Thread: The Stub-Tailed Shavers

Originally Posted by altus

In France the razors without tail have been produced almost up to the end of the XIX°, they have called "rasoir pour perruquier" (razors for wig-maker).

I don't know how good it would be at wig making but it shaves well[emoji106]

When I first saw the tailless French razors I found it very odd, as if they had forgotten something. The evolution of the English razor to the defined tang, longer tail, and curved scales all contributed to the ergonomics and safety. I wonder how many shavers split their thumb pad on those early blades with no separation between cutting edge and tang ?

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

When I first saw the tailless French razors I found it very odd, as if they had forgotten something. The evolution of the English razor to the defined tang, longer tail, and curved scales all contributed to the ergonomics and safety. I wonder how many shavers split their thumb pad on those early blades with no separation between cutting edge and tang ?

I've shaved a fair bit with one of those. Knowing about the edge, I always hold it differently -- using the Perret form, pinching the sides. My guess is folks probably didn't cut themselves holding them, simply because that's the way razors worked then. It's having learned to put our thumbs under the tang that makes us want to do that!

Originally Posted by williamc

Here is the one

Like Altus said, French razors were made without tails for quite a long time. That one looks like a later make, to my eye, but it can be VERY difficult to be sure without knowing the cutler's mark.

Originally Posted by Voidmonster

Like Altus said, French razors were made without tails for quite a long time. That one looks like a later make, to my eye, but it can be VERY difficult to be sure without knowing the cutler's mark.

Unfortunately the cutlers mark has all but worn away. Only letter M left

Couple of stub tails recently acquired:

Scargill:







Unknown (any information would be greatly appreciated!):

I have a Scargill like that here & also has "Old English" on the spine.

From the 1774 G&M, Georgius Smith, from Scotland (in Sheffield). Mark simple 'G. Smith'

Beauties!...

Yeah, the last one's a beauty !

I'd have a look, also, on what is behind it