Thread: The year is 1727, the razor (Illustrated) is concave/hollowed.

In 1727, a french master Surgeon named Rene Jacques Croissant De Garengeot, wrote a book about surgical instrument. The book contains a description, how to use and maintain many different surgical instrument.


A section of the book is devoted to razors. He describe the razor as a knife like blade with a handle that pivots, its use to shave the beard and other area for preparation of surgery. Clearly explains every part of the razor, the edge, the back (spine) and how the delicate edge closes within the handle or scales.

The author explains that the blade relation between the edge and the spine is hollowed slighty with the help of a round grinding stone,
to create a finer edge from heel to toe. Furthermore his claims that the razor with that grinding (hollow) is easier to hone on the stone.
The discussin move to the dimensions of the razor witch is pretty close to what we know today. The materials used for the scales are tortoise shell, horn, and sometimes wood. Always proportioned to the blade usually around 6 inches. A nail used for pins and washer from silver or copper.

Next is honing the razor, and how to hold between the thumb and index finger, flat on the stone and never let the spine off the stone even when flipping the razor.

And finally the illustration of the razor, with its parts description.






C = The razor blade
D = The razor edge
E = The hollowing
F = The scales.