Thread: Barber notch

Does anybody know what the function is of the so called barber notch?

Is it a feature just for decoration?

Or . . . is there more to it and only real barbers know how to make use of it?

Years ago, when barbers still used straight razors I asked my old barber that very same question. What he did was to show me. He took one of his "notched" razors off the counter and very quickley put the point in the top of his pocket, on his barber smock and fliped the razor open.

He said when working on a coustomer, with wet hands, opening a razor this way was easer than using two hands.

I've heard that it is to get the razor in to nostrils and around ear lobes.

I think for every barber there is another story and we can surmise all day what the notch was for but in the end I think its just a style thing.

Isn't is funny how everyone wants to know why a notch point but I've never seen anyone ask why a spanishpoint, why a spike point, why an oblique point, why a roundpoint and so on. That notch must really mystify everyone.

I know why not a spike point! LOL