Thread: A Treatise on the use of management of a Razor. Savigny 1786.

A Treatise on the use of management of a Razor, with practical directions relative to its appendages, by J. Savigny Razor maker to his majesty.

Chapter 1 Of the choice of razors.

Most informative despite the now archaic use of the letter "f" in place here and there for the letter "s". Perhaps some kind soul on the forum (not sorum) would take on himself to translate the archaic into present day English usage.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Most informative despite the now archaic use of the letter "f" in place here and there for the letter "s". Perhaps some kind soul on the forum (not sorum) would take on himself to translate the archaic into present day English usage.

Well its part of the beauty in my world, would you translate the bible or Shakespeare into present day English?

Originally Posted by Martin103

Well its part of the beauty in my world, would you translate the bible or Shakespeare into present day English?

Don't get me wrong. I enjoy, at times, reading the olde forms of English. The Bible and Shakespeare have, on occasion been subjected to modern day translations, thereby obscuring the original meanings, sometimes completely obscuring the original thought.

Martin103, I should of added that with adjustments for modern English usage the informative article could benefit a wider range of readers. For those on the forum with an interest in the history of razors being able to read it in clear modern day English would be informative and useful.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Martin103, I should of added that with adjustments for modern English usage the informative article could benefit a wider range of readers. For those on the forum with an interest in the history of razors being able to read it in clear modern day English would be informative and useful.

Personally, most will look at this thread and see how long it is and move on, but they want answers now! Anyone with an interest in history will take the time to read it, JMHO.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Most informative despite the now archaic use of the letter "f" in place here and there for the letter "s". Perhaps some kind soul on the forum (not sorum) would take on himself to translate the archaic into present day English usage.

Archaic? Try reading original text of the Canterbury Tales. That's archaic English. This is lightweight.

Great read by the way.

Originally Posted by Martin103

Personally, most will look at this thread and see how long it is and move on, but they want answers now! Anyone with an interest in history will take the time to read it, JMHO.

One can always hope.

It is apparently a sales pitch for his concave edged razor for head shaving and those with fuller faces. "to scrape off any matter from a sphere,should make use of another sphere for that purpose." I also found telling the statement that...."Razors that have been for a length of time in barbers use,by frequent settings commonly become of the shape here described."

Very very interesting, thanks for sharing. I have never seen an intentionally concaved razor like the plate in real life but would love to find one. I have one Savigny from much later and it is quite straight (picture at bottom). One other observation that I like (same in my copy of Gales & Martin) is that in the manuscript they write the first word of the next page on the bottom of the previous - neat for keeping yourself in place.