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Thread: What is the barber's notch for?

  1. #1
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    Default What is the barber's notch for?

    This is quick and easy question to answer. I've looked around in SRP and I have't seen anything saying what the barber's notch is for. I'm sure it's simple and in SRP somewhere but haven't seen it. Thanks!

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    Straight Shaver Apprentice DPflaumer's Avatar
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    As far as I know it is for easy opening...

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    kcarlisle (12-28-2009)

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    I take it the notch is not sharpened? I was wondering if it was sharp and used some kind of way for catching a difficult area that's hard to shave with the blade's edge. I don't own a razor with a notch so I wasn't sure. I know I have a hard time with two or three wiskers in both upper corners of my upper lip that I wished it was for! LOL!

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    Senior Member 15straightrazor's Avatar
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    I thought maybe for extra control while shaving a patient. Not sure though but they look nice and I want one

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    kcarlisle (12-28-2009)

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    Senior Member Muirtach's Avatar
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    On larger blades it is handy in that it allows for more manuverability. Or such has been my experience

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    kcarlisle (12-28-2009)

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    W&B, Torrey, Filarmonica fanboy FatboySlim's Avatar
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    It seems there's no definitive answer to this nagging question, although several good possibilities are listed at this link in the Wiki FAQ.

    My own theory? They created Barber's Notches because they somehow knew that 100 years later...I'd really like them.
    DarbyRides likes this.

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    kcarlisle (12-28-2009)

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    Senior Member Frankenstein's Avatar
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    I read somewhere that it's for shaving nose and ear hair. For the nose I guess you put the notch against the Major alar cartilage and use a scooping motion.
    DarbyRides likes this.
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    kcarlisle (12-28-2009)

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    Straight Shaver Apprentice DPflaumer's Avatar
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    They aren't sharpened, but funny story about how the only real cut I have had shaving with a straight came from a barber's notch biting my ear...

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    kcarlisle (12-28-2009)

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    Senior Member blabbermouth JimmyHAD's Avatar
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    At first glance you would think it was to get around the nostrils more easily .... until you try it and then you know it ain't for that.
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    kcarlisle (12-28-2009)

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    Grumpy old sod Whiskers's Avatar
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    I've read in some old texts that the notch is used to remove lather or mark an area that contains a mole or wart.

    Special notice is used before lathering and the areas have the lather removed with the barber's notch before shaving... thus preserving the wart. lol.

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    kcarlisle (12-28-2009)

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