyhairy8884]

This was a great video and tips, good sir. Thank you!!👊👍👍

[@ludwigvanrooij802]

Nice going to try this at home thanks four this video 👌👍

[@walterfrasch8862]

Great video and you brought back the way groovier music Matt!! Thank you!!

[@bsbhro]

Now I know how you cleaned and revamped my Super Speed Flare Tip, which reached me after a long journey from Phoenix to Germany. I haven't used it yet; it's a piece of jewelry. Thank you!

[@ozarksfirewood3936]

Great video!

[@broxy55]

I have the middle cheap one, and while not as awesome as my friend's small industrial machine (same size as the one on your right), it has been a trooper, and has greatly helped me restore an old 60s Guzzi and maintain the many mountain bike drivetrains. If you don't have an ultrasonic cleaner, you potentially need one! Spend more than I did, and RE spent on the Harbour Freight machine in the middle.

[@mikeh9701]

Hi Matt- Great tech video on sonic cleaners; thank you! This was very interesting and informative. I hope hope you have a great weekend. Take good care and be safe and be well. Best regards, as always, Matt!

[@krish5901]

Matt, Great Video Thank you

[@rjwrightrw30]

Cool. As a former factory worker, I liked seeing the footage of your work shop.

[@bTome9123]

Great video. I'm not sure that I'll buy a cleaner, but know that I will send my razor to you.

[@Moodymongul]

1:43 - I wonder if its similar to how Propeller Cavitation damage occurs in ships ..bubbles that collapse, causing (briefly) an exotic form of Plasma to occur. Which, is as hot as the surface of the Sun (but for a fraction of a scond).

[@robstevens7364]

Awesome video ... new customer here and I really like the detailed information on the "DE razor hobby". I can see how this technique will work for my other hobby ... high end bicycles. Look forward to more videos!

[@godofstones]

Very informative Matt, thank you. Would love to see a video tour of the lab and some of its equipment as well. I think you did a video a while ago but seems like you've grown quite a lot. Congrats!

[@RazorEmporium]

Yes we have! Revamp video in the works :)

[@anthony-ju6qo]

Been buying and selling razors for years. Now considering a side hustle buying bulk razor lots and revamping them. I have books on electro-plating and two power supply units. Harbor freight has two different ultrasonic machines and supplies. It's an inexpensive investment starting out except for the chemicals. Thank you for doing this video and be safe..

[@RazorEmporium]

Good luck to you.

[@TallysVids]

Very interesting video Matt 👍🏻😀

[@theopinionatedbrit]

Loved this video thanks Matt. I’ve never dabbled in the dark art of sonic cleaning, but can definitely understand the benefits of it. With my slim (which was already in quite good shape) I put it in a pan on a roiling boil, cooled it off, scrubbed with dish detergent then finished off with toothpaste. I can’t remember who it was that told me to do it, but seemed to work ok. I need to set up a chain of sonic cleaning vending machines. You take your razor, jewellery etc down, put it in a basket leave it for a few minutes and it’s been cleaned. There’s a business idea right there 🤔

[@shalpher844]

Great video Matt, learned a lot. Really cool to see your shop and how you use them. I used a small one, but just for weekly cleaning my razors from everyday use. Not for restoring ;-). For regular old cleaning I use dish detergent or Simple Green. Works well for the hard to reach razor places.

[@davidmerlino2193]

Cool video

[@jerbus7956]

What’s the reasoning for the panel to have an edited cover at 18:10? Unless Matt is reaching inside the machine 😂

[@RazorEmporium]

The led lights flickering was SO distracting so we covered them in post ;)

[@brucethomas5257]

Friday I my red tip razor from you guys you and your team do good work

[@WolfRanger2008]

What a coincidence! #1 A Harbor Freight store just opened in my area. #2. I walked in last week and that model ultrasonic cleaner was literally in the very first display of the store as a"stocking stuffer"...

[@terrym1065]

Matt👍👍 Great demo and explanation of ultrasonic cleaning. I've used the larger sized Hornady unit with jewelry cleaner to clean my razors, works good. Of course the unit is for gun cleaning etc., and it takes a lot of solution. Harbor Freight, no thanks. Nice looking lab and shop, would like a tour sometime. Thanks for the info, stay safe. Enjoy!

