Thread: Research, PLEASE?

MBC | Reviews

WHAT?!

"one of the most popular – and feared – items of pocket cutlery was the simple straight razor."

WHAT!?

Now, I know that research on straight razors isn't /that/ universal, but... Really? I don't think razors were commonly carried on the person, ESPECIALLY not with the intent of self defense... That just sounds like a good way to break a nice razor... And the majority of this is clearly just fabrication...

Thoughts?

EDIT: And did they really invent multiple fighting "styles" that went out of their way to incorporate straight razor grips?: "Despite the development of a variety of techniques and fighting styles designed to work around this flaw (ranging from “pinch” gripping the blade to the “foldover” grip with the blade resting against the knuckles of the fist)"

Also: "in my opinion, a razor could never live up to its full potential as a fighting blade" When did shaving implements become fighting blades? That's like saying that my shaving brush could never live up to it's reputation as a broom! Or that my pocket watch's chain didn't perform well enough as a lasso.

I'm just going to go sit in the corner and rant >.<

There was no mention how that thing shaves

Sensationalist reporting and people creating fear about what they dont understand... Plain daft IMO.

The thing that annoys me is someone getting hold of an article like this and using it as a reason to stop the sale of straight razors, or ban ownership.

Like many others of my generation, I read No Mean City when I was at school. Maybe Johnnie Stark has a lot to answer for.

Doesn't seem like it would make much of a fighting knife.

But if you are ever buried alive it might be useful to cut the ropes binding your hands. Always keep one in your boot.

Originally Posted by ShavedZombie

I don't think razors were commonly carried on the person, ESPECIALLY not with the intent of self defense... That just sounds like a good way to break a nice razor...

I don't know about today but when I was a kid (1950s & 60s) some gang bangers carried a straight razor, not for self-defense, but to assault a rival gang member. Granted, switchblades or stilettos were likely more popular but the threat of a razor's sharp edge had a way of instilling fear in one's opponent.

Having said that, don't take everything you read on the WWW seriously. ;-)
Namaste,
Morty -_-

Well, have YOU done any research about it, Jeremy? You can't attack it on the grounds that it needs more research when all you have to back it up is "I think"

I also know, from a man at my school who HAS researched this--taught a class on it-- and whose father was part of it, that there was a time in the US when a black man was not allowed to carry a knife or gun, but he could carry a razor legally. If he kept one with a loose pin in his pocket, he had something to keep him safe on his trip home from the factories. There IS a whole style of fighting and way they used them, and it's pretty fascinating... you only get one cut before the edge is wrecked, but you better believe that is a hell of a laceration!


Now, lets all return to shaving peacefully.

I want to know more about that fighting style. I've not trained any offensive knife, only open-handed defense vs. knife. We've worked a few styles, and against a few sizes, shapes etc of trainer blade....I'd love to know more about the straight as a weapon, both historically and stylistically. The man that taught the class,...do you think he'd be willing to share some materials with us/me?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by BKratchmer

...you only get one cut before the edge is wrecked, but you better believe that is a hell of a laceration!

Thanks for the background, that added some perspective that I had not considered. It seems to me that you would only get one cut before the edge is wrecked, but with a few disclaimers.

1. the edge would surely be wrecked for shaving, but not necessarily for cutting. I have had my worst razor cut to date from a blade I was hand sanding (it was by no means shave ready).

2. Beyond just the edge, the damage sustained by the blade would differ depending on the razor. For example, a 7/8 wedge would be less likely to crack or shatter than a 7/8 full hollow. (I'm not sure how many gangsters were sheffield fans, but it would make some sense... maybe razor brands preceded gang colors )

These are just a few thoughts that come to mind.

I will agree that I didn't do any research, But I also didn't try to write an article about a straight razor as a fighting weapon (Specifically a Primary one)

That is pretty interesting though, but it does go along with what I was saying... If being far more developed than my intent... The way the article I linked said it, it sounded like the straight razor was the pre-modern day broadsword, or something. I was merely commenting on how ridiculous the article's take on the razor was, and if I had to make a counter article, I probably would have researched it more thoroughly.

Originally Posted by BKratchmer

Well, have YOU done any research about it, Jeremy? You can't attack it on the grounds that it needs more research when all you have to back it up is "I think"

I also know, from a man at my school who HAS researched this--taught a class on it-- and whose father was part of it, that there was a time in the US when a black man was not allowed to carry a knife or gun, but he could carry a razor legally. If he kept one with a loose pin in his pocket, he had something to keep him safe on his trip home from the factories. There IS a whole style of fighting and way they used them, and it's pretty fascinating... you only get one cut before the edge is wrecked, but you better believe that is a hell of a laceration!


Now, lets all return to shaving peacefully.