Thread: Hone and Stroke: Solved!!!?

No curve in the striations. The edge itself is curved, i.e., slightly crowned so that the middle of the edge is proud of the heel and point. This is the way Tony shaped mine, by the way (nice job, Tony). This is depicted in the book and in my first Picture.

The book information:


"The Standardized Textbook of Barbering"

Published by
Associated Master Barbers and Beauticians of America

Price $6.00

General Office
537 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, 5, Illinois (zip code hadn't been invented)

Mine is the Fifth Edition, Second Printing.

That is all the information there is.

"This Textbook was compiled and is published by the Associated Master Barbers and Beauticians of America, so that the barber may improve his position in the business world, and to help him appreciate the higher ideals essential to the recognition of barbering as a professional calling."

Actually, the one I got the pictures from is copyrighted in 1961. I ordered two, one from 1962 (probably this one) and one from 1950, which I now see probably hasn't arrived yet.

If you like history, this book is quite interesting and fun, like a snapshot from the end of the 1950's. For instance, on the page facing Chapter 3 "Honing and Sropping." is the following little homily:

"How to Study"

"It's a lot of fun to study, if you do it right. But it's not much fun if you are whining and grouchy, and have the idea of getting it over as quickly as possible."

"Books are interesting things--and just because they are school-books doesn't mean they're less interesting. History is exciting to read. English--putting words together to form different meanings--is a game you can play every day for the rest of your life without ever becoming tired. Numbers are amazing--with them men analyze the stars, the sea, and build bridges, roadways, and great buildings."

"Every study is mysteriously romantic under its cold surface. When you do your lesson, forget about getting a set amount finished in the shortest possible time. Ask your instructor about something you don't quite understand, and get below that cold surface to find the exciting mystery. It's there in every subject, if you have the curiosity to dig it out."

"When curiosity arouses real interest, you'll find yourself eager to get to your studies, rather than hate them."




I believe those of us who are interested in shaving with a straight razor are ACTUALLY interested in participating in an age now past...re-enacting history ourselves, in the mirror every morning.

Paul