Thread: The Notch

Gentlemen,

What was the original purpose of placing a notch on the point of some straight razors?

The shape is esthetically attractive. Yet, I must assume the reason for it is more than just that.

Regards,

Obie

Obie,

According to our FAQ:

Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki
The notch assists in opening the straight razor.

Regards,
Robin

My dear Robin,

Thank you for directing me to the answer for the original purpose behind the notch on some straight razor points:

"The notch assists in opening the straight razor."

The razor maker who dreamed up that idea must also have been an artist, because the notch is esthetically please as well.

Regards,

Obie

You're likely correct Berlin - however, my favorite explanation is for getting the tip of the spine up into the nostril for (1) getting the toe edge closer to the nostril so as to shave whiskers that are right up below the nostrils and (2) to trim nose hairs.

Like most here I've experimented with whether or not I can shave nose and ear hairs - hey I'll admit it! It seems to me that blade with a barbers notch can get to the lower nose hairs quite well if the blade is very keen (just pops them). I tried to pop ear hairs as well but it's just too hard to get to them cleanly (you guys will experience that new hair treat as you age... ) My wife watched me attempt both and couldn't decide if she was more repulsed or amused.

One other explanation I read somewhere was that the notch is used to shave around moles.

Originally Posted by AirColorado

. I tried to pop ear hairs as well but it's just too hard to get to them cleanly (you guys will experience that new hair treat as you age... ) My wife watched me attempt both and couldn't decide if she was more repulsed or amused.

How true!!
Mike

There are knives with a blade that has what we call the barbers notch that are known as "One armed jacks" for their ease of opening with one hand by catching the notch on something ( such as your pants pocket ) that will assist in opening the knife using one hand.

The notch is to help balance out the blade. Removing that excess metal near the toe really evens out the weight distribution.

It's also an equivalent to a "Barber's use" stamp, because back in the day, razor salesmen would only sell a razor with a barber's notch to a barber. If you have any razors with a barber's notch, you better return them to real barbers before the cops come knocking on your door.

Barber's notches add a second functionality to your razor - they are there to help you crack open a brewski.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

Barber's notches add a second functionality to your razor - they are there to help you crack open a brewski.

And this is why holli4pirating is a mentor! So much untapped knowledge this man has!

Gentlemen,

Thank you for your answers. I knew I could count on the experts on this forum.

I do not own a straight with a notch point, but I would love to. As I am tapped out, however, I shall have to wait till I strike gold.

Regards,

Obie