Alright, I can see the logic/utilitarianism behind most of these. I'm glad that I chose a rounded point for my first razor, learned early on how to use the tip in certain situations and can see it prevented much more red stuff mixing in with the lather than had I started off with a square point. I think I can now see the advantages of a square point, which will be my next blade. The Spanish tip and the French tip seem strictly stylistic to me, but there are probably reasons for them. What's got me stumped, though, is the Barber's Notch. Losing some hair scratching my head over this one. Why is there a divot taken out of the end of the blade just below the spine? Was it used for cutting something other than facial hair (cutting string, opening bottles), moustache/remaining facial hair related, threatening as in 'pay your bill or else', cleaning the barber's fingernails?
saved me some typing. As for the other point styles (from Wikipedia): Point type Blade point shapes Blades are, at first, categorised according to point type. There are three main types of point:[4] Round point. As the name implies the point profile is semicircular and therefore it lacks any sharp end points. As such it is a more forgiving blade than the other two types and, although lacking the pinpoint accuracy of the other two, it is recommended for relatively new users. There are also secondary edge types that derive from a combination of the above such as half round point incorporating round edges joined by a linear segment. Square, spike or sharp point, so-called because the point profile is straight and terminates at a very sharp point perpendicular to the cutting edge of the razor. This type of blade is used for precise shaving in small areas but, at the risk of pinching the skin, it requires some experience in handling.[23] French (or oblique) point. Its point profile resembles a quarter circle, but with a sharper angled curve, and while it ends in a similarly sharp point as the square point it lacks the abrupt straight line edge profile. The difference between these two is mainly aesthetic, although the French point may help to shave "difficult spots" such as under the nose.
Well that's one of the theories. There really isn't any answer yet that conclusively states what it is for, but almost all of them make sense (IE, easier opening as a barber can catch the notch on his pocket and do it one handed), an unwritten mark of superior grade steel, or the fact that manufacturers would only sell them to barbers, so it was kind of like a certificate of "Yes this guy isn't going to give you a Glasgow smile".
Just for info,,, As of this point in time... there is not one Vintage reference to it ever being called a "Barber's Notch or Point" any old advertising info shows it as a Hollow Notch mostly and a Hollow Point sometimes... there have been numerous stories and theories about what it is for, but not one has a shred of proof Also in the Vintage advertisments a Spanish point is called a Dreadnought point If by chance you find it printed on something from a company pre 1970 PLEASE let me know
For some reason, I'm very curious about this, enough to do some digging around and, if I find anything, will definitely send it your way. Thanks for the help!
If you swing it fast enough, it makes a cool whistling sound....... I've heard that in addition to the nostril stuff, it made them easier to open one handed. Never tried it on any of mine that way. I've yet to figure out HOW a notch would help around the nostril and I've had no luck using it get my mustache out of the way. They do look neat though. As the gssixgun sez, I agree and would like to see SOMETHING from back in the day with a definitive viewpoint. Oh yeah, I WAS kidding about the whistling noise.
