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Barber's Shop Tools (2) - Double Arrow Open Blade (Cut-throat) Razor
Manufactured by Sin Chun Hwa Cutlery, China, razors of this style were popular for many years. As far back as the civilisations of Rome and Greece they used iron blades with a long handle and developed the shape of the cut-throat' razor' which was the only pratical razor until the 19th century. With improvements in steel manufacture came cut throat razor blades that were really sharp and capable of being re-sharpened.
Advances in razor technology changed shaving habits in the 20th century. In 1900, most men were either shaved by the local barber (your trusted confidante, wielding a cut throat razor), or periodically at home when required, rather than regularly. The barber's better-off customers would have personal sets of seven cut throat razors, labelled 'Sunday' to 'Saturday'.
Today, nearly all men shave everyday in their own homes, using a wide variety of 'safety' or electric razors. These 'cut throats' therefore tend only to be used by barbers today and even many of these have replaceable blades to combat the dangers of AIDS. The boxed razor measures 17cmx3cmx1.5cm.
To go to The Barbers Shop Tools (3), click here.