[@billofalltrades2633]

I have a jewelers ultrasonic cleaner I use to clean stuff I find metal detecting. With the D dish soap . Works well when you pre clean, get the big bulk off and then use ultrasonic cleaner.

[@magnoliamike]

I have the big one all the way to the left. Thing looks commercial, industrial looking. That’s how you know I got something quality

[@pipebear7036]

Hi Matt, great video. This information may help other viewers? I've used the habour frieght ultrasonic for 5 years now with very good results. The problem you had with yours is that you tripped the thermal safety as they don't like getting too hot. I use mine for cleaning rifle and pistol brass and it works really well using ammo brass sonic cleaner bought from a local gun shop. I clean 200-300 cases at a time with excellent results from really dirty gunpowder fouled brass and plated nickel brass. Works well on razors too. They are cheap sonic cleaners which would be fine for home use (not for a business), doing small batches plus the wife's jewellery! The price is their main advantage. Hope this is helpful?

[@tbelding]

I agree on the thermal tripping. I've found that they don't actually maintain a temperature. They just keep heating forever, so you have to shut it off manually, periodically. Most of the time, I just pour hot water from the tap in, run for 10 minutes to degas, and then throw in what I'm cleaning, with the heater running. (Water not hard enough to cause issues.)

[@paulspeller968]

i have to say i do use one but i first use a tooth brush to agitate the worst of it then drop it in for 4 min stints . definitely done a good job on one of my twists that was a bit crunchy it must have loosened up some stuck crud . bit of mineral oil and she works a treat

[@tbelding]

Oh - just looked up Sonicor. What do you use to remove the polishing compound from aluminum?

[@joebustos3513]

I Have My Grandma's Schick Lady Injector 1958-1964 it Has White Plastic Handle Would That Machine Help Restore My Old Grandma's Razor That I'll Use

[@poochsnoocher]

I've never even heard of this method as a suggestion. I use a soft-bristle toothbrush with some Dawn to clean my vintage razors. And when I realized my razors may be in need of a more serious clean, I sent my 1951 Super Speed and 1962 Slim adjustable into you guys for tune up and re-plating :D

[@funlab1]

What temperature are you using and how long are you running them in the ultrasonic cleaner?

[@magnoliamike]

I also read somewhere that said tapwater works just as well as purified or distilled water. But just to be on the safe side I will use A water bottle

[@PowerInOne22]

How to clean your razor. You know.... with drum sticks and denture cleaner. Seriously though, thanks for the information. Always learning something through you all. Stay safe.

[@kevinhouston38]

As apawn shop ownerI foundwater, ammonia, and a small amount of Wisk does a ok job. A professional steam cleaner for jewelry is the best.

[@ibsoarin]

Sonicor Buffing Compound Remover (or Sonicor #202) lists "Proprietary Surfactant Blend", Coconut Diethanolamine, Disodium metasilicate, Diethanolamine, and "Proprietary Inorganic Blend" as its components. I assume it is safe with all of the finishes that might be encountered on Razors. Thank you for this informative video.

[@chads5968]

Unless you're going top-of-the-line with that crest machine, I think most people will do fine with the following chemistry recipe. Mix 1 table spoon salt, 1 tablespoon baking soda with hot water and pour it into a bowl lined with aluminum. Cover it for an hour then wipe to dry.... Viola!

[@RazorEmporium]

Fantastic idea. We use this for silver plated razors too sans salt 🧂

[@Breeze700]

Ultrasonic cleaners are also great for making liposomal vitamin C (a much more effective and concentrated form of Vit-C)

[@MartinOcando]

A better comparison would have been using the same detergent on all machines. In fact I think the cheap one did a whole lot better than the next in price. Obviously the Crest is superb, and for $1200 I’d expect no less. I’ll get one of the cheaper ones since I don’t have access to Craigslist where I live, so I can use it for both my razors and my watch collection. Thanks for the video, Matt.

