Thread: What is a barber's notch for?

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.

Originally Posted by Nightblade

That was one of the speculations,but still not conclusive.

isn't that floyd on your avatar? let's ask him..

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.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

No one actually knows.

I do. It is for barbers