Thread: Barber's Notch

Hi, guys.

I recently bought a Joseph Allen & Sons Non-XLL razor at an antique store. It's in great shape and was even sharp enough to shave with, albeit with a little tugging at my beard--not bad, really. What interests me most is that it has what I've found is called a barber's notch at the point of the blade, but I don't know what purpose that serves. Any info?

Thanks,

Dan

Hi Dan,

Welcome to the forum....

I asked this same question of Bill Ellis
aka urleebird on this forum. According
to Bill he heard these two theories

1- A guide for going around moles.
mustaches and blemishes

2- Easy one handed opening.

I kinda had the thought that it may be there
for "looks". But I'm probably wrong on this.
Even though the notch does look kinda cool.

Again, welcome and do stick around. There are a lot
of really great members here itching to help new members.


Terry

I thought it was notched so you wouldn't catch your earlobe!

RT

I suspect it lets a large razor get in a little closer to some of the tough to reach spots like a smaller one would, say under the nostrils.

X

Thanks for the info. I was thinking it had a cool look as well, and that it might be the whole point to the notch. I've only been straight razor shaving for a couple of months, and am really glad to have found this site.

Thanks again,

Dan

Weight and balance, as I understand it. Most of the straights with barbers notches tend to be on the larger end of the scale. Not that they never made 4/8 or thin blades with them, but all of the notches I've seen were on heavier blades. Taking some steel out of the tip moves the center of gravity back towards the heel a bit. Keeps it from being too "toe-heavy".

Jeff