This question lets everyone know how big a newb I am, but I don't know what a barber's notch is designed for.
Printable View
This question lets everyone know how big a newb I am, but I don't know what a barber's notch is designed for.
No one actually knows.
This is true.I have seen other threads on this subject,and it seems no one really does know ??
I thought it was so they could open the razor on their front shirt pocket?
Made it easier to open the razor one handed.
That was one of the speculations,but still not conclusive.:confused:
isn't that floyd on your avatar? let's ask him..Quote:
Originally Posted by Nightblade
Use of the "notch point" is purely speculation. IIRC "barber notch" is a new name
What is the use of all the other point types?
I just asked Floyd......He gave me the look the avatar is giving.....next !:)
This wkend was an antique show that supplied some project & practice blades. One being a B notch. The seller was retired from antiques & purging last of his stuff - not pressing for top dollar. In general, very pleasant. His own interest was US Civil War history, re-enactments, etc. He said with some confidence that the notch was used largely as a pivot surface, and to some extent as a depth gage to limit the depth of an incision. He was referring to how Barbers also performed medical procedures (there's a reason we have razors labeled 'tonsorial'. This perhaps dignifies the then common practice of 'bleeding' someone for a fever or infection, but apparently the practice was common w/ leeches and other methods around the beginning of the 19th Century.
I do. It is for barbersQuote:
Originally Posted by holli4pirating
Couple of things in the last few months ...
We did a search looking for any printed reference of the Term and Name Barber's Notch/Point other then in newer writings...
Nothing so far
The names given in the old ads are Hollow Point or Hollow Notch
The actual Notch was more of just a C in the older razors around the Civil war...
There a a multitude of reasons that are given, but none so far are proved, including that it is even called a barber's notch
I really love this discussion.......
I have had more than one old barber tell me that it was for making opening the razor easier.
One day when our time machine is working properly, we will venture back to when they were invented and find the true answer. Until then, see what you can come up with.
Have fun,
Lynn
This doesn't appear to make much sense.Quote:
Originally Posted by pinklather
How could it realistically be used as a pivot or depth gauge?
Razors are labelled 'tonsorial' because this word pertains to 'shearing' or 'shaving'.
A 'tonsure' is the name given to the shaven crown of the head, beloved of medieval monks and actors playing Friar Tuck.
It's probably just decorative, like tail-fins on fifties automobiles.
PLEASE DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME.......I was told from an old barber that it makes the tip easier to insert into the nostril to shave nose hair. Imagine just placing the tip in the rim of your nose and doing a quick spin. HE WAS ONLY KIDDING BUT I STILL FIND IT AMUSING. AGAIN, DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!!!!
Mine grew naturally, no shaving involved!:(Quote:
Originally Posted by welshwizard
And no, I'm not a monk, even though I might have a few dirty habits.:w
It's for fun :D
Gentlemen:
I can only assume the nickname barber's notch came from barbers for the straight razors with a type of hollow point that they found practical when opening. Whether such points were designed strictly for barbers seems a bit far fetched.
I also can see the reason for the round point for its perceived assurance of safety, and the spike, square and French points for their purpose of offering precision in tight spots. The hollow point with its nicknamed variations of Spanish point, Dreadnought and Barber's notch perhaps is another attempt at precision in tight spots.
That all these razor points were mere decorations is also plausible. After all, I can only assume that in addition to a sharp edge for the purpose of shaving the beard, manufacturers also considered aesthetics in producing their straight razors.
All assumptions, of course.
Regards,
Obie
I would imagine the notch (by removing metal) affects the balance of the razor at least in the realm of the theoretical and measured by diminishing returns.
My hunch is that some razor grinder (lost to history) started the notch to make his razors look different and then before long everyone was copying the style in order to look different too.
Semper circa,
LG Roy
Quote:
Originally Posted by pinklather
Yes, there is a reason many razors are sables "tonsorial"
ton·so·ri·al (t n-sôr - l, -s r-). adj. Of or relating to barbering or a barber
My time machine will be completed next July. It will have an ignition switch that is activated by a barber's notch razor shaped key. When I go back in time I will lose my key, it will be found by a barber who will mail it to Wade & Butcher who will love the shape so much that they will start using the design for their razors.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn
So, you have me to thank for the barber's notch, but you don't need to thank me till the end of July.
I am relieved to put an end to the speculation.
Oh, and could someone remind me to carry more than one razor?
Don't forget to carry more than one razor... :PQuote:
Originally Posted by Utopian
Come back to *NOW* in time from the future and remind yourself... Just remember to do it when you get to then.Quote:
Originally Posted by Utopian
Oh, and just to stay on topic, I find it so interesting, anthropologically speaking, that we as humans develop arts and knowledge and information, then allow them to become extinct in such a relatively short time. The barber's notch, granted, is a very minor thing, but straight razors as a whole make me think of this... We were so close to the entire practice dying out. Fortunately it seems to be reviving.
Can't you go back in time and remind yourself?Quote:
Originally Posted by Utopian
Of course not. I'd have to go forward in time to remind myself, but I can't do that because the machine won't be done till July, and when I go back in time I'm going to lose the key. That's already a historical fact, as evidence by the existence of the barber's notch razors!Quote:
Originally Posted by holli4pirating
Really? I have nun.Quote:
Originally Posted by stickwhistler