What's the purpose of the notch?

**lawman2** · 11-05-2008, 05:55 PM

Does anyone have any insight as to the purpose of the notch in the notch point, barber point, or whatever name they may go by, razor? I've stared at my Dad's old Wolstenholm & Son notch point and, for the life of me, I can't imagine a purpose for it.

**xman** · 11-05-2008, 05:57 PM

I find it helps me get 'round my nostrils better as the nostril fits in the notch quite well. Other than that ... aesthetic?

X

**nickyspaghetti** · 11-05-2008, 06:03 PM

I heard a rumor that it was for barbers to open it one handed - on their belt or pocket?

**hoglahoo** · 11-05-2008, 06:31 PM

the notch makes it easy to pull the blade out from the handle. maybe there is a dual purpose, but it seems to make sense (to me) especially for the older wedge razors

**Otto** · 11-05-2008, 07:39 PM

I have found that the notch makes it easier to shave around the edges of my mustache.

**dnjrboy** · 11-05-2008, 07:46 PM

Man, I am glad someone asked. I have been wondering that for a couple of weeks now.

I had figured out that it might be for 2 handed use like in X's shave video (the under the nose bit).

**hoglahoo** · 11-05-2008, 07:48 PM

In Lynn's first post in this thread, he says:

There were a couple of barbers in attendance including Frank Hostetler from OH who put to bet the question regarding the barbers notch in straight razors. He says the notch was made to assist in opening the straight razor.

**smythe** · 11-07-2008, 01:52 AM

Well... why else would it be called a "Barbers Notch"? if not to easily open the razor... with one hand.

**syslight** · 11-07-2008, 01:59 AM

Well i used to think of it as a "barber's notch" and that is was an useful aid to opening it... but in the last couple years i have seen it called a "Sheffield notch" and my current favorite "Dreadnought" after the battleships.

so let's just call them the dreadnought as they are not shy about the daily battle with the beard

**smythe** · 11-07-2008, 02:37 AM

Originally Posted by syslight

Well i used to think of it as a "barber's notch" and that is was an useful aid to opening it... but in the last couple years i have seen it called a "Sheffield notch" and my current favorite "Dreadnought" after the battleships.

so let's just call them the dreadnought as they are not shy about the daily battle with the beard

I like that one... makes "Dread Notch" sound interesting to me...

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