Thread: Str8 razor bladed pocket knives?

Just out of curiosity, are those str8 looking blades on some styles of folding pocket knives ground to the same blade geometry as say a 3/8 or 4/8 razor? If they lay down on a stone at the correct angle, one could theoretically get one shave-ready. I'd assume the steels used would be of sufficient grade to take and hold such an edge. Maybe not, but if it were a Puma or such? Being a knife guy, I always wondered about that type of knife. Why did they ever make such blades for pocket knives if not to shave with at some point long ago? I can understand nowadays it being just a gimmick, but still I wonder.....

I have not heard anything good about those knives. But if its made by a reputable maker then maybe there is a chance it will work.

Let us know if you try one !

Originally Posted by threeputt

Just out of curiosity, are those str8 looking blades on some styles of folding pocket knives ground to the same blade geometry as say a 3/8 or 4/8 razor? If they lay down on a stone at the correct angle, one could theoretically get one shave-ready. I'd assume the steels used would be of sufficient grade to take and hold such an edge. Maybe not, but if it were a Puma or such? Being a knife guy, I always wondered about that type of knife. Why did they ever make such blades for pocket knives if not to shave with at some point long ago? I can understand nowadays it being just a gimmick, but still I wonder.....

Uh .... animal husbandry ..... actually, the lack thereof?

Originally Posted by threeputt

Just out of curiosity, are those str8 looking blades on some styles of folding pocket knives ground to the same blade geometry as say a 3/8 or 4/8 razor? If they lay down on a stone at the correct angle, one could theoretically get one shave-ready.

Hey 3putt,
On traditional pocket knives, these blades are typically ground flat just like other pocket knives. On a slip-joint type pocket knife, I see a "razor" style blade on trappers mostly. A trapper usually has a clip blade and spey blade, but on a "razor trapper" the squared off blade replaces the spey. They are sharpened just like any other knife.
Queen and Puma are some notable traditional knife manufacturers who have this style of blade on folders. Others do, too. Some of the cheapo knife manufacturers, who specialize in "tough guy" knives, like Maxam and Magnum, have this blade style for scare effect; if you read their advertising, or that of their sellers, it's supposed to be an intimidating looking knife.
A point to note, none of these knives fold open like a straight razor. Even if you got it sharp enough to shave with (I know some of the folks here could get a doughnut sharp enough to shave with), you would still struggle with the angles of shaving with a knife.
Some of these are interesting knives. I've been contemplating a razor trapper style myself.
Parry