what you think of this article?

http://www.rootsimple.com/2012/05/bleach-alternatives-for-disinfecting-pruning-shears/

Isoproyal alcohol (rubbing alcohol) works, virkon disinfectant works really well (expensive but you only need 2-4% and it will be very corrosive as well).  The key is to rinse off your tools after disinfecting and you're done your work, from using these materials I have found you can only keep the rust off for so long but keeping them sprayed with wd 40 or oil based lubricant between use will help keep the rust off to a certain extent, just make sure the tools are clean before applying.

Lately I've been applying rubbing alcohol to the blades which is then flamed off to leave no residue behind.

I've been using isopropyl alcohol (aka rubbing alcohol) for a long time.  It's water soluble, and it also dissolves in both water and air very efficiently.  I don't bother flaming it off, but if I need to use the shears right away on the next plant, right after wiping with isopropyl alcohol I then I wipe with water (wet cloth) and then wipe dry.  But it does dry very cleanly because of the way it dissolves in air.  

I'm sure it's less expensive to use just a liquid, but I use those little alcohol wipes, available at the local pharmacy (a couple of hundred of them for a couple of dollars).  The wipes are very convenient for when I'm outside and disinfecting in the field.

Mike

I know this is bleach++, but I like to wet them and sprinkle a bit of Comet or similar product, smear it around to cover and let set for a minute or five before I scrub it off with some hot water.  I like it because it is effective, handy under the kitchen sink, and easy to control vs. liquid bleach.

Comet is abrasive and can dull your edge.

 I guess I did use the word "scrub" didn't I.  Wipe would be a better description, because I do use it just to disinfect not scour it clean. But that is something to consider.  Thanks.

How about disinfectant wipes, an open flame (Bic lighter) or 100 proof alcohol?

back in grad school, we used to dip the tools in ethanol and torch it to sterilize them. maybe we can do the same with pruning shear. i like fire.

I always get the free Listerine samples from dental visits.   Little do they know what I'm using it for.