I'm sure this is a pretty "rookie" question but I am curious and didn't find an answer with a short search effort. What is the purpose of the barber's notch on a straight razor?
Braz
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I'm sure this is a pretty "rookie" question but I am curious and didn't find an answer with a short search effort. What is the purpose of the barber's notch on a straight razor?
Braz
They look cool. It is mostly just a tip style. As far as I know there has been no historical evidence brought forward to say it had any purpose, just a style. There have been many theories but nothing for certain. It is also called a notched point.
I thought it was for placing on the nose septum and making a circular sweep to shave out nose hairs. I can't figure it out ! :thinking:
Anyone who trims around a mustache knows how handy that barber's notch is in enabling the shaver to get around the nose easily. Knowing that companies throughout history tended to do less to save time/money, I think that is what the barber's notch is for. IOW, if they didn't think it was something that would sell razors they wouldn't have bothered with it. YMMV.
I thought it also allowed the barber to open the razor while his other hand was busy, but I might be way off base:)
I've read/heard that too, but most razors I've had can be opened with one hand easily enough just by pinching the spine. The old 'one armed man' pocket knives had the notch for that purpose, but the blade is held by spring tension, so it makes sense. I just can't see that being the source of the notch with a razor, but I could be wrong. I was wrong once before. :thinking:
Not to worry, I asked the same question when I started too. Seems there is no firm reason so it is mostly speculation at this point as to why they are there. I just think they look good.
Bob
Hollow Point
Notched Point
We haven't found a historical source for the name Barber's Notch let alone an actual purpose at this point in time
Ton's of entertaining stories however :p
What I've read:
. Easier to open them
. Easier to maneuver tight spaces - Though I don't see how a spanish point wouldn't work better
. Looks good