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

This may seem like a naive question, and I do apologize in advance for it. But, I have been wondering (for awhile now) about the choice of nomenclature for a str8 razor.

*Why is the straight razor called just that...a straight razor??*

Many definitions (Googling it) abound, like:

1. A razor consisting of a blade hinged to a handle into which it slips when not in use.

2. a razor with a long, unguarded blade that can be folded into the handle.

3. A straight razor is a razor with a blade that can fold into its handle.

etc, etc...

However, no singular definition (that I have found, at least) satisfies the question .


Anyone ?

I don't know that there is a good reason, or at least I don't know that I've ever seen one. I have seen other name for straights, such as "open razor."

An interesting question...Does the name suggest that there may have been ancient shaving instruments that were not straight?

I'll have to look into this...

I don't know the reason either, but I suspect they were simply called "razors" until the safety razor came along. Only then would there have been a need to distinguish the two types.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I don't know the reason either, but I suspect they were simply called "razors" until the safety razor came along. Only then would there have been a need to distinguish the two types.

Hi Utopian
Very, very good point...which I must admit, came to my mind as well too...it certainly seems logical.

But, then why "str8"...why not just "open blade" or "cut throat", which seem more logical that str8?? Hmmmm...the plot thickens.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I don't know the reason either, but I suspect they were simply called "razors" until the safety razor came along. Only then would there have been a need to distinguish the two types.

This was my thought.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I don't know the reason either, but I suspect they were simply called "razors" until the safety razor came along. Only then would there have been a need to distinguish the two types.

Yep. No doubt this is the case.

I always just assumed it was because they were a single straight razor as opposed to multiple blades, though I guess if they were always called that there would need to be another reason.

I know some razors before straights were curved, so maybe that's why?

Originally Posted by Stylus

I always just assumed it was because they were a single straight razor as opposed to multiple blades, though I guess if they were always called that there would need to be another reason.

I know some razors before straights were curved, so maybe that's why?

Hi Levi,
Maybe...As I understand it, str8 evolved first, DE next and multi-blades much much later (20th century invention). The nomenclature for DE (Double Edge) seems fitting...so does the naming for the Multi-blade, but the straights?? I don't know...I simply don't know

Originally Posted by jhenry

An interesting question...Does the name suggest that there may have been ancient shaving instruments that were not straight?

I'll have to look into this...

Hi Monroe,
That thought crossed my mind too, but wasn't sure...But when I think about str8 with curved spines...they're not really straights, in the strictest sense of the word. And when one considers the scales, they really are bent, not str8. I think the name Open blade, etc may have evolved after the coinage of the word "straight"...

So, that brings us back to your point that there MUST have been two kinds of shaving instruments (maybe): 1) first the non-straight (whatever this may have been), and 2) later the straight razor, which was named to distinguish it from the non-straight.

Purely theory at this stage

Thanks