Thread: Why is a str8 razor called str8???

I don't know, but always knew them as open razors this side of the pond until looking on these forums.
Often wandered why handles are called scales? anything to do with fish or snake scales maybe due to shape???

Originally Posted by Deckard

I don't know, but always knew them as open razors this side of the pond until looking on these forums.
Often wandered why handles are called scales? anything to do with fish or snake scales maybe due to shape???

I agree, the english version has been 'open-razor' for a very long time, probably a contraction of 'opening' razor. 'Straight' is, in my opinion, a more american term, probably not as old as the open-razor one.

Scale is probably used in the sense of a thin, plate-like covering.

Regards,
Neil