Thread: The history of the straight razor

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

This ain't that old but not new either

I like that razor Jimmy ! If you ever want to sell it let me know .

Originally Posted by jbcohen

What would George Washington's straight razor look like if I saw it?

I'm pretty sure GW's razor was listed on E-bay last week. Went big.

Originally Posted by jbcohen

I am told that the modern stainless steel straight was not first available until the mid 1950s.

Stainless steel was used in razors blades since 1912-1915.
Here some very old razors.

Wow! Are these actually in your possession? I'd love to know the provenance on that first one!

Originally Posted by manah

Stainless steel was used in razors blades since 1912-1915.
Here some very old razors.

I met the man who owns these old razors. He looks like Santa Claus, and he told me he doesn't shave since 40 years ago!

I always find it interesting how wide older razors are towards the toe as opposed to the narrow heel. It tells me they used the first third of the blade a lot, and not the heel at all. At least that's the way I perceive it...

Sorry to necro post, but I see this thread has already been revived once, and hoped it could sustain it a second time. I wondered if anyone had any more information, or published examples of folding razors like the one Andress linked above. I work for an archaeological company and we believe we may have found an item like roman razors/toilet knives, from the viking era, and wondered if you guys knew of any other examples from the medieval period onwards, particularly in a northern european context, but any suggestions will do. It is something I have seen time and time again, but when you come to seek references for an academic article, it gets trickier!
many thanks

A medieval one, quite similar of roman razors and lttle medical knifes, in that times, around 14th century, the diference betwen one or the other were no clear enaugth, only important people has instrument used mainly to shave, normally countryside people shaved theirself with each knife, and "miles" sometime used daggers...jejejeje....hard times