[@joebustos3513]

Plus on That Machine you Used Distilled Water Can we Use Rubbing Alcohol On That Machine Because I Order a Similar Machine you Have But it's Small plus Can we Use Rubbing Alcohol To Put in That Machine

[@viajesativo755]

Pls upload a video tutorial how to disarm that model of safety razor :D

[@ibsoarin]

Matt, I use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean vintage sewing machine parts which are nickel plated or bare steel parts. I avoid Parkerized finish because it can remove Parkerization if left in too long. No painted finish unless I do not mind if the paint is removed. I use Purple Power Concentrated Industrial Strength Cleaner/Degreaser which is available from most home improvement stores. I mix it in distilled water following the heavy cleaning concentration advised on the bottle. It has a degreaser and surfactant characteristics because it gives the soap feel on your skin and will draw out all of the oils in your skin if gloves are not used to protect your skin. It washes off with warm water and dries without residue. It does not remove nickel or chrome plating. I have never used it on silver or gold plated metals. I do not recommend it on an aluminum part. I am going to try the Dawn dishwater detergent that you recommend to see how it compares to the Purple Power. Thank you so much for this video.

[@RazorEmporium]

Great info! My guess is that your purple cleaner is stronger

[@johnnewell5025]

In that vein, do not use Simple Green with aluminum in an USC. You can damage or remove anodizing and even damage the aluminum itself.

[@raimom3179]

We need a. Or i need a review or a duel. Merkur 15C vs. Gillette single or double ring. The buisness end looks pretty similiar..????

[@michaelwelch70]

Another good video. What is the brand of that mid-range cleaner please?

[@RazorEmporium]

the blue liquid? dawn dish detergent. red liquid is sonicor buffing compound remover.

[@michaelwelch70]

@@RazorEmporium I'm sorry Matt, I wasn't very clear. I meant the brand of the machine. That mid-range one may be good enough for me perhaps.

[@Tmanaz480]

What's the best cleaner for aluminum, for example Henson AL3?

[@RazorEmporium]

dish detergent.

[@rsolsjo]

Sounds like a tesla coil. When the razor is clean: "IT'S ALIVE! ALIIIIVE!"

[@gentlemensedge5503]

Haha! Yes, Young Frankenstein..!

[@wross5961]

Dunno did fine using baking soda on toothbrush,then fitz polish on toothbrush,followed by shining with micro fleece cloth,then washing with toothbrush with soap.

[@RazorEmporium]

Sure it does fine using metal polish once or twice on a vintage razor. Continued / heavy usage and it will wear through the plating.

[@wross5961]

@@RazorEmporium Not like I need to do it all the time to keep it clean after because I wash it after each use.

[@claudinopecorelli1005]

Tengo la misma hoy me rasure la barba con ella 😊🎉

[@trancus11]

Matt: what do you do to make sure they are dry after their bubble bath---particularly on the insides of TTO razors where there are nooks and crannies? Compressed air? Oven at 170 for 10 mins? Trunk of your car for a week?

[@RazorEmporium]

Ha! We use an air compressor with a refidgerated air dryer to blow parts off and dry them. You could use a regular garage air compressor but I'd recommend adding even an inexpensive air / oil filter (harbor freight) to prevent spraying oil or water condensation on them after cleaning.

[@joebustos3513]

Plus my Grandma's Vintage Razor is a Schick K1 Lady Injector Razor would it Work On That Machine of Yours

[@RazorEmporium]

Yes

[@joebustos3513]

@@RazorEmporium Awesome 😊

[@mmaxwell64]

Thanks for showing us some of what you do. I find these videos interesting and cool. Keep them up. Maybe sometime you can show us from beginning to end how you clean a razor

[@RazorEmporium]

Yes

[@johngoard8272]

So what happens to the dirt and grime that comes off Matt? is it dissolved into the solution? and how long can you use the solution batch before changing the fluid content?

[@RazorEmporium]

He's dissolved into solution. We typically change the benchtop machines weekly. The big one in the plating room monthly.

[@johngoard8272]

@@RazorEmporium Ok thanks for the reply and I have got it now - I was thinking there would be a lot of debris lying around in the bottom of the tank.

[@chrisspertos4849]

Hello Matt, I'm always arguing that razors shouldn't be scrubbed with toothbrushes. Toothbrushes scratch metal. That's why you can notice all vintage Gillettes are full of scratches, unless they have been revamped.

[@RazorEmporium]

not 100% true - vintage gillette razors have scratches on them due to the way they were plated from the factory - in large turning barrels. It's called barrel plating and it's how you plate thousands of pieces at a time. www.razoremporium.com/blog/razor-revamp-service-factory-finish-nickel/

[@Rurouni_Donato94]

What do you think about cleaning razors with the UV?

