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Thread: Barber's Notch

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    Senior Member Braz's Avatar
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    Default Barber's Notch

    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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    Senior Member blabbermouth RezDog's Avatar
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    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.
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    Senior Member AlienEdge's Avatar
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    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 !

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    Senior Member Braz's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by AlienEdge View Post
    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 !
    Eeoww. That sounds positively frightening.

    Braz

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    Senior Member blabbermouth JimmyHAD's Avatar
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    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.
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    Senior Member Ernie1980's Avatar
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    I thought it also allowed the barber to open the razor while his other hand was busy, but I might be way off base

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    Senior Member blabbermouth JimmyHAD's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ernie1980 View Post
    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.
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    Senior Member blabbermouth
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    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.

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    At this point in time... gssixgun's Avatar
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    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
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    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
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