American Point Razor

Gentlemen,

In straight razors, we have round point, Spanish point, spike, square point, barber's notch point (hollow point) and French point, which the Irish call Irish point — and I'll let the French and Irish fight that battle.

I have never heard of the American point. Not until recently, anyway, on German vendor sites Revisor and Ralf Aust — Amerikanischer Kopf. Unless for some reason I have missed this designation through years, this is the first time I have seen it. Have I been asleep?

The round point, square point and spike are obvious designations. Where Spanish point, French point (or Irish point) and barber's notch comes from, is anybody's guess. Now American point. As if life were not not complicated enough . . .

I know the world faces far more important matters, but I am curious about the square point also called American point. Any thoughts?

Never heard of an American Point before either but I can say my vintage Herder Constant stainless has such a point. They have been around awhile.

Bob

I was wondering the same. I can't figure out how it is different than the standard square point, may be a minor design detail that I am missing?

Gentlemen,
I have several square points, and have had others through the years, but the name American point baffles me. From what I can determine, there seems to be no variation in design. The so-called American point looks like the standard square point. I wonder if that's how such designations as Spanish point, French point and barber's notch had their start — someone, for some reason, named them so.

I think is is because they are bad-sharp and stubborn Americans won't dull the tip! ;)

(Except for me, of course!)

Look closely gentlemen and see that the corners are beveled/chamfered a bit as opposed to being right angles as one a square point. It is such a minute difference but it is there. At least that is what I am seeing.

Bob

Did not see a link and surely you men know a square-point as you see one! An ages-old advertising scheme, IMO. Describe something as-special, it IS!
May as well say, 'Damascus, magnetic, celebrated, etc'.
I feel the advertisement is directed at American buyers. They want THEIR tip! :D
could be wrong......

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

Did not see a link and surely you men know a square-point as you see one! An ages-old advertising scheme, IMO. Describe something as-special, it IS!
May as well say, 'Damascus, magnetic, celebrated, etc'.
I feel the advertisement is directed at American buyers. They want THEIR tip! :D
could be wrong......

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Googled "Amerikanischer Kopf" and found this 6/8" Rasiermesser mit amerikanischem Kopf . Like I said a very minute difference to the definition of square point found here Straight razor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia .

Bob

Like, take a square point and round off the point ? I see the little bevel but may be the same thing as softening that square.

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Originally Posted by 10Pups

Like, take a square point and round off the point ? I see the little bevel but may be the same thing as softening that square.

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Note that it does not look rounded but beveled/chamfered in the Aust photo and that the same treatment is given to the spine also. So no, not like blunting a square point in the tradition sense.

Bob

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Originally Posted by BobH

Look closely gentlemen and see that the corners are beveled/chamfered a bit as opposed to being right angles as one a square point. It is such a minute difference but it is there. At least that is what I am seeing.

Bob

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I saw that feature but it makes no sense to me.
I mean in Japan all western style straights are with muted point, but we do not hear the term Japanese point.
If the small bevel is a reason for new terminology then they really are reaching IMHO.

Well if TI copies it then I guess we have a new point. :thinking:

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Originally Posted by mainaman

I saw that feature but it makes no sense to me.
I mean in Japan all western style straights are with muted point, but we do not hear the term Japanese point.
If the small bevel is a reason for new terminology then they really are reaching IMHO.

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Sorry was not very clear on what I meant. Both the corners where the bevel and the spine meet the end of the blade are beveled/chamfered, not just the bevel muted.

Does the slight difference warrant a different name? Well, who knows or cares really.

Bob

Gentlemen,

Subtle differences probably appear among most straight razor points within the same style, depending on the manufacturer and date of production.

From the Sheffield days to the present, the barber's notch bears various nuances and subtle differences, but it is still referred to as the barber's notch. The basic round point will differ among Horstator, Puma, Thiers-Issard, Dovo, and so on. Yet, it is still referred to as the round point. Some square points may have more rounded tips than others, or display other tiny differences, but they are still referred to as the square point.

In the case in question, there may be subtle differences between the basic square point and what is referred to as the American point, but they still belong in the same point category — still square point. I was just curious why the designation American point had suddenly popped up on the basic square point. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that, and I'm glad somebody decided to name a straight razor point after the Americans.

Now, if I come across a straight razor with the Assyrian point, by Jove, that is really cause for celebration.

Dammit where is Canadian point. I feel ripped off. Lol not sure how it started but I don't think its needed. W&B had various subtilties within their points. Same with others. I doubt the little touch first started in america by Torry

The bevel at the point looks significant to me. At least it is something new? Not just an appropriation stamped "American Original" for marketing purposes.

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Originally Posted by Hart

The bevel at the point looks significant to me. At least it is something new? Not just an appropriation stamped "American Original" for marketing purposes.

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Yes but it's not new I have some vintage razors with that detail

Ralf Aust also makes a somewhat different version of the "American Point" as shown here. Nice razor.

Attachment 169069

I have a vintage Torrey and a dovo 55 with the same and I believe a W&B too

I noticed that myself.

Hey, when in Rome .... But, I always called that a Czech Point...

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Originally Posted by nicknbleeding

Dammit where is Canadian point. I feel ripped off. Lol not sure how it started but I don't think its needed. W&B had various subtilties within their points. Same with others. I doubt the little touch first started in america by Torry

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There is such a thing!! It seems to be revisor's response to the Aust American point....
7/8" : 7-0003

Making a razor like the 7-0003 seems somewhat pointless. No?

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Originally Posted by mrsell63

Making a razor like the 7-0003 seems somewhat pointless. No?

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Good one. :tu

Bob

Funny thing is that most US makers referred to it as "hone" point

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Originally Posted by CrownCork

Funny thing is that most US makers referred to it as "hone" point

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Interesting, never heard of that before.

Bob