Thread: How did the old-timers sharpen their e-bay razors?

Larry and Tony, this history is part of my fascination with str8s. From an old time Italian barber I used to go to when I was a young man I found out that he was only doing routine honing on his razors and sent razors out monthly for honing service. I think it was an adjustment he made because he was so busy. This guy was a master and wouldn't have done it otherwise. It was a good business decision.

Many barbers and gentlemen in olden days sent razors out to the shop for honing. This usually consisted of a leather belt and a Belgium hone. In addition there were sharpeners who went door to door to sharpen knives, razors and scissors. The barber hones were used to refresh the edges for the most part. Cool thread. Lynn

GREAT anecdotes fellas. I love hearing stuff like this, that's the bread and butter of our hobby!!

Jeff

I remember, when I was a very young child, a man used to come around with a truck once in a while and do sharpening. The people used to come out in the street and have their items sharpened on the spot. The only thing I really remember is he had a wheel that used to throw off big sparks when he used it.

Originally Posted by adjustme69

In addition there were sharpeners who went door to door to sharpen knives, razors and scissors.

Joe,

I remember that too. Our guy had this truck with this shrill bell and people would bring out knives scissors and saws. I don't know if he did razors. That is something you don't see anymore in our disposable society. Dull throw it out and buy new.

Rich, I don't know if a guy could make a living anymore doing that, with the price of gas and what he could charge for his services. I would think it could be a good little sideline for a shoe repair shop, though. Do you know any ambitious shoe repairmen? It could be another "while-u-wait" service.

Joe,

You are right. Can you imagine how many knives, scissors, saws and razors you would have to sharpen to make a living! Oh well it would have to be a sideline.

Of course, that means finding a shoe repair shop somewhere. Or a real tailor that isn't part of the dry cleaner. Or....

Don't get me started. This might sound odd coming from a guy with a whole bunch of time in school, but if people realized what a need there was for cobblers, tailors, electricians, and all sorts of tradesman, they might realize that dropping $100K on a bachelor's degree isn't always such a great idea. But, that's another thread, and far, far off topic.

Anyway, the scissor and knife sharpening guy used to come around in Brooklyn, too, though that was before my time. In my day, Grandma used the 'sharpener' on the back of the electric can opener. Just keep the thing away from my razors.

Originally Posted by JerseyLawyer

Don't get me started. This might sound odd coming from a guy with a whole bunch of time in school, but if people realized what a need there was for cobblers, tailors, electricians, and all sorts of tradesman, they might realize that dropping $100K on a bachelor's degree isn't always such a great idea. But, that's another thread, and far, far off topic.

You can say that again. I remember my father telling me go to college you don't want a union job. Oh Dad were you wrong. (Since he has been dead since 99 I don't expect an answer) Electricians make a small fortune along with plumbers and other skilled trades.

[QUOTE=Library Guy]I have what to some might be a stupid question: What the heck did shavers use to sharpen their toys back in olden times before the Norton waterstone?

****> Hi! Back in the "Olden Times", some men used the services weekly of itinerant "Knife Grinders", generally immigrant Italian craftsmen who came by with horse-drawn carts and offered to sharpen knives, scissors, razors, and farm tools like pitchforks. Those "Grinders" used various quarry stones and homemade strops for sharpening knives and razors.

Others learned to use the stones themselves, and only used the services of the Grinders if things got really out of whack.

Barbers back then were also surgeons ( hence the red and white "bandages" of the Barber Poles!) and used to sharpen their surgery and dental tools, along with their razors. Some men took them to the barber when honing was needed, and just stropped at home.

Some guys here use only barber hones - albeit in different escalating grit sizes, and strop. It can be done with diligence and care, and the right stones and techniques. The Norton 4K/8K simply is a great combination tool with a defined homogeneity of grit, and a good track record!

Good luck!

( I use em all!)