Etymology of the term "Straight Razor"

shuredgefan · 07-23-2008, 10:18 PM

The origins of the terms "Cut-Throat" and "Open" razors are obvious, but why "Straight" razor?

Were there a lot of curved or bend razors floating around and they to differentiate the straight ones?

Barber's or Shaving razor would seem a better appellation

hoglahoo · 07-23-2008, 10:58 PM

there were some curved razors, but i dont know if that's why the open razors were called straights

thebigspendur · 07-24-2008, 12:08 AM

Probably because the razors are...well...straight.

Quick Orange · 07-24-2008, 07:44 PM

As far as I know, back in the good ol' days of only straights, they were referred to as "razors", with the differentiation coming with the advent of DE's

LIMIT · 07-24-2008, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quick Orange

As far as I know, back in the good ol' days of only straights, they were referred to as "razors", with the differentiation coming with the advent of DE's

Sounds good to me !

LIMIT

Nicky B · 07-24-2008, 08:16 PM

Interesting query... never given it much thought until now. I always just thought it's because the blade is straight! but I guess you bring up a good point that not all are. But they are relatively straight...

morfiel · 07-24-2008, 08:50 PM

Maybe it is "straight" as in "plain" razor as opposed to "safety" razor (to second Quick Orange).

Maybe it emphasizes keeping it at a prescribed angle.

Perhaps it suggests the direction of movement, i.e. no U-turns.

Interesting curiosity.