Thread: When is a straight razor not?

It just hit me that a smiling razor is not really a straight razor, now is it?

That is an interesting thought. I am curious to see the discussion that follows since i feel a bit to inexperienced to weigh in on this yet.

I like your line of thought here Wade,
I'm I think I'm too fresh here to provide a knowledgeable answer myself,
my thought is the straight is not so much the front view (flat Smiling side) but the fact that the blade is straight & in line with the scales?
because a bent straight is a bad thing where a as anything from smiling to as far as frowning (definitely not preferred) can be OK without scalloping or filleting your face on one side

but they are cut throats & Open razors regardless of profile LOL

Imo, straight refers to the length axis, not the side view of the edge

I think what we of the late 19th and 20th century call straight razors were just called razors until the advent of alternative (modern) designs. None of the old companies called themselves "straight razor" makers. They just called themselves "razor" or "cutlery" makers. I'm thinking it's a modern term to distinguish straights from what came later.

So I suppose.

If would have been straight, if it hadn't been made not straight.

Originally Posted by MisterMoo

I think what we of the late 19th and 20th century call straight razors were just called razors until the advent of alternative (modern) designs. None of the old companies called themselves "straight razor" makers. They just called themselves "razor" makers. I'm thinking it's a modern term to distinguish straights from what came later.

So I suppose.

Exactly. A Kamisori is just a razor, no other terms were ever added or changed.

No different than at one time cars were horseless carriages until there were no more horses used for transportation so the term meant nothing and they just became automobiles. When there was nothing else to shave with it was just a razor.

IMO a straight razor refers to the absence of extra bits like you'd find on a disposable, or cartridge, or DE, or even a comb. Yes, this is MY modern definition, but it's like "straight" whisky....no frills, just business

Originally Posted by unit

IMO ... but it's like "straight" whisky....no frills, just business

actually "straight bourbon" is a term that has specific legal meaning. It's not just a shot or neat glass of a whiskey-type spirit.

But wait, there may be some song lyrics in there...straight-bourbon-whiskey-razors-womens... hmm.

straight bumpers too, gotta keep it in the road honey!

IMO Before the straight razor where knives with curved blades.