Thread: home work

My son has a home work question, I would really appreciate it if anyone could help, I'll let him introduce himself and ask........

Hi my name is Rhian I am doing a topic about Victorians. my classmates and I have to provide a Victorian item I chose to do the straight razor as my dad enjoys straight razors so do you have any stories about them? Do straight razors have a Nickname? Why do we not use them commonly today? Why do they have a dangerous reputation? can you tell me about what they were made from and who made them? When and why did they change to modern day razors? If you can think of anything else to tell me about Victorian razors that I have not thought to ask please tell me.

Thanks for reading this

Well I'll start with the reputation question...... Often called the cut throat razor and portrayed in Drama as a merciless tool of mayhem but far from it. Today since so many have never grown up using one and being used to using extremely safe cartridge shavers , most people think they will lop their heads off. Not true and most people forget that at one time this, is what most young men started to shave with. That should be a good classroom answer to that one.....I hope? Ahh yes and of course this also answers the Nickname question.....known as cut throat which gives people said impression. Good luck in school wee bairn , hope you get an A+ !

nick names - cut throat or open razor European translation is razor knife.
There is a fairly extensive thread on why straight razors went out of vogue, i think the consensus was that safety razors were much more convenient.
razors do have a dangerous reputation I think because they look quite intimidating. I have read a few bits and bobs about people using them for fighting but in reality they are probably a bit fragile for the purpose. There is a thread about a Mexican gun forum with a straight razor section though in my opinion you might want to get your dad to look at it before you do to decide if it is suitable.

Hey guys,

Just wanted to say a big thank you to all for chipping in. It's been a great experience for my lad. He knows that when I want to know something about razors this is where I come, touching in a way that when he wanted to know something he wanted to turn to you guys as well.

It really kind so many of you have him info and ideas to research. Many thanks from rhian and myself

Let us know how he does.

Hi there Rhian. If you will go to the history straight razor the invisible edge I believe that will give you all the info. you need for your home work. We all here at the site can give some info but I believe the computer site I gave you will do a lot better than I can. good luck. Stay in school and all that jazz.

C'mon fellas...the lad wants us to help him not a data base(Not that it's not helpful...it is of course) As to why they became popular, the short answer would be convenience. No stropping or honing with safety razors which stepped in place of the straight razor. Therefore less cost to the consumer....but we who know better prefer the quality of shave and the satisfaction that comes with the care we take with our cherished blades as we learn honing skills and stropping and shaving technique. The feeling of self reliance one gets is very satisfying indeed.

I'm off to work Rhian, I do hope we see you here in the future as maybe a new member and best of luck to you lad. My Stepfather RIP was from Knightswood Glasgow originally. Scots are awesome of course !

I apologize. I thought the history of the straight razor was the question. As far as why I choose to shave with a straight razor is simple. Not every one can or wants to. I enjoy finding and to the best of my ability restoring the razor. The fact that for what it cost anyone could buy a lot of throwaway razors for what the hones and razors and other supplies cost. A lot of young men don't remember there farther and grandfarthers shaving with the straight as some of us older guys do and part of me using the straight is remembering them. I still use my farthers brush from the 50's. Shaving with a straight is like a lot of other things men did. Except for a few good men it was almost extinct. I thought he could take the history from the web site and add in the comments from all the good folks here and have an interesting paper. It's too bad with the legal problems now days you couldn't put some behind glass for a show and tell. When I went to school we could have even demonstrated and with our principal he would appreciate it. (I started shaving at 11 or 12 can't really remember I'm OLD) anyway good day

Hey Rhian

A golden SR was found in a Pharaoh's tomb.