Thread: Blade Length

I think you will be fine with the Dovo, also if no one knows then you will have nothing to worry about.
Now you will have a problem when you start collecting razors .

Thank you, I suppose I will try and ask around a bit to get a definite answer on the rule.

One other thing you can do, is follow the classifieds for Japanese western straights. There a variety of brands that are with 2" blades and the total to the scales length will not be more than the limit you have.

Since you will grasp the razor at the tang, doesn't that make the shoulder the hilt? The cutting edge of just about every production straight razor is less than 3.5" so you should be fine

But if the college rule interpreters decide to measure the entire blade from point to tail, you'll have to either shave with a corn razor or get creative with your rule-following

Wow, that is strict. I don"t even think a Boker "BABY" would work if you measure from tip to where it enters the scales. Good luck, wildhog

Talk to your res, they can assist you in figuring out what needs to be done. They are usually the ones who will be enforcing the rules anyway.
In my experience the dorms will allow for one or two straights, but no collections. Their basis is that it is not a knife, but a shaving tool.
Of course, don't be flashing it to everyone around.
If they cause you trouble just tell them that you have sensitive skin and this is the best way you have found to shave.
If all else fails there is still the DE.

I would say write to whoever is at the top of the heap for decisions on student residence policy. If it reaches someone who isn't afraid of the others, he is less likely to copy the traditional British civil service policy of always refusing, on the basis that you get into less trouble for not allowing something than for allowing it.

I wouldn't risk hiding the razor, unless you can keep your belongings, and shave, in perfect privacy. We are in the realms of politics here, and a feature of politics, anywhere you go, is that a minority always exists who will denounce political unsoundness. I can't help reflecting how the honour code of West Point and other US institutions prohibits not only cheating or obtaining some advantage by deception, but tolerating those who do. In the British equivalent, Sandhurst, cheating was considered acceptable by those anxious to avoid failure, but mean and contemptible if it were to improve a likely passing grade. At least that is how it was in the old days, although we may have changed all that.

As to resorting to a DE razor, I would suggest never shaving at all until graduation day, showing them the first in your series of photographs, and politely inquiring whether they consider you should feel obliged to withold them from the local press, when your direct obligation to safeguard the best interests of the institution comes to an end. Of course newspapers sometimes photograph people for themselves, who don't even want them to.

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

Since you will grasp the razor at the tang, doesn't that make the shoulder the hilt? The cutting edge of just about every production straight razor is less than 3.5" so you should be fine

That is exactly what I was thinking. The scales are NOT the handle, they are more of a scabard, only used for storage. The razor is grasped by the tang, making THAT the handle.

Shavette? the blades are small...

Or Japanese straight?

While your college may say that a 3 1/2 inches blade is O.K., I would keep your straight razors out of sight. heirkb, a member here got a not so nice visit from campus police.