Thread: notched wade blades

im looking for a holiday present for myself
trolling the auction sites for a nice wade 'for barbers use' blade
noticed that a few examples ive seen are different in that the point profile varies
some are round, some are square some have a notch some do not
what was the notch for?
was there one point type and collectors, barbers, etc have modified it?
thanks

Welcome to SRP. I always thought it was to allow easier access to the nostril area but a noted collector and barber has told SRP founder Lynn Abrams that the purpose of the notch is to allow for easily opening the razor.

I agree with the "open easier" or "open with one hand" theory. It seems a feature that would come in handy to a busy barber, who's other hand might also be wet or covered in lather. I know that's how I use the notch myself, and I'm no barber.

But according to the "Getting to Know Your Straight Razors" book by Phillip Krumholtz (recommended good read), the barber's notch is used by the barber to mark moles or other protrusions on the customer's face after lathering, to avoid cutting them during the shave. He quotes a barber manual that gives this exact explanation.

That said, I still believe the "open with one hand" theory. And, the notch just looks cool.

But as far as the notch defining a barber razor, I'm not so sure. I think it was more a style thing for a specific time period, especially on early "Celebrated" type razors. I have a Greaves, a W&B and a Reynolds that have a notch, but aren't marked "For Barber's Use." And I have a few W&B or Reynolds razors that are marked "For Barber's Use," but have spike or French points.

does the point on this blade look normal to anyone?
the last example i saw had a notched point.
thanks much

Originally Posted by wilbanba

does the point on this blade look normal to anyone?
the last example i saw had a notched point.
thanks much

They made them both ways. That looks alright to me.

I saw that auction. Prepare to pay $80+ for that one. Those are going for insane prices on eBay these days.

i have a pair of thoes , that stile is called a spike they are verry fine shavers and like the man said the price can go from 80.00 to 175.oo .that is before costomise work.

it ended up going for over 200! holy cats i think i need a new hobby...