Thread: Etymology of the term "Straight Razor"

The origins of the terms "Cut-Throat" and "Open" razors are obvious, but why "Straight" razor?

Were there a lot of curved or bend razors floating around and they to differentiate the straight ones?

Barber's or Shaving razor would seem a better appellation

there were some curved razors, but i dont know if that's why the open razors were called straights

Probably because the razors are...well...straight.

As far as I know, back in the good ol' days of only straights, they were referred to as "razors", with the differentiation coming with the advent of DE's

Originally Posted by Quick Orange

As far as I know, back in the good ol' days of only straights, they were referred to as "razors", with the differentiation coming with the advent of DE's

Sounds good to me !

LIMIT

Interesting query... never given it much thought until now. I always just thought it's because the blade is straight! but I guess you bring up a good point that not all are. But they are relatively straight...

Maybe it is "straight" as in "plain" razor as opposed to "safety" razor (to second Quick Orange).

Maybe it emphasizes keeping it at a prescribed angle.

Perhaps it suggests the direction of movement, i.e. no U-turns.

Interesting curiosity.