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Mr. Lablanc takes several paragraphs to say YMMV concering tools and techniques........somethings never change.

I agree TBS it is the filling in the blanks which intrigues me.

Example: Old civil war veterans photos which mostly show old men didn't shave much.
Most pre 1900 photos of ordinary people...

I didn't mean to imply no one could hone a razor back in the day.........only most people. I hold the past in my hands every time I pick up one of my grandfather's tools. He was a hellofa...

IMO most people couldn't maintain what we today would consider a "shave ready" edge including many barbers.

It was common for cutlers to peddle their wares and services including sharpening.
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