[@RazorEmporium]

It will make it sterile I'm sure

[@Rurouni_Donato94]

@@RazorEmporium thank you

[@krissanderson5004]

It will sanitize the outside of the razor. It will do nothing for the inside of the razor where the light can't reach. The razor needs to be clean first, because any dirt will shield microbes from UV light exposure. In all honesty, dipping in 70% isopropyl for 10 minutes should be sufficient.

[@BillHosler]

I know nothing about such things. To me, they look like hot tubs for safety razors 😁 since it's mostly just used for surface cleaning and slight buffing would an amateur like me get the same results from just Dawn and a toothbrush and a cloth?

[@RazorEmporium]

Yes on the outside for the most part. Ultrasonic cleaning works great on internals.

[@DrRonP]

Matt I’ve heard ultrasonic cleaners will strip the painted numbers off a Gillette adjustable? True? False? Thanks!

[@RazorEmporium]

If submerged too long or in too hot of liquid, yes.

[@Mannyswanks]

My hair is very corse and curly i get alot of ingrown hairs i currently stopped using a andis pro slim line to shave and now ive gone with the viking safety razor im still experiencing in growns and need this to stop. any tips would be appreciated. I shave upwards around the neck and jawline area

[@RazorEmporium]

What blades are you using ?

[@Mannyswanks]

@@RazorEmporium currently using the VIKINGS BLADE Swedish Steel Replacement Razor Blades, 50 Pack Mild & Safe

[@magnoliamike]

The little bit of research I done set alkaline Solutions work best for metals like tin, copper, brass, stainless steel, etc

[@Breeze700]

Also not sure if it's true, but they say never to stick your fingers in the ultrasonic machine while it's on cause it can cause harmful bubbles or something in your blood. Better safe than sorry I guess.

[@bradleycred99]

Wait, so just to clarify, a nice long Barbacide soak of a cherished metal razor is not good? 😉

[@RazorEmporium]

No it's not - what are you trying to achieve? Barbacide is for plastic combs. Thanks,

[@bradleycred99]

@@RazorEmporium No worries, I was just being facetious. 😉🤣

[@azshooter348]

For my applications (removing soap scum) ultrasonic cleaners are overkill & just too spendy. A toothbrush and can of scrubbing bubbles works fine & after a warm water rinse afterward, I dry the razor with compressed air.

[@RazorEmporium]

100% agree.

[@Germinalx]

Anyone else wondering how you pronounce Matt’s last name! 🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@NickzAndMikz]

18:08 why did his hand phase out of reality

[@RazorEmporium]

We put a still of the ultrasonic digital display over the actual one because it kept on flashing and was distracting due to led refresh rate interacting with camera frame rate.

[@NickzAndMikz]

That would be distracting, thanks for sharing@@RazorEmporium

[@gutinnec]

Hello Matt, Thank for your awsome video. Never use dental cleaner, most of all contain hydrogen peroxide. This powder generate lot of oxygen, and this is a rusting agent. Oxidation has the same word beginning as oxygen for a reason. This is worst when is combine with acid in this type of tablet. Long term usage is not recomended.

[@paulvannoy8872]

What is happening at 18:08?

[@RazorEmporium]

The LCD screen of the unit was flashing in relation to the frame rate of the DSLR camera capturing video. So it was very distracting. We took a still photo of it and overlaid it onto the frame, but when my hand went over it you could see the effect.

[@paulvannoy8872]

@@RazorEmporium all good my man I thought I found the matrix glitching

[@talega1]

For me it helps w bay bought razors. Since I do not disassemble them, repeated soaking in hot water w soap, and then put the face down.....all sorts of disgusting yellow/gray/brown residue comes out..... Cheap ultrasonics are useless

[@lazyjoe99]

18:07 why is his hand going behind a graphic? Lol wth

[@RazorEmporium]

Cause the ultrasonic display was syncing with frame rate and looked like it was flashing. So we made it a still image.

[@toddd7444]

$ 40 CHEAP Muhle r89 safety razor WITH Muhle r89, R41 or Edwin Jagger HEADs ONLY WITH IKON HANDLE better shave the Ikon handle is heavier, the head will not come loose from the handle, has a better grip, it's more user-friendly to shave with, it's only $20 when i bought my handle through Amazon Your mileage may vary? wheelchair larry