Thread: Idea for a straight razor invention

So one of the things I learned so far is that you should never shave with a wet hand. This because the razor could slip and nick a customer, or injure the person using it. Now I am an inventor and when I come across a new muse, like with my recent discovery of the straight razor, I usually am adept at finding a remedy to a problem.

So I thought to myself, "What could prevent a wet razor from slipping out of the hand of a barber?"

Then I was brought back to mind of a self defense shooting and firearm instructional that I read, authored by the great Massad Ayoob. In this book he spoke of a magnetic ring system that allowed him to use his personal protection home defense pistol without need for a safety. See the pistol will only fire if he is wearing the magnetic rings.

So I thought to myself, "Can a magnetic system work for straight razors?"

And then I visualized a magnetic palm and ring system that could eliminate the possibility of dropping the razor, wet hand or otherwise. This magnetic system could be used by rookies, such as myself, to keep them from injuring a customer until they are "automatic" and very comfortable with a straight razor.

You know like a safety training tool.

Does this sound like it is a worthwhile project? Id appreciate the feedback, or suggestions. I do know that magnets come in a variety of strengths. I'm not sure how best to utilize the idea though.

I was thinking, as a gift to this great site, that perhaps we could all try to bring this idea to fruition. You know with people experimenting, giving feedback and opinions on the notion.

See I still have everything to learn about straight razors. So I could not really begin to expound on how magnetization rings, devices and entire razor builds would affect performance and balance and such.

I was hoping that collectively the contributors on this site could put all that into perspective. If the theory works I think it would be a great item to have.

Thanks!!

To be honest most new barbers in this line of work never use a real straight razor, sad but true.

Personally, I think I would have found something like that cumbersome while learning. To me, I need the feel and control of my hand to do the job right...something like this may give a false sense of security and lead to a nasty slice. Just my personal opinion.

Not quite sure what you mean

This is the Pistol Safety

Smart Lock Technology Inc.

Which has just never been real popular with the shooting public at large, and even less popular with Police and Military...


I just can't imagine how it could be adapted to a SR

For magnets look for rare earth magnets

I just do not think it would work well because the student needs to learn the feel and grip. No offense meant but just use a towel.

I understand that you guys are "purists". And perhaps you do have a point. I was just evaluating the feasibility of such a device. And I was looking at the "guillotine" method illustration a few minutes ago. And I thought that a highly magnetic ring might work in that scenario. But I guess it could be cumbersome. And touch is very important. Just an idea.

But I was hoping a craftsman here would try it to see if it would work. I myself will try to locate a highly magnetic ring just to see if it does make a difference and can be worn without any discomfort. If so maybe up to four can be worn as a safety buffer for beginners.

A razor slipping out of the hand isn't as big of a problem as you might think.
Inventions are great, and I love new ideas, but in this case, I just don't see a need for the device.

If you really want to put your mind to work, find an easy way to keep razors dry and rust free with no effort on the part of the user.

Originally Posted by HNSB

A razor slipping out of the hand isn't as big of a problem as you might think..

As long as you're wearing a towel....

Well guys, I am old and I shave with a straight most days. I use alum on my fingers to assure a grip on the razor and my skin. My razors are shiny. I wash them after use and leave them to dry before casing them.
Potassium aluminum sulfate and any other chemical may be left wet and cause discoloration of steel. Byre the way, It is often sold as Thai Deodorant.
~Richard

Originally Posted by Geezer

Well guys, I am old and I shave with a straight most days. I use alum on my ... It is often sold as Thai Deodorant.
~Richard

It's a spice too. and used for pickling.

Get some in your mouth, salty and puckery. A bit like a salted green persimmon.

I've never owned a block, haven't run out of the powdered mccormick-style yet.

--
WRT OP, naysayers abound, but there are guys making money selling "Kriegars" and "Solingen Ninja" razors (PT Barnum had this saying). There will always be things you can sell to the great unwashed masses* that you'll never sell to the learned and connoisseurs.

*find them at the great yellow sphincter store. (GYSS)

It's mostly a matter of if you're trying to make a buck any which way, or if you're trying to advance the craft/art/activity. Problem with things with too much mass-appeal is that there'll be knock-off copies coming out no matter if you spend the money on patents and other "protections". Some folks advocate putting whatever into production asap, to establish a marketshare/name and copycats be damned. OH wait i digressed.

So go ahead, put it on the market and let Amazon determine your success. nudge wink.


Personally, no interest in anti-slip of any sort.

But the chameleon-gription...that's the stuff. Saw show about how they hold onto anything anywhere - water/gravity be damned, it's a molecular-level bond.