Thread: So, what was the barber's notch for?

Just kind of curious.....

They used to sharpen the notch and use it for nose hair.

There are in fact many thoughts on the matter and this is not a new topic - rather than list out the plausible reasons for the notch, I will refer you to the excellent search facility at the top right of the screen, or allow others to chime in.

James.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

They used to sharpen the notch and use it for nose hair.

There are in fact many thoughts on the matter and this is not a new topic - rather than list out the plausible reasons for the notch, I will refer you to the excellent search facility at the top right of the screen, or allow others to chime in.

James.

Yup, looked in the wiki right after I posted, but i would still ask does anyone use it for anything? It seems using it to open the blade is asking for trouble, but that also seems the only practical use for it. I like the looks of them. Maybe it was like the hook removal tool on the old Swiss Army knives?

Well yes, one theory that seems to have perpetual support is the "used for opening with pocket or some other non-finger related device" due to the free hand not being free. Apparently barbers had quite busy hands. But I seem to recall that even the name "barber's notch" is disputed.

It is one of History's Mysteries

James.

I have used the barber notch on many occasions to pry open newly acquired but old, jammed-shut razors

I believe the most recent finding was that it is used to be able to shave under the mustache, you know when they used to curl them . Is it true or not we will never know I guess. Other than that it is anyone's guess for the function of the hollow point as it is called in the books.

I'm beginning to think some wise guy put them there to puzzle future generations. I like them because it, the notch, enables me to get in close between my nose and my upper lip when I'm doing my 'Clark Gable' style mustache. You younger guys will have to google that to get the idea. ;-)

I'm beginning to think they are proof of "Ancient Aliens" messing with our heads.

Originally Posted by normbal

I'm beginning to think they are proof of "Ancient Aliens" messing with our heads.

Actually that would be Eric's/HNSB avatar.

It could be for creating small rifts in the fabric of space/time to aid in the obliteration of facial hair. That or I have no idea what it is for. I'll let you